True, Sessions allowed his selective memory to wall him into a corner where he had but one choice. So what about what's beneath the iceberg that's poised to poke a big gaping hole in the Ship of State. The way this whole mess seems to be shaking out, anybody with half a brain wearing sunglasses in a dust storm could see at the very least Putin was Trump's off-the-books banker hence anything Russia related gets the kid glove treatment from Trump and those in his circle. The spanner in the works is Russian tampering in the election which could tumble the whole Trump house of cards, while the attorney general will have to sit on the sidelines and watch. Somebody in authority needs to step up with a quickness and get a handle around this before it spirals out of control.
6
Flat out joke. Ask the people who voted for Trump if Russian meddling had anything to do with there vote. Trump is not controlled by anyone not even himself so to think the Russians have some sort of control is not plausible.
8
Jeff Sessions is as much a liar as is Hillary or Bill Clinton. Or Donald Trump for that matter.
All politicians equivocate, deceive and structure their responses to questions in order to avoid giving the news media or congressional committees ammunition with which to attack them. Honor is nonexistent in the political class.
The fact that "everybody" does it does not make it right. It contributes to the erosion of confidence American people have in their system of governance. As has been pointed out numerous times, the core Trump supporters expect politicians to lie, to obfuscate, to line their own pockets. This has become the norm and it is not restricted to the republican party.
The problem with the Trump campaign and its administration members is they have extended the expected deception of the American people by politicians to now include collusion with foreign powers. Actually, that's wrong since both parties have embraced Israeli meddling in American politics for decades ... so long as the Israelis and their lobbyists supported the democratic or republican cause at hand.
Our politicians on both sides of the aisle are emperors with no clothes. Since Americans keep electing them to the same offices and are indifferent to their cronyism with lobbyists to feather their nests upon leaving office, we get what we deserve.
Jeff Sessions had a choice. He made the right choice to recuse himself. That said, most of this is the political theater of payback.
All politicians equivocate, deceive and structure their responses to questions in order to avoid giving the news media or congressional committees ammunition with which to attack them. Honor is nonexistent in the political class.
The fact that "everybody" does it does not make it right. It contributes to the erosion of confidence American people have in their system of governance. As has been pointed out numerous times, the core Trump supporters expect politicians to lie, to obfuscate, to line their own pockets. This has become the norm and it is not restricted to the republican party.
The problem with the Trump campaign and its administration members is they have extended the expected deception of the American people by politicians to now include collusion with foreign powers. Actually, that's wrong since both parties have embraced Israeli meddling in American politics for decades ... so long as the Israelis and their lobbyists supported the democratic or republican cause at hand.
Our politicians on both sides of the aisle are emperors with no clothes. Since Americans keep electing them to the same offices and are indifferent to their cronyism with lobbyists to feather their nests upon leaving office, we get what we deserve.
Jeff Sessions had a choice. He made the right choice to recuse himself. That said, most of this is the political theater of payback.
6
If a special counsel into Russian interference with the US election is NOT appointed by primarily the GOP, doesn't that beg the question WHY not? Hard to believe that the GOP was not hacked by Russia at the same time as the DNC. What does Russian intelligence have on them? Sorry, I know I am beginning to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but doesn't anyone else wonder about that?
20
I don't think the Dems are overstepping to ask for his resignation. He perjured himself first of all. Second of all, he wouldn't be recusing himself if he were not caught in his lies. We are talking about the Attorney General of all positions. He is the chief lawmaker for all Russian incidents past this one. I think John McCain and Lindsey Graham should ask themselves do we want to be associated with this administration and its dirt. The sooner McCain and Graham start to take real actions like requesting sessions resign the sooner they will regain crebibility and votes in the future.
32
Gee EB -- what about Obama's conversation with Medvedev -- where Obama tells the Russian prez to tell Vlad that he will have much more flexibility after the election. The conversation was about missile defense systems. Shouldn't Obama have dropped out of the race after that gaff? I mean, speaking with the Russian president, thinking he was off mic, asking him to deliver secret messages to Putin? OH MY. The sky is falling. The Russians have controlled us every since they arranged for Obama to get a legitimate US Birth certificate.
4
If Mr. Kislyak is out glad-handing all around Washington, as you now report this morning, who in town didn't probably have contact with him? Let everyone then recuse themselves per their own standards and let's see where this goes. Washington certainly loves its hypocritical witch-hunts, don't they? I guess it beats doing any work.
8
This is nothing ore than a witch hunt in an attempt to slowly pick apart the Trump cabinet piece by piece until they get to the president himself. So obvious it stinks. So whatever happened to the Hillary email investigation? Is she going to face charges? Or is Trump going to let her get away with it?? And what about Loretta Lynch when she was AG? Secret meeting with Bill on her airplane yet she refused to recuse herself from the FBI investigation. And of course how about an explanation of why Gen. Flynn's phone conversations were illegally tapped and shared with the media. Does anyone care about that? This is simply all out political warfare at it's worse led by the Democrats in an attempt to overthrow our government. It's not helping anything.
9
Sessions had to recuse himself but more importantly, he should have resigned. I believe the facts will ultimately reveal that all these folks who are either in the cabinet or advisors have met with the Russians, made promises and then relayed the same back to DJT to confirm they had followed his directions. This set up suggests this is a daisy chain which includes many of his family members and other advisors/cabinet members and the exchange of information and instructions to accomplish the Bannon, DJT new American vision. How does one trace the evidence? Good question and very difficult. Where is deep throat when we need him/her? Scary! Nevertheless, people are taken aback by the lying of Mr. Flynn or Sessions after listening to the lies of DJT while he was running for office?
Now it seems that Mr. Pence seems to be in the distance from this Russian debacle. I don’t believe that Mr. Pence has no knowledge or hand in the Bannon, DJT new American vision. I'm afraid we are witnessing the spreading cancer that lying produces. None of this level of mendacity has been witnessed in modern times, except Watergate. The truth is that the entire DJT, VP, cabinet, advisors and regime needs to be impeached or resign secondary to lying about its collusion with Russia over elections or other financial benefits about which we have yet to learn. At this point one needs to watch what is going on, connect the dots to whatever nonsense we hear and apply a smell test.
Now it seems that Mr. Pence seems to be in the distance from this Russian debacle. I don’t believe that Mr. Pence has no knowledge or hand in the Bannon, DJT new American vision. I'm afraid we are witnessing the spreading cancer that lying produces. None of this level of mendacity has been witnessed in modern times, except Watergate. The truth is that the entire DJT, VP, cabinet, advisors and regime needs to be impeached or resign secondary to lying about its collusion with Russia over elections or other financial benefits about which we have yet to learn. At this point one needs to watch what is going on, connect the dots to whatever nonsense we hear and apply a smell test.
45
We need a special counsel. Period.
23
What is the penalty for perjury? Is this perjury? What is perjury? Does the law matter? Does lying matter? Does it matter when we do not hold our elected officials to an appropriate level of integrity, regardless of party? It matters. It matters so much. When will we get that?
34
I support Jeff Sessions. He is a man of great integrity. His decision to recuse himself is a reflection of that integrity. I know of no one in the opposition who can touch him in integrity. Keep up the good work, Mr. Sessions; America needs more men like you! Thank you.
9
Mr. Sessions was one of the two who midwifed Trump presidency and he is not going to give up the child he brought to this world that easily. The plan for him to move to the top of DOJ appear to have only one purpose: to block all attempts to reveal Trump Organization relationships with Russian oligarchs.
It is important to note how Mr. Sessions and Mr. Trump frame their "facts". Mr. Trump has repeatedly said that he has had no relationship/connection with Russia or Russians. That could be in fact legally correct, since the connections were made through Trump Organization and not Mr. Trump. During the campaign, he also said that he had never gone bankrupt. That is also correct since bankruptcies of Trump Organization have legally no bearing on him.
Mr. Sessions may be down, but he is far from being out. He still has many levers of power to manipulate. If he remains around, he will be trying to influence the work of those who will be investigating this case in every way he can.
It is important to note how Mr. Sessions and Mr. Trump frame their "facts". Mr. Trump has repeatedly said that he has had no relationship/connection with Russia or Russians. That could be in fact legally correct, since the connections were made through Trump Organization and not Mr. Trump. During the campaign, he also said that he had never gone bankrupt. That is also correct since bankruptcies of Trump Organization have legally no bearing on him.
Mr. Sessions may be down, but he is far from being out. He still has many levers of power to manipulate. If he remains around, he will be trying to influence the work of those who will be investigating this case in every way he can.
9
LIAR !!!!
3
Franken prefaced his question to Sessions by saying, "CNN just published a story alleging that the intelligence community provided documents to the president-elect last week that included information that quote, ‘Russian operatives claimed to have compromising personal and financial information about Mr. Trump.’ These documents also allegedly say quote, ‘There was a continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trump's surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government.’” (The term “operatives” in context means secret agents or spies.) When Sessions said he had no communications with the Russians, he obviously meant the Russian “operatives” Franken was talking about.
9
I know there are a whole lot of "poorly educated" voters who love 45. I'm not one of them. I get it. I got it from the very beginning. This man is as Hillary said very plainly, "Vladimir Putin's" puppet." He owes money "indirectly" to Putin controlled Russian bankers. Now we have basically walked down a path that this antithetical to our social, economic and security interests despite what 45 claims to the contrary. I think it is over. They have truly infiltrated our governement to the very top. Taking a cue from the movie about a "Manchurian" candidate and with a whole lot of help from our proud "nationalists." The grand experiment in democracy "ended not with a bang, but a whimper."
12
Trump has insulted most of our most time tested allies.
Trump has tried to destabilize NATO.
Trump attempted to turn Americans against one plus billion Muslims.
Trump and Sessions have begun rolling back voting rights of minorities,
that is, likely democrat voters.
Trump has tried to make the instruments of light and transparency, the press, 'enemies of the people.'
Trump likely has a 'to do' list in his desk outlining all the above and
written by Russians.
Republicans seem to be okay with all this.
I'm not. I never will be.
Trump has tried to destabilize NATO.
Trump attempted to turn Americans against one plus billion Muslims.
Trump and Sessions have begun rolling back voting rights of minorities,
that is, likely democrat voters.
Trump has tried to make the instruments of light and transparency, the press, 'enemies of the people.'
Trump likely has a 'to do' list in his desk outlining all the above and
written by Russians.
Republicans seem to be okay with all this.
I'm not. I never will be.
5
I have nothing against the Russians and feel our policy makers have done more than their fair share in alienating and bullying Russia.
BUT, the thought of our current political leadership, fraternizing with Russia and making policy promises to Russian officials, while Russia is interfering with our national elections, is almost beyond comprehensibility.
The fact that it has occurred, should be a call to arms for every flag waving patriot claiming Republican. That so far it is not, merely shows that Trump is no outlier. The Republicans, through and through (what is it? half our country?), have no interests other than self and Party interests ("national interests" mean nothing to them). In this, of all things, they find their closest links with communist parties the world over. Maybe no one informed them (could it be too many DeVos unmonitored charter schools?) that communist parties the world over, are a dying breed.
Rise up Democrats! Take back your country!
BUT, the thought of our current political leadership, fraternizing with Russia and making policy promises to Russian officials, while Russia is interfering with our national elections, is almost beyond comprehensibility.
The fact that it has occurred, should be a call to arms for every flag waving patriot claiming Republican. That so far it is not, merely shows that Trump is no outlier. The Republicans, through and through (what is it? half our country?), have no interests other than self and Party interests ("national interests" mean nothing to them). In this, of all things, they find their closest links with communist parties the world over. Maybe no one informed them (could it be too many DeVos unmonitored charter schools?) that communist parties the world over, are a dying breed.
Rise up Democrats! Take back your country!
15
I feel as if our country has been hijacked, and the Republicans could care less.
We absolutely need a special prosecutor and an independent commission to start digging into this pile of manure.
Four Russian diplomats are dead, and Trump has six stooges with Russian ties: Manafort, Stone, Page, Cohen, Flynn, and now Sessions.
Why is nothing happening? This is truly nuts!
We absolutely need a special prosecutor and an independent commission to start digging into this pile of manure.
Four Russian diplomats are dead, and Trump has six stooges with Russian ties: Manafort, Stone, Page, Cohen, Flynn, and now Sessions.
Why is nothing happening? This is truly nuts!
13
I did not have foreign relations with that country.
25
Has it occurred to you that our government is now held by a secret society of men (yes, men: Betsy is on the outside, a mere pawn)? This is not an administration, it is a cult, a cabal, complete with blood oaths of secrecy and fealty to the Great Leader. OK, well, that sounds paranoid, right? Unfortunately, it is not contradicted by what we know so far. We need an independent special prosecutor to let the light shine in. Republicans need to be patriotic. What is there to fear? ..the truth?
8
The U.S. Attorney General's client is the American people and their Constitution. The ethical obligation of a lawyer is to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. The impropriety of Trump campaign surrogate Sessions investigating any collusion or cooperation between the Trump campaign and the Russians was self-evidently improper.
Trump speaking out against recusal along with Spicer was improper interference. If only they both had the common sense to consult with and let White House Counsel speak on recusal they would have been much better served. Coupled with Trump's love of all things Putin and his war on the press and media he is clearly hiding something and lying.
Trump speaking out against recusal along with Spicer was improper interference. If only they both had the common sense to consult with and let White House Counsel speak on recusal they would have been much better served. Coupled with Trump's love of all things Putin and his war on the press and media he is clearly hiding something and lying.
4
Sessions was never in a position to serve as an impartial arbiter of any investigation not because of his chumminess with Trump but because of his total hatred for non-whites. That alone should have stopped the Senate from confirming him. Somebody needs to tell him the Civil War ended over 150 years ago and that the confederacy and hate lost.
14
Forgive and Forget
We implore to hold fast as a good Southern gent
To the high office you hold through our president,
You’ll fabricate tales with your courtly demeanor
Speak softly and whisper but no pol is meaner
No biggie, Jeff Sessions, you’re still our AG
To serve and protect in the land of the free,
We buy into courtly and your swell coat and tie
With deceit at your elbow just stand up and lie.
Deceit and distrust, from Dick Nixon to Clinton,
Buttress our statecraft, public lies are not wanton;
But our Arkansas Bubba, he purred when he lied
We loved him to pieces, all pork rinds deep fried,
And Jeff Sessions we honor, his lies and misstatements
We’ll forgive as our own as just tax abatements.
We implore to hold fast as a good Southern gent
To the high office you hold through our president,
You’ll fabricate tales with your courtly demeanor
Speak softly and whisper but no pol is meaner
No biggie, Jeff Sessions, you’re still our AG
To serve and protect in the land of the free,
We buy into courtly and your swell coat and tie
With deceit at your elbow just stand up and lie.
Deceit and distrust, from Dick Nixon to Clinton,
Buttress our statecraft, public lies are not wanton;
But our Arkansas Bubba, he purred when he lied
We loved him to pieces, all pork rinds deep fried,
And Jeff Sessions we honor, his lies and misstatements
We’ll forgive as our own as just tax abatements.
3
"Mr. Trump expressed “total” confidence in his attorney general, even though he said he had not known about his communications with the ambassador. "
All who believe that, please I have a great bridge for sale: wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay and an in-trend ocre color.
All who believe that, please I have a great bridge for sale: wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay and an in-trend ocre color.
Two thousand years ago Peter denied knowing Jesus three times in the single night.
Why?
Had Jesus done anything wrong? No! Was Peter ashamed of Jesus? No!
So why he did it?
Peter clearly felt an obvious hatred in those who questioned him and believed that if he acknowledged their friendship, the soldiers would kill him.
That’s why Peter denied knowing Christ. He was scared and afraid.
If the people lie, verify first whether they are the truly bad people or simply scared of you!
If they are scared of you, then you might be the problem, not them!
Why?
Had Jesus done anything wrong? No! Was Peter ashamed of Jesus? No!
So why he did it?
Peter clearly felt an obvious hatred in those who questioned him and believed that if he acknowledged their friendship, the soldiers would kill him.
That’s why Peter denied knowing Christ. He was scared and afraid.
If the people lie, verify first whether they are the truly bad people or simply scared of you!
If they are scared of you, then you might be the problem, not them!
1
Hypothetical scenario...
Senator Franken: Mr. Sessions, every year there are pedestrians killed due to motorists who text while driving. Do you text and drive?
AG Sessions: No, I do not.
Then later, after photos are revealed showing Mr. Sessions texting and driving, he claims he answered the question from Senator Franken truthfully, because he has never harmed a pedestrian while texting, which was the context of the question.
Mr. Sessions explanation of the actual, real situation is no less ridiculous sounding.
Senator Franken: Mr. Sessions, every year there are pedestrians killed due to motorists who text while driving. Do you text and drive?
AG Sessions: No, I do not.
Then later, after photos are revealed showing Mr. Sessions texting and driving, he claims he answered the question from Senator Franken truthfully, because he has never harmed a pedestrian while texting, which was the context of the question.
Mr. Sessions explanation of the actual, real situation is no less ridiculous sounding.
3
If Jeff Sessions lied about contact with the Russians, what else did he lie about? His dedication to civil rights? His protection of voting rights? His intent to uphold the laws of this country?
2
Obama quote from a hot mic...Tell Vladimir "I'll be able to do more once I'm re elected" No problem,let's weaken ourselves for Russia, right Mr. Obama?
Again, he got a pass......Unbelievable
Again, he got a pass......Unbelievable
3
Remembrer Republicans demanding AG Loretta Lynch resign because she, like the FBI, would not bring charges against Hillary Clinton over a legal private email server which had not been hacked?
Yet here they are, turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to actual hacking by a hostile foreign country, done to interfere with a US election (so much for their oh, so serious concern about possible email hacking!), the AG lying under oath to Congress, and the very suspicious meetings between multiple Trump surrogates and Russian officials (spies?) at the same time Russia is hacking/interfering and Wikileaks is leaking and Trump himself is asking Russia to hack HRC's email to get info.
How can we trust that party to defend the US Constitution? I sure don't.
Yet here they are, turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to actual hacking by a hostile foreign country, done to interfere with a US election (so much for their oh, so serious concern about possible email hacking!), the AG lying under oath to Congress, and the very suspicious meetings between multiple Trump surrogates and Russian officials (spies?) at the same time Russia is hacking/interfering and Wikileaks is leaking and Trump himself is asking Russia to hack HRC's email to get info.
How can we trust that party to defend the US Constitution? I sure don't.
4
Ma name is Sessions
I'm causin' some Mess~es.
I've excused me
I've recused me
I'm innocent you see
that's my plea.
Twit can see.
When I said
I saw no Russians
I never thought
there'd be such fuss in'
just 'cause I don't count
their Ambassador.
Ma name is Sessions
I'm learnin some lessons
in counting.
I'm causin' some Mess~es.
I've excused me
I've recused me
I'm innocent you see
that's my plea.
Twit can see.
When I said
I saw no Russians
I never thought
there'd be such fuss in'
just 'cause I don't count
their Ambassador.
Ma name is Sessions
I'm learnin some lessons
in counting.
1
Didn't trump say nobody in his circle talked to the Russians.? Yes I believe he did. His son in law had a secret meeting in trump tower. Why did donald lie about that? Will we ever know? No.
4
Here are some innocuous explanations that Jeff Sessions can use to explain his meetings with the Russian Ambassador (spy master) if his Member of the Armed Services Committee explanation ceases to carry water.
1. I invited him to a Wednesday morning prayer breakfast.
2. My wife was hosting an Amway party and I wanted to know if his wife would like to attend
3. My granddaughter asked me to help her sell these Girl Scout cookies - would you like to buy some? I still have some Thin Mints.
All of the above excuses are not campaign related so Mr. Sessions should feel free to help himself and if these don't work, just let me know and I will come up with some more spin.
1. I invited him to a Wednesday morning prayer breakfast.
2. My wife was hosting an Amway party and I wanted to know if his wife would like to attend
3. My granddaughter asked me to help her sell these Girl Scout cookies - would you like to buy some? I still have some Thin Mints.
All of the above excuses are not campaign related so Mr. Sessions should feel free to help himself and if these don't work, just let me know and I will come up with some more spin.
Noteworthy:
"The fish rots from the head down."
"All of the early examples of the phrase in print in English prefer the variant 'a fish stinks from the head down' to 'a fish rots from the head down', which is more popular nowadays."
Of interest:
The saying is credited to the Turks.
"Sir James Porter's Observations on the religion, law, government, and manners of the Turks, 1768, includes this:
The Turks have a homely proverb applied on such occasions: they say "the fish stinks first at the head", meaning, that if the servant is disorderly, it is because the master is so."
"...... it is because the MASTER is so".
Certainly we can all buy into this notable and worthy conclusion.
"The fish rots from the head down."
"All of the early examples of the phrase in print in English prefer the variant 'a fish stinks from the head down' to 'a fish rots from the head down', which is more popular nowadays."
Of interest:
The saying is credited to the Turks.
"Sir James Porter's Observations on the religion, law, government, and manners of the Turks, 1768, includes this:
The Turks have a homely proverb applied on such occasions: they say "the fish stinks first at the head", meaning, that if the servant is disorderly, it is because the master is so."
"...... it is because the MASTER is so".
Certainly we can all buy into this notable and worthy conclusion.
2
He could have chosen to resign.
He has lied about this three times now:
First, to the committee while under oath
Second, that he misremembered any meetings
Third, that he is deciding himself solely because he was part of the campaign in general
That's three strikes for the head of the Department of Justice, who must be seen as accountable.
Trump rewarded Sessions with a top post solely because he was an early supporter.
Now Trump should try someone who is worthy of the position.
He has lied about this three times now:
First, to the committee while under oath
Second, that he misremembered any meetings
Third, that he is deciding himself solely because he was part of the campaign in general
That's three strikes for the head of the Department of Justice, who must be seen as accountable.
Trump rewarded Sessions with a top post solely because he was an early supporter.
Now Trump should try someone who is worthy of the position.
3
Who is investigating Mr Comey? Seems to me his conduct needs some explanation, to say the least.
4
Despite having lived in the USA for 25 years, I still cannot get used to the inability of liberals, but especially of conservatives, at seeing the other side's point of view, or being able to step back and rationally attempt to examine a problem in an unbiased fashion. Before the election I said to colleagues: "forget about politics, and instead just try to think of the two candidates both as mangy flea bitten hounds, and when comparing the two, at least we can be sure that Clinton is house trained."
In the case of Mr. Sessions I find it beyond belief how anyone, of any political persuasion, can conclude anything other than he needs to resign. No matter how you look at it, he was asked a straight yes or no question and provided an incorrect answer. In addition, as a lawyer, he has a duty above that of the citizen to provide clear answers and not to obfuscate. What Bill Clinton did, and what Mr. Sessions did, in my eyes are very similar. Bill Clinton was disbarred in Arkansas. What will the ethics authorities in Alabama decide to do? Probably nothing. Maybe someone should remind Mr. Sessions and all of his bible thumping friends of Jesus' favorite word: hypocrite (26 times)
In the case of Mr. Sessions I find it beyond belief how anyone, of any political persuasion, can conclude anything other than he needs to resign. No matter how you look at it, he was asked a straight yes or no question and provided an incorrect answer. In addition, as a lawyer, he has a duty above that of the citizen to provide clear answers and not to obfuscate. What Bill Clinton did, and what Mr. Sessions did, in my eyes are very similar. Bill Clinton was disbarred in Arkansas. What will the ethics authorities in Alabama decide to do? Probably nothing. Maybe someone should remind Mr. Sessions and all of his bible thumping friends of Jesus' favorite word: hypocrite (26 times)
5
If DT has nothing to hide, why is he not completely forthcoming with tax returns and all other evidence that would allay all suspicions to the contrary?
17
Rachel Maddow recently "connected the dots" between Wilbur Ross (billionaire, new US Commerce Secretary), the Cyprus Bank, Deutsche Bank, the bankrupt D. Trump's many desperate loans, and Dmitry Rybolovlev ... a buddy of Putin's, who bailed out Trump by purchasing a gaudy rotten Florida property for an exorbitant sum. See: https://boingboing.net/2017/03/01/rachel-maddow-connects-the-dot.html
Money laundering. Russia to Trump to Deutsche to Cyprus to ... the paths get tangled.
Jeff Sessions is just one team member who understands part of the long game between this administration, and Russia.
Now it looks like Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was also involved in December 2016 negotiations with the Russians, representing Trump as a future president who would lift the punitive sanctions imposed by Obama. Makes you wonder. Do Ivanka's shoes and anti-wrinkle creams potentially appeal to Muscovites? How about Melania's products? Do Russians love Tweets? Enjoy hunting with D. Trump, Jr. and paying him to speechify (for $50,000)?
My sister hopes to be reincarnated as Rachel Maddow. I'm content to watch her.
Please, FBI and Senate, investigate the "dossier" from Christopher Steele, former British intelligence agent, outlining Donald Trump's financial (and recreational?) ties to Russia. Mr. James Comey, if you're reluctant to cast out a hook for anyone who's not Hillary, do note: Rachel Maddow and Samantha Bee could help you out. Just a thought.
Money laundering. Russia to Trump to Deutsche to Cyprus to ... the paths get tangled.
Jeff Sessions is just one team member who understands part of the long game between this administration, and Russia.
Now it looks like Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was also involved in December 2016 negotiations with the Russians, representing Trump as a future president who would lift the punitive sanctions imposed by Obama. Makes you wonder. Do Ivanka's shoes and anti-wrinkle creams potentially appeal to Muscovites? How about Melania's products? Do Russians love Tweets? Enjoy hunting with D. Trump, Jr. and paying him to speechify (for $50,000)?
My sister hopes to be reincarnated as Rachel Maddow. I'm content to watch her.
Please, FBI and Senate, investigate the "dossier" from Christopher Steele, former British intelligence agent, outlining Donald Trump's financial (and recreational?) ties to Russia. Mr. James Comey, if you're reluctant to cast out a hook for anyone who's not Hillary, do note: Rachel Maddow and Samantha Bee could help you out. Just a thought.
4
With Russia operating as a 'pants-on-fire' topic, how can Jeff Sessions not know his involvement with anything Russian, right down to the slightest head turn he may have made from his front porch, needed to be reported. This is not Poly-Sci 101. This guy is now our 'go-to' department head we're turning to when it comes to Russian Intelligence.
4
Another Russian fire produces more smoke. How many fires have to be lit and how heavy does the smoke have to get before we get an independent investigation going? Very much appears to be wrong here and an independent investigation will show us just how much and what action we need to take to get America going in the right direction again. Those who stand in the way of finding the truth now can only have the preservation of their own power in mind.
2
Tea Party insider and flak Robert Costa say trump hang tuff. Fascists undaunted. Profiles in cowardice.
2
This is a complete joke of a process. The guy lied under oath to a Senate committee and after being found out, decides to now answer truthfully, and recuse himself from involvement. Do we have any laws in this country that Republicans have to follow? He should be fired and tried in a court of law for lying under oath...period. Why the he'll isn't everybody screaming for his dismissal...not just a few Democratic politicians.
2
I think it's abundantly clear at this point that the Trump campaign colluded with the Russians and the FSB to win the presidency. Otherwise, why all the lying? In fact, if you look closely, from Trump campaign manager, the Michael Flynn, to Trump's lawyer, there are many people getting check from very close Russian friends and collaborators. There is also the matter of Trumps tax returns, remember those? Want to bet there some money in there from allies and associates of Vladimir Putin? This game has gone on too long already. Trump and Bannon and other members of this criminal administration need to be placed under oath, and asked questions. Publicly. Otherwise, we do not have a legitimate government.
1
Sessions never really answered Franken's question. So let's ask it today. "Mr. Sessions, as Attorney General, what would you do if you learned that Trump campaign members had been in communications with the Russians?" What was he hiding then and what is he hiding now? His was an obfuscating answer, which he intended; but in his nervousness, he blurted out something that was not only untrue, it was not germane to that question. My sense is that not only is Sessions a liar, he is not even a good liar.
Being a liar disqualifies him from being Attorney General. Being a bad liar disqualifies him from being on Trump's team where being a good liar is the most important qualification.
Being a liar disqualifies him from being Attorney General. Being a bad liar disqualifies him from being on Trump's team where being a good liar is the most important qualification.
1
Sessions lied. Period! Recusing himself is not enough. He should resign. But then lying seems to be a qualification for being part of the Trump administration.
2
Just another excuse by Dems. Blaming Russia for everything is getting just as tired as the right blaming HRC for everything. It was part of Sessions job to meet with Russians. Where was all this phony outrage when Holder lied to everyone? When Lynch had a meeting on her private plane with the husband of a candidate under investigation? When same candidate lied to Congress about Benghazi?
It is about time the left admits they lost and try and rebuild the party. It was not just this election but the past 3 that American voters decided they wanted a shift in the government. The left just quit listening to the people so, against all warning, the left tries to convince voters to go even farther left. The right will survive Trump for the sole reason that they have most State governments, House,Senate, WH and, soon, the SCOTUS. I really hope the left survives but it is not Looks no very promising. They can not even agree to who they want to represent or who would be best to lead them. A Black Panther Muslim came very close to winning DNC Chair.
At some point, soon I hope, this vast partisanship needs to be scaled back on both sides for the sake of the country. It is not a sign of weakness to find common ground on the majority of issues. There will be differences of how to run the country but it Damn sure should not be "do it my way or I'll spend the next 4 years trying to jail or impeach you."
Both sides need to get over their power/loss of power and think about us.
It is about time the left admits they lost and try and rebuild the party. It was not just this election but the past 3 that American voters decided they wanted a shift in the government. The left just quit listening to the people so, against all warning, the left tries to convince voters to go even farther left. The right will survive Trump for the sole reason that they have most State governments, House,Senate, WH and, soon, the SCOTUS. I really hope the left survives but it is not Looks no very promising. They can not even agree to who they want to represent or who would be best to lead them. A Black Panther Muslim came very close to winning DNC Chair.
At some point, soon I hope, this vast partisanship needs to be scaled back on both sides for the sake of the country. It is not a sign of weakness to find common ground on the majority of issues. There will be differences of how to run the country but it Damn sure should not be "do it my way or I'll spend the next 4 years trying to jail or impeach you."
Both sides need to get over their power/loss of power and think about us.
2
What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Lock him up!
I misread the title of this article. I thought it was titled Sessions Has No Chance. Either way...it's still probably true.
Challenge. Investigate. Resist. (Repeat)
Challenge. Investigate. Resist. (Repeat)
A point which, perhaps, only a Chomsky can properly appreciate.
Listen closely to what Jeff Sessions first says in answer to Al Franken’s question at 1:03 of the following clip of Sessions' confirmation hearing on Jan 10, 2017:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BpgHcanjCQ
“Senator Franken, I am not aware of any of those activities.”
The smoking gun?
“Those.”
Franken asked his question having in hand a breaking CNN report about the activities and acknowledges directly that Sessions could not be expected to be aware of the alleged activities because Sessions had been testifying as the story broke and so could not have seen it yet.
The pragmatics of the situation, which completely determines the semantics?
Franken acknowledges that the activities, for the purposes of his question, are situated in possible, not actual, space and time.
But “those” is a demonstrative, a pronoun which is typically used to refer to things, or facts acknowledged by the speaker to be actual.
Has Sessions truly been unaware of "any of" the activities, he would have more spontaneously said something of the form:
“Senator Franken, I am not aware of any such activities.”
He would have continued to locate the activities in possible, not actual, space-time.
In blurting out “those” Sessions was confusedly trying to contradict in his overt speech what his inner speech in his imagination, governed by what he knew to be the case, caused him to actually say.
So now it's about the pragmatics of "any"!
Listen closely to what Jeff Sessions first says in answer to Al Franken’s question at 1:03 of the following clip of Sessions' confirmation hearing on Jan 10, 2017:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BpgHcanjCQ
“Senator Franken, I am not aware of any of those activities.”
The smoking gun?
“Those.”
Franken asked his question having in hand a breaking CNN report about the activities and acknowledges directly that Sessions could not be expected to be aware of the alleged activities because Sessions had been testifying as the story broke and so could not have seen it yet.
The pragmatics of the situation, which completely determines the semantics?
Franken acknowledges that the activities, for the purposes of his question, are situated in possible, not actual, space and time.
But “those” is a demonstrative, a pronoun which is typically used to refer to things, or facts acknowledged by the speaker to be actual.
Has Sessions truly been unaware of "any of" the activities, he would have more spontaneously said something of the form:
“Senator Franken, I am not aware of any such activities.”
He would have continued to locate the activities in possible, not actual, space-time.
In blurting out “those” Sessions was confusedly trying to contradict in his overt speech what his inner speech in his imagination, governed by what he knew to be the case, caused him to actually say.
So now it's about the pragmatics of "any"!
3
It is not just that he "has no choice" but to recuse himself. He must be forced to resign, or be impeached. Yes, the latter is most unlikely given Republican dominance in the house and Republican stonewalling about Russian interference in our election and who knew about it or used it among the Trump campaign, even if they did not direct it. But some Democrat should put in a bill of impeachment ... make the Republicans at least show their hypocrisy and further stonewalling.
Sessions transparently lied under oath. The Republican congress impeached Bill Clinton for lying under oath about sex with Monica Lewensky. The Senate came close to removal, but did not -- lying about adultery is a thoroughly low crime. The public was not for it, seeing the evident hypocrisy of a house full of adulterers casting stones.
But Sessions raises the question: how many of you have lied about meetings with the ambassador of a foreign power, at the time that power was interfering in our election? How many of you have lied ... when the issue is treason?
Sessions transparently lied under oath. The Republican congress impeached Bill Clinton for lying under oath about sex with Monica Lewensky. The Senate came close to removal, but did not -- lying about adultery is a thoroughly low crime. The public was not for it, seeing the evident hypocrisy of a house full of adulterers casting stones.
But Sessions raises the question: how many of you have lied about meetings with the ambassador of a foreign power, at the time that power was interfering in our election? How many of you have lied ... when the issue is treason?
3
Session's recusal is another low bar moment. The question is whether the American people have become so inured to this president's and this administration's seemingly automatic default to deceit, or are so deluded and befuddled by the Fox News/Breitbart/fake news misinformation feedback loop, that they will accept anything less than full resignation from Sessions, the appointment of a truly independent nonpartisan investigator to look into Russian interference, and a bipartisan grand jury investigation.
1
Whether lying or just obfuscating... Neither is a very good quality for the US AG. Sessions acted in a manner unbecoming. Does he want everyone to behave like he did?
1
Everything seems to point towards a Trump administration scandal. Notice though, how Pence has remained clean throughout. Flynn resigned partially because of the fact that he did not tell Pence about his convos with the Russians. How convenient. If something crazy happens like an impeachment or resignation, Pence could come out clean on the other side as the president. It would hard to believe that Pence was uninvolved while these other top officials were. Plus, would his position be legitimate if it turns out that Trump cheated? Difficult to see a happy ending to this.
2
The left still can't accept that they lost. To Trump!
A corrupt, unlikeable candidate is force fit onto the Dem party ticket who then spouts off about how Whites have ruined the country for everyone else and, no surprise, she loses.
To assuage their egos and maintain their sense of superiority, they look for someone to blame.
Lo and behold, the Russians.
Yes, the Dems look foolish.
Their insistence on being sore losers is well noted by the American people.
The American people do not like sore losers.
A corrupt, unlikeable candidate is force fit onto the Dem party ticket who then spouts off about how Whites have ruined the country for everyone else and, no surprise, she loses.
To assuage their egos and maintain their sense of superiority, they look for someone to blame.
Lo and behold, the Russians.
Yes, the Dems look foolish.
Their insistence on being sore losers is well noted by the American people.
The American people do not like sore losers.
4
You might not believe it, but in the same way that President Vladimir Putin from Russia built his political system of oligarchs, President Donald Trump of USA has tried to do it. The difference is that once Trump's oligarchs are discover who they are, they are forced to resign their positions. Not in Russia. That is the real difference. So where is the label: "LET'S MAKE AMERICA GREAT, AGAIN."?
1
Odd that Jeff Sessions claims he was meeting with the Russian Ambassador as a senator, yet he used campaign funds to cover his expenses? Dude can't have it both ways. (Also I read somewhere where he and Trump met with the same Ambassador in April 2016, please check this out, so that would have been a third meeting that "slipped" his mind.)
http://www.palmerreport.com/opinion/jeff-sessions-improperly-used-campai...
http://www.palmerreport.com/opinion/jeff-sessions-improperly-used-campai...
6
And herein lies the problem. Does truth really matter in this administration. The Republicans aren't the only administration to lie when they get caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Remember Bill Clinton and Monica? I will frankly admit that back then, I along with most of Europe, was appalled that the Republican Congress had the audacity to attempt to impeach Clinton for something that many previous Presidents had done and worse. In the years since then, my views have changed about what is really over the line.
The big difference today is that it's much worse regarding right and wrong. I may be going out on a limb here, but I just can't imagine ANY Republican, whether in politics or not that down deep really believes that Trump is honest and trustworthy. If that is the case, then why do they continue to support him? If we can find the true answers to that, then we a citizens of the US just might someday expect and demand higher standards from our representatives. Then and only then can we make America Great!
The big difference today is that it's much worse regarding right and wrong. I may be going out on a limb here, but I just can't imagine ANY Republican, whether in politics or not that down deep really believes that Trump is honest and trustworthy. If that is the case, then why do they continue to support him? If we can find the true answers to that, then we a citizens of the US just might someday expect and demand higher standards from our representatives. Then and only then can we make America Great!
4
Our rapidly eroding republic/democracy is being hit with a one-two punch that is going to transform the country into an authoritarian state. The first blow is, of course, Trump and his appointees. But the finishing blow is the total abdication of the GOP in Congress, their refusal to do a major part of their job. How could the Founding Fathers have foreseen that?
3
No there there.
3
The attorney general of the United States perjured himself to gain office. He did so on a matter that concerned espionage and cyberwarfare from a hostile foreign power. He did so knowing that it could be disproven.
While McConnell was literally silencing a female senator for simply reading a highly relevant letter from the much respected late Coretta Scott King, McConnell's own wife was already sitting in Trump's cabinet.
Sessions lied. So did many of the other cabinet nominees -- about their background dealing and their views. The GOP Senate affirmed them anyway, even when their lies were called out.
Trump spent years lying-- about an imaginary birth in Kenya, about Trump U, about his taxes and finances, and especially about his Russian ties and possible blackmail potential.
Thank you to the intelligence community and investigative journalists and those with the integrity to speak out for democracy, for vulnerable Americans, and for the truth. Please keep doing so. It will stop a fascist, racist puppet of Putin's.
While McConnell was literally silencing a female senator for simply reading a highly relevant letter from the much respected late Coretta Scott King, McConnell's own wife was already sitting in Trump's cabinet.
Sessions lied. So did many of the other cabinet nominees -- about their background dealing and their views. The GOP Senate affirmed them anyway, even when their lies were called out.
Trump spent years lying-- about an imaginary birth in Kenya, about Trump U, about his taxes and finances, and especially about his Russian ties and possible blackmail potential.
Thank you to the intelligence community and investigative journalists and those with the integrity to speak out for democracy, for vulnerable Americans, and for the truth. Please keep doing so. It will stop a fascist, racist puppet of Putin's.
6
Any decent President, republican or Democrat, would realize by now the Sessions is a political & practical liability and fire him. A distraction as it were.
So whats the betting pool on how long Sessions lasts. One week. A month. Longer?
The only silver lining here is that Sessions is finally out of the Senate.
Resist.
So whats the betting pool on how long Sessions lasts. One week. A month. Longer?
The only silver lining here is that Sessions is finally out of the Senate.
Resist.
1
Maybe Trump gives more credence to the Russian media who now challenge Trump to show 'he's strong' by keeping Sessions or ' weakness' by letting him go....So we know what to expect! Trump has to 'save face" and show Russia he's strong. Plus Trump must march to the 'Russian' beat or else...It's that or else that should have America involved and concern.
1
Pictures have now surfaced of Sen. Schumer meeting with Putin, who was promoting the entry of Lukoil into the New York City market. Schumer introduced him to Krispy Kreme donuts, which he happily ate while on camera.
The conclusions are obvious:
1. Schumer may have secret ties to Lukoil, the Russian gas station chain
2. Schumer or his underlings could have some financial interest in Krispy Kreme and been trying to expand into Russia, or at least Lukoil gas stations
3. Schumer must immediately recuse himself from any senate activities dealing with Russia, gas stations, or donuts
4. Congress and the FBI must launch an immediate inquiry to determine if Schumer was in cahoots with Russia to influence the U.S. donut market
Where there is smoke, there must be fire. Or at least delicious glazed donuts.
The conclusions are obvious:
1. Schumer may have secret ties to Lukoil, the Russian gas station chain
2. Schumer or his underlings could have some financial interest in Krispy Kreme and been trying to expand into Russia, or at least Lukoil gas stations
3. Schumer must immediately recuse himself from any senate activities dealing with Russia, gas stations, or donuts
4. Congress and the FBI must launch an immediate inquiry to determine if Schumer was in cahoots with Russia to influence the U.S. donut market
Where there is smoke, there must be fire. Or at least delicious glazed donuts.
3
He needs to resign or be dismissed.
He is a LIAR!!
He is a LIAR!!
3
Al Franken should consider running for president. Really. Here's a guy who clearly has the equipment; who leaves no doubt that he'd show up, do the work, and get down to the business of We the People; and who, as a candidate, would even have the rockstar factor that now seems to weigh so heavily in the electoral equation. I'd vote for him a minute. I'd even bus in several million of my undocumented friends to help out.
6
What is the goal of the Trump admin. In this Russia thing? I don't understand why ANY American would cozy up to this regime. Is it about oil, money? Have we sunk so low, as a people, that we give up our country for these things? The lies and deception are really impossible to comprehend. WE ARE AMERICA....what is happening to us?
5
Obama and his master Soros Are winning. The staffs and executive in our government have been inculcated with "Globalist Doctrine" and Obama/Soros Philosophy!
Trump may have been an antidote; however; It appears that socialist/globalist rot is firmly implanted! Sad! Those w/wealth have alternatives! Much like China immediately after Mao/ Obama/Soros/Mao
Trump may have been an antidote; however; It appears that socialist/globalist rot is firmly implanted! Sad! Those w/wealth have alternatives! Much like China immediately after Mao/ Obama/Soros/Mao
1
His decision to recuse himself demonstrates integrity. Thank you.
2
That's an unfortunate title "Sessions had no choice." Although referencing the recusal, it subtly infers his lies were not his doing...or he's blackmailed by the Russians.
Sessions MUST resign. Keep digging. How many GOP are in bed w/these former KGB Russians?
In the meantime resist and take back the Congress in 18 months so that we can demand impeachment proceedings!
Sessions MUST resign. Keep digging. How many GOP are in bed w/these former KGB Russians?
In the meantime resist and take back the Congress in 18 months so that we can demand impeachment proceedings!
4
On this issue between Trump, Sessions and the Russians, I can only think of the old joke,
"Look! The dummy's talking and we can't see the lips moving!"
The problem is picking out the "dummy", we know who's controlling the talking. His first name is Vlad and he's having a jolly, old time!
"Look! The dummy's talking and we can't see the lips moving!"
The problem is picking out the "dummy", we know who's controlling the talking. His first name is Vlad and he's having a jolly, old time!
2
NYT - quit beating around the bush.
This administration colluded with the Russians to win the 2016 election. Hence the lying. Call them out. Publicly. If Trump is willing to sue for liable, then it will give your lawyers subpoena power to the principals. Do it. NOW. If they do not take you to court, then, well that is more evidence than ever. If they do, then your retained lawyers get to earn their money and participate in what will probably be one of the most famous cases in US History.
Looking forward to tomorrow's editorial page.
This administration colluded with the Russians to win the 2016 election. Hence the lying. Call them out. Publicly. If Trump is willing to sue for liable, then it will give your lawyers subpoena power to the principals. Do it. NOW. If they do not take you to court, then, well that is more evidence than ever. If they do, then your retained lawyers get to earn their money and participate in what will probably be one of the most famous cases in US History.
Looking forward to tomorrow's editorial page.
16
With apologies to the Good Gray Times -- are Woodward and Bernstein still available? :-)
7
Sessions lied under oath. Why is it "enough" for him to recuse himself from the investigation? He should resign or be fired. Because he is the AG, and head of the US DoJ the burden of his lying, as opposed to that of other net members, is heavier. A Nixon's era AG ended up in prison for lying under oath. I am surprised at the NYT Editorial Board giving a pass to Sessions on this.
19
"Mr. Sessions is the latest administration official to be caught between his words and the truth on Russia."
Enough with the weaseling words and the pitter patter.
Sessions lied to Congress. He lied.
Flynn lied – and was fired as a consequence.
Kellyanne Conway lies continually, with her "alternate facts".
And of course Trump is the biggest liar of all – and the press has given him a pass on it – and their reward? Trump give them the back of his hand and accuses the press of being "fake news."
Enough. It is time to call things what they are and to tell the truth about the liars.
Enough with the weaseling words and the pitter patter.
Sessions lied to Congress. He lied.
Flynn lied – and was fired as a consequence.
Kellyanne Conway lies continually, with her "alternate facts".
And of course Trump is the biggest liar of all – and the press has given him a pass on it – and their reward? Trump give them the back of his hand and accuses the press of being "fake news."
Enough. It is time to call things what they are and to tell the truth about the liars.
9
Funny, but the Editorial Board of the NYT wasn't too concerned when Loretta Lynch met with Bill Clinton during an active investigation of his wife.
If you're going to go all concerned, at least be consistent. The NYT Editorial Board isn't, and is never going to be. They are stuck in their dream role of paper of record for "La Resistance."
The rest of us know this is a red herring planted by very smart Democrats to take away from the amazing, Presidential and uniting speech Pres. Trump gave to Congress. It won't work. The hysteria won't work. "La Resistance: has to have an alternate plan for the US, they have to offer something more than "no" and protests and violence. But they have no choice. They have nothing to offer the country and they know it.
If you're going to go all concerned, at least be consistent. The NYT Editorial Board isn't, and is never going to be. They are stuck in their dream role of paper of record for "La Resistance."
The rest of us know this is a red herring planted by very smart Democrats to take away from the amazing, Presidential and uniting speech Pres. Trump gave to Congress. It won't work. The hysteria won't work. "La Resistance: has to have an alternate plan for the US, they have to offer something more than "no" and protests and violence. But they have no choice. They have nothing to offer the country and they know it.
5
Good heavens, you sound like Trump here. The title of the article is unfortunate. How about:
"Jeff Sessions Made the Right Choice"
Sessions had a choice. He made the right one. C'mon Gray Lady.
"Jeff Sessions Made the Right Choice"
Sessions had a choice. He made the right one. C'mon Gray Lady.
I really don't think it's the crudest piece of Fake News to date. No contact, no collusion, no conspiracy, no 'mens rea' at all.
Or is it just the latest?
Harken back to ancient history when Washington really worked. In 1980 Bush41 also went over to the enemy. The charge he flapped to Iran in an SR-71 to conspire with the Iranians to sit on the hostages until after the election. Remember how idiotic that sounded? ELEVEN YEARS LATER the Democrats were back in power for 15 minutes so they deployed two Congressional investigations right before the Bush41 re-election. They had no shame. It too was the 'seriousness of the charge' despite the absence of any evidence, both eventually concluding that there was no plan to seek to delay the hostages' release. 11 years of societal torture.
So hello again to the madcap Liberals and their rubber-faced sidekicks in the press. They aren't any good at it.
They are just relentless.
Or is it just the latest?
Harken back to ancient history when Washington really worked. In 1980 Bush41 also went over to the enemy. The charge he flapped to Iran in an SR-71 to conspire with the Iranians to sit on the hostages until after the election. Remember how idiotic that sounded? ELEVEN YEARS LATER the Democrats were back in power for 15 minutes so they deployed two Congressional investigations right before the Bush41 re-election. They had no shame. It too was the 'seriousness of the charge' despite the absence of any evidence, both eventually concluding that there was no plan to seek to delay the hostages' release. 11 years of societal torture.
So hello again to the madcap Liberals and their rubber-faced sidekicks in the press. They aren't any good at it.
They are just relentless.
5
Let's see. Shouldn't Loretta Lynch have recused herself from any investigation involving HRC after Billy met her on the tarmac to talk about family -- you know, grand kids and stuff?
As I understand it, one of the meetings Sessions had was after he'd given an address of some sort and he had a brief word with the Russian ambassador in a public environment during which he spoke to many other attendees. The other was in his senate office as part of his execution of his senatorial duties.
He was responding to Al Franken's (sorry I can't call that guy senator) question re connections between the Trump campaign and Russia. These two conacts are irrelevant to the question Franken asked.
The left is so desperate, it is stunning. But never the less, the reportorial work of the Times, as well as their watchdog editorials, is so impressive. I now wake up every morning and check the NYTs to see if Trump has declared the US a vassal of Imperial Russian OR if he has started a nuclear war with them. Who knows? According to the left, it could all of the above.
As I understand it, one of the meetings Sessions had was after he'd given an address of some sort and he had a brief word with the Russian ambassador in a public environment during which he spoke to many other attendees. The other was in his senate office as part of his execution of his senatorial duties.
He was responding to Al Franken's (sorry I can't call that guy senator) question re connections between the Trump campaign and Russia. These two conacts are irrelevant to the question Franken asked.
The left is so desperate, it is stunning. But never the less, the reportorial work of the Times, as well as their watchdog editorials, is so impressive. I now wake up every morning and check the NYTs to see if Trump has declared the US a vassal of Imperial Russian OR if he has started a nuclear war with them. Who knows? According to the left, it could all of the above.
Why is the NTY so word-cowardly? Sessions - the highest officer of the Law in the U.S. - LIED under Oath. Impeachment is called for, as Sessions called for Clinton to be Impeached for Lying under Oath. Please, NYT - wake up.
Use your words.
Use History as, you know, Context ?
Use your words.
Use History as, you know, Context ?
6
Resign and impeach.
5
The New York Times editorial board is rightfully troubled by the band of liars now running our country. Understand that a lack of honesty and disinterest in the truth is a necessary job requirement for a position in the Trump "administration".
2
The problem with dismissing an investigation as a "witch hunt" is that sometimes there really are witches to hunt. The Trump administration is ful of them.
2
How can we have an attorney general who lied under oath, charged with prosecuting others who lie under oath?
5
Actually, he did have options: he could have resigned, which it still is the right thing to do. I would have preferred that he did. Having an avowed racist as Attorney General is not going to end well.
Confidence,for the foreseeable future, shot all the way to Hades!
1
Fredo
Sessions is in the middle of the lake, in a rowboat.
Sessions is in the middle of the lake, in a rowboat.
"It’s hard to decide what is more disturbing: that so many top officials in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and administration were in contact with the Russian government during and after the campaign, or that they keep neglecting to tell the truth."
.
The most disturbing is that Republican Senators and Representatives in Congress don't seem inclined to investigate this Administrations connections to Russia.
.
The most disturbing is that Republican Senators and Representatives in Congress don't seem inclined to investigate this Administrations connections to Russia.
Sessions ,as would any rational being, interpreted the question as: did he meet with Joseph Stalin.
He gave the only correct answer to that question.
He gave the only correct answer to that question.
Had most of us lied under oath, we would have been prosecuted. Sessions did that and will remain the top law enforcement officer for the nation without sanction of any kind.
3
Let the special counsel be appointed now, and let it be someone totally independent of the administration and totally independent of either party. If Sessions' and others' meetings with Russian operatives were innocent as they all claim, then they and the administration itself have nothing to fear, and in fact, everything to gain by impartial investigations.
2
The most frightening thing about this is that Senator Sessions did not realize immediately that he would have to recuse himself from this matter if he were confirmed as Attorney General.
1
Impeach Jeff Sessions.
Then LOCK HIM UP!
Then LOCK HIM UP!
There's another foreign country that interferes in our politics and elections, but they get a pass plus lots of money each year.
1
I hope that integrity and truth will prevail in this matter. Government cannot be run under corporate style nondisclosure agreements.
7
Trump team motto: Cheat til caught, then lie (under oath, if necessary), just don't get caught.
2
Remember: it wasn't Hillary's fault she wasn't elected. It never is. Dang those Ruskies!
3
"It’s hard to decide what is more disturbing: that so many top officials in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and administration were in contact with the Russian government during and after the campaign, or that they keep neglecting to tell the truth."
for me it's easy-- they keep neglecting to tell the truth. hands down winner.
for me it's easy-- they keep neglecting to tell the truth. hands down winner.
1
If Attorney General reappears before the Senate Judiciary committee, the questions are: Will duly elected Senator Elizabeth Warren again be barred from taking part in the questioning os Attorney General Sessions? And as Attorney General Sessions is no longer a senator under what rule can duly elected Senator Warren be barred from questioning former Senator Sessions?
1
Obviously, Jeff Sessions has given up memory for Lent.
It is extraordinarily troubling that Sessions, up to the last possible moment, declared himself fit to lead investigations on the matter of the Trump campaign's collusion with Russia in cheating Hillary Clinton out of victory in the 2016 election, while he was (to put it generously) potentially part of the problem.
3
Power corrupts, and absolute power (Presidency, Congress) corrupts absolutely.
1
It is probably appropriate that a President who lies has aides who lie also, but it still makes me sick.
2
Exactly what won't the GOP put up with from its elected party members?
3
Mr. Sessions had a choice.....to say to Trump "I don't think meeting with the Russians is a good idea, may cause problems".
1
If only the GOP held their members to the same standards that they do Democrats.
3
It should not surprise anyone that so many members of the Trump administration "keep neglecting to tell the truth." They are simply following their leader's example.
1
Barely a month in and already the calls for a Special Prosecutor are deafening. Expecting Jeff Sessions to do the right thing, and by extension his boss, is beyond naive. Sessions will have to be perp-walked out of the DOJ and early indications are that he just might be.
What I find interesting is that Sessions said that up to three staffers, paid with our tax dollars, were in the meeting with him and the ambassador. Where have they been the last few months? Still up and taking nourishment and paid by us, or run over by a car?
The House of Trump will fall, just like a house built on sand. He does not care to know the truth, does not care about the comings-on in his administration, and cares only about family enrichment. Soon enough, those vectors will collide.
2
I was no where near Cleveland.
One thing that bothers me - even if one is willing to give Mr. Sessions the benefit of the doubt for not "answering Senator Franken's question more accurately," did he not take the time and think about his answer to the same question in his written testimony?
To prove perjury one must prove intent, and that is difficult in oral testimony, but surely a Senator and nominee for Attorney General answers has intent in written statements.
To prove perjury one must prove intent, and that is difficult in oral testimony, but surely a Senator and nominee for Attorney General answers has intent in written statements.
1
Recall the change to the Republican Party's plank on Ukraine announced at the Republican convention, attributed to the team Trump, and which by all accounts party leaders rolled over on. I don't recall any similar announcement of changes to the U.S.'s Russian policy at past conventions by either party. Highly unlikely that no one at team Trump was talking to the Russians about this before or during the convention. Who on the Trump team brokered the change with party leaders, who on the Trump team was behind the change and of course, why was this on the radar at all during the convention?
When all is said and done this entire scandal will make Watergate look like cheating on a pop quiz by third graders.
1
Nothing, but nothing, matters except whether the Russians are positioning to, or are already, influencing or directing US policy. An investigation is needed. We are under attack all the time, in cyber space, in challenges to our foreign policy, and we need to know if these attacks have begun succeeding. Is there no party left who will protect and defend the US against all enemies foreign and domestic?
1
I'd just like to know at what point does Donald Trump, himself, be held accountable for his continuous lying, mistruths and knowingly misrepresenting the facts.
How long can the Republican Leadership of Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan obstruct and ignore the facts?
How long can the Republican Leadership of Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan obstruct and ignore the facts?
3
It is hard to decide which is more disturbing.
It is not hard to decide which is more important to security clearances and government work. Mendacity and prevarication no matter how inconsequential you may think it to be, make anyone unsuitable for the work as they cannot be trusted.
It is not hard to decide which is more important to security clearances and government work. Mendacity and prevarication no matter how inconsequential you may think it to be, make anyone unsuitable for the work as they cannot be trusted.
1
Sessions lied -- he lied by omission -- he lied under oath and again soon after. What else is there to say except that he should resign (in the disgrace he deserves)?
3
The problem with all this is that the Russians now have leverage over Trump. No matter what really happened, it is clear that some of Trump's surrogates talked to Russians during and after the election. Now the Russians are in the positions of being "witnesses" and they could say anything. They could say Trump's surrogates offered a quid pro quo whether they did or not. They can now blackmail Trump regardless of what really happened, because if the Russians decide to tell the world that Trump offered collusion, it doesn't matter the truth, he'd be done. At the very least, this put Trump in a compromised position. Sessions has to go!
2
He had a choice: Resign, or recuse and face perjury charges as well as possible treason charges.
He made the wrong choice.
He made the wrong choice.
1
Lets not use words like "failing to disclose facts" or "neglecting to tell the truth". What Mr.Sessions did way LYING UNDER OATH, plain and simple. If common folk face consequences for lying under oath, then so should Mr.Sessions.
3
Can the republicans find a special prosecutor acceptable to them who hasn't had questionable contact with the Russians?
Russian this, Russian that--what I do know is that the goal of any intelligence unit is to destabilize governments rendering them impotent. You don't actually have to do anything; you only have to create enough doubt and in that the Russians have succeeded beyond their wildest expectations. They are building on their success in the US with actions in Western Europe and that combination will enable them to do things on the international scene that would've seemed unthinkable just 6 months ago.
1
The strangest part of the entire Russian affair is that we have all seen the video of candidate Trump encouraging the hackers to attack US servers and release potentially confidential emails. That is a crime as obvious and open as shooting someone on 5th Avenue. And, he didn't lose a single vote.
Senator Sessions dishonestly responded to Senator Franken's questions while under oath. He was not confused. After the debacle surrounding Flynn unfolded, he clearly understood what the outcome would be if "the facts" were revealed. If he had recused himself from the very beginning, none of this would be an issue. Due to his connection to the Trump political campaign and his meeting with the Russian diplomat he had no business heading the ongoing investigation. It doesn't matter if one is a Republican or a Democrat, intentional misuse of power is unacceptable. Mr. Sessions is aware of this. What alarms me most is my observation that President Trump is not cognizant of how power has been misused. This whole scenario has nothing to do with "fake news" or the Democratic Party saving face re: the 2017 Election. It has to do with abuse of power. I encourage all Republican and Democratic political leaders to join together to put an end to this type of nefarious action. All of you serve the American People.
The editorial should have mentioned that Mr. Nunes himself was part of the Trump transition team, and may himself be a compromised actor. Now he's bent on sweeping things under the rug as quickly as he can bang the gavel in the committee. The coverup is in full swing!
1
Is a lie under oath to one senator not a lie under oath to the entire senate and therefore a blatant lie to the American people.
I demand President Trump fire Sessions, he is unfit for the job.
Who's running this country anyway?
I demand President Trump fire Sessions, he is unfit for the job.
Who's running this country anyway?
1
America's top law enforcement official commits purgery and our President is fine with him.
1
Suspicion has now turned into fact.There is a Russian connection that Trump & his cohorts are trying to push under the rug. When Flynn & Sessions both tried to deny contact with the Russians there has to be a devastating reason for denying something that is a normal procedure that officials are constantly involved in.One can only conclude that Russia was involved in helping Trump win the election, by hacking Clinton.Beyond that ,may be business deals that Trump has with Putin, which may be one of the reasons that Trump will not disclose his Tax Returns.Whatever it is,the plot is thickening day by day, & may spell the end of the Trump Presidency.
2
The Russian's plan is working marvelously. Their candidate of choice is installed in the White House, and the Democrats are now doing everything they can to undermine the success of American government risking the greatest instability in our country in a generation. Hopefully we will survive in spite of the Democrats witless complicity in Russia's plan. (Whether Trump or his supporters were complicit is much less clear.)
Keep up the good work.
Keep up the good work.
2
Trump, "ok Sessions your it, everybody run."
1
Can you imagine for a second if Obama's (or Hillary Clinton's) AG had blatantly lied under oath during his/her confirmation? Do yo think reps would have sat idle and agreed for the AG to recuse herself? This is way more important than Monicagate because it undermines our democracy. Patriots of both side should unite and request an independent investigation to get to the bottom of this Russian affair. When will reps break ranks with this administration and stand for protecting the republic?
2
Many, many thanks to the New York Times for the crucial investigative work you are doing into the Trump connections with Russians of every stripe before, during and after the recent presidential campaign. I am grateful. Please keep up your important work.
4
Follow the money. What is lurking within Trump's tax returns?
4
The question presented to Jeff Sessions during his Senate Confirmation Hearing was very clear and specific. However, his response to the question was not clear, and not been specific to the question.
We are grateful to the ever vigilant media. If this news regarding Sessions meeting with the Russian Ambassador was not brought to light by the media, no one would ever know about this story that is generating so much controversy and concerns.
First it was Michael Flynn, the former Security Advisor, and now it is Sessions. What else is there we are not aware of?
As pointed out in this Opinion Page, Mr. Sessions's recusal should not close the file. it is important to see the appointment of a Special Counsel. This is the only way to insure an impartial investigation and seek all the facts which the public is entitled to know.
We are grateful to the ever vigilant media. If this news regarding Sessions meeting with the Russian Ambassador was not brought to light by the media, no one would ever know about this story that is generating so much controversy and concerns.
First it was Michael Flynn, the former Security Advisor, and now it is Sessions. What else is there we are not aware of?
As pointed out in this Opinion Page, Mr. Sessions's recusal should not close the file. it is important to see the appointment of a Special Counsel. This is the only way to insure an impartial investigation and seek all the facts which the public is entitled to know.
1
Sessions was lying to the committee, it's merely the 'alternate truth'. Soon we'll all learn how to understand what we are hearing@!
The Republican leadership is not likely to budge on giving up control (and thereby limiting the scope of any investigation severely) of the Trump/Russian inquiry. Why?: Arrogance and evil intention lead to evil actions. The only hope we have as a nation is that enough of the voters see through this pattern of evil control to dilute the power of the Republicans in the voting booth. I imagine the Koch brothers spend a lot to keep that from happening.;
1
I find this all so disgusting. The American people have a right and need to know what was/is going on with Russia. There are too many unconnected dots. It shouldn't have taken Sessions this long to recuse himself, and the fact that the GOP is trying to block a bipartisan investigation is unacceptable.
Sessions recused himself because the pressure was too great. But this is a sham. Sessions is still the boss and he can give orders or let it be known through the grape vine that the FBI should drag their feet. The Republicans are already shutting down investigations---at least in their minds. There may be little hope that the truth will prevail. We are in the Trump era of liars and cheaters. So much for the 'law and order' president. Our system of government has now been taken over by the lawless wall street tycoons, including Trump, to drive our country to ruin.
6
This may be a little personal, but looking at the photo of Mr. Sessions that accompanies this article, I get the same feeling I get when I see Mitch McConnell. Out of touch and oblivious.
1
Why is this editorial not calling for Sessions resignation? I am perplexed. He needs to go.
1
We only know of two meetings with the Russian ambassador. There could be more and they could be with other Russian operatives. Others in the Trump circle also met with the Russians like Jared Kushner. They'd like people to believe that it was all innocent but in light of the Russian hacking of the DNC and the Russians efforts to get Trump elected those meetings don't look like innocent meetings with a foreign government who also just happens to be one of our biggest adversaries. You didn't see the Russians making nice with members of the Clinton campaign. If their goal was to improve relations with the incoming government they would have sent emissaries to both campaigns. Trump and his henchmen are guilty of treason.
1
How far will the REPUBLICANS go to realize their agenda? Their propensity to compromise their self-righteous morality is taking on habitual regularity. At what point will Americans make them "own" the very nature that they condemn but are clearly unwilling to reject. The REPUBLICAN PARTY IS increasingly identifying itself as the party willing to prostitute itself for its agenda. So far they have embraced perjury, immorality, slander, bigotry, sexism, hatred, and deceit to name a few. For a party that sees itself owning the moral high ground, it is doing everything in its power to change its image. The heights of its hypocrisy are clear to the outside world, but I wonder about the average American. When will it end?
1
Trump needs to dump Sessions now. This guy has a history of overt racism, and now he obviously lied to Congress under oath during his confirmation. He now has no credibility and is 1 more disaster in the pitiful Trump cabinet.
1
I'm obviously distressed over having Trump as president and all that has gone on, but my real fear and anger are directed at (in addition to learning there are at least 60 million Americans who apparently could not see how troubled and unfit Donald Trump was to be president and voted for him) Republicans. Not that we didn't know it, but Republicans have now glaringly exposed themselves for the toxic, politically partisan, unAmerican hypocrites they are. They have conducted investigation after investigation of Democrats they wanted to do away with or whose elections they wanted to undo or prevent. A ten-year-old, already litigated land deal, including replacing the special prosecutor when the first (Fisk) didn't tell them what they wanted to hear (hence, Ken Starr); a non-perjurious fib, told in an actual witch hunt, over a private, consensual affair, leading to impeachment and the near reversal of a legal election; a terrorist attack against the US in order to destroy the president and SOS, versus Democrats who rallied behind Pres. Bush after 9/11, despite the recent very bitter "election"; the racist birtherism directed against Obama; calling Iraq war dissenters "traitors" and "America Haters/Troop haters/Saddam Lovers"...
But here they are dismissing actual and serious threats to the US and our democracy. The GOP is corrupt and unfit to lead.
But here they are dismissing actual and serious threats to the US and our democracy. The GOP is corrupt and unfit to lead.
3
Jefferson Davis Beauregard Sessions lied and we all know it. He lied because he had no choice. He could not tell Senator Franken the truth. That would have led to further questions about his ability to serve as the nation's top cop. He can't and should never have been nominated. It is yet but another one of Trump's "tremendous" blunders to reward supporters by offering them jobs in his administration they have no business being in. Trump has put in an assortment of dunderheads into Cabinet post which they are hellbent on dismantling, making inefficient and then calling for their removal. Anyone who accepts a job with Trump should beware. The Dems know how stupid Trump and are using him to pick away one by one Trump's team. The Dems are going to make Trump spend more time trying to defend his Cabinet and his conflicts of interests which are abundant than governing. God forbid we let Trump enact any of his evil legislative initiatives. Trump is a clear and present danger to democracy as we know it and the very existence of this nation. Together with the best investigative journalists of the The Times and the Wash Post Trump will be brought down a peg or two at a time. Before long he will be the earliest lame duck president in history. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
If the country really wants to get to the bottom of this scurrilous nonsense from the Trump administration, then appoint Preet Bharaha as the Independent Counsel. Let him run the investigation, and it will be sure to uncover each and every detail of wrongdoing. It is not possible to intimidate him, and he will not back down about anything, including any refusal to cooperate from the FBI. He will get to the truth.
But do it now, before the new Deputy AG can be confirmed. Let Dana Boente make this decision.
But do it now, before the new Deputy AG can be confirmed. Let Dana Boente make this decision.
3
It's a good day for democracy when politicians are called up for lying. And, notably, it was not any formal investigative body of Congress or the FBI that provided the catalyst for Sessions' recuse; it was the actions of the previous Executive branch.
Recuse: to excuse oneself from a case because of a possible conflict of interest or lack of impartiality (Merriam-Webster).
Conflicts of interest?! If that's why Sessions had to recuse himself, let's hold that standard to the man in the White House.
I place my hopes on the individual lawyers who have spoken out and on groups as the Center for American Progress to go forward with their position that Trump's blatant, unconstitutional conflicts of interests, inherently, jeopardize the democracy and security of our United States. Since Trump will not place his considerable, international, private investments aside to be just President, he is unfit for that office.
Recuse: to excuse oneself from a case because of a possible conflict of interest or lack of impartiality (Merriam-Webster).
Conflicts of interest?! If that's why Sessions had to recuse himself, let's hold that standard to the man in the White House.
I place my hopes on the individual lawyers who have spoken out and on groups as the Center for American Progress to go forward with their position that Trump's blatant, unconstitutional conflicts of interests, inherently, jeopardize the democracy and security of our United States. Since Trump will not place his considerable, international, private investments aside to be just President, he is unfit for that office.
2
So far, Mr. "I hire only the best people" has hired two ~ Flynn & Sessions ~ who apparently don't know something even my cat knows: the US monitors the comings and goings, and the phone calls, of foreign officers who are in our country. Especially those from hostile nations.
My advice to anyone else in Drumpf's circle who met with Russians: Don't bother lying about it, our intel guys already know you did.
My advice to anyone else in Drumpf's circle who met with Russians: Don't bother lying about it, our intel guys already know you did.
3
The Washington Post cut and pasted a transcript of AG Sessions to make it look like he had lied about his Russian dealings. That is a fact. There was no reason for him to recuse himself. It is beyond disturbing to watch the media attempt to take down an administration. It is time for people who read the headlines to educate themselves. It is easy to see what happened here. AG Sessions is a good man who will do a good job. I guess that is why he is on the media hit list.
The transition form partisan politician to attorney general must be difficult. Sessions is no longer allowed to participate in senatorial fact-bending.
Sessions has played this very well. He has been loyal to Trump through the campaign and his appointment. Now he has distanced himself from the Russiagate treason. Importantly, he has witnesses for his conversations with the Russian Ambassador who will clear him of any wrong doing. He will be quite comfortable with Pence as President after the resignation of Trump. House of Cards holds nothing over the reality tv of the downfall of Trump.
5
The way this is going has turned me from a mild skeptic to hard line proponent of a special prosecutor. Flynn and Sessions conveniently forgot contacts with Russia. Kushner's been silent about his. "No Russian investors" then a video comes out bragging about Russian investors. "Don't know Putin" then a video comes out bragging about his relationship with Putin. And now, the loudest voices against a special prosecutor are those in the GOP who've been briefed to some extent about what's known so far. Why lie if nothing untoward went on?
If nothing really bad is out there, why such vehemence about keeping it quiet? What do they know that has them so frightened about disclosure? Why act guilty if you're not?
The behavior alone screams for a special prosecutor. Get rid of the partisan stink from both sides of the aisle.
If nothing really bad is out there, why such vehemence about keeping it quiet? What do they know that has them so frightened about disclosure? Why act guilty if you're not?
The behavior alone screams for a special prosecutor. Get rid of the partisan stink from both sides of the aisle.
Man, a bald-faced lie under oath. That sure looks like perjury. But apparently Republicans don't care when Republicans commit felonies.
3
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
1
Sessions had no choice, but now Congressional Republics do. They can either stand up against an unethical member of the Trump Administration and call for resignation and strongly pursue investigation into Russian contacts, or they can turn a blind eye toward the pursuit of truth and justice.
Richard Painter states strongly elsewhere on NYT pages that Sessions must go and the most top commenter does as well.
Richard Painter states strongly elsewhere on NYT pages that Sessions must go and the most top commenter does as well.
1
Mr Sessions split a hair or two pretty finely in his recusal. Stellar blade-work like that just doesn't go unnoticed.
2
We know that lies and alternative facts are are acceptable within this administration, so long as they further their agenda. And since our republican Congress will not serve as a check on these, it is incumbent on the (failing) media and citizen protests to call them out. To the enemy of the people, I say thank you.
1
"They keep neglecting to tell the truth"? I hoped we were going to go forward calling a lie a lie.
1
I'm not sure which is more bizarre: that in 2017 our chief legal officer was once a proponent of segregation or that he's being asked questions by Al Franken, whose name I can't say without picturing him in front of a mirror on SNL. What a truly odd time we live in.
2
If these officials were in contact with Brits... that would be OK.
This begs the question why is Russia the enemy? Is it because the military industrial complex needs it to be so that they continue to fleece the American Tax Payer?
This begs the question why is Russia the enemy? Is it because the military industrial complex needs it to be so that they continue to fleece the American Tax Payer?
2
The beginning of the end of an ignominious administration.
The country needs to understand why a political campaign felt that its top operatives needed to talk to the Russians while they were trying to win a close election. The fact that the candidate had clear (as yet unrevealed) business interests there, and that Russia is engaged in efforts that are against our interests, like undermining the unity of Europe, should concern all of us, even the most partisan Republicans. What were they talking about, and why?
11
Sessions' meetings with the Russian ambassador were not in secret so why lie and say you didn't meet with any Russians when it would be so easy to disprove? Most likely it was a mistake on his part. Good that he's recusing himself from the investigation, but there is major partisanship at work with these calls for his immediate resignation.
Plausible deniability is an ethical position until it's no longer plausible. The time for a special prosecutor has long since passed.
1
Anything to protect the Trump administration...all ultimately to reduce taxes for the wealthy. We have become a sick society.
1
Partisan politics justifies that a person who brazenly lied under oath need only correct the Congressional record and make a hollow gesture to forgive his sin of omission.
Having now been caught, he needs only to suggest that he'll now disclose what he failed to disclosed on two occasions via two sworn statements.
This is the top lawyer of our nation, our attorney general. No political party should stoop so low as to look the other way at this transgression of fundamental trust in a position demanding the highest standard possible.
Having now been caught, he needs only to suggest that he'll now disclose what he failed to disclosed on two occasions via two sworn statements.
This is the top lawyer of our nation, our attorney general. No political party should stoop so low as to look the other way at this transgression of fundamental trust in a position demanding the highest standard possible.
3
What is so worrying is not the mendacity, as many politicians are mendacious to some degree, but the sheer ineptitude of an administration which could bring the world's greatest economy to its knees and reduce civilisation to radioactive ash and glass.
Trump's entire administration is malign and destructive in thought and deed.
Trump's entire administration is malign and destructive in thought and deed.
Isaiah Berlin’s oft misquoted essay on negative and positive freedoms deserves more attention than the mere use of the two terms. The major problem is in the idea of positive freedom. Colloquially, this is the freedom to navigate to a positive outcome. Berlin thought this freedom to be a necessary freedom, yet he was troubled by it. The resources available to a dictator give the incumbent almost unbridled positive freedom. The poor have little outcome freedom. Berlin admitted that he could not define limits on this freedom as he did with negative freedom.
Donald Trump, his minions and Cabinet secretaries clearly see themselves unburdened by any thoughts of constraints on their positive freedoms. They lie like thieves and get away with it—unless the lies are to each other. Tomorrow, noon will become midnight, and vice versa. This will lead Trump to have lighting installed on all of his golf courses. Naturally, the relevant governments will pay for the installations. Not a peep will be issued by the Congress in this conflict of interest case. And, just think, Trump will have any of his courses available to him all ‘night’. The justification for it all will be that he will need a much smaller Secret Service detail on the course since there will be no one else around with the exception of the spooning couples behind the trees seeking their own outcome freedom.
Hello Big Brother.
Donald Trump, his minions and Cabinet secretaries clearly see themselves unburdened by any thoughts of constraints on their positive freedoms. They lie like thieves and get away with it—unless the lies are to each other. Tomorrow, noon will become midnight, and vice versa. This will lead Trump to have lighting installed on all of his golf courses. Naturally, the relevant governments will pay for the installations. Not a peep will be issued by the Congress in this conflict of interest case. And, just think, Trump will have any of his courses available to him all ‘night’. The justification for it all will be that he will need a much smaller Secret Service detail on the course since there will be no one else around with the exception of the spooning couples behind the trees seeking their own outcome freedom.
Hello Big Brother.
2
Tax returns NOW.
3
Beauregard committed perjury.
2
Recusal isn't sufficient for Jeff Sessions. Nothing but his resignation as our Attorney General will cut the mustard.
2
Republicans in Congress will choose Party Over Country.
Just like the last 8 years.
Just like their constituency wants.
Just like the last 8 years.
Just like their constituency wants.
2
I hope everyone notices that all Republicans have called for is for Sessions to recuse himself. Even if Sessions resigned, it would still be relatively meaningless, since in both cases a loyal No. 2 would take over the Justice Department "investigation" into this parade of Trump officials--and indeed the President himself--who have had questionable dealings and meetings with Russians. At the bottom of all of this are the big questions: Why would the President act like this? And what are his financial ties, if any, with Russian banks that generally act as an arm of the Putin government?
A Session recusal does nothing to address this investigation. If this whole Russia mess does not qualify as cause for appointing a Special Prosecutor, then we might as well burn all our copies of the Constitution.
A Session recusal does nothing to address this investigation. If this whole Russia mess does not qualify as cause for appointing a Special Prosecutor, then we might as well burn all our copies of the Constitution.
1
Keeping on my mother's hat--rather than the hat of outraged citizen I've been wearing lately--how can we possibly now point to the leaders of our government as role models? Even now, children know the cherry tree story, which ends in the tag line "I cannot tell a lie."
How is it possible that an Attorney General, whose mandate is to uphold the truth, stay in office if he lied under oath? To have to recuse himself from this investigation is to acknowledge that he does not have the trust of the country and his colleagues: if he has lost that trust, it is imperative for him to resign, as it will be impossible now to trust his word about anything.
Those are the consequences.
How is it possible that an Attorney General, whose mandate is to uphold the truth, stay in office if he lied under oath? To have to recuse himself from this investigation is to acknowledge that he does not have the trust of the country and his colleagues: if he has lost that trust, it is imperative for him to resign, as it will be impossible now to trust his word about anything.
Those are the consequences.
1
Sessions had to go for not being forthcoming.
Such a meetings meeting would not have been an issue if the Democrats would not have raised the profile of Russia for the loss in the elections. Something nobody has been proven.
Apparently now, if you studied geography in school and mentioned Russia, now that is a problem.
All I can say is that politically, what goes around, comes around.
Such a meetings meeting would not have been an issue if the Democrats would not have raised the profile of Russia for the loss in the elections. Something nobody has been proven.
Apparently now, if you studied geography in school and mentioned Russia, now that is a problem.
All I can say is that politically, what goes around, comes around.
1
"...that so many top officials in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and administration were in contact with the Russian government during and after the campaign, or that they keep neglecting to tell the truth."
What is even more disturbing than either is that both combined are prima facile evidence of a well laid conspiracy and an ongoing effort to cover it up. Time to start flipping a few witnesses with indictments carrying long jail sentences, Sessions, Flynn, Kushner, Ross, Page, and get to the bottom of this scandal.
What is even more disturbing than either is that both combined are prima facile evidence of a well laid conspiracy and an ongoing effort to cover it up. Time to start flipping a few witnesses with indictments carrying long jail sentences, Sessions, Flynn, Kushner, Ross, Page, and get to the bottom of this scandal.
1
May I ask, why isn't the ENTIRE Senate outraged that "one of their own" gave, at the least, inaccurate, and, more likely, perjured testimony in order to gain confirmation to a highly sensitive, powerful, and critical Cabinet position. Why aren't McConnell and his loyal Republicans affronted that Sessions lied to them?
Have they no decency? (gotta say, I'd faint if they did express outrage, but, surely decency cries for outrage)
Have they no decency? (gotta say, I'd faint if they did express outrage, but, surely decency cries for outrage)
3
Recusal? Sorry I thought perjury was a felony. Criminal prosecution of Sessions is in order.
2
Special prosecutor, maybe, maybe not. There is -so far- really not much evidence that Trump's fools were more than stupid in meeting with Putin's lackeys.
By contrast, insistence on Trump releasing his tax returns, and putting his business empire into a true arms length trust, are imperatives.
By contrast, insistence on Trump releasing his tax returns, and putting his business empire into a true arms length trust, are imperatives.
I am not a Trump supporter. But in claiming that AG Sessions was untruthful at his confirmation hearing, you are guilty of the same distortion of the truth with which you accuse Sessions and the Trump administration. The precise question from Senator Franken (which you conveniently left out of your editorial) was what would Sessions do if he found out that persons “affiliated with the [Trump] campaign” had talked to the Russians “during the campaign.” Do you honestly believe that Franken was asking Sessions what he would do if he found out that someone from the Trump campaign had talked to any Russian about anything? He obviously was asking what Sessions would do if he found out that there were discussions about the campaign itself.
Sessions’ non-response (he did not say what he would do) was that he personally might qualify as someone affiliated with the campaign and he had no such discussions.
Now I get that you and many others (I am one of them)opposed the confirmation of Sessions as Attorney General for many reasons and that you believe that Sessions did speak to the Russians about the campaign. If that turns out to be the case then he should resign. But declaring that Sessions should resign based entirely on his response to Senator Franken’s question is plain old witch-hunting.
Sessions’ non-response (he did not say what he would do) was that he personally might qualify as someone affiliated with the campaign and he had no such discussions.
Now I get that you and many others (I am one of them)opposed the confirmation of Sessions as Attorney General for many reasons and that you believe that Sessions did speak to the Russians about the campaign. If that turns out to be the case then he should resign. But declaring that Sessions should resign based entirely on his response to Senator Franken’s question is plain old witch-hunting.
The hypocrisy and incompetence of this administration is terrifying. They are without ethics or morals. Goodbye to the United States as a respected player on the world stage.
1
Sessions should just come right out and admit what he and the Russian ambassador talked about: their grandchildren. Hey, it worked for his predecessor on the tarmac, it should work here. If memory serves, that "pop-in hello" didn't constitute a meeting, either.
it is most curious that Sessions chose to lie about something he didn't have to lie about. It seems that Trump et al, had no idea how US intelligence works and were sure that no one would be monitoring Russian assets, believing that their contacts would go unnoticed. Even I know that ambassadors, etc are monitored. Their actions speak of ignorance and idiocy, which is no surprise.
1
"...the president fired Michael Flynn, his national security adviser, for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with the Russian ambassador."
It's been said here before but it bears repeating - the president fired Flynn because he got caught by the press. Trump knew about the lying long before the truth came out to the public. A subtle but important nuance.
It's been said here before but it bears repeating - the president fired Flynn because he got caught by the press. Trump knew about the lying long before the truth came out to the public. A subtle but important nuance.
1
Sessions perjured himself by lying under oath. I hope the same lawyers who have recommended disbarment and discipline against Ms Conway for lying, do the same for Mr Sessions. Perhaps the ABA will be able to do what the cowardly, craven GOP won't.
2
How can anyone going forth believe anything this administration or Donald Trump says as being the truth, it's been a continually trend of lying and not admitting anything until it is leaked out, then they admit it as having happened.
I've never ever seen an administration that continually lies or says things untrue as this one, and Donald Trump is alright with that, this cannot stand as protocol.
Donald Trump treats a free press with disdain and is not only completely untrustworthy and a pathological liar, he may end up being the most corrupt man to ever claim the oval office, a real disgrace to this country.
I've never ever seen an administration that continually lies or says things untrue as this one, and Donald Trump is alright with that, this cannot stand as protocol.
Donald Trump treats a free press with disdain and is not only completely untrustworthy and a pathological liar, he may end up being the most corrupt man to ever claim the oval office, a real disgrace to this country.
2
It seems Trump is correct.
Crime is on the rise in America.
Most of it stems from his appointees.
Crime is on the rise in America.
Most of it stems from his appointees.
4
Do you remember the days when John Adams defended the British soldiers accused of murder in the Boston Massacre? So strongly did he believe in the rule of law and the importance of the courts that he risked his own practice and his reputation to preserve them.
Today we have a president who calls the press the enemy of the people and an attorney general who lies so frequently and so effortlessly that he does it even when there's no reason to. When I look at Sessions standing in front of that image of the DOJ building, and I think of what justice once meant in America, it really makes me wonder where this will all end.
Today we have a president who calls the press the enemy of the people and an attorney general who lies so frequently and so effortlessly that he does it even when there's no reason to. When I look at Sessions standing in front of that image of the DOJ building, and I think of what justice once meant in America, it really makes me wonder where this will all end.
There has been more than a little bit of smoke over the past year regarding communications between the Russian government and members of Mr. Trump's political entourage. Because of it - even though we may find nothing of important consequence in the end - we should continue to look for sparks or even fire: too much is at stake. I imagine many Americans are waiting for the outcome of the FBI investigation; I know I am.
1
What exactly is the job of Congress? This continued back stabbing on both sides makes this country look like a third world country looking for reasons to start a putsch everytime a new government is elected. How about doing their jobs which is to debate and pass well vetted policies that will benefit their constituents not play these Machiavellian games.
3
Hooray for investigative journalism. Keep up the good work.
7
The editorial board accuses and is critical of Jeff Sessions for not disclosing his meetings. Yet, the board itself, has not bothered to mention that the question poses by Al Franken was not if he had any meetings, but, rather, did you meet with the Russians as a surrogate for the Trump campaign. How hypocritical of the board - in its traditional approach to fashioning the news to its own views by omission of critical facts. Sessions answered the question as posed to him. Every lawyer I have ever interacted with in my 40+ years in business has instructed me to only answer the question posed and to never add any more details that are not necessary. It would not have hurt if he made a fuller disclosure since it appears from every source that has commented on this matter that Sessions had nothing to hide in the first place. Unless he is now lying about the nature of his meetings with the Russian ambassador this is nothing more than a witch hunt to smear the name of a good person. To what extreme standards are we going to hold good people? He was well liked and respected by democrats until he was appointed. Is there no end to the vicious extremes some people will go to in the interest of fanning the flames hated simply because you cannot tolerate differing viewpoints?
3
Jeff Sessions' even holding his job is a slap in the face of all non-white, non-Christian, non-heterosexual, disabled, aged Americans. That we are even considering whether he should resign is a national disgrace.
Sessions is not fit for office, as recent disclosures magnify.
Sessions is not fit for office, as recent disclosures magnify.
1
"Neglecting to tell the truth" under oath or contemptuous dishonesty? The president says "it's a total witch hunt", so move along.
When has Sessions met 1 on 1 with the Russian ambassador before he was a Trump supporter? Misremembering his (only) 1 on 1 with the Russian ambassador raises competence as well as trust issues.
When has Sessions met 1 on 1 with the Russian ambassador before he was a Trump supporter? Misremembering his (only) 1 on 1 with the Russian ambassador raises competence as well as trust issues.
1
The Democrat political strategy of "Trump resistance",which seems endorsed by The Times, has promoted the following wave of inspiring Democrat leaders and bipartisan policies : NONE.
Trump's election victory was a rejection of career politicians fueled by government paralysis.
If a group of politicians accomplish nothing of value for their constituents,they are useless and should be thrown out of office.
That is true for Democrats and Republicans.
Trump's election victory was a rejection of career politicians fueled by government paralysis.
If a group of politicians accomplish nothing of value for their constituents,they are useless and should be thrown out of office.
That is true for Democrats and Republicans.
1
We must not leave any choice for Trump to resign. Republicans can redeem themselves if they demand Trump's tax returns, something they should have done during the primaries. Absent that demand, Republicans should wear their loyalty to the most incompetent, most unfit, most corrupt President in history.
My six year grandson asked unprompted "What should you do when a president lies?" I guess the answer today would be; "Same as the attorney general, nothing." I wish my grandchildren had better role models in the news to grow up with.
'... or that they keep neglecting to tell the truth.' Call it what it is: a lie.
3
Russia's ambassador appears to be the busiest diplomat in Washington. My goodness, this man probably met with more Trump campaign operatives than probably Donald Trump himself! And I bet the only thing they discussed were the sweet little messages of encouragement Vladimir Putin was sending his pal Trump. After all, so far every single one of these operatives when caught describe those discussions as "superficial."
Who'd be the happiest person in all of this? Nixon. At least he didn't involve a foreign power. Watergate will become the second biggest scandal in a American politics, happily knocked from its infamous perch.
Even though this time in this office has been short, the words of Cromwell dismissing Parliament still apply here: "In the name of God, go. You have sat too long and done no good."
First Flynn. Now Sessions. If Comey does his job properly he will peel back this fetid onion and expose this entire Trump operation as corrupt. Isn't it ironic that it was Trump who was whining about a rigged election? The death knell for Sessions was Trump's remark "totally" when asked if he supports Sessions. He also said he had complete confidence in Flynn hours before he cashiered him. The wheels are coming off the Trump wagon. Once the dots are connected, I would be shocked if Trump is not implicated in this rigged election.
There goes that nasty ol' news media, "the enemy of the people," telling the truth again to President Puff N Stuff or as he calls it, fake news. With an enemy like that, the truth does have some friends.
Jeff Sessions is a senator who lied under oath to another senator on the floor of the senate.
Then he repeated the lie in writing to another senator.
Why must he not resign?
Why must the senate be nice to him?
Then he repeated the lie in writing to another senator.
Why must he not resign?
Why must the senate be nice to him?
Sessions lied under oath, that's called perjury for anyone else, why not for this bad fool? And especially for an AG!
After living in the South for a couple of years, I learned to back away when salesmen smile while they're trying to pitch a deal. It's a mannerism that's a red flag for potential dishonesty. Now I look for people who smile when they greet you, but are serious when discussing facts and figures.
Watch Sessions. Very few facts with that one.
Watch Sessions. Very few facts with that one.
1
So when are we going to see Trump's tax returns – as he promised.
Oh wait – I guess he was just lying again.
Oh wait – I guess he was just lying again.
How do you say "the Sessions sessions" in Russian?
It's obvious millionaire American oligarchs, from trump on down, are involved in Putin's gravy train.
I think every Republican, including trump, who says there is "no there, there", should reveal their tax returns.
I think every Republican, including trump, who says there is "no there, there", should reveal their tax returns.
I don't see where all this is a problem. The real take away is that PT is getting what he loves. More people viewing his new show "Make America Great Again" than "The Apprentice"! Isn't that the main goal of being president? Viewers and ratings. Maybe the government can run ads during speeches to help pay for healthcare and the national debt. Jeff Sessions, Mike Flynn, they are just guests helping to bring in the audiences for the host...
"Denial", "Caught between his words and the truth", "Neglecting to tell the truth". I would like to suggest a simple, more accurate term to describe what Jeff Sessions is engaged in. The word is LYING.
There is a desperate need for an Independent Prosecutor. This is much too serious to be left to Session's underlings.
How many people really believe that Trump didn't know about Sessions' contacts with the Russians? And Flynn's? And Manafort's? This is beyond credulous -- it is willful blindness. Trump certainly received help from Russia to win the election, and with each passing day, it is becoming clearer that his campaign either colluded, conspired, coordinated, and/or assisted with the acts of cyberwar carried out by Russia on our democracy. This should be the greatest outrage, the biggest scandal, in American political history. Period. If this doesn't turn into a Watergate-style commission, the public will never believe in their government again.
2
If "there's no there there", then why was Russia the only country this pack of wolves descended on? Relations with other countries are just as important, but none of these puppets made contact or had meetings with any other country. So, why the intense focus on Russia only? Definitely begs for an investigation.
1
My English teachers taught me to not use more than one word when one will do.
"or that they keep neglecting to tell the truth" should read, "or that they keep lying."
"or that they keep neglecting to tell the truth" should read, "or that they keep lying."
4
So, "misleading" Mike Pence will get you fired, but lying to the American people (POTUS at the very least) or under oath (Sessions, even worse coming from the chief law enforcement officer of the United States) won't? inappropriate contacts with a known enemy of the United States won't? Is it only me who sees that as a problem?
It would make for a long day, but perhaps we could get Mike Pence to review their days with all cabinet members and random other members of the administration on a rotating basis each evening. Then, if they mislead HIM we have a chance...
It would make for a long day, but perhaps we could get Mike Pence to review their days with all cabinet members and random other members of the administration on a rotating basis each evening. Then, if they mislead HIM we have a chance...
1
Sessions needs to resign - an AG who lied? His smug smile when he denied meeting with the Russians. And now Mike Pence used a private email server and one that was hacked. This is an administration of hacks and liars. Trump lied during his speech to Congress and Republicans cheered. Smug Ryan and Pence - well boys you are caught in a web of deceit. Win by any means and you did - compliments of the Russians. Why did no one pick up on the line"enemies will be friends". The nation is befuddled by social media and lost its ability to reason. And the result is the Buzzsaw Boys in the White House.,
3
By the measure of Mr. Sessions own beliefs, he should be severely punished for perjury. He should resign or be indicted and impeached, and the Democrats should offer no cooperation with the "Justice" Department until he is removed.
"Mr. Sessions is the latest administration official to be caught between his words and the truth on Russia."
Can we please stop with the euphemisms and the pitter patter?
Sessions lied to Congress and to the American people. He lied.
Flynn lied to Pence and to the American people – and was forced to resign (i.e. he was fired). Kellyanne Conway has lied innumerable times. Trump's entire campaign and first 30+ days have been one lie after another.
So can we please stop spinning it. They didn't "misspeak" or present "alternate facts" or "neglect to fully disclose" – they all just lied and they will continue to lie unless the press and the public start calling it what it is.
Can we please stop with the euphemisms and the pitter patter?
Sessions lied to Congress and to the American people. He lied.
Flynn lied to Pence and to the American people – and was forced to resign (i.e. he was fired). Kellyanne Conway has lied innumerable times. Trump's entire campaign and first 30+ days have been one lie after another.
So can we please stop spinning it. They didn't "misspeak" or present "alternate facts" or "neglect to fully disclose" – they all just lied and they will continue to lie unless the press and the public start calling it what it is.
6
It is difficult for me, almost impossible, not to sink to their level, as so much of our culture has since Thump inflicted himself on America, and simply say "Lock him up." But, I don't want to become them or they win, so I won't. But it is hard. Especially when I think about where we would all be if, by a trick of a few votes, this atrocity had lost, and gone back to his harmless television garbage, and let the grown-ups continue with the good work.
2
Let's quit describing Trump and his minions as people who "neglect to tell the truth," and call them what they are — liars.
3
This is a classic problem straight out of agency theory where the agent, Trump, is making decisions in his own best interest rather than in the interest of the principal, the public, which he has been hired to serve.
Complete garbage and fake news. You'd have thought by now that Trump would catch on with the "Flynn scandal" that the institutional left (Obama, et.al.) are doing an Alinsky-job on his cabinet, with the ultimate goal to impeach him.
Flynn should never have resigned. And Sessions should not have recused himself. You feed these beasts, they are never sated.
How many times did The corrupt Holder and Lynch recuse themselves? Zero.
Flynn should never have resigned. And Sessions should not have recused himself. You feed these beasts, they are never sated.
How many times did The corrupt Holder and Lynch recuse themselves? Zero.
1
We need to know:
1. Is the "president" in debt to individuals or entities controlled by Putin?
2. How deep is that debt?
3. What is owed in return?
1. Is the "president" in debt to individuals or entities controlled by Putin?
2. How deep is that debt?
3. What is owed in return?
He looked weak and frazzled. Not a Trump man at all! You know what you have to do Donald: say those magic words!
1
AG Sessions in his conference was something less than fluid, and hence less than perfectly believable. That said there remains little or no there here. He covered his butt well but I don't like to hear an AG say, "I don't recall ..," the classic obfuscatory phrase in both law & politics.
He also looked tired and drawn. Not a robust character to start with, this is not a good sign so short a time into his tenure. No biggie, he's replaceable.
He also looked tired and drawn. Not a robust character to start with, this is not a good sign so short a time into his tenure. No biggie, he's replaceable.
3
I find this whole Russian thing very bazaar. This will haunt trump and his bunch till the end unless he works to put it to bed by asking for and helping with a investigation. The fact that he does not only shows he is to stubborn to or he has something to hide. Also the hypocrisy is really unbelievable!! The same people that chased Clinton around for years and had hearing after hearing over emails and Benghazi now seem very afraid to treat themselves or trump the same.
1
We can thank trump for allowing history to properly record how folks such as Sessions, Flynn and others have betrayed our country. That charges of treason have not yet occurred amazes me. Hillary Clinton first and foremost is a US Citizen. To encourage attacks on her by a foreign power is treacherous. In time the name of Benedict Arnold will be replaced with most anyone associated with trump, starting with trump himself.
Properly deserved.
Properly deserved.
1
President Trump had better be very careful. It looks like there will be hearings no matter what on the whole "Russia connection" question. And maybe even a Special Prosecutor. Trump shoots from the hip, and there is a high likelihood that there indeed some things he's done that could be a direct threat to his remaining in office. Let's wait and see. If nothing, OK. If something, particularly if he is shown to indeed be personally and/or financially compromised vis-a-vis the Russians, there may be an early exit.
I think we need to declare this Session over
3
In German newspapers it was reported several times before the election in the US that the Clinton team had good contacts with German politicians. Was that disturbing too?
Who's running this country? Bannon, newly an (unqualified) NSC principal? Why doesn't Trump want his daily national security briefings? We've been told Trump's bored but is that why he refuses information?
Notice the State Depart. is quietly being undermined & possibly dismantled? Lots of appointments haven't been filled & Trump says they won't be. The State Dept. traditionally holds a daily briefing but there hasn't been one since Trump became Pres. & Tillerson won't talk to the press. Who decided this & why?
Trump put people in charge of agencies - EPA, Interior, HUD, who've talked about dismantling them. Bannon's talked about dismantling the whole government. Was this a bad joke?
Remember reports during the campaign Donald Jr. offered the vice-presidency to John Kasich, reportedly telling Kasich he could be in charge of "policy" & Trump would basically be a ceremonial president in charge of 'making America great again'?
Is Bannon in charge of "policy" & Trump tweets, watches tv, gives speeches, holds rallies & spends weekends at Mar-a-Lago?
What part do the Russians play? Was this actually a coup Trump agreed to because he was promised $$ if he agreed to ensure changes in laws & treaties that would empower & enrich Russian interests? They'd forgive his huge debts?
Trump's never cared about politics - only money & appearances.
What are the intelligence agencies learning about Trump?
Yes, this is unbelievable.
But do you recognize your country right now?
Notice the State Depart. is quietly being undermined & possibly dismantled? Lots of appointments haven't been filled & Trump says they won't be. The State Dept. traditionally holds a daily briefing but there hasn't been one since Trump became Pres. & Tillerson won't talk to the press. Who decided this & why?
Trump put people in charge of agencies - EPA, Interior, HUD, who've talked about dismantling them. Bannon's talked about dismantling the whole government. Was this a bad joke?
Remember reports during the campaign Donald Jr. offered the vice-presidency to John Kasich, reportedly telling Kasich he could be in charge of "policy" & Trump would basically be a ceremonial president in charge of 'making America great again'?
Is Bannon in charge of "policy" & Trump tweets, watches tv, gives speeches, holds rallies & spends weekends at Mar-a-Lago?
What part do the Russians play? Was this actually a coup Trump agreed to because he was promised $$ if he agreed to ensure changes in laws & treaties that would empower & enrich Russian interests? They'd forgive his huge debts?
Trump's never cared about politics - only money & appearances.
What are the intelligence agencies learning about Trump?
Yes, this is unbelievable.
But do you recognize your country right now?
3
No.
Mr. Sessions should resign and Trump and Pence should help him in doing so.
Sessions "had" to recuse himself from the Russian inquiry. My simple questions is this: If the media had not got wind of Sessions two meetings with the Russian ambassador, would Mr. Sessions have recused himself? Or do we have some unwritten rule that says if you don't get caught, anything goes? Even in areas where our national security could be damaged? Call me overly ethical, but it seems to me that if a man lies under oath about having conversations with representatives of a foreign power, when he ought not, then that man should simply not be part of our administration. It's common sense.
1
Of course, recusal was necessary.
Still, the man lied under oath. The man who is now the most important defender of law in our country flat-out lied to get the job. Is the bar so absurdly low now that the remedy for perjury is only recusal?
The tit-for-tit line "OMG could you imagine the outcry if Hillary did this?" is too obvious. The better line is: is this the best we've got? We have an EPA head gutting his agency, an energy department headed by a guy who wanted to abolish it, an education department head so clueless about the realities of teaching and learning that she didn't know the difference between growth and proficiency, on and on and on......
Now the attorney general has to recuse himself from the biggest investigation in modern times - was our election interfered with by a foreign nation? - not only because he has a relationship with those who will be the subjects of the investigation, but because he himself might be guilty of facilitating the very interference being investigated!
And our president was surprised to find out healthcare is so complicated. What a sad, embarrassing hot mess we are.
Still, the man lied under oath. The man who is now the most important defender of law in our country flat-out lied to get the job. Is the bar so absurdly low now that the remedy for perjury is only recusal?
The tit-for-tit line "OMG could you imagine the outcry if Hillary did this?" is too obvious. The better line is: is this the best we've got? We have an EPA head gutting his agency, an energy department headed by a guy who wanted to abolish it, an education department head so clueless about the realities of teaching and learning that she didn't know the difference between growth and proficiency, on and on and on......
Now the attorney general has to recuse himself from the biggest investigation in modern times - was our election interfered with by a foreign nation? - not only because he has a relationship with those who will be the subjects of the investigation, but because he himself might be guilty of facilitating the very interference being investigated!
And our president was surprised to find out healthcare is so complicated. What a sad, embarrassing hot mess we are.
3
Trump entourage will keep neglecting the Putin affair until the "enemy of the people" expose more members of the president's inner circle. This will not stop.
Why would it stop here? Trump's children have talked about how much Russia's capital is into their business/clients? Maybe the presidential campaign was the best Trump-Russia deal ever.
What then? Is there going to be an impeachment process or will the Congress keep playing the Emperador Clothes game? The facts do not matter game? 99% honest game?
Why would it stop here? Trump's children have talked about how much Russia's capital is into their business/clients? Maybe the presidential campaign was the best Trump-Russia deal ever.
What then? Is there going to be an impeachment process or will the Congress keep playing the Emperador Clothes game? The facts do not matter game? 99% honest game?
We've quickly hit the tipping point. The likelihood that Russian contacts were epidemic with this administration (if you can call it such) grows. What did fake 45 know and when did he know it?
2
Sessions is damaged goods, and he spoiled the infant-in-chief's special week in Washington. I think he will have to go unless another bomb drops shortly and gives Sessions breathing room...Could happen.
2
The hypocrisy with which the Republicans operate is breathtaking. The Congressional leadership has proven to be morally nihilistic and I hope it costs them in 2018. If it doesn't, I don't know what to make of the American electorate.
1
Remember: "You Lie!" & "Lock him up!"
Repeat as needed
Repeat as needed
2
The Truth? You can not handle the Truth!
Do you really want to chase every bone the Democrats throw in the yard? Do you really want every Cabinet Secretary to resign every time the Democrats burp? Are we supposed to believe that Sessions conducted a meeting in his office on Capitol Hill with staffers to discuss how to rig the election?
This is the stretch of all stretches.
This is the stretch of all stretches.
There lies the problem. Your post addresses things taking place in your mind yet none of those things is actually a part of this discussion.
You might want to try to work out how it is you have lead yourself here.
The Issue is that he lied about having contact. No one asked what that contact was for because he lied about it so what took place in the meeting is not yet on the table. The fact of the meeting being hidden under direct questioning is the problem.
You might want to try to work out how it is you have lead yourself here.
The Issue is that he lied about having contact. No one asked what that contact was for because he lied about it so what took place in the meeting is not yet on the table. The fact of the meeting being hidden under direct questioning is the problem.
When you are the boss, "recusal" is too often a meaningless, symbolic gesture.....Sort of like Trump "turning over my business to my children". Anyone who actually believes that a Sessions "recusal" means that he will not influence future investigations is naive at best, possibly delusional.
1
Do you understand that this means no one can speak to him about it? He is obliged to stop anyone who does.
A tempest in a teapot.
As I read in the WSJ, the meeting with the Russian ambassador at the Republican National Convention was among a gaggle of other ambassadors. Hardly the set-up to be conspiring with any single ambassador.
The other meeting with the Russian ambassador was apparently normal course of business for a sitting, senior Senator. Thus why it probably didn't rise to Sessions remembering it during the fishing/gotcha exercises that pass for Senate confirmation hearings in today's Washington.
Move along, nothing to see here.
As I read in the WSJ, the meeting with the Russian ambassador at the Republican National Convention was among a gaggle of other ambassadors. Hardly the set-up to be conspiring with any single ambassador.
The other meeting with the Russian ambassador was apparently normal course of business for a sitting, senior Senator. Thus why it probably didn't rise to Sessions remembering it during the fishing/gotcha exercises that pass for Senate confirmation hearings in today's Washington.
Move along, nothing to see here.
1
Jeff Sessions recusal from the investigation of Russian meddling in the US presidential election was really not a choice but a compulsion forced by the available disclosures based on the intelligence trail left by the Obama administration. Whether the Congress fulfils its obligation of constituting a comprehensive and independent investigation of the whole matter of Russian hacking or not truth is bound to surface sooner or later,exposing in turn, the culpability of the Trump administration in all this.
2
Isn't it a case of missing the woods for the trees?
What is the big picture here? Did the Trump surrogates acted on their own? Who orchestrated their meetings with the Russian Ambassador and other Russian aides of President Putin?
Sure, Sessions lying or misleading his former colleagues in the Senate is a big deal. It borders the crime of perjury. But for us to be asked to believe that all these meetings, clandestine or otherwise, happened by chance is a very unrealistic a pill to swallow. Trump's son-in-law Kushner met the Russian envoy at the Trump Tower. The meeting is now described as "courtesy" meeting. Really? Let's not kid ourselves.
What is the big picture here? Did the Trump surrogates acted on their own? Who orchestrated their meetings with the Russian Ambassador and other Russian aides of President Putin?
Sure, Sessions lying or misleading his former colleagues in the Senate is a big deal. It borders the crime of perjury. But for us to be asked to believe that all these meetings, clandestine or otherwise, happened by chance is a very unrealistic a pill to swallow. Trump's son-in-law Kushner met the Russian envoy at the Trump Tower. The meeting is now described as "courtesy" meeting. Really? Let's not kid ourselves.
2
Sessions should resign and there needs to be an independent prosecutor appointed-no one now in the Justice Department- and Comey should recuse himself as well. This swamp smells worse and worse as the days drag on.
3
There is a puzzling aspect to this editorial, given that the NYT has been calling lies out as lies in other articles of late. But not so here, where they revert to former (shabby) form.
Alas in using the pussyfoot weasel phrase "they keep neglecting to tell the truth", the NYT Editorial Board is caught in the grip of irony, neglecting to tell the truth (that they *lied*) itself.
A similarly pussyfooted delivery appears earlier in the article, the use of the phrase "failed to disclose" about the Sessions denials in confirmation hearings. He didn't just fail to disclose (a mere act of omission) but went full liar with an explicit denial.
It is well past time to state clearly what is happening, and to call out lies for what they are. To do less is to become part of the problem (distortion and unreality).
Alas in using the pussyfoot weasel phrase "they keep neglecting to tell the truth", the NYT Editorial Board is caught in the grip of irony, neglecting to tell the truth (that they *lied*) itself.
A similarly pussyfooted delivery appears earlier in the article, the use of the phrase "failed to disclose" about the Sessions denials in confirmation hearings. He didn't just fail to disclose (a mere act of omission) but went full liar with an explicit denial.
It is well past time to state clearly what is happening, and to call out lies for what they are. To do less is to become part of the problem (distortion and unreality).
2
Russia. Taxes. Russia. Taxes. Russia. Taxes. Don't let up until you have the whole truth and nothing but the truth, NYT, all other serious journalists, and all concerned citizens.
1
As an avid observer of US politics from Europe since 2000, I am flabbergasted by this ... While anyone paying attention during the campaign already knows that Trump is unfit to be President and should not be expected to do the right thing (unless by accident), it is nonetheless galling to watch the GOP (including so-called "never-Trumpers") put time and time again party above country.
They seem to think that if they pinch their noses long enough maybe the stench will go away .... ?
And all this after wasting millions of dollars of taxpayers money to investigate any whiff of potential HRC scandal and coming up empy-handed, Unbelievable.
If this had happened on my side of the Atlantic Ocean, I am pretty confident that millions of protesters would be marching in the streets !
They seem to think that if they pinch their noses long enough maybe the stench will go away .... ?
And all this after wasting millions of dollars of taxpayers money to investigate any whiff of potential HRC scandal and coming up empy-handed, Unbelievable.
If this had happened on my side of the Atlantic Ocean, I am pretty confident that millions of protesters would be marching in the streets !
2
I wonder if we will be able to FIND a special prosecutor and independent committee to look into this. I sure would not trust the GOP senate or house to suggest clean candidates. for all that i know, the entire party is now controlled by the russian elite. Can we get the UN to investigate? sort of a joke there, but they DO investigate failed states' elections with monitors, so why not us?
You lied under oath.
Your hypocrisy is staggering.
Your credibility is gone.
Resign.
Your hypocrisy is staggering.
Your credibility is gone.
Resign.
2
Mr. Sessions should have recused himself from even being a candidate for the office of Attorney General of the US.
Having said that, there is a far greater aspect at play, even with him stepping aside. ( although his hand picked minions may still sit in judgement of any potential inquiries )
No, the man has perjured himself. ( under oath ) and should therefor not be even allowed to choose to recuse himself.
He should resign and there should be penalties for breaking the law.
Having said that, there is a far greater aspect at play, even with him stepping aside. ( although his hand picked minions may still sit in judgement of any potential inquiries )
No, the man has perjured himself. ( under oath ) and should therefor not be even allowed to choose to recuse himself.
He should resign and there should be penalties for breaking the law.
2
That's what happens in a Pinocchio administration, especially when the Liar-in-Chief gets away with it.
Republicans, evidently taking their cues from president Trump, have decided that truth is a quaint concept, to be employed only when it is to their advantage and discarded otherwise.
2
Every circus needs a ringmaster, every circus needs clowns. No doubt about it--we have both now!
1
It's becoming pretty clear you have to be a liar to get a job in the Trump administration.
1
Why is so hard for journalists to say the word, "liar." Pretty simple, harder to say because the fear of a defamation suit or some other silliness. Being called a liar is not talking about fake truth, fake news or alternative truths. A lie is a lie, mere mortal Attorney Generals of the US have been thrown on the trasheap of history, Klindesit, Mitchell( though must later) and I am sure there are others, that don't come to mind.
Sessions is a thorn in the side of American citizens
2
From a criminal standpoint, you've got nothing until you know what was discussed with the Russians. And the only ones who can testify about that are probably the Trump officials themselves. Expect them to take the Fifth. and expect one or more immunity agreements to follow. Investigation of this case is likely to take a long, long time.
13
Why mince words and not just state that Attorney General Jeff Sessions is the latest administration official to be caught lying? Describing him as being "caught between his words and the truth" is fatuously weak and wimpy.
1
Senator Blumenthal made clear, in comments with the PBS News Hour, that Sessions was explicitly asked, in writing, about Russian contacts before his confirmation hearing, such that Sessions was prepped on answers and, as a former prosecutor, knew very well (a) exactly what would be asked (no chance he didn't understand what was being asked; and (b) the absolute imperative to not misrepresent oneself under oath. Therefore, Sessions lied under oath, and should resign. No special inquiry is necessary to indicate that he was well informed in advance of confirmation hearings and did in fact lie under oath.
The bar just keeps dropping. President Trump is praised for his ability to contain his emotions for a couple of hours and read from a teleprompter. Now we are to forgive and forget that Jeff Sessions clearly perjured himself under the guise that the Democrats just can't get over losing the election. Once again I'm reminded of then candidate Trump saying he could shoot somebody and still get elected.
It's time to stop the verbal gymnastics. If it looks like a lie, smells like a lie, and sounds like a lie, then it is quite likely a lie. Unless you are in Donald Trump's world.
Before we can make America Great Again as it was before Donald Trump threw his hat and his hair in the ring, truth has to regain its popularity in both parties. Enough is enough. We live in a dangerous world. It's time for our government to get it's act together and put the country first.
A good next step is for Jeff Session's to resign. A good second step is to name a special prosecutor who is immune to politics- one that will 'Make Truth Great Again".
It's time to stop the verbal gymnastics. If it looks like a lie, smells like a lie, and sounds like a lie, then it is quite likely a lie. Unless you are in Donald Trump's world.
Before we can make America Great Again as it was before Donald Trump threw his hat and his hair in the ring, truth has to regain its popularity in both parties. Enough is enough. We live in a dangerous world. It's time for our government to get it's act together and put the country first.
A good next step is for Jeff Session's to resign. A good second step is to name a special prosecutor who is immune to politics- one that will 'Make Truth Great Again".
Reminds me a lot of Bill Clinton stopping by to say hi to Loretta Lynch. Back then the roles were reversed, weren't they?
I have this wild fantasy of a Washington where the leaders are more concerned with facts than with supporting "my side." Wouldn't that be a breath of fresh air?
I have this wild fantasy of a Washington where the leaders are more concerned with facts than with supporting "my side." Wouldn't that be a breath of fresh air?
Very different, particularly when one is a sitting Senator who has business to discuss with the Russian Ambassador.
Are you suggesting that our senators not be allowed to do the job as they see fit?
Are you suggesting that our senators not be allowed to do the job as they see fit?
No. The roles weren't reversed because Clinton wasn't a sitting President.
He's a good ol' boy from the Deep South, and a well-trained lawyer and politician. My brother would say "He's slick as snot."
We'll see if that's slick enough to keep him from a fate worse than self-imposed recusal.
We'll see if that's slick enough to keep him from a fate worse than self-imposed recusal.
Isn't it remarkable that Trump Republicans had secret conversations with Russian diplomats – & who knows who else in the Russian intelligence community – for a year or more while for 8 years of the Obama administrations, the Republicans couldn't bring themselves to speak to Democrats in Congress? The Republicans sneeringly invented the term Obamacare for a program that Americans are now frightened of losing?
Republicans still see Democrats as their worst enemy, but the Russkies? Nah. You can make deals – and money bigly - with the Russians while all the Democrats want to do is spend on people like illegal immigrant murderer-rapists and women who want to kill their unborn babies.
This is an amazing Topsy Turvey world, and there are people in this country who want to “give the President a chance.” For what? More secret Russian deals? More lies, more Trumpian adolescent whining, and more alternative facts?
I'd rather see Trump's tax returns & then I'd give Trump a chance. Until then? Nada. Oh, yes, we now have an Attorney General who lies under oath to the US Congress. But he can talk to the Russian Ambassador – that big, fat, hearty-looking gent who looks like he wouldn't hurt a fly. But he is very likely the spy-master-in-chief in the US for V. Putin. Drain the swamp? “Drain the White House!”
PS R. Luettgen has a corporate consulting business which undoubtedly profits his clients with his defense of GOP business & politics. In the NYT & all for free. Good deal, Ricky.
Republicans still see Democrats as their worst enemy, but the Russkies? Nah. You can make deals – and money bigly - with the Russians while all the Democrats want to do is spend on people like illegal immigrant murderer-rapists and women who want to kill their unborn babies.
This is an amazing Topsy Turvey world, and there are people in this country who want to “give the President a chance.” For what? More secret Russian deals? More lies, more Trumpian adolescent whining, and more alternative facts?
I'd rather see Trump's tax returns & then I'd give Trump a chance. Until then? Nada. Oh, yes, we now have an Attorney General who lies under oath to the US Congress. But he can talk to the Russian Ambassador – that big, fat, hearty-looking gent who looks like he wouldn't hurt a fly. But he is very likely the spy-master-in-chief in the US for V. Putin. Drain the swamp? “Drain the White House!”
PS R. Luettgen has a corporate consulting business which undoubtedly profits his clients with his defense of GOP business & politics. In the NYT & all for free. Good deal, Ricky.
1
I had discussion with the office of the governor of my state the other day...are they "secret" or are they just merely "not public.
A key point to remember..."Not public" discussions aren't necessarily "secret" ones.
You are letting your assumptions, Janet W., get far ahead of the facts needed to support them
A key point to remember..."Not public" discussions aren't necessarily "secret" ones.
You are letting your assumptions, Janet W., get far ahead of the facts needed to support them
Once again, the Trump administration has forgotten the lessons of Watergate. That Attorney General Sessions spoke to the Russian ambassador during the campaign may or may not be a problem. I suspect it likely isn't. By the fact that he denied talking to the Russians in sworn testimony is a big problem that could well sink him. If he is forced to resign, it will be the cover-up that does him in, just as it did Nixon. When will these people learn?
Hey hey, the man is draining the swamp, one corrupt member of his administration at a time!
1
Is there anybody within the upper ranks of the Trump administration who can be trusted to provide the truth on a regular basis? Based upon Trump's campaign and the short history of the Trump administration, the answer appears to be an unqualified no. In other words, any statements forthcoming from this administration in general or from top members of the administration should always be taken with a grain of salt; the statements may or may not be credible.
That is a pretty sorry comment. For the first time in history, it appears America has an administration that lies as much as a third rate banana republic dictator. That is totally unacceptable. This administration has to go. This country deserves another election for president. Perhaps the second time around, Americans, as intellectually challenged as they appear to be, can manage to elect a president who is at least somewhat qualified to be the leader of this country.
That is a pretty sorry comment. For the first time in history, it appears America has an administration that lies as much as a third rate banana republic dictator. That is totally unacceptable. This administration has to go. This country deserves another election for president. Perhaps the second time around, Americans, as intellectually challenged as they appear to be, can manage to elect a president who is at least somewhat qualified to be the leader of this country.
1
"A bipartisan select committee " Why? The man is a liar. What more needs to be said?
1
There's a simple smell test: What would Republican's say and do if it were Hillary that was involved with a Putin romance; her national security adviser and attorney general were caught carousing with the Russians and lying about it; and she ordered a botched attach in Yemen from the open veranda of her country club that killed a Navy Seal, 25 civilians, and lost a $75 million dollar aircraft?
Of course, we pretty much know exactly what they would do because we watched them do it with endless attacks on Holder for who knows what; emails, and Benghazi for years and years.
Of course, we pretty much know exactly what they would do because we watched them do it with endless attacks on Holder for who knows what; emails, and Benghazi for years and years.
2
She was in a romance with the Russians, and had been for at least a decade.
See: Clinton Foundation and William Jefferson Clinton.
See: Clinton Foundation and William Jefferson Clinton.
Information please about Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross & his 18% stake in the Bank of Cyprus & the reports the Bank did money-laundering for Russian oligarchs & organized crime. Did Ross introduce Trump to Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev who purchased a Palm Beach house from Trump? Trump bought the property in 2005 for $41 million to flip it but couldn't find a buyer til Rybolovlev appeared in 2008 & paid Trump $100 million for it. Palm Beach publisher Jose Lambiet, who'd attended parties at the house before Trump bought it, was allowed to tour it tour after Trump 'renovated' it & said almost nothing had been done to it but a few coats of paint. Lambiet thought "he'll never sell it." Trump told Lambiet a bathroom had gold fixtures - Lambiet scratched a faucet with his fingernail & learned the faucet was only spray painted gold.
Rybolovlev never lived in or visited the house. Last year he tore it down, divided the land into 3 parcels & sold one for $34 million. If he sells the other 2 for a similar price, he'll still have lost money after taxes.
Who does this? Buys a shabby property from Trump so Trump profits by $51 million, never lives in it & tears it down to recoup his money?
Corey Booker sent Ross questions about his ties to the Bank of Cyprus but Ross hasn't responded. Some believe Rybolovlev bought the house from Trump as a front to transfer $51 million to Trump from Russian entities seeking to disguise the transfer as a real estate transaction.
Rybolovlev never lived in or visited the house. Last year he tore it down, divided the land into 3 parcels & sold one for $34 million. If he sells the other 2 for a similar price, he'll still have lost money after taxes.
Who does this? Buys a shabby property from Trump so Trump profits by $51 million, never lives in it & tears it down to recoup his money?
Corey Booker sent Ross questions about his ties to the Bank of Cyprus but Ross hasn't responded. Some believe Rybolovlev bought the house from Trump as a front to transfer $51 million to Trump from Russian entities seeking to disguise the transfer as a real estate transaction.
3
Putin is Trump's Rasputin. Trump being kept in the dark is laughable. It is the American people being led into the dark. A coup has taken place. Consider that Republicans are now pushing state bills to stifle protests ostensibly to prevent violence. Really? Loud town halls are violent? The Grand Oblivion Party cabal intends to suppress dissent while consolidating power. Very Putin like.
1
It's really isn't about what Sessions talked about with whom, it's a problem of double standards. When Bill Clinton chatted with AG Lynch on the tarmac, the Trumpistas were frothing at the mouth and demanding her head on a silver platter. But when Sessions talks with the Russian Ambassador (representing an adversary), we're not supposed to raise our eyebrows.
If some defendent told prosecutor Sessions under oath that he didn't do what Sessions knew he did, or said he couldn't remember, Sessions would have nailed him; Sessions thought the law doesn't apply to him.
Sessions was/is dishonest. It had to become apparent.
BTW: more dominoes will fall.
If some defendent told prosecutor Sessions under oath that he didn't do what Sessions knew he did, or said he couldn't remember, Sessions would have nailed him; Sessions thought the law doesn't apply to him.
Sessions was/is dishonest. It had to become apparent.
BTW: more dominoes will fall.
63
michael, maybe you're eating too much liverwurst or perhaps Octoberfest has come early, but think of the difference in the two situations. In the Loretta Lynch-Bill Clinton affair, you have the former president and spouse of the leading dem presidential candidate meeting on the tarmac in her jet just at the time when the dept of justice is investigating HRC with the possibility of indictment looming.
VERSUS -- a casual conversation after a speech in a public forum and a meeting with the Rurrian ambassador as part of Sessions' legitimate duties as a senator -- and legitimate duties of the Russian ambassador as well. Sessions was responding to Franken's question re contacts between the Trump campagin and the Russians. If you pass someone on the street and say hello, is that a meeting? Is that like having dinner and drinks?
VERSUS -- a casual conversation after a speech in a public forum and a meeting with the Rurrian ambassador as part of Sessions' legitimate duties as a senator -- and legitimate duties of the Russian ambassador as well. Sessions was responding to Franken's question re contacts between the Trump campagin and the Russians. If you pass someone on the street and say hello, is that a meeting? Is that like having dinner and drinks?
It is only a matter of time before Sessions lawyers up and leaves office. This is the beginning of the Watergate II investigation.
I'm a step ahead of the Board -- I think Sessions has to resign, Still, the Board almost always says stuff that I think is unfair. Here they blame Sessions for taking a day to recuse himself. More precisely, from the time the Post reported the Sessions meetings until the Times reported the recusal 25 hours elapsed, including 8 sleeping hours. By comparison, it took 4 days after the controversial meeting between Loretta Lynch and Bill Clinton for Ms. Lynch to announce that she was limiting her role in the Hillary Clinton email investigation.
Applying the weaselly phrase "neglected to tell the truth" to this horrendous choice as the nation's top cop - especially done under oath - means that he has to go. Or are all the standards put on hold for this grotesque circus of an administration?
5
Session made me a very friendly and open impression, without fear, without atacking. So, i'm confused, why he not mentioned he had contact in his job, not campaign? I can imagine all are afraid just mentiion something to contacts with russia which are legal for their work. On the other side, if those 2 meeting were so not important, why he agreed meet in a time all where hyperventilating russian contacts? He not makes me a stupid impression, so it must have been something important about campaign.
Last summer Donald Trump howled that federal judge Gonzalo Curiel could not be impartial in a class-action suit against Trump U because of his ethnicity. Mr. Trump said that because as POTUS he wanted to build his Mexican border wall the Indiana -born Judge Curiel had a conflict of interest and should recuse himself. Even Trump's most ardent GOP backers denounced this outrage.
Now Trump's attorney general Jeff Sessions has been outed as lying about contacts with the Russian ambassador during the campaign, but he still has Trump's "total" confidence.
Trump has always used our justice system to further his interests only, and when it is not favorable towards him it is "unfair."
Donald Trump is a danger to our "republic" and our democratic institutions.
Now Trump's attorney general Jeff Sessions has been outed as lying about contacts with the Russian ambassador during the campaign, but he still has Trump's "total" confidence.
Trump has always used our justice system to further his interests only, and when it is not favorable towards him it is "unfair."
Donald Trump is a danger to our "republic" and our democratic institutions.
3
Follow the money: get Trump's tax files.
3
I hope this Russia-connected flea digs in deep and creates an itch that Trump can't scratch. Anything to delay and distract the execrable Republican agenda and hurt the GOP in the 2018 midterms. Lie down with dogs...
To lie under oath is called perjury. Sessions needs to resign or be prosecuted.
4
Bill Clinton cheated on his wife. Trump, Sessions et al., are cheating on America. It's called treason.
6
Republicans who waive the flag but obstruct an independent investigation into Russian meddling in our democracy are no patriots.
3
All I can say is Liar, Liar
Pants on Fire!
Sorry to be so crude but I am so done with these bozos. The story of Alabama politics is that lying is endemic to the culture of Alabama politicians. I'm sure it's second nature to Jefferson Beauregard “Jeff” Sessions III.
So lets watch the dominoes and see who falls next!
Pants on Fire!
Sorry to be so crude but I am so done with these bozos. The story of Alabama politics is that lying is endemic to the culture of Alabama politicians. I'm sure it's second nature to Jefferson Beauregard “Jeff” Sessions III.
So lets watch the dominoes and see who falls next!
2
Trump is really draining the swamp!!!! Watch for alternative facts regarding Russia to arrive from this Administration and its cronies.
Trump has successfully convinced his GOP cronies to mimic his double down strategy of deny deny deny. We'll see how far they can run with it. Personally, I think pretty far, and the chances of an independent non-partisan investigation ever occurring is slim to none....and slim is on vacation.
From President Predictable: ""This whole narrative is a way of saving face for Democrats losing an election that everyone thought they were supposed to win. The Democrats are overplaying their hand. They lost the election and now, they have lost their grip on reality. The real story is all of the illegal leaks of classified and other information. It is a total witch hunt!""
Pull the string, and the stench of GOP hypocrisy fills the room.
Pull the string, and the stench of GOP hypocrisy fills the room.
1
Trump will be forced to resign after the Putingate investigations reach their inevitable conclusion. But Trump supporters have nothing to worry about. Pence will give him a pardon as a parting gift.
With utmost request, the American voters idea of having a Trump Administration is a disaster. Obviously none who voted for it believed it then or will believe it to be so even now. Facts have their own way of speaking, though. Its one fact after the other that will keeping on coming out like rabbits from an empty bag by a magician, till there will be so many that you will loose count. I hope by then its not too late!
..., sadly, the consequences of lying in these circles (at those levels) are not material, and whoever so does tends to be amply protected; it's difficult to gauge how such a collection of less than trustworthy individuals can make America great again ...
1
Your perception is not correct.
The obviousness of the lie to us has to pass the muster of legal standards beyond reasonable doubt. He can possibly get away with claiming to have misunderstood even though we all think he knew exactly what he was doing as he created that crazy sentence to prevaricate and set up the excuse he is now using.
The obviousness of the lie to us has to pass the muster of legal standards beyond reasonable doubt. He can possibly get away with claiming to have misunderstood even though we all think he knew exactly what he was doing as he created that crazy sentence to prevaricate and set up the excuse he is now using.
We are, of course, all wasting our breath on this. The GOP will do superficial investigations and find, as Sean Spicer keeps saying, that there "is no there there." The Democrats will have a tantrum, but with no power, that will be the end of it. The Kremlin is playing this administration and probably enjoying it thoroughly, but until something more egregious or devastating happens, there will be little we can do. Sadly, the GOP on the Hill seems, for the most part, to care more about getting their conservative agenda passed and signed than they do about the welfare of the nation.
69
Yes but where did the Kremlin get the idea it was safe to do these things? I fear the same forces that lead the GOP to become the party of treason are also working in Moscow to lead them to think this sort of brinkmanship is safe or winnable.
That agenda has been the GOP's SOP since Nixon.
That agenda has been the GOP's SOP since Nixon.
It took years of drip drip drip to bring down first Agnew, then Nixon, using the rope they wove to hang them.
This was not failure to disclose
“I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians.”
Why does the NYT persist in using euphemisms. Sessions, the AG, the highest law officer in the country is on public record as lying under oath.
“I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians.”
Why does the NYT persist in using euphemisms. Sessions, the AG, the highest law officer in the country is on public record as lying under oath.
7
The attorney general is the latest official to be caught between his words and the truth.
thats the kind of simpering word parsing you get these days
thats the kind of simpering word parsing you get these days
The obviousness of the lie to us has to get past the muster of our law. Innocent until proven guilty and beyond reasonable doubt are high standards.
Basically Mr Sessions is claiming he did not realize his meetings "as Senator" fell under the scope of the question which was one in a line of them on the topic of Russian Connections to the Trump campaign. The fact that his first known meeting with the Ambassador was at the GOP convention where we can safely assume Sessions was acting in his capacity as part of the Trump campaign seems to be a question waiting for another day. Expect a plausible excuse for why he was really a Senator during that meeting at the GOP convention.
Basically Mr Sessions is claiming he did not realize his meetings "as Senator" fell under the scope of the question which was one in a line of them on the topic of Russian Connections to the Trump campaign. The fact that his first known meeting with the Ambassador was at the GOP convention where we can safely assume Sessions was acting in his capacity as part of the Trump campaign seems to be a question waiting for another day. Expect a plausible excuse for why he was really a Senator during that meeting at the GOP convention.
It's difficult for me to understand precisely where this is going. Many government officials or appointees need to communicate with Russian counterparts as a function of job. To differentiate meetings for political gain apart from official duty I think would be difficult. It would be meaningful to differentiate only if one believes there was a well orchestrated conspiracy between Russians and Trump administration to undermine the campaign of Hillary Clinton. That was extremely unlikely. Trump was his own worst enemy. He was a vulgarian, ill-informed, ill-prepared, gauche. He was predicted to lose by a landslide. He surprisingly one by resonating with a forgotten but demographically large white lower class. I just don't see a role for the Russians in that demographic. Instead I think the action of FBI Director James Comey is what damaged Hillary Clinton the most late in the campaign.
Congressman Devin Nunes is the face of Republican opposition in getting to the bottom of the president's ties to Russian government officials and businessmen. Nunes has said that there's nothing to pursue about inappropriate contact with Russia during or after the presidential campaign and that the American people owe a debt of gratitude to the departed National Security Advisor instead of going after him. Nunes, like most Republicans, neither know nor care about any possible wrongdoing by the president and is perfectly willing to sweep this non story under the rug. It's not recusing himself from Justice Department investigations but a resignation from the office he is unfit to hold. If Nunes can't see that, then he would do well to set an example to the Attorney General by stepping down himself.
1
The irony can't be lost on our GOP Congressional leaders of an Executive Branch so distrustful and contemptuous of the American population, media and loyal opposition that the vary essence of our democracy is threatened by members of that Executive Branch who knowingly colluded with Russia or have been duped, blinded by their distrust and contempt to unknowingly aid and abet Moscow in undermining America's stability and legitimacy. And yet, Congress has abdicated its constitutional role as an independent branch of power to hold the Chief Executive and his team accountable... one can only wonder how hard they must be laughing in Moscow... If the Russians have nothing to offer - a poor, mismanaged place of declining health, living and life expectancy standards, certainly nothing worth emulating - it can at least say they have manipulated the US so effectively as to undermine our faith in ourselves and sown discord and doubt about every institution, belief and basic truth; which is not a small feat or accomplishment. Congress: do your job! Protect the country, not the party.
1
The strangest thing is the claim that Sessions does not recall what was discussed at the meeting with the ambassador. Statements by other members of the Armed Forces committee has established that meetings with the Russian ambassador about that committee are not just not routine but (apart from Sessions) don't happen at all.
One of the two men must have arranged this particular meeting, they must inevitably have indicated a reason for wanting it and they must have discussed that reason at the meeting. It was a mere six months ago, much of that period having being taken up with very public discussions of Russian links with US politicians. Would any court of law accept the argument that the contents of such a conversation has been conveniently forgotten? "Forgotten" in this context can surely only mean "I don't want to perjury myself outright because someone might have evidence to the contrary but I don't want to tell the truth because it's damning."
One of the two men must have arranged this particular meeting, they must inevitably have indicated a reason for wanting it and they must have discussed that reason at the meeting. It was a mere six months ago, much of that period having being taken up with very public discussions of Russian links with US politicians. Would any court of law accept the argument that the contents of such a conversation has been conveniently forgotten? "Forgotten" in this context can surely only mean "I don't want to perjury myself outright because someone might have evidence to the contrary but I don't want to tell the truth because it's damning."
3
The Republicans in the Congress must appoint a special counsel to investigate our current Attorney General Jeff Sessions' tie to the Russian intelligence who definitely played a much bigger role to influence our election.
Just his recusal from the broad Russian inquiry is not enough to know the whole truth. Nothing but the truth.
And since Mr. Sessions lied under oath in his Senate confirmation hearing, he should be prosecuted like any American citizen is prosecuted who give false statements under oath by raising their right hand just like Mr. Sessions did before a very direct question from Democratic Senator Al Franken.
Actually if our current Attorney General was truthful enough to say that he did indeed meet with the Russian Ambassador to the United States Mr. Kislyak, then we'd not hear about this latest fracas about his lying under oath.
Mr. Sessions also lied when he said in the same hearing that he was not a surrogate for the Trump campaign.
We all know he was.
Actually we now know, that he was a very senior surrogate for the Trump campaign although without any official capacity, by his actions at the Republican party's convention in Cleveland last year when he sat next to the Russian Ambassador as per your article and most probably talked about how Trump can win the election.
And his second meeting with the same Ambassador tells us a lot about this man's criminal act of lying under oath.
That's why we the American citizens demand that "Mr. Sessions HAS TO GO."
Just his recusal from the broad Russian inquiry is not enough to know the whole truth. Nothing but the truth.
And since Mr. Sessions lied under oath in his Senate confirmation hearing, he should be prosecuted like any American citizen is prosecuted who give false statements under oath by raising their right hand just like Mr. Sessions did before a very direct question from Democratic Senator Al Franken.
Actually if our current Attorney General was truthful enough to say that he did indeed meet with the Russian Ambassador to the United States Mr. Kislyak, then we'd not hear about this latest fracas about his lying under oath.
Mr. Sessions also lied when he said in the same hearing that he was not a surrogate for the Trump campaign.
We all know he was.
Actually we now know, that he was a very senior surrogate for the Trump campaign although without any official capacity, by his actions at the Republican party's convention in Cleveland last year when he sat next to the Russian Ambassador as per your article and most probably talked about how Trump can win the election.
And his second meeting with the same Ambassador tells us a lot about this man's criminal act of lying under oath.
That's why we the American citizens demand that "Mr. Sessions HAS TO GO."
1
If Eric Holder didn't resign after fast and furious, if Obama wasn't impeached because of his conversation with mededevstating that "he would have better options after the election," if Loretta Lynch didn't resign after her one hour conversation with Bill Clinton one week before the FBI was going to issue their edict on Hillary, then Jeff sessions absolutely should not resign for something as trivial as meeting with the Russian ambassador. And please the first so-called meeting, was that the Republican convention, or nothing of any substance could've taken place in fleeting moments of conversation.
1
Fee-fi-fo-fum I smell "Watergate." Remember how Watergate started out with the same arguments presented by the Nixon Administration. Similar tactics are being used by this Administration: Rule number: deny everything; rule number two: obstruct as much as possible; rule number three: cover-up as much and as quickly as possible; rule number four: Call it a "witch hunt."
The ultimate goal for the necessity of a special counsel, to be approved in a bipartisan manner, is to discover the truth --as was done in Watergate; and who would've known in the beginning what was to be discovered in that investigation.
It is unfortunate though that so many people are inured to lies, corruption, and precisely this sort of conduct by government officials to the extent that searching for the truth does not matter anymore.
The ultimate goal for the necessity of a special counsel, to be approved in a bipartisan manner, is to discover the truth --as was done in Watergate; and who would've known in the beginning what was to be discovered in that investigation.
It is unfortunate though that so many people are inured to lies, corruption, and precisely this sort of conduct by government officials to the extent that searching for the truth does not matter anymore.
1
Bill Clinton was impeached for lying to Congress about an affair. Sessions has belatedly admitted meeting with Russian officials - in direct conflict with his sworn testimony to Congress - even while the Russians were working to influence an election in favor of the candidate he supported. Which is the greater offense? All Americans, and particularly those who supported Clinton's impeachment, must, in good conscience, support a full and independent investigation of Sessions leading to an indictment for his Congressional lying. Sadly, the atmosphere created by the President is such that his appointees and spokespeople see little issue with lying with impunity, regardless of the audience.
2
Jeff Sessions was closely tied to the Trump campaign and was a major force behind Trump getting elected. He did not talk to the Russian Ambassador in his capacity as a Trump campaign representative but as a US senator from Alabama. He did not lie during his hearing but it is appropriate that he will not be involved in the "witch hunt" around the investigation of Russian influence in the US presidential election. The country has to prioritize many other problems facing the country. The Russian hacking should be on the back burner and instead relations with Russia should be improved and the fight against global terrorism should be front and center in foreign affairs and on the domestic from health insurance for all Americans, tax reforms, immigration reforms and tax cuts should be given highest priority.
1
"It’s hard to decide what is more disturbing: that so many top officials in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and administration were in contact with the Russian government during and after the campaign, or that they keep neglecting to tell the truth." Obviously the whole governing party needs to be toppled. How do we go about that? (Of course this is not the first time the Republicans have been suspected of dealing with the enemy for electoral gain: does anyone besides me recall the tales of their dealing with the Ayatollah in 1980 to delay hostage freeing until after the election?)
2
The amount of damage that Little Putin has caused the US, thanks to his mold Donald Trump, is one for the books. Little Putin´s minions and the FSB take turns at denying, then accepting charges of every kind, confusing the investigators and to distraction. There is also evidence that members of the Trump family -- including Kushner -- had conversations with the Russians during the election. In another time, every one of these traitors would have been indicted. The Republican party is a co-conspirator in the largest penetration of enemy agents in the United States government EVER. To paraphrase the Pig in the Wig: Not nice.
Aside from performing their duties with high ethical and professional standards, I expect any President's Cabinet to assume behaviors that reflect their positions as role models to the American citizens. Honesty is a baseline, adherence to the law both in spirit and action is requisite. Mr.. Sessions has proven himself to be lacking in all. If the Prresident's leadership team of Cabinet members fails to honor our professed national principles, why on earth would or should ordinary citizens bother to honor them either? And ditto on paying taxes.
I may just start sitting during the National Anthem until we recover our honor and dignity within the political branches of government. A complete, independent, thorough, and apolitical investigation of the broadest scope into the Russian influences and interventions into the 2016 Presidential Campaigns and Election is sadly critically necessary to our reclamation of national integrity.
I may just start sitting during the National Anthem until we recover our honor and dignity within the political branches of government. A complete, independent, thorough, and apolitical investigation of the broadest scope into the Russian influences and interventions into the 2016 Presidential Campaigns and Election is sadly critically necessary to our reclamation of national integrity.
2
"It’s hard to decide what is more disturbing: that so many top officials in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and administration were in contact with the Russian government during and after the campaign, or that they keep neglecting to tell the truth." It seems clear that what is really very "disturbing" is that there is a conspiracy to cover-up the collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives and officials. Dare I utter the word "treason" for that is the stench that is emanating out of Washington as the levers of justice seem stymied by President Trump's Congressional Republican enablers and the continued mystifying behavior of FBI Director, James Comey. We are at a major crossroads in our democracy where justice and the "rule of law" may be denied as we take a hard-right turn from the road of democracy to authoritarian, one-party rule. It's alarming and truly terrifying!
A lot of people seem to have forgotten that it wasn't just hacking of DNC emails that worried the intelligence agencies. Russia also had a factory of trolls and used disinformation, fake stories, and probably things we are totally unaware of.
So when that is combined with the unusual number of Russian contacts with trump campaign members and transition individuals, together with the decidedly overly friendly pro-Russia trump comments - again and again - eyebrows were raised in high places. As they should be. Couple all that with lying about the contacts!
So yes, this was a big deal and is a big deal. And when the chief law inforcement official is one of those sneaking and lying, the hair on your head should stand on end! And a pile of questions should arise in your minds.
This is not over. Not with just a recusal. (No matter how many concern trolls may want to poo-poo those who seek to minimize this worrisome series of events.)
We need an independent counsel/investigator. And recusal should become resignation. This much a proud Republic deserves.
So when that is combined with the unusual number of Russian contacts with trump campaign members and transition individuals, together with the decidedly overly friendly pro-Russia trump comments - again and again - eyebrows were raised in high places. As they should be. Couple all that with lying about the contacts!
So yes, this was a big deal and is a big deal. And when the chief law inforcement official is one of those sneaking and lying, the hair on your head should stand on end! And a pile of questions should arise in your minds.
This is not over. Not with just a recusal. (No matter how many concern trolls may want to poo-poo those who seek to minimize this worrisome series of events.)
We need an independent counsel/investigator. And recusal should become resignation. This much a proud Republic deserves.
Sessions maintains that he 'misunderstood' the questions from Franken. He is quibbling and equivocating, two types of lies, of five, defined in the Honor Code at West Point. I have no doubt this administration has violated all of them by now in their short time in office. They would of been kicked out of West Point on the first day. They have no honor.
The Cadet Honor Code at West Point should be the standard for all leaders in government.
The code available here, http://www.usma.edu/scpme/NCEA/SiteAssets/SitePages/RESOURCES/USCC%20PAM... starts Chapter 1 with conduct we'd all do well to mimic, but especially those who hold others lives in their hands at times. Page 1-5 starts defining types of lies, and deceptions, all of which Trump and the GOP refine daily.
--------
We may ask, "Why do they lie so much, even about things they don't have to lie about?" It's simple really. They have no capacity to feel shame.
The Cadet Honor Code at West Point should be the standard for all leaders in government.
The code available here, http://www.usma.edu/scpme/NCEA/SiteAssets/SitePages/RESOURCES/USCC%20PAM... starts Chapter 1 with conduct we'd all do well to mimic, but especially those who hold others lives in their hands at times. Page 1-5 starts defining types of lies, and deceptions, all of which Trump and the GOP refine daily.
--------
We may ask, "Why do they lie so much, even about things they don't have to lie about?" It's simple really. They have no capacity to feel shame.
3
It is difficult to assume this is all just innocent blundering by Sessions during his confirmation hearing. The hearing occurred on January 10th, 12 days after President Obama put sanctions in place against Russia on December 29th. Trump's dealings with Russia was front and center news for months by that time as well. And Sessions says "I did not have communications with the Russians."
Granted, Franken's question was couched under the clause 'in the course of this campaign', but c'mon....Sessions is a lawyer, and must know better than to make such a statement in response to such a question, especially under the heat and massive spotlight that this topic was under at the time of the hearing.
Lying to the Senate under oath is serious stuff, and needs to be handled seriously. Sessions needs to be fired. The Senate also needs to decide whether and how to prosecute Sessions for lying under oath in the confirmation hearings.
There really is no other way to look at this.
Granted, Franken's question was couched under the clause 'in the course of this campaign', but c'mon....Sessions is a lawyer, and must know better than to make such a statement in response to such a question, especially under the heat and massive spotlight that this topic was under at the time of the hearing.
Lying to the Senate under oath is serious stuff, and needs to be handled seriously. Sessions needs to be fired. The Senate also needs to decide whether and how to prosecute Sessions for lying under oath in the confirmation hearings.
There really is no other way to look at this.
3
Surely, the public won't be gullible enough to believe Trump when he said he didn't know about Sessions' meetings with the Russian ambassador. What business could Trump's chief advocate and adviser in the Senate have with Putin's emissary other than to carry out Trump's bidding vis a vis the Kremlin? Representatives of foreign, adversarial countries don't customarily meet with members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. If they meet with any senator to discuss U.S./Russian relations it would be with a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. If no Sessions staffer took notes of the office meeting, then it is likely the subject was Trump and the election. And the fact that Sessions tried to hide the meeting and won't tell us what it was about, all but makes that likelihood a certainty. As with Flynn's phone calls, it's only fair to assume that Trump ordered these contacts from the start.
1
the question of recusing himself from any investigations of the campaign came up form the moment sessions was nominated, and he never expressed any inclination to recuse himself --quite the opposite. his gushing claims now that he suddenly sees the wisdom of recusing himself --even intended to all along-- are not only hollow but real questions about the man's integrity and even his common sense. he should resign or be impeached on the grounds of his previous resistance to recusal. it speaks of deep lack of qualifications, both personal and professional.
2
Sessions' excuse that he met with Russian ambassador as part of his normal duties as a US senator in the Armed Services Committee is weak when it revealed that no other member of that committee has met with the Ambassador. It becomes even more doubtful if there is any truth in the discovery that the expenses for that meeting were paid by campaign funds.
Another question arises from Sessions interview on Fox last night, when he implied that the recuse applies only to those matters up to the date of the election, he would be privy to any investigation for events pertaining to Russia after the November election. Why?
Another question arises from Sessions interview on Fox last night, when he implied that the recuse applies only to those matters up to the date of the election, he would be privy to any investigation for events pertaining to Russia after the November election. Why?
2
We should emphasize with the utmost clarity that fish always start to stink from the head. The complete Russian Affair of Mr. Trumps stinks to Watergate! There is an evident attempt to cover up contacts ordered from the top. In a one man show (as all activities of Mr. Trump in the past show), it is unthinkable, that such contacts were ignored by him. On the contrary, all suggest they were ordered from the top. This will be found sooner or later by the hated media, and this will be denied by Mr. Trump and his Republican peers. If an independent investigation is done, the impeachment of Mr. Trump is only a matter of time.
3
There is much more to be found in this story, why was the Trump campaign in frequent touch with Russia? what influence or assistance did Russia offer the Trump campaign, who were in a position to act as the Representatives from Trump? when did all this contact occur, over what period of time. Did Russia have power over Trump, business or personal? The final question is who benefited from Russia's influence in this campaign?
1
So his defense to the assertion that he was conspiring with the Russians to influence the election is that he was talking to the Russian ambassador about the business of the Senate Armed Services Committee, most of which is classified. And he is the only member of that committee to have such a one-on-one chat? And his pal Sergey came to his office in the Senate, probably the only place in Washington where Sergey's conversations would not be preserved for posterity?
4
Too much is always too much, there will always be different interests playing under too much nationalism. Regardless of geographic location, big or small, rich or poor countries. This has become a proven universal fact.
People who flow with wind and tide can not realize this fact. It needs little bit of thinking and study of the history and current geopolitics around the world.
A tide of nationalism is here, People are trying to feel secure inside a great wall completely unaware of Vladimir Putin doing break dance in their corridor. He has become a superhero as if he himself vs the strongest nation on earth.
The show is continue here, We don't know the whole story yet, different plot one after another. People speculating the main plot, funny enough is that they are speculating the same.
People who flow with wind and tide can not realize this fact. It needs little bit of thinking and study of the history and current geopolitics around the world.
A tide of nationalism is here, People are trying to feel secure inside a great wall completely unaware of Vladimir Putin doing break dance in their corridor. He has become a superhero as if he himself vs the strongest nation on earth.
The show is continue here, We don't know the whole story yet, different plot one after another. People speculating the main plot, funny enough is that they are speculating the same.
Now's your chance John McCain and other elder statesman.
Show the senate republicans the backbone and independence of an elder statesman to help deliver a special prosecutor to bring the American people the truth about Russian interference in the presidential election and god forbid the Trump campaigns collusion in their unprecedented intrusion into our process. It's incredible to me to continue to watch the republican majority in congress and especially the senate hamstrung on any legislative initiatives because of constant bungling by the executive branch. But the senate can lead thru this mess and the leaders of the senate must stand up now, drain the newly created swamp, and move on with their agenda in a historic bi-partisan push for tax reform, health care reform, and economic growth platforms.
Show the senate republicans the backbone and independence of an elder statesman to help deliver a special prosecutor to bring the American people the truth about Russian interference in the presidential election and god forbid the Trump campaigns collusion in their unprecedented intrusion into our process. It's incredible to me to continue to watch the republican majority in congress and especially the senate hamstrung on any legislative initiatives because of constant bungling by the executive branch. But the senate can lead thru this mess and the leaders of the senate must stand up now, drain the newly created swamp, and move on with their agenda in a historic bi-partisan push for tax reform, health care reform, and economic growth platforms.
45
A bit of history here. Look at criminal indictments and convictions of executive branch officers, since 1968, by party:
Democratic administrations 20 years
3 indictments, 1 conviction, 1 imprisoned
Republican administrations 28 years
120 indictments, 89 convictions, 34 imprisoned
There might be an explanation for this other than that GOP administrations engage in illegal activity more often than Democratic ones, but I can't think of anything plausible. It's looking like the current administration is carrying on the tradition.
We used to have a real two-party system in which both sides engaged in honest debate about what kind of country this should be and what we should do about the problems we face. I remember arguing with people about the war on poverty and civil rights, and learning from the discussions. I remember when congress actually used to hammer out compromises to get things done.
Now we have one party who seems to have no respect for the law, for basic moral standards, or for truth itself And that party now has control of all three branches of the government, despite the fact that the majority of citizens oppose what they stand for on most issues.
Democratic administrations 20 years
3 indictments, 1 conviction, 1 imprisoned
Republican administrations 28 years
120 indictments, 89 convictions, 34 imprisoned
There might be an explanation for this other than that GOP administrations engage in illegal activity more often than Democratic ones, but I can't think of anything plausible. It's looking like the current administration is carrying on the tradition.
We used to have a real two-party system in which both sides engaged in honest debate about what kind of country this should be and what we should do about the problems we face. I remember arguing with people about the war on poverty and civil rights, and learning from the discussions. I remember when congress actually used to hammer out compromises to get things done.
Now we have one party who seems to have no respect for the law, for basic moral standards, or for truth itself And that party now has control of all three branches of the government, despite the fact that the majority of citizens oppose what they stand for on most issues.
137
Here's where Republican blindness comes in.
Instead of condemning the culture of dishonesty in their leaders and voting the guilty out of office, the party faithful will look at these damning numbers and say, "See? Only the Republicans remove their rotten apples from the barrel."
Instead of condemning the culture of dishonesty in their leaders and voting the guilty out of office, the party faithful will look at these damning numbers and say, "See? Only the Republicans remove their rotten apples from the barrel."
Racist. Sniveling. Weasel.
7
In this entire gambit by Putin, the one factor he didn't adequately take into consideration was the role of an independent and free press.
But for the press, abetted by the leaks, sanctions on Russia would have been lifted already given how aggressively Trump had been pushing to get closer with Russia.
The press, and it's basically The Times and Washington Post, has been the biggest roadblock to Trump's plan of covering up the scandal now that the Republican Congress has abdicated its constitutional role of checks and balances with Republican leaders publicly prejudging any investigation before it has even occurred. Nunes, Burr, Ryan, McConnell, Chaffetz... all are profiles in cowardice and hypocrisy.
NY Times and WaPo deserve all credit for restoring hope in the patriotic citizens of America...
But for the press, abetted by the leaks, sanctions on Russia would have been lifted already given how aggressively Trump had been pushing to get closer with Russia.
The press, and it's basically The Times and Washington Post, has been the biggest roadblock to Trump's plan of covering up the scandal now that the Republican Congress has abdicated its constitutional role of checks and balances with Republican leaders publicly prejudging any investigation before it has even occurred. Nunes, Burr, Ryan, McConnell, Chaffetz... all are profiles in cowardice and hypocrisy.
NY Times and WaPo deserve all credit for restoring hope in the patriotic citizens of America...
5
First step: require serial-baiter Franken to submit questions in writing at least 12 hours in advance. Why Minnesota continues backing this high-school prankster is a bit of a mystery. He is better suited as ambush journalist or even better, replacement for always-looking-for-a-life, Alec Baldwin. We're stuck with Franken until 2020, so future nominees beware and keep answers as much as possible to "I don't have a position on that yet Senator".
Next step: charge Senator McCaskill with perjury. One way or the other, send this lady packing in 2018.
As for Sessions, good for him, out of this Russian nonsense which we already know is going nowhere but the trash can. Never mind the foul-crying Democrats and their crazy Russian theories, let's continue with the nation's business, best wishes to AG Sessions.
Next step: charge Senator McCaskill with perjury. One way or the other, send this lady packing in 2018.
As for Sessions, good for him, out of this Russian nonsense which we already know is going nowhere but the trash can. Never mind the foul-crying Democrats and their crazy Russian theories, let's continue with the nation's business, best wishes to AG Sessions.
2
This striking comment should be distributed widely to motivate patriotic Americans to get out in droves in the 2018 elections and beyond. Although probably not the particular Americans the writer would like to motivate.
His press conference was very telling and, in my view, it hurt his credibility. When asked what happened, he basically said his answer is different than the one in his confirmation hearing under oath because he got caught. He can (and will) defend his actions by saying he met with kislyak in his capacity as Senator. But with all these other revelations - now Carter Page meeting with the Russians - I find Sessions hard to believe. Drip, drip. Tick, tock... Oh, and to hear all the Trump supporters blame Obama for leaving a trail of breadcrumbs is like blaming the victim of a serial killer because she wore skimpy clothing. But, hey, this is typical republican behavior, so I've become accustomed to it.
1
Thank you, Al Franken, for asking a good question (he didn't answer your question, but what he said was a revealing lie).
3
"Mr. Sessions is the latest administration official to be caught between his words and the truth on Russia."
More weaselly words from the NYTimes? Have you folks learned nothing from your past pandering sins? Let's review:
• Sessions lie to Congress. Full stop.
• Trump is a liar, a misogynist and a bigot. Entirely documented
• Waterboarding and "enhanced interrogation techniques" are torture.
Stop trying to "thread the needle" or whatever you are trying to do. These weaseling words are not helping your credibility.
(No doubt this comment won't get published, it being a call out of the NYTimes cowardice)
More weaselly words from the NYTimes? Have you folks learned nothing from your past pandering sins? Let's review:
• Sessions lie to Congress. Full stop.
• Trump is a liar, a misogynist and a bigot. Entirely documented
• Waterboarding and "enhanced interrogation techniques" are torture.
Stop trying to "thread the needle" or whatever you are trying to do. These weaseling words are not helping your credibility.
(No doubt this comment won't get published, it being a call out of the NYTimes cowardice)
1
"Mr. Sessions is the latest administration official to be caught between his words and the truth on Russia."
More weaselly words from the NYTimes? Have you folks learned nothing from your past pandering sins? Let's review:
• Sessions lied to Congress. Entirely documented
• Trump is a liar, a misogynist and a bigot. Entirely documented
• Waterboarding and "enhanced interrogation techniques" are torture. Entirely documented
Stop trying to "thread the needle" or whatever you are trying to do. These weaseling words are not helping your credibility.
(No doubt this comment won't get published, it being a call out of the NYTimes cowardice)
More weaselly words from the NYTimes? Have you folks learned nothing from your past pandering sins? Let's review:
• Sessions lied to Congress. Entirely documented
• Trump is a liar, a misogynist and a bigot. Entirely documented
• Waterboarding and "enhanced interrogation techniques" are torture. Entirely documented
Stop trying to "thread the needle" or whatever you are trying to do. These weaseling words are not helping your credibility.
(No doubt this comment won't get published, it being a call out of the NYTimes cowardice)
2
Sessions announced that he had "decided" to recuse himself from some very narrow avenues of inquiry into the relationships between the Russian government and the major party presidential campaigns. While this was a canny attempt at face-saving, the decision was not Sessions' to make. When you say before a Senate panel that you were not aware of communications between Russian officials and the Trump campaign, and it turns out you participated in those conversations yourself, whether as a Trump campaign insider and/or a senator (when do you switch hats, Mr. Sessions?), then you have raised ethical questions that disqualify you from holding the office of the nation's senior law enforcement official. Goodbye.
3
Jeff Sessions lied to Congress. He needs to resign. Now.
6
Trump has long crowed about his intelligence, his business acumen, his ability to make the "right" decisions, no matter how difficult or complex. As he said, he alone knows what is needed and how to implement those solutions. To date, his cabinet picks have been distinguished by only two things: their wealth, and their lack of competence for those positions -- deVos, Flynn, and a few who didn't even make the first hurdle. Being President requires more than this schoolyard bully can manage. He's drowning, flailing about in desperation -- and taking people with him. Does it really stop with his friends and cronies? Or, in the end, will he subvert the entire Constitution and take down this great country? Wake up, people, wake up!
78
The attempt by the Republicans to cover up is alive and well. Now we find out that Jared Kushner was also in on the communications with Russians prior to Emperor Donnie's coronation ... er ... inauguration. Than you The New Yorker for reporting that earlier this week.
As regards Kushner, add that to the collection. The violation of anti-nepotism rules has already been pushed aside as an inconvenience.
What other violations should we be expecting to learn about? Hip deep in corruption is not enough for this crew. They are going for waist deep next.
SHOW US THE TAX RETURNS, DONALD.
As regards Kushner, add that to the collection. The violation of anti-nepotism rules has already been pushed aside as an inconvenience.
What other violations should we be expecting to learn about? Hip deep in corruption is not enough for this crew. They are going for waist deep next.
SHOW US THE TAX RETURNS, DONALD.
2
You are fired!!!!!
1
Sessions lied under oath also known as committing perjury. It's really that simple. Those same lawyers who recommended discipline and disbarment for the lying Ms Conway should file the same charges against Sessions if he doesn't resign tomorrow.
2
If it looks like Watergate, and smells like Watergate ...
They say history has a way of repeating itself. Who knows? Maybe our so-called president brought this bad karma upon himself by hanging his treasured letter from Richard ("I am not a crook!") Nixon in the Oval Office.
They say history has a way of repeating itself. Who knows? Maybe our so-called president brought this bad karma upon himself by hanging his treasured letter from Richard ("I am not a crook!") Nixon in the Oval Office.
1
The truth shall set us free, but can it happen sooner than later, please. There is no chance the Republicans will supply the truth, so the world will continue to look to the press for the truth and the ultimate possibility of justice.
Jason Chaffetz has subpoenaed Hillary to appear before the House Committee on Oversight to ask her what she doesn't know about Sessions meeting with Sergey Kislyak. The hearing is scheduled for Monday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
3
"...neglecting to tell the truth."
What? Am I reading correctly?
Will the NYT please explain what the difference is between lying and "neglecting to tell the truth"? A child caught in a lie who said that would rightly get dressed down by a parent or teacher, as happened to me once in my childhood.
Further, the lawyers I have talked to in the past 24 hours all say that lying under oath, as Senator Jeff Sessions did in response to a direct question, is perjury.
If the press is afraid to speak the truth the country is in even worse shape than I thought.
What? Am I reading correctly?
Will the NYT please explain what the difference is between lying and "neglecting to tell the truth"? A child caught in a lie who said that would rightly get dressed down by a parent or teacher, as happened to me once in my childhood.
Further, the lawyers I have talked to in the past 24 hours all say that lying under oath, as Senator Jeff Sessions did in response to a direct question, is perjury.
If the press is afraid to speak the truth the country is in even worse shape than I thought.
7
SCANDAL BOX SCORE
Obama = 8 years = no scandals
Trump = 30 days = 1 resignation + 1 recusal + 4 investigations
Obama = 8 years = no scandals
Trump = 30 days = 1 resignation + 1 recusal + 4 investigations
16
Kusher next!
9
Sessions and Trump don't "see" Russians as foreign nationals, they see them as business associates. google the words < Cyprus Trump Palm Beach Laundering > big wink > How can they be bad... "It's just good business!" ;)
5
With Sen Franken, he was like my kid when he was 5 and broke something. I'd call him into the room, ask him what he's been doing this afternoon and he'd guiltily blurt out "I wasn't throwing the football in the house....in the living room...near the lamp. "
Sure, Jeffrey, sure.
Sure, Jeffrey, sure.
7
So we are now to believe that Donald Trump never even ASKED Mr. Sessions if he'd had any meetings with a Russian officials? And thus Donald can't be blamed? Appalling.
6
Why is anyone surprised that the Liar-in-Chief appoints cronies who are liars? All their pants are on fire....
5
I hope we live long enough to see a special prosecutor assigned to investigate Russiagate. I am not hopeful. After the election, among many thing, I was extremely distressed that we had elected a morally deficient, intellectually challenged person as president and because Congress is composed mostly of sychophantic invertebrates THAT THERE WOULD BE NO CHECKS AND BALANCES. One of my greatest fears manifested itself today with the Sessions recusal.
2
Good to know that the denounced FBI and other secret services are ALWAYS a step further than WH. They are proud ppl liking the trueth definitely more than the actual WH.
1
Aside from all the substantive points on this matter -- does anyone else "see a pattern" here?
Sessions, is asked about how he would respond in a Government Capacity (as Attorney General) if findings about Russia's involvement came up:
- Response: "I" never had contacts with Russia....
Trump, is asked in his Press Conference how he will respond in his Government Capacity (as POTUS) to antisemitic activity in America:
- Response: "I'm" the least antisemitic person you know... least racist too....
WHY are these men responding to questions posed to them about taking Official Government Actions - with "totally-unasked"-answers about their Personal Behaviors?!?
"The gentlemen doth protest too much," indeed....
Sessions, is asked about how he would respond in a Government Capacity (as Attorney General) if findings about Russia's involvement came up:
- Response: "I" never had contacts with Russia....
Trump, is asked in his Press Conference how he will respond in his Government Capacity (as POTUS) to antisemitic activity in America:
- Response: "I'm" the least antisemitic person you know... least racist too....
WHY are these men responding to questions posed to them about taking Official Government Actions - with "totally-unasked"-answers about their Personal Behaviors?!?
"The gentlemen doth protest too much," indeed....
2
So Sessions says he did not know it refered to "any" contact, let alone he can't remember what he spoke about, EXCEPT that it had nothing to do with the campaign. This does not bode well, as AG he should be the first to know that "Ignorantia juris non excusat," ignorgance of the law des not make you innocent, especially when you were lying under oath.
He should not resign, he should be impeached and prosecuted.
He should not resign, he should be impeached and prosecuted.
2
A lie delivered in a honey-sweet southern drawl is still....a lie.
6
A new Deep Throat is out there somewhere on this Russia matter. He or she has all the goods. Believe it. No need to come out from the shadows just yet ... things are imploding nicely all by themselves right now. The question will be, as it was in Watergate: what did the President know, and when did he know it? Those who are ignorant of history are bound to repeat it....
96
Flynn (drip)...Sessions (drip)...Flynn and Kushner (drip, drip). Who's next?
2
A deluge of tax returns would be nice.
The next shoe is about to drop in that VP Pence used a private email account to send sensitive state info..... This is the same guy who railed against Clinton's use of a private server.... oh, and his account did get hacked! Are they all as dishonest as Trump?
6
What problems,everybody gets off scott free.I was watching GW Bush on Kimmel.Here was a guy who condoned and approved water boarding with Condi Rice,Rumsfeld and Cheney. Bush was promoting a book of his paintings.Everyone gets a free pass if you're an elected or appointed part of the tem.Don't worry Jeff if you get resigned or fired you get a job on CNN.
1
In a front page article, the NY Times quoted Senator Orrin Hatch as saying, “My concern is why are our Democratic senators so doggone rude” to Mr. Sessions?
We are not being "rude" to the so-called attorney general. He lied under oath about meeting with representatives of a hostile foreign power. LOCK HIM UP!
We are not being "rude" to the so-called attorney general. He lied under oath about meeting with representatives of a hostile foreign power. LOCK HIM UP!
9
Orrin Hatch is a partisan hack. Just ignore him.
It's unclear who has the say - Trump or Mike Pence? Michael Flynn was fired "for misleading.... Pence about his contacts with the Russian ambassador." That Sessions had lied in his confirmation hearing didn't seem to matter. It should matter, because it wasn't "unintentional" as Trump claimed on Twitter.
Sessions statements were contradictory. When asked, whether he and the ambassador had discussed Mr. Trump or the election," he replied, “I don’t recall.”
Yet yesterday he could recall the details of the meeting, "which took place in his Senate office on Sept. 8, saying "the ambassador defended Russia’s conduct," adding, “I thought he was pretty much of an old-style, Soviet-type ambassador."
Sessions statements were contradictory. When asked, whether he and the ambassador had discussed Mr. Trump or the election," he replied, “I don’t recall.”
Yet yesterday he could recall the details of the meeting, "which took place in his Senate office on Sept. 8, saying "the ambassador defended Russia’s conduct," adding, “I thought he was pretty much of an old-style, Soviet-type ambassador."
13
He's met enough Russian ambassadors to make such a comparison? Bring on that independent investigator!
Dear GOP,
Put your ear to the ground, that rumbling is coming from the collective RAGE of the MAJORITY in this country. Act or prepare for the time when the citizens of this country finally treat you as accomplices to traitors that you are.
Put your ear to the ground, that rumbling is coming from the collective RAGE of the MAJORITY in this country. Act or prepare for the time when the citizens of this country finally treat you as accomplices to traitors that you are.
8
Tar and feathers, anyone??
1
Of course, Mr. Sessions had a choice: to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Which is what he swore to do before he testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
As an attorney, he knew full well that perjury is a serious crime. Plain and simple. Stating, under oath, that, "I did not have communications with the Russians," was not true. He knew that, and now he must suffer the consequences of his deliberate act of evasion.
No matter how this episode plays out, these facts will forever be attached to his name and character:
1. He was rejected by the Senate when he was nominated for a federal judgeship in the 1980s for questions regarding his attitudes and actions toward people of color; and
2. Now, more than 30 years later, he stands accused of committing perjury before his long-time Senate colleagues and the nation.
In order to practice law, he swore an allegiance to uphold the principles of honest jurisprudential behavior. He has violated these principles and may well lose his license to practice law. Given his behavior, he no longer deserves any position of public trust.
He has already demeaned himself. I hope that he has the good sense not to demean the office of Attorney General of the United States one day more.
As an attorney, he knew full well that perjury is a serious crime. Plain and simple. Stating, under oath, that, "I did not have communications with the Russians," was not true. He knew that, and now he must suffer the consequences of his deliberate act of evasion.
No matter how this episode plays out, these facts will forever be attached to his name and character:
1. He was rejected by the Senate when he was nominated for a federal judgeship in the 1980s for questions regarding his attitudes and actions toward people of color; and
2. Now, more than 30 years later, he stands accused of committing perjury before his long-time Senate colleagues and the nation.
In order to practice law, he swore an allegiance to uphold the principles of honest jurisprudential behavior. He has violated these principles and may well lose his license to practice law. Given his behavior, he no longer deserves any position of public trust.
He has already demeaned himself. I hope that he has the good sense not to demean the office of Attorney General of the United States one day more.
15
My understanding is he is subject to impeachment. Let the proceedings begin....
7
Sessions had a choice. He could have chosen not to handcuff himself to the garbage barge that is the Trump presidency.
Instead, Sessions was willing to lie to be in Trump's disreputable candidate. Probably the high point of Sessions shameful racist life.
These people live in some indecent alternative universe.
Instead, Sessions was willing to lie to be in Trump's disreputable candidate. Probably the high point of Sessions shameful racist life.
These people live in some indecent alternative universe.
16
I'm still finding the 'Russia' narrative puzzling. The Clinton campaign seemed to have initiated this spin about foreign influence during the election campaign. It continues to date, yet the public is offered much in the way of innuendo and little in the way of real fact. Concern over the issue persists in appearing to be based on political affiliation and preference. The skeptical side of me thinks this is from a lawyers' playback where you hammer away at something long enough that sooner or later people become convinced there's something to it all, even when facts are in very short supply. Okay, so Sessions spoke with this Ambassador; until I know what was said, and that its of some import, where's the big concern that its front page news?
Were I to say I was deeply troubled by Russian influence over our election process, and then was asked what specifically was I concerned about, I'm confident I wouldn't have much of an answer. Do any of those here that profess such outrage over this supposed issue have substantive answers?
It appears in the current environment this spin has become so potent that any affiliation with someone from Russia is enough to create concern. I have a Russian neighbor, perhaps I'm to stop speaking with them. They may influence me in ways I don't even understand.
Were I to say I was deeply troubled by Russian influence over our election process, and then was asked what specifically was I concerned about, I'm confident I wouldn't have much of an answer. Do any of those here that profess such outrage over this supposed issue have substantive answers?
It appears in the current environment this spin has become so potent that any affiliation with someone from Russia is enough to create concern. I have a Russian neighbor, perhaps I'm to stop speaking with them. They may influence me in ways I don't even understand.
7
Have you read David Remnick's New Yorker piece?
1
Perhaps your Russian neighbor provided you with the spin that the Clinton campaign initiated this whole Russian influence discussion.
The big concern? He lied.
Sessions must be quite surprised. He is only doing what old southern pols have done for hundreds of years. He dances to the song Sidestep from The Greatest Little Whorehouse in Texas, "Cut a little swathe and lead the people on."
5
It is not a witch hunt but a very reasonable question: if there is nothing nefarious, why do top officials in the Trump administration lied about their contacts with the Russians? Trump cannot blame anyone else but himself because as a presidential candidate he openly expressed his admiration of Putin and the Russian government many times. As the president, he never condemned Russians' meddling with our elections and attempt to meddle with other countries' elections. What is Trump afraid of?
If there is an independent investigation, Sessions should not appoint the lead investigator. least of all, to appoint anyone who will have to report to him.
By the way, is Comey or Congress going to launch an investigation of Pense's use of private email account?
If there is an independent investigation, Sessions should not appoint the lead investigator. least of all, to appoint anyone who will have to report to him.
By the way, is Comey or Congress going to launch an investigation of Pense's use of private email account?
12
Sessions lied, under oath, to the Senate. That's perjury.
How can any cabinet official, not mention the Attorney General, serve after that? He's supposed to ENFORCE the law, not willfully violate it!
Clear cause for removal from office (unless he resigns post haste) and criminal charges, no matter how he is removed from office.
How can any cabinet official, not mention the Attorney General, serve after that? He's supposed to ENFORCE the law, not willfully violate it!
Clear cause for removal from office (unless he resigns post haste) and criminal charges, no matter how he is removed from office.
26
Both Sessions and Flynn were caught lying. If they both lied, I'd bet my farm that Trump is lying. It's one thing if they were colluding with Rwanda, but Russia? Just the idea alone is despicable. We are not for sale Mr.Trump.
22
I bet he'd disagree with you on that.
Isn't the GOP mantra "The business of America is Business"?
Isn't the GOP mantra "The business of America is Business"?
Of course Trump is lying – his entire campaign, his entire life is based on lies and distortion.
Sessions' excuses for not fully answering the Franken question, or at least correcting the record, afterwards: He was surprised by the question, he was meeting with the Ambassador in his capacity as Senator and not as campaign surrogate, and he forgot. Frankly, these dogs don't hunt. Not for a member of the bar and not for the nation's Chief Legal Officer.
He should resign.
Republicans and Koch Brothers, and other big donors, get some moral courage and put country over Party and ideology.
He should resign.
Republicans and Koch Brothers, and other big donors, get some moral courage and put country over Party and ideology.
10
Congress needs to get the income tax documents. Follow the money.
26
The AG clearly committed perjury. If there are no consequences what does that say about our system of laws, which supposedly are blind and applied equally? I thought we rejected the concept of a privileged class, above the law, as one of the foundations of our democracy.
12
So what is it going to take for GOP Congressional members to get their heads out of their... donkeys...
Do we need photos of DT and Putin taking a bath together?
Do we need photos of DT and Putin taking a bath together?
7
Jeff Session blatantly broke the law, Lock him up!
17
Sessions lied under oath. And this is just the beginning He is up to his eyes in scandal, and he should resign before he trashes his entire career. He reached very high gambling on Trump and it has become a disaster. I feel a little sorry for him. actually, and that surprises me because he has done some terrible things over the years. It is easy to say that he brought it on himself, but such a crash after years of service--however controversial--is hard to witness.
4
"before he trashes his career"? That flight has departed.
Sessions should resign. Or this will dog him like a pack of wolves.
Sessions should resign. Or this will dog him like a pack of wolves.
Now what do we do about all the other cabinet members who lied during their confirmation hearings? Are we watching a slow motion fall of our government? Is it possible that all Putin had to do to destroy the United States was exert a little pressure on a foolish and corrupt candidate who never expected to be elected President and then set up a few meeting with the greedy and the naive around him?
11
Russia interfering with an American election is big news. A US political party working with Russia to interfere in an American election is the scandal of the century. Congressional republicans are clearly determined to cover up this scandal and to keep Trump's tax returns out of the public's hands. It appears that the Republican Party would collude with Russia in order to gain power in the US. This is a time for patriots to step up to the plate.
19
Big deal. Nothing will come of this, and there won't be any real investigation done by a special prosecutor. First of all the prosecutor will be picked by guess who? Why someone in the Justice Dept. who have been warned by Sessions they will be dealt with if they cooperate in any way. No problem really though because they need the FBI and Mr. Comey will roadblock any information that may be harmful to Trump in the same way he put the final nail in her coffin by rasing email questions just 10 days before the election. Totally phony of course but it accomplished what it was intended to do and that was to throw one scare into the voters. He's been in on the whole scheme to derail her from the beginning. But you won't be able to get buy him and it will all end with nothing being done. And no, subpoenas won't work. By now you can better believe all he hard evidence has been destroyed. Republicans could do something but they've all been playing their best Sgt. Schultz (I KNOW NOTHING!)
6
This amoral, bigoted, Keebler-elf-good-ol-boy needs to resign. What a disgrace. Sad!
10
How is it surprising that Jeff Sessions lied to Congress about meeting with Russians during the campaign? Lying seems to come second nature to Repubicans and Trump in particular. So Sessions had a good teacher and example though in his political life he has told so many whoppers that it is he who could have taught the finer points of lying. The truth seems to be the difficult part even when it is the best course to avoid catastrophe. But ultimately it is the Trump supporters who bought or over looked the lies and it is they though living in denial bare the responsibility for the Trumpian train wreck.
10
Who supports a liing person, does not seem to really love the trueth!
Potus 45's minions could not help but notice how he lied constantly and still won. But they are mistaken in believing lying will work as well for them as it did..and does... for him. Effective political lying is a skill. 45 developed that skill with inborn talent and 60 years of practice. His "team" members are obviously clumsy by comparison.
4
Only a special prosecutor can get to the heart of this thing. Sessions was tainted from the get go by virtue of his work on the campaign (with or without contact with the Russians). Now. it turns out he had contact....so he has to resign and make sure a special prosecutor comes on board to handle this mess.
3
Is there no end to this saga . . and the GOP, my gosh, the same folks who went after Clinton hammer and nail over the manufactured Benghazi affair, see absolutely nothing wrong with key members of Trump's cabinet and campaign team cozying up to America's long-time and relentless nemesis. Truly a spectacle for the ages . . .
6
At the time of these meetings, Sessions was a known campaign surrogate. Sessions also knew by July that Russia was meddling in the election by its hacking. (WaPo published news of the DNC hack in June.) That he even chose to meet with the Russian Ambassador seems extraordinary. He says he met as Senator Sessions, not Trump Surrogate Session, but how do we know what hat the Russian Ambassador believed he was wearing during their meetings? Moreover, to say that the matters discussed did not touch on the election ignores the fact that, as Sessions and the Russians knew, HRC's stance toward Russia was more likely to be hostile than Trump's, and Putin hated her. Sessions could not, under the circumstances, have reasonably believed that any conversation with the Russian Ambassador was not related in some way to the election.
4
The context of confirmation hearing is about if Sessions had contacted Russia for the purpose of Trump's campaign. He said no. You may accuse him for being not disclosing everything, but he did not lie.
3
The problem is that he was asked if he met with the Russia's while he was a Trump surrogate. And he was asked multiple times not just at the hearing. He was a surrogate as well as being an ambassador. The problem is he is an arms committee ambassador they don't usually talk to our enemies.
Sessions is know for his precise arguments in trial. Whether he avoided the truth by accident or on purpose he should have come clean the moment it was revealed.
Sessions is know for his precise arguments in trial. Whether he avoided the truth by accident or on purpose he should have come clean the moment it was revealed.
All of the "contextual" interpretation being performed by republicans must have Scalia turning in his grave. I will rely on an honest originalist translation of the actual words of the question and the blanket denial. Lies multiply.
The mind boggles at the depth of possible collusion, cover up,..and
treason..Follow the money as far back as it leads, and never forget the men behind the puppet, who know how to pull the strings and hold the cards, are completely ruthless and completely determined to take away the democratic freedoms and rights we took for granted. Trump is far far out of his depth and clearly has no idea what he has gotten himself and the rest of us into. Release the taxes.
treason..Follow the money as far back as it leads, and never forget the men behind the puppet, who know how to pull the strings and hold the cards, are completely ruthless and completely determined to take away the democratic freedoms and rights we took for granted. Trump is far far out of his depth and clearly has no idea what he has gotten himself and the rest of us into. Release the taxes.
11
This is really becoming the fake news presidency...
Can't believe what they say because they can dress up falsehoods like a snake oils salesman. You have to look at their actions - what they did and follow the money. Not just for this huge Russian scandal but for everything they are doing.
Can't believe what they say because they can dress up falsehoods like a snake oils salesman. You have to look at their actions - what they did and follow the money. Not just for this huge Russian scandal but for everything they are doing.
6
The Trump Team just thought they could blow up the place. Their supporters shouted "Hooray." Competence is essential. Hubris just doesn't work, guys.
4
He's trying to avoid getting fired. I'm guessing this won't do it. At the very least he will lose credibility among lose he's supposed to lead.
But the hypocrisy! Imagine for a moment that the democrats were trying this. After all the wasted hours on Benghazi the republicans would feast on this kind of lying and obfuscation for years.
But the hypocrisy! Imagine for a moment that the democrats were trying this. After all the wasted hours on Benghazi the republicans would feast on this kind of lying and obfuscation for years.
7
"As it turns out, Mr. Sessions met twice with Mr. Kislyak, once at the Republican National Convention in July", What on earth was Amb Kislyak doing at the RNConvention? Did other Ambassadors attend? Did he go to the DNConvention too?
6
Totally unbelievable -
1. That an experienced lawyer nominated for attorney general would not be careful with every word he said under oath,
2. That after becoming attorney general he would need his staff to convince him of his obvious conflicts.
3. Did he really say in his press conference that his staff told him he should not be in charge of an investigation into the campaign because he served in the campaign?
Wow. Where did all these bozos come from? And where are they leading us?
1. That an experienced lawyer nominated for attorney general would not be careful with every word he said under oath,
2. That after becoming attorney general he would need his staff to convince him of his obvious conflicts.
3. Did he really say in his press conference that his staff told him he should not be in charge of an investigation into the campaign because he served in the campaign?
Wow. Where did all these bozos come from? And where are they leading us?
14
When will the Republican controlled Congress set aside their partisan wall of denial and finally demand that Donald Trump come clean, about his taxes, his investments, and most of all his interactions with Russia? They hounded Hilary for years about Benghazi! Where is their "moral outrage" now? Whatever she did or didn't do, pales in contrast to Trump's possible collusion with a foreign nation to undermine our elections.
How about Congress? Are you going to do your sworn duty, or continue to betray your country?
How about Congress? Are you going to do your sworn duty, or continue to betray your country?
12
Failed to disclose? Dear NYT - Feel free to call it by its real name, just like you have with trump. It's called lying. This sorry excuse of a man, like many others in the trump administration, is a LIAR who has no business being the top law enforcement official in the country. To think his boss keeps whining that the media is "dishonest". The hypocrisy...
9
Has Mike Pence spoken/met with Russians?
2
They haven't told him yet that he did.
All political parties have no problem playing the illegal foreign influence game unfortunately. Be it Reagan, Bush Sr. with the dirty deal to extend Iran hostage crisis or Bill Clinton taking the illegal money from China and Indonesia. At least there was a special prosecutor with Iran-Contra.
Strange that when Clinton took the illegal campaign financing from China for his 1996 reelection, the NY Times had no problem when Clinton and Janet Reno rejected FBI Director Louis Freeh's demands for a special prosecutor.
Strange that when Clinton took the illegal campaign financing from China for his 1996 reelection, the NY Times had no problem when Clinton and Janet Reno rejected FBI Director Louis Freeh's demands for a special prosecutor.
2
But one has to wonder if recusal is enough. If AG Session is willing to play word game - he certainly understood what Sen Franken meant when he was asked about Russian contact at the confirmation hearing, it is the moral equivalence of the "I do not have sexual relationship with that woman" - what stop him from instruction the people working for him at the Justice Department, including the FBI, from overlooking anything relating to him and the Trump administration. This is worse than fox guiding the hen house.
13
The real news here would be discovering even one Trump cohort who didn't meet with the Russians in a manner suggesting some nefarious activity.
5
During his announcement earlier today, Jeff Sessions said that he is recusing himself from the investigation into Russian election tampering because his assistants advised him that he is obliged to do so under ethics standards.
That was reasonable advice BEFORE it came to light that Sessions lied while under oath to "tell the *whole truth." Not only did Mr. Sessions lie about meeting the Russian official, but he very well knew the charged context of the situation, and the specific interest Senator Franken had in his answer.
Now, Russian meddling in the election was tantamount to an undeclared war against America. Trump publicly encouraged it by calling on Russian hackers and Wikileaks to go after the emails of Ms. Clinton. Therefore, any Trump associate who met privately with Russian authorities, and then lied about it afterwards is naturally suspected of playing both sides against each other.
Since Mr. Trump took office, Russia has behaved recklessly in Ukraine and Syria, while its ships and planes assumed a more aggressive posture toward America and its allies. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump said disparaging things about NATO, mocked US intelligence services and blamed the generals for the loss of life in Yemen. His loyalties can no longer be taken for granted.
If the GOP now defends Sessions, it puts itself on the other side of the undeclared war.
The odds are rising that Trump, Flynn, Sessions and Brannon will eventually land roles in the Broadway musical "Nixon."
That was reasonable advice BEFORE it came to light that Sessions lied while under oath to "tell the *whole truth." Not only did Mr. Sessions lie about meeting the Russian official, but he very well knew the charged context of the situation, and the specific interest Senator Franken had in his answer.
Now, Russian meddling in the election was tantamount to an undeclared war against America. Trump publicly encouraged it by calling on Russian hackers and Wikileaks to go after the emails of Ms. Clinton. Therefore, any Trump associate who met privately with Russian authorities, and then lied about it afterwards is naturally suspected of playing both sides against each other.
Since Mr. Trump took office, Russia has behaved recklessly in Ukraine and Syria, while its ships and planes assumed a more aggressive posture toward America and its allies. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump said disparaging things about NATO, mocked US intelligence services and blamed the generals for the loss of life in Yemen. His loyalties can no longer be taken for granted.
If the GOP now defends Sessions, it puts itself on the other side of the undeclared war.
The odds are rising that Trump, Flynn, Sessions and Brannon will eventually land roles in the Broadway musical "Nixon."
10
Really sad and shameful that Session had such a grandiose vision of himself that he would throw away his credibility and that of the Dept of Justice, in order to get confirmed as Attorney General. That someone who's job it is to set the tone and maintain policies which uphold the law couldn't see for himself that recusal was necessary obviously lacks the intellect or personal integrity required of the position. Caught lying to Congress on the record less than two months after getting confirmed, how can he possibly function as AG. He needs to resign...immediately.
7
The claim that he had no need to recuse himself shows massive cluelessness in high places.
2
It appears that one of our Senate's nascent virtual signalers has been caught up in a similar "lie" about meetings with the Russian Ambassador:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2017/mar/02/claire-mc...
So let's try for at least some small semblance of consistency here. If the NYT wants to call for the resignation of AG Sessions, it should be demanding the same of Sen. McCaskill as well.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2017/mar/02/claire-mc...
So let's try for at least some small semblance of consistency here. If the NYT wants to call for the resignation of AG Sessions, it should be demanding the same of Sen. McCaskill as well.
2
Did she do so under oath while being considered for office? The recourse here is to not reflect her.
No! They don't "neglect to tell the truth. They lie!! And they do so pathologically. Truth neglecters retain their claim to the charm of rascality. Pathological liars lay waste to the consensus that orders the shared social space. They see multitudes when none exist. They are profiteers of chaos and disorder. They are scum and should be called such without exception.
3
As usual, the New York Times oddly and inaccurately portrays two "meetings" with the Russian ambassador the Mr. Sessions had. This is a deliberate lie among many lies that this article (and the democrat party) are trying to create.
3
Sessions " neglected" to tell the truth. In any other industry, one would be immediately fired for this. Now we have an attorney general that has played fast and loose with the law. What kind of signal does that send? Kkjjjú
3
I think Chris Christie should be hired as the Special Prosecutor to investigate Trump's campaign connections with the Russians.
2
Joel, presumably your comment is sarcastic?
Donald Trump has the highest confidence in Michael Flynn and Vladimir Putin.
3
I think it is totally possible that Sessions doesn't remember talking to the Russians, Maybe since they didn't wear name tags identifying themselves
as Russian he didn't know . So many people, so many lies. It must have been confusing to a down home country lawyer.
Maybe he's just that dumb. Given Trump's other choices, it is entirely possible.
I think in any case, Trump could surely find someone else, say another more intelligent sounding, more charming racist to fill in as AG until sanity returns. In four years. A long four years.
as Russian he didn't know . So many people, so many lies. It must have been confusing to a down home country lawyer.
Maybe he's just that dumb. Given Trump's other choices, it is entirely possible.
I think in any case, Trump could surely find someone else, say another more intelligent sounding, more charming racist to fill in as AG until sanity returns. In four years. A long four years.
4
As a prosecutor, you focus on the facts. There's a lot of innuendo here. But you need to go to the core. For this investigation to amount to anything, you need to prove that the Trump people sat down with the Russians and devised a strategy of dirty tricks to sway the election. That means you have to prove that they willingly engaged in treason to sabotage Clinton. In turn, they had to believe that the Russians knew something about Clinton that would swing about 10 million votes, a real blockbuster. And they had to believe they wouldn't get caught.
In my opinion disclosing emails that were gossipy -- which the Russians did -- was not worth the risk. And there was no reason to believe that the Russians could disclose incriminating emails since the FBI hadn't found any. It is possible, of course, that Flynn and Sessions were delving into the realm of the top secret because they believed the Russians could prove that Clinton had massacred thousands of children. But I doubt that.
In my opinion disclosing emails that were gossipy -- which the Russians did -- was not worth the risk. And there was no reason to believe that the Russians could disclose incriminating emails since the FBI hadn't found any. It is possible, of course, that Flynn and Sessions were delving into the realm of the top secret because they believed the Russians could prove that Clinton had massacred thousands of children. But I doubt that.
1
What sorry role models are sitting at the pinnacles of power in this godforsaken administration?
Nothing short of a independent counsel will do, as so many, including the Times have called for. Recusal is a minimum for Sessions. And resignation would buy him a shred of decency. We deserve no less.
But the real heroes here, to my mind are the tireless citizens, daily slogging through the latest sorry revelations, rolled out by an outstanding number of reporters and exemplars of our Free Press.
I salute you, wonderful commentariat! It gives me hope, in these dark days, to read your wonderful comments, your flashes of brilliance, and yes, your humor, all of it bringing a sense of commraderie, of shared purpose.
America is greatest when there's teamwork and honesty and sharing of this burden. Thrust upon us unfairly by those who should dutifully serve.
We're not done yet. There's a long way to go. Thanks to those working so hard to salvage our Republic.
Keep digging, Times! We've got your back. Rise to the challenge.
And leakers, open the floodgates!
Nothing short of a independent counsel will do, as so many, including the Times have called for. Recusal is a minimum for Sessions. And resignation would buy him a shred of decency. We deserve no less.
But the real heroes here, to my mind are the tireless citizens, daily slogging through the latest sorry revelations, rolled out by an outstanding number of reporters and exemplars of our Free Press.
I salute you, wonderful commentariat! It gives me hope, in these dark days, to read your wonderful comments, your flashes of brilliance, and yes, your humor, all of it bringing a sense of commraderie, of shared purpose.
America is greatest when there's teamwork and honesty and sharing of this burden. Thrust upon us unfairly by those who should dutifully serve.
We're not done yet. There's a long way to go. Thanks to those working so hard to salvage our Republic.
Keep digging, Times! We've got your back. Rise to the challenge.
And leakers, open the floodgates!
25
This is just getting started. Wait until more is revealed about Wilbur Ross, The King of Fertilizer, Deutsche Bank, Cyprus and Donald himself. Get popcorn. It's going to be thrilling.
President Trump and the GOP are losing what credibility they have with all this stonewalling. If they do not support the appointment of an independent investigation and if he does not disclose his taxes, this drip, drip, leak, leak will continue to dog him until all the fact are known. And then what?
8
I disagree that there is any credibility that they have.
What they are doing is simply re-confirming the fact that they don't have any credibility.
What they are doing is simply re-confirming the fact that they don't have any credibility.
Sessions out tomorrow and an independent Special Prosecutor in. This Russian stuff could be the end of our democracy.
5
I think that is what Russia intends.
3
This is not a witch hunt. Do not blame the Democrats, or Trump haters, or anyone else other than those who have created this crisis. Yes, it is a crisis. The foundations of our nation are being shaken. We are a nation of laws, we are a nation that was founded on a free and independent press.
I lived through Watergate, and the Saturday Night Massacre. It was ugly. But, what was beautiful were Republicans who had a conscience and put their love of country above party affiliation. I do believe we are on our way to Russiagate.
I lived through Watergate, and the Saturday Night Massacre. It was ugly. But, what was beautiful were Republicans who had a conscience and put their love of country above party affiliation. I do believe we are on our way to Russiagate.
19
Mr. Session's direct omission of facts that indeed he did communicate with a Russian Government Official who was an ambassador, to a US Senate confirmation hearing committee, is a fraud and not perjurious per se. The fraud he committed is a much more of a serious offense than perjury. Lying and fraud are different things. When someone obtains something by way of deceit, that deceit then is classified as a fraud. Committing a fraud upon the people to gain a seat in public office, in particular to become the Attorney General of the United States, is completely actionable or prosecutable as a fraud.
If Mr. Sessions resigns from the AG office, he will escape criminal charges. Oddly those criminal charges are those he is entrusted to bring against himself. Who will prosecute the person in charge of prosecuting the frauds in the Federal government?
If Mr. Sessions resigns from the AG office, he will escape criminal charges. Oddly those criminal charges are those he is entrusted to bring against himself. Who will prosecute the person in charge of prosecuting the frauds in the Federal government?
9
It seems to me Trump doesn't seem to care whether Jeff Sessions was telling the truth or lying, and that's a big problem with this Whitehouse.
Now, it's being reported that more of the Trump surrogates met with the Russian Ambassador in Trump Tower, when you look back on the timeline of events and comments by Trump and his campaign....it starting to look worse than Watergate.
It's time for Sessions to go, and for the Special Independent Prosecutor to start looking into the Trump shenanigans during the campaign with the Russians.
Instead of Trump being forthright, by releasing all of his tax returns and investment records for the last 25 years to show he has no ties, conflicts of interest or indebtedness to Russian Oligarchs or Chinese banks, and prove he has nothing to hide, he's been acting like a sleazy guilty man with everything to hide.
Something smells in Washington and it's not coming from the swamp, this time the smell is coming from the Trump Whitehouse!
Now, it's being reported that more of the Trump surrogates met with the Russian Ambassador in Trump Tower, when you look back on the timeline of events and comments by Trump and his campaign....it starting to look worse than Watergate.
It's time for Sessions to go, and for the Special Independent Prosecutor to start looking into the Trump shenanigans during the campaign with the Russians.
Instead of Trump being forthright, by releasing all of his tax returns and investment records for the last 25 years to show he has no ties, conflicts of interest or indebtedness to Russian Oligarchs or Chinese banks, and prove he has nothing to hide, he's been acting like a sleazy guilty man with everything to hide.
Something smells in Washington and it's not coming from the swamp, this time the smell is coming from the Trump Whitehouse!
14
Who knew being President of the United States was so complicated?
What can the next three years and ten months look like after such a catastrophic beginning? From Adlai Stephenson to Hillary Clinton, the American public has consistently rejected any candidate who gave any hint of intellectualism, Obama being the exception.
All this Trump Turmoil comes from ignorance and dishonesty. Somehow, we need to get smarter as a people.
What can the next three years and ten months look like after such a catastrophic beginning? From Adlai Stephenson to Hillary Clinton, the American public has consistently rejected any candidate who gave any hint of intellectualism, Obama being the exception.
All this Trump Turmoil comes from ignorance and dishonesty. Somehow, we need to get smarter as a people.
14
Am I missing something here? Is perjury not grounds for his dismissal? If not, how exactly are we to have confidence in him as the nation's top law enforcement official, one who is documented on film lying to Congress? One who should never have been appointed in the first place as he was previously denied a federal court appointment on the basis of blatantly racist comments he made in the past? Are the people expected to believe in our system of justice, to trust our government? And what is a government if it does not have the trust of the citizens? This entire sordid episode in our history is beyond disgusting, and I have had more than enough.
107
Yes. What is the penalty for perjury? Double standards in play? No standards? Good points.
Jeff Sessions was one of the one's calling for Hillary Clinton's indictment and chanting "lock her up" for the emails, even though she had done nothing illegal or committed no crimes.
Trump can parse it anyway he wants, because he's proven to be a pathological liar with no regard for the truth, but perjury is a crime and Jeff Sessions committed perjury when he lied under oath during his conformation hearings. Karma can be an ugly thing, when it comes back to haunt you, now maybe it should be "Lock Him Up!"
Trump can parse it anyway he wants, because he's proven to be a pathological liar with no regard for the truth, but perjury is a crime and Jeff Sessions committed perjury when he lied under oath during his conformation hearings. Karma can be an ugly thing, when it comes back to haunt you, now maybe it should be "Lock Him Up!"
16
I invite Sergey Kislyak to meet with me and my neighbors given he has previously met with a myriad of Trump admin reps, and Trump relatives.
If they are deseserving of his presence, so are we: the tax payers.
Let's meet Sergey Kislak over borscht or brats.
Cheers.
If they are deseserving of his presence, so are we: the tax payers.
Let's meet Sergey Kislak over borscht or brats.
Cheers.
8
That would be borscht or wodka.
Isn't that Russian ambassador the guy that mysteriously died a little while ago? Putin just kills me.
2
Not "this" one.
Not now.
But maybe soon.
{He doesn't look well, does he? Shame. Thoughts and prayers....}
Not now.
But maybe soon.
{He doesn't look well, does he? Shame. Thoughts and prayers....}
No, that was the Russian Ambassador to the UN.
No. That was the Russian UN Rep.
This Russian stench is becoming cloying. Proven meddling in the elections.
Continued suspicion of Trump financial ties to Russia. The obsequious Putin love. A few advisers dumped for Russian ties. Then a Cabinet general down. Now Sessions, one of Trumps most "loyal" tools, appears to have perjured himself to hide his involvement. The whole mess stinks to high heaven.
When will citizens demand an accounting?
Continued suspicion of Trump financial ties to Russia. The obsequious Putin love. A few advisers dumped for Russian ties. Then a Cabinet general down. Now Sessions, one of Trumps most "loyal" tools, appears to have perjured himself to hide his involvement. The whole mess stinks to high heaven.
When will citizens demand an accounting?
14
Why are they neglecting to tell the truth? Because they have something to hide. Therefore, they are deliberately not telling the truth, even after being asked specific questions. So it seems to me it is not a case of neglect or poor judgement, but an intentional cover up. And as part of the cover up, everybody in the administration including President Trump behave as if they don't know anything about the accusations and lie. Is President Trump okay with being seen as kept in the dark?
On a lighter note, the Trump team apparently refused to get ethics training during the transition. And it shows.
On a lighter note, the Trump team apparently refused to get ethics training during the transition. And it shows.
10
Well, things are going to keep on popping out of the wood works now. Thank God that Obama administration had the foresight to preserve whatever evidence they found concerning Russia's complicity in influencing the US election and any ties regarding this between Trump and Russia. I am convinced that Russia's got an iron grip on Trump as he has probably borrowed lots of money from Putin's cronies as no bank in the West would lend him even a penny anymore. Why else would he not release his returns? It's that and also he is probably worth no more than few millions. Trump is also a pawn in the hands of Bannon and Sessions and would blindly carry out all their orders and defend them till he turns blue in the face. We have to do our due diligence in keeping track of all the news reported by NYT and WP regarding all these wrong doings and alleged criminal acts of Trump et. al. We also have to keep pressure on our legislators to carry out the necessary investigations to determine and let the whole world know about Russia's involvement in jeopardizing the US presidential election. They must appoint the Special Investigator or they should be kicked out of congress in 2018. I have heard people saying Trump may get impeached soon. Up until now, I was skeptical of it, but, after learning all that has been revealed in last couple of days, I am not so skeptical anymore so long as we do our part in pressuring the legislators to do the right thing.
10
I, for one, believe that Donald Trump and key members of his campaign staff colluded with the Russian Government to alter the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. But as worrisome as that is, looming much larger is the relationship between the Russian Federation and the United States. Russia is an important country and it is in theirs and our national interests that we have a cordial and businesslike relationship. They are neither a friend or an enemy but a nation that most certainly must feel that their national security is threatened when the US and its allies tries to recruit former members of the USSR to become NATO members. And the former Soviet Union was invaded twice in the last century from and by the west, suffering the loss of 25 million people in WWII. We, on the other hand, flanked by two vast oceans and sharing borders with Mexico and Canada, have never experienced anything remotely like that which the Russian people and the other nationalities suffered. Is Russia a threat to Eastern and Western Europe? It will be if we and our allies treat it with condescension and bellicosity.
36
That's a naive perception as not a single country bordering Russia except China has the armament that Russia has. The countries bordering Russia are about a signifacant as our 2 oceans regarding that.
1
Elliot- I don't buy the " it's all our fault " that I hear mostly from those aligned with Steve Cohen.
I'll agree that we needn't define the Russians as our enemy. I also fear them and wouldn't trust them, not a bit.
I'll agree that we needn't define the Russians as our enemy. I also fear them and wouldn't trust them, not a bit.
1
Bologna.
Russia has no right or claim to relations of any kind with any of the nations on its borders. I'd say they are dam luck those nations have no t banded together and attacked to get revenge for the decades of oppression and looting Soviet Russia imposed on them.
Those nations held against their will by the Soviet Union have the right to negotiate and make treaties with any nation they please.
Russia's false/fraudulent fear of NATO a group with a history of proven honest dealings does not hold any weight.
These nations turned west after being oppressed and looted for decades by the Soviet Russians.
We have not experienced anything like it because we are not aggressively trying to intimidate our neighbors (present president excluded) with threats of violence and war and because like Russia we are much bigger than out neighbors so the option does not exist even if they were so inclined.
As for the invasions of the Soviet Union, it was the Soviet Union which was pretty much a doppelganger for Daesh in its day. You neglect to specify but Nazi Germany can hardly be called the West and well I have no idea what other "invasion" you speak of.
Russia has no right or claim to relations of any kind with any of the nations on its borders. I'd say they are dam luck those nations have no t banded together and attacked to get revenge for the decades of oppression and looting Soviet Russia imposed on them.
Those nations held against their will by the Soviet Union have the right to negotiate and make treaties with any nation they please.
Russia's false/fraudulent fear of NATO a group with a history of proven honest dealings does not hold any weight.
These nations turned west after being oppressed and looted for decades by the Soviet Russians.
We have not experienced anything like it because we are not aggressively trying to intimidate our neighbors (present president excluded) with threats of violence and war and because like Russia we are much bigger than out neighbors so the option does not exist even if they were so inclined.
As for the invasions of the Soviet Union, it was the Soviet Union which was pretty much a doppelganger for Daesh in its day. You neglect to specify but Nazi Germany can hardly be called the West and well I have no idea what other "invasion" you speak of.
1
I marvel at the comment by Orrin Hatch that the Dems are 'so doggone rude to our attorney general'- is he kidding? Can we even compare the call for an investigation to the grilling of Hillary Clinton over Benghazi? Over the emails? What about Mitch McConnell's obvious ignoring of the president's constitutional right to nominate a Supreme Court Justice?
Sessions lied to the Senate Committee- and then tried to cover it up by saying he didn't understand the question. As a lawyer and member of the Senate, he's been around the block a few times as to how to knowingly evade the question.
The whole Russia question begs for an inquiry- trump's adoration of Putin, the DNC hacking, Flynn and Kushner's meeting with the Russian ambassador and now Session's meeting with him. If they were innocent meetings- why lie? Like Hillary should have done with her emails- fess up and move on...but this keeps building.
How quick the Reps are closing ranks. For a candidate that Reps didn't like or want, they sure are doing a great job of protecting him? Why when then have Pence in the wings?
This is a shameful period- the world as well as the US public is watching with bated breath. The only happy one is Putin- by sowing discord in the US. We all deserve to know what has transpired by an independent special counselor.
Sessions lied to the Senate Committee- and then tried to cover it up by saying he didn't understand the question. As a lawyer and member of the Senate, he's been around the block a few times as to how to knowingly evade the question.
The whole Russia question begs for an inquiry- trump's adoration of Putin, the DNC hacking, Flynn and Kushner's meeting with the Russian ambassador and now Session's meeting with him. If they were innocent meetings- why lie? Like Hillary should have done with her emails- fess up and move on...but this keeps building.
How quick the Reps are closing ranks. For a candidate that Reps didn't like or want, they sure are doing a great job of protecting him? Why when then have Pence in the wings?
This is a shameful period- the world as well as the US public is watching with bated breath. The only happy one is Putin- by sowing discord in the US. We all deserve to know what has transpired by an independent special counselor.
16
"Doggone rude" to Chuck Hagel, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, and Barrack Obama among other senators. Courtesy is only extended to lying Republicans who are perjuring themselves in order to lead the Department of Justice which investigates such crimes by politicians.
Could Trump be a mole? Think about it.
Republicans have traditionally taken a hard line on Russia and accused Democrats of being soft on communism. And now, after winning the whole enchilada, the Republican Party suddenly embraces Putin? That just doesn't ring true.
I've tried and been unable to find any specific information on Trump's many trips to Russia. Could somebody -- anybody -- please come up with the complete list of dates, places, and lengths of stay.
Republicans have traditionally taken a hard line on Russia and accused Democrats of being soft on communism. And now, after winning the whole enchilada, the Republican Party suddenly embraces Putin? That just doesn't ring true.
I've tried and been unable to find any specific information on Trump's many trips to Russia. Could somebody -- anybody -- please come up with the complete list of dates, places, and lengths of stay.
6
Think about his two Eastern European wives with their Communist families also. This could have been long in the making. The Czechoslovakian secret police spied on Trump for years. Who knows what blackmail the Russians have on him, personally or financially?
2
No way is Trump a mole. He's not clever enough. And he doesn't know how to shut up either!
2
In another Times article today, "Obama Aids Left Trail of Intelligence on Russia," there was a statement that may truly be the sound of the other shoe dropping. Obama administration officials were deeply concerned about a Russian "campaign of cyberattacks on state electoral systems in September." The voting machines used in many states are extremely vulnerable to hacking (there are three companies that dominate the industry; maybe the Times and others should be digging around in that field).
This might be about a whole lot more than leaking embarrassing Democratic Party emails, etc. This may be about the outright stealing of an election through fraud (voting machine tampering). I have thought from the get go that the Trump allegations about election fraud were over the top, and sounded more like a diversion strategy to turn attention away from the voter fraud that he (and his Russian buddy) actually may have orchestrated. The polls prior to the election regarding decided voters were actually quite accurate. The surprising result was that in all of the key battleground states virtually all of the undecideds swung to Trump. That was a truly amazing statistical anomaly, which was not seen in other states.
This might be about a whole lot more than leaking embarrassing Democratic Party emails, etc. This may be about the outright stealing of an election through fraud (voting machine tampering). I have thought from the get go that the Trump allegations about election fraud were over the top, and sounded more like a diversion strategy to turn attention away from the voter fraud that he (and his Russian buddy) actually may have orchestrated. The polls prior to the election regarding decided voters were actually quite accurate. The surprising result was that in all of the key battleground states virtually all of the undecideds swung to Trump. That was a truly amazing statistical anomaly, which was not seen in other states.
6
McConnell should have permitted Warren to persist. Instead the Senate gave Warren the bum's rush and let Sessions have the AG job because he's a good ole boy. Not exactly sure how things work in Alabama, but I assume that in Alabama lawyers who wear two hats need to remember how many hats they are wearing 24/7.
8
Newsweek just ran a major expose on abusive religious schools in Alabama where the children were beaten, locked in isolation, kept naked and treated with appalling cruelty for years. Where was Sessions while this was happening?
His replacement Luther Strange was told about the horrific abuse but said the children's parents didn't vote in Alabama. Sessions had an absolute responsibility to protect these children and not let religious schools become unlicensed unregulated hellholes. DeVos and the GOP perpetuate this atrocity with hundreds of thousands of children abused.
His replacement Luther Strange was told about the horrific abuse but said the children's parents didn't vote in Alabama. Sessions had an absolute responsibility to protect these children and not let religious schools become unlicensed unregulated hellholes. DeVos and the GOP perpetuate this atrocity with hundreds of thousands of children abused.
1
Do a bit of research into state politics in Alabama. Basically if you aren't being investigated or under indictment, you aren't a member of state government! The machinations of Governor Bentley and his "appointment" to replace Sessions are the stuff of Huey Long and worse. But, like Sessions, state politicians know that they can literally get away with anything and still be elected. When the Birmingham News reported on Sessions replacement, aside from comments defending the governor, you could hear the crickets. Voters simply do not care as long as your name is followed by the letter "R". The idea that Jeff Sessions has evolved in his thinking is a joke! If Sessions had "evolved" in any way in regards to civil rights he wouldn't have been reelected. Trust me.
1
First we find out Flynn was lying to Pence, and now we learn that Trump was being kept out of the loop on Sessions. Even for Republicans, who invented plausible deniability, this is new territory; one all too nakedly revealing of an administration that's completely out of its depth. Embarrassing!
9
Jeff Sessions should be forced to testify under oath in front of an independent counsel and given an opportunity to offer his, “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is,” defense for his Clintonesque parsing of the answer he gave to Senator Franken’s question about connections between Russia and the Trump team at his confirmation hearing.
6
We are one step closer to a banana republic. Rotting from the top while the base that supports this is living in an alternate reality. I doubt the base knows any of these things actively discussed and debated in the NY Times and other leading media outlets.
Bigly Sad!
Bigly Sad!
8
The big question remains unanswered. Are the congressional Republicans going to set up an independent investigative body to publicly pursue Trump's Russian links wherever they go? If they do not, the stench of treason will never go away and they will be soaked in it going into the 2018 Congressional elections. If they do, then we may finally get the truth. In the meantime, drip by drip by drip, our free press must keep digging and publishing everything they can find out.
8
If members of the Trump administration are not guilty of any wrong doing with respect to contact with Russia during the presidential campaign or before Trump's inauguration, then they should welcome a full investigation of this issue by a bi-partisan commission. Otherwise, the question of the legitimacy of Trump's presidency will persist. Continuing to oppose such a bi-partisan investigation clearly suggests that Mr. Trump and/or members of his campaign or administration are guilty of collaborating with the Russians in order to undermine our electoral process and get Mr. Trump elected.
10
It's a tough call which is worse, purjury or collaboration with a dangerous State like Russia to meddle in an election. Either one should lead to impeachment hearings for Sessions. A special prosecutor to look in to the rest of them. Of course we've had suspicions but this is most likely the tip of the iceberg. I wonder if Pence was involved as well. Let's see, the odds of a backlash are increasing, which could lead to Senate take over by Dems even with the odds so against them. But the as dem seats become more protected due to need for oversight, the more Republican seats go up for grabs. If Dems gained control of either or both houses trump could see major investigations in his last two years, if he makes it that long
5
Today's recusal requires us to pause for a moment and credit the power of American democracy in bringing about this result. Americans stormed the Town Halls of their Representatives and Senators during last month's recess, demanding (among other things, of course) that the administration be held accountable for its ethical trespasses. Without the voice of the people chiming in across the country, I doubt that Representatives on the Republican side of the aisle would have joined their counterparts in the Democratic Party in calling for AG Sessions to recuse himself, which undoubtedly contributed to today's result. This is proof positive that the "resistance" is resonating where it ought to, in the chambers of the Capitol.
136
Indeed. Note,too,the invaluable role of the press in bringing these offenses to light. Pundit Chris Matthews noted yesterday that disclosure follows discovery.
1
Well, let's hope that storming the gates will save our public lands from a corporate take over, elimination of Social Security and Medicare (millions on the street begging), and privatizing our public schools, among a million other horrors.
1
Folks..... we are on the verge of the greatest scandal in American history.... buckle up!
8
The only thing the current situation reminds me of is Watergate. The major difference is things were so much less partisan then that Republicans rose to the occasion and went after finding out the truth.
The current President has boasted he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and retain his supporters. As far as many Republicans in Congress are concerned that seems to be true. Hw won an election admittedly with the help of a malevolent foreign power, and his followers don't care.
The current President has boasted he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and retain his supporters. As far as many Republicans in Congress are concerned that seems to be true. Hw won an election admittedly with the help of a malevolent foreign power, and his followers don't care.
8
Why does Sessions get an out? He should be fired or forced to resign. Is Sessions above the law? He can lie under oath? He's the attorney general for heaven's sakes. That's a slippery slope.
8
Trump is truly the "Manchurian Candidate"!!
8
Shocked! Just shocked I say! Imagine a senior member of the armed services Senate committee and the chairman of the Subcommittee on strategic forces talking to the Russians. Imagine those very same Russians attempting to sway an election. Of course the US never does that. This controversy is frankly a joke. I really don't care. The fact that the Democrats got hacked in such a simple manner only points out just how incompetent they are.
13
Shocked! Just shocked I say! It is more than a little evidence that Republican operatives may have been hacked as well and not published. Cannot imagine why the Russian oversight on that one. We should not worry about that, just proves they are incompetent and of no worry to us.
Of course, if we try to influence elections it makes it perfectly alright for a known adversary of the country to try to sway ours, It is the American way.
I guess the direction of the ideological flavor of the operation is the main determinant of its lack of interest to some. Sorry, if our President encouraged this type of behavior, which I believe he did on television, I want to know what else he is up to in our name. Say reaping half a trillion dollars in profit for his friends while protecting his own wealth perhaps. Not very presidential is it?
Of course, if we try to influence elections it makes it perfectly alright for a known adversary of the country to try to sway ours, It is the American way.
I guess the direction of the ideological flavor of the operation is the main determinant of its lack of interest to some. Sorry, if our President encouraged this type of behavior, which I believe he did on television, I want to know what else he is up to in our name. Say reaping half a trillion dollars in profit for his friends while protecting his own wealth perhaps. Not very presidential is it?
I'll bet you thought Nixon was railroaded after being hounded by the press and the Democrats.
Sessions' ethical violation is the fact that he did not disclose his meetings with the Russian ambassador two times during the Advice & Consent process. He was under oath to tell the truth. Jeff Sessions did not tell the truth.
Further, maybe every nation tries to sway the elections of others. I do not know. But that is not the issue. The issue is whether citizens support foreigners in their attempts to sway an election. I do not know what Sessions discussed with the Russians. However, the fact that he did not disclose his conversations gives me pause.
Further, maybe every nation tries to sway the elections of others. I do not know. But that is not the issue. The issue is whether citizens support foreigners in their attempts to sway an election. I do not know what Sessions discussed with the Russians. However, the fact that he did not disclose his conversations gives me pause.
Recusal is one toe in the river.
3
Sessions will have to resign -- sooner or later -- probably sooner. It is inconceivable that Trump's proposed attorney general lied about his meetings with the Russians before Trump was elected president. But, yet he did.
There is no way that Sessions would survive a Congressional inquest into his behavior. Democrats and some Republicans are now calling for the creation of an independent task force to look into the Trump-Russian connection.
Both Nixon and Clinton have had to walk this particular legal gang plank with disastrous results. The only difference, of course, is that the misdeeds by both men occurred sometime during their second terms.
Trump, in contrast, has been in office for a little more than four weeks. When will the next Trumpian disaster occur and how will it affect our country?
There is no way that Sessions would survive a Congressional inquest into his behavior. Democrats and some Republicans are now calling for the creation of an independent task force to look into the Trump-Russian connection.
Both Nixon and Clinton have had to walk this particular legal gang plank with disastrous results. The only difference, of course, is that the misdeeds by both men occurred sometime during their second terms.
Trump, in contrast, has been in office for a little more than four weeks. When will the next Trumpian disaster occur and how will it affect our country?
7
Yes it is inconceivable yet they conceived it. Guilty minds see problems everywhere.
If he had been honest about the meetings he would have been asked a few more questions and eyebrows would have been raised and that's it. Heck it might have made people feel better about him that he revealed this.
But his whole public life has been one of duplicity so the idea of just being straight and honest wasn't even on his radar. Look at the verbosity of his replies and the apparent non-sequitors which are really prevarications in his answers. Honest people do not talk like that no matter what the question is.
If he had been honest about the meetings he would have been asked a few more questions and eyebrows would have been raised and that's it. Heck it might have made people feel better about him that he revealed this.
But his whole public life has been one of duplicity so the idea of just being straight and honest wasn't even on his radar. Look at the verbosity of his replies and the apparent non-sequitors which are really prevarications in his answers. Honest people do not talk like that no matter what the question is.
This is a pretty softball editorial. He lied to the Congress and the American people. Time for jail. End of story.
12
This is one of those cases that makes us resent the assumption of innocence and the necessity of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt in court.
We all know he lied, proving it beyond reasonable doubt is not going to be so easy.
We all know he lied, proving it beyond reasonable doubt is not going to be so easy.
It would behove the Republican members of congress to take another look at their unwavering support of Mr. Trump. If they continue in that stance, if the Trump ship sinks with proof of collusion with the Russians they will go down with it and the Democrats could well sweep the 2018 elections. They would be wise to put some distance between the president and themselves now if they want to be reelected.
4
being kept in the dark is one of the ways this guy plans to be president. hey if i don't know about it i cannot be responsible. everyone this man has met through his life's journey has had to cover for this man. he does not accept or even attempt to display responsibility about anything.
5
Jeff Sessions was close to Trump throughout the campaign and took pains to dismiss concerns, e.g. about Trump's groping of women despite several independently verified accusations. It was clear from the beginning that he would not be objective in any investigation of Trump's and his campaign's Russian connections. If he has now recused himself, it's even more striking how much both Trump and he insisted he need not do so until he couldn't avoid it any more. That surely argues bad faith - not the quality one would look for in the Attorney General of the nation or the President. As to what Trump may be hiding, there are so far only hints. But the trail of his finances is certainly murky, given Trump's lawyer Cohen's Ukrainian connections and those of Ross, the Commerce Secretary, and Deutsche Bank - Trump's main creditor for some years - with money from Russian oligarchs.
https://www.dcreport.org/wilbur-ross-russian-connections/
https://www.dcreport.org/wilbur-ross-russian-connections/
4
While Trump prepares(?) tonight to "accept Sessions' resignation", maybe Trump will finally release his tax returns. That'll clear up everything Russian.
2
Now we learn that ol' Benedict Jefferson met with the Ambassador and brought two of his staff members with him to the meeting.
"Hmmm"
Well if Benedict Jeffery can't remember what treachery or treasonous act was committed at that meeting perhaps those staffers who are suddenly looking at conspiracy to commit treason will find a way to strike a plea deal...
Just saying...
"Hmmm"
Well if Benedict Jeffery can't remember what treachery or treasonous act was committed at that meeting perhaps those staffers who are suddenly looking at conspiracy to commit treason will find a way to strike a plea deal...
Just saying...
4
Oh man, these swamp monsters!
4
He was simply doing his job as a senator, no different than other senators; it was obvious that in hearings he was being questioned about campaign related contacts with the Russians. Bottom line: is there a single shred of evidence that Trump's team some how sought to swing the election with the help of the Russians? I am still waiting to find out but getting tired of waiting. Suggestions that Trump will be impeached are absurd. I would give better odds that if he accomplishes his goals his likeness will be enshrined on Mt Rushmore.
4
If there is fire to go along with all of the Russian related smoke, this administration is obviously corrupt. If there is really nothing to see here, this administration is obviously incompetent. I am guessing that in the end, it will turn out to be a healthy mix of both.
5
"It’s hard to decide what is more disturbing: that so many top officials in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and administration were in contact with the Russian government during and after the campaign, or that they keep neglecting to tell the truth."
-
I sympathize. But editorial writers must make that tough decision: which of the many abominable acts by the scoundrels they most despise will rise to the top of the heap and get propelled forward with the full power of their unmitigated wrath. Focus is crucial. An editorial without a single main point might as well not have been written. Courage!
-
I sympathize. But editorial writers must make that tough decision: which of the many abominable acts by the scoundrels they most despise will rise to the top of the heap and get propelled forward with the full power of their unmitigated wrath. Focus is crucial. An editorial without a single main point might as well not have been written. Courage!
5
I suspect that Jeff Sessions share detailed classified information with the Russians and should be in jail. Of course, the Republicans done't want to do an investigation, they might find something. Although, just to shorten up the investigation cycle, I'd recommend a confession extracted with the use of torture (they understand confessions under duress pretty well down South) and then a few years on a chain gang.
4
Before being confirmed as Attorney General, he has already lied under oath to Congress. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration is shocked----SHOCKED. and wonders why the people and press are not happy......
3
How do we respond to this? Sessions has perjured himself, but that gives me no satisfaction. We need an honest attorney general, who puts the rule of law above whom nominated him. I don't care what happens to him. I care abut what happens to us.
4
To review the clips of Mr. Sessions excoriating President Clinton about his lie under oath regarding an extra-marital encounter where Sessions demands the highest of standards of integrity to Mr. Clinton's behavior, and then watch the prevarications regarding recusing one's self over matters as serious and Russian meddling in our democracy is sadly no longer shocking.
Mr Sessions is certainly contributing to the deconstruction of the administrative state. Bannon must be proud.
Mr Sessions is certainly contributing to the deconstruction of the administrative state. Bannon must be proud.
4
Dems. You must find a prosecutor. Sooner or later he will resign, but that is not enough. He must be prosecuted.
2
Where there is smoke there is fire. The Senate should have listened to the words of Mrs. King. There was a reason Mr Sessions was denied a federal judiciary position in the past.
I would like to commend the press on their due diligence regarding this matter. We need the efforts of the press now more than ever. Please don't let us wait 50 years to find out how corrupt our president and his cabinet picks are.
I would like to commend the press on their due diligence regarding this matter. We need the efforts of the press now more than ever. Please don't let us wait 50 years to find out how corrupt our president and his cabinet picks are.
6
Jefferson Beauregard "I don't recall" Sessions III obviously is just confused or forgetful. "Oh you mean those Russians?" Just slipped my mind Senator Franken when I said :" I didn’t have — did not have communications with the Russians, and I’m unable to comment on it." Only thing saving his butt right now is the complete mendacity of Trump.
5
The NYT seems to be treating this largely as a political issue. But the court system relies on the integrity of the oath, and the country's chief law enforcement officer has violated the oath. It doesn't matter that some people lie under oath. If the public perceives the justice system as illegitimate, it can no longer function. All the sanctimony about the appointment process doesn't matter because we have kangaroo courts. Keeping Sessions is like slamming federal judges for their opinions or calling the press "the public enemy."
171
You're right. The republicans wanted to impeach the president for lying under oath about something so insignificant as getting a BJ. They were adamant because his denial was "under oath".
Bravo, Arthur. Your statement is clear and strong with absolutely no bloviation, so rare these days.
This editorial reads like a more high-brow Joe McCarthy argument. This whole Russian Connection investigation has turned into a witch hunt. Of course people from the Trump campaign talked to the Russian ambassador. He went to the Republican and Democratic conventions as part of a State Department program designed to give ambassadors access to the candidates and their campaigns.
To say that Jeff Sessions committed perjury, as many people are, is to misunderstand the laws of perjury. There was nothing wrong with Jeff Sessions meeting with the Russian ambassador to discuss American-Russian relations, and his answers to the questions put to him were fine if not wholly complete.
Much ado about nothing.
To say that Jeff Sessions committed perjury, as many people are, is to misunderstand the laws of perjury. There was nothing wrong with Jeff Sessions meeting with the Russian ambassador to discuss American-Russian relations, and his answers to the questions put to him were fine if not wholly complete.
Much ado about nothing.
19
No, he did not go to the convention innocently. The Trump campaign paid for his travel arrangements. And then, suddenly, the RNC changed its party platform to include a statement about Ukraine....the only country mentioned in a party platform.
There was nothing wrong with Sessions meeting the Ambassador, but he lied about it while under oath. He lied with an intent to deceive and THAT is perjury.
There was nothing wrong with Sessions meeting the Ambassador, but he lied about it while under oath. He lied with an intent to deceive and THAT is perjury.
3
Typical Republican response. Imagine, if you will, that this had been a Democratic Attorney General meeting with a Russian diplomat and "forgetting" about it while under oath. Horrors! The Republic is at risk! Let's spend millions of dollars investigating it! "Much ado about nothing" is the Republican mantra.
Well, he did lie about it. You can't sugar coat that. And the Russian ambassador is a proven spy.
1
"In other words, Mr. Trump appears to be saying that he has no problem with being kept in the dark."
Alternatively, he has no problem keeping the rest of us in the dark.
Alternatively, he has no problem keeping the rest of us in the dark.
3
What is wrong, so very wrong, with the GOP and the administration? Lie after lie after lie are ignored or excused.
What I want from my president is an executive order for an immediate bi -partisan investigation into the depths of this sickening Russian Spy Novela. Instead we get obfuscation and denials.
Mr Trump, it sure looks like you are hiding something. Something ugly, sinister and yes, traitorous.
What I want from my president is an executive order for an immediate bi -partisan investigation into the depths of this sickening Russian Spy Novela. Instead we get obfuscation and denials.
Mr Trump, it sure looks like you are hiding something. Something ugly, sinister and yes, traitorous.
354
The Republican party is also hiding the truth and refuse to hire a special prosecutor in every effort to protect Trump. They are complicit. And they wrap themselves in that flag so tightly. Wonder how the 1960's would have handled this party.
One standard for all. He lied under oath. Jeff Sessions must go.
4
There is so much smoke rising from this morally bankrupt administration that it can be spotted from outer space. Sessions was completely unfit to be named Attorney General in the first place in view of his highly dubious background. Openly lying to the Senate during his confirmation hearing merits firing/resignation, yet Trump says he's behind this man 100%, do we need to know any more? People only lie or obfuscate when they are trying to hide a damaging truth. A Special Prosecutor (Richard Painter?) needs to be appointed immediately. And he should compel production of Trump's tax returns. Follow the money: Trump launders money for Russian oligarch with property sale in Florida or is bought and paid for. It is not a matter of whether this corrupt house of cards will collapse, it is a matter of when. It is all beyond shocking and the echoes of Watergate are reverberating more loudly with each passing day. Nixon was one of Trump's mentors, need we say more?
4
So, Sally Yates had raised the concern that Flynn may be vulnerable to blackmail from Russia given that he had lied about his contacts with Russia.
I don't see how Jeff Sessions' situation is different in any way from that of Flynn's.
So, why doesn't Trump fire Sessions to prevent the blackmail of a senior administration official by Russia?
In fact, Trump had not acted on Yates warning about Flynn in the first place. So, obviously Trump believes that the Russians will not blackmail him. What gives him that confidence?
1) Is he already being blackmailed by Putin with something bigger than this?
2) will he concede to every future demand from Russia, because if he doesn't Putin has something to leak against his govt. in the future.
Putin might have self interest motivating him to wait for something of higher value to him, but what's to prevent him from exercising his leverage in the future? He has to cash in his chips, otherwise what's the point? He's not in this for making the world a better place...
Clearly, to prevent future blackmail, it's in Trump's interests to let go of Sessions for lying about Russia. If he doesn't, it means that Putin has something much bigger on him that Trump's not concerned about Sessions being blackmailed.
I don't see how Jeff Sessions' situation is different in any way from that of Flynn's.
So, why doesn't Trump fire Sessions to prevent the blackmail of a senior administration official by Russia?
In fact, Trump had not acted on Yates warning about Flynn in the first place. So, obviously Trump believes that the Russians will not blackmail him. What gives him that confidence?
1) Is he already being blackmailed by Putin with something bigger than this?
2) will he concede to every future demand from Russia, because if he doesn't Putin has something to leak against his govt. in the future.
Putin might have self interest motivating him to wait for something of higher value to him, but what's to prevent him from exercising his leverage in the future? He has to cash in his chips, otherwise what's the point? He's not in this for making the world a better place...
Clearly, to prevent future blackmail, it's in Trump's interests to let go of Sessions for lying about Russia. If he doesn't, it means that Putin has something much bigger on him that Trump's not concerned about Sessions being blackmailed.
3
I don't understand why the republicans are sticking behind the anarchist trump not calling for investigations. Get rid of the terrorist and put an adult in . they will get all if not more than they want with pence as president.
2
Sessions lied. He belongs in his new private jail.
He should keep ready few rooms as rest of the Trump team is following..
He should keep ready few rooms as rest of the Trump team is following..
7
We are going to get to the bottom of this Russian story no matter what it costs or how long it takes. No one and nothing will be spared. Do you hear us, Mr. Trump?
4
I cannot stop thinking of the great irony that these people breaking our nations laws with such arrogance are the same ones that cried out "Lock Her Up!" Are you kidding? For an email server? Sure, it wasn't the best judgement but there was no items to commit treason. So far a new Attorney General has lied about speaking to Russians while under oath and the NSA guy Flynn lied about the same. And the President knew Flynn lied to VP Pence and still let the whole mess fester for weeks. My God! Are we seriously letting this happen? It makes Nixon look like a saint.
8
With my Chicago mix of Garette's popcorn, I sit in my "peanut gallery" waiting for the WaPo or NYT alert that informs me of the motherload story....Trump is and has been a puppet for the Russians.
The countdown begins....
The countdown begins....
4
It is clear that Donald Trump and his Republican toadies have been busy attempting to weave an iron curtain around the scandal involving Russia's connection to the presidential election. Jeff Sessions lied during confirmation hearings and the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Devin Nunes, has let himself be used by the White House to dismiss press reports connecting Russia to Trump's campaign. And now, some members of the intelligence committees are telling us that the FBI is stonewalling their investigation. That brings up the question whether Sessions, as Attorney General, instructed the director of the FBI to halt the investigation or refuse to cooperate with the congressional committees. That is very worrisome because we already know that Sessions was a campaign surrogate for Trump and the FBI director intervened in the presidential election to help Trump.
2
"Had No Choice"? Give me a break. Obama's college records are far more important than any communication Sessions is allegedly to have had with the Russians. If not for Holder, perhaps the truth. Fortunately, whatever the truth, Obama's executive orders are being rescinded.
2
Where is Senator Joe McCarthy when we need him?
2
This administration is pretty disgusting. We voted for this? Honesty is a pretty low bar and they can't seem to get over it. Are these guys Christians? What is going on here? Am I so outside of what this country is and does that I just don't get it? I'm a Democrat and I was pretty angry at the Dems for losing this one but this administration is just terrible, horrible and doesn't anyone care? I'm a vet and I didn't fight for this, I don't think, I don't know, maybe I just don't get it.
6
Let's be clear about this. It's not like Jeff Sessions came to this decision all on his own.
He was caught in the act.
And even some G.O.P. members were starting to turn.
Sessions lacked both the honesty and the fortitude to admit he was wrong, only recusing himself when there was no other way out.
He had no choice.
But he is clearly the wrong one as Attorney General.
He was caught in the act.
And even some G.O.P. members were starting to turn.
Sessions lacked both the honesty and the fortitude to admit he was wrong, only recusing himself when there was no other way out.
He had no choice.
But he is clearly the wrong one as Attorney General.
4
The Board concludes, “It’s hard to decide what is more disturbing: so many top officials in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and administration were in contact with the Russian government during and after the campaign, or that they keep neglecting to tell the truth.”
What’s even more perplexing is that why do they begrudgingly tell the truth only after they have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar? Both, Flynn and Sessions confessed to their contacts with the Russian government only after a diligent media had exposed these communications – so much for Trump’s charges of “fake news?” Looks like President Trump is destined to learn that bitter lesson of politics – the cover-up is always worse than the crime.
What’s even more perplexing is that why do they begrudgingly tell the truth only after they have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar? Both, Flynn and Sessions confessed to their contacts with the Russian government only after a diligent media had exposed these communications – so much for Trump’s charges of “fake news?” Looks like President Trump is destined to learn that bitter lesson of politics – the cover-up is always worse than the crime.
238
In Trumps world that's known as "Fake News"
What is going on with our culture and country when this is the quality of people who serve our country? Venal, self-serving, lazy. Has Congress done anything in the 21st century? Anything except useless war?
10
They're Republicans.
1
The noble effort by the NYT and others continues. Fine and well.
But liberals must move left. Act, don't react. At the very moment you liberals think you have got the upper hand, the Reichstag Fire will happen.
Wake up.
But liberals must move left. Act, don't react. At the very moment you liberals think you have got the upper hand, the Reichstag Fire will happen.
Wake up.
5
Of course the Trump admin just called this a "witch hunt."
They should read Arthur Miller's "The Crucible."
Meanwhile, I am incredulous that as tax payers we are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide FBI security for Trump's son's while they jet set around the world opening motels.
They should read Arthur Miller's "The Crucible."
Meanwhile, I am incredulous that as tax payers we are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide FBI security for Trump's son's while they jet set around the world opening motels.
8
We'll probably start to see more and more Republicans in Congress calling for a special prosecutor to be hired to investigate this Red-hot topic.
This oozing, creeping mess involving the Russian influence on Trump and his acolytes is starting to resemble a bad sci-fi movie from the 1950s where the evil blob will not be contained, but keeps on escaping under door jambs, down alleyways, until it grabs its next victim. You can ignore the blob when it's out in the countryside, just claiming the lives of a few hapless folk that the powers that be can label as collateral damage.
But now it's headed into town, and people are taking notice.
"Oh no, they got big Mike Flynn! Jeff Sessions had to run for his life!"
Kinda like that...
This oozing, creeping mess involving the Russian influence on Trump and his acolytes is starting to resemble a bad sci-fi movie from the 1950s where the evil blob will not be contained, but keeps on escaping under door jambs, down alleyways, until it grabs its next victim. You can ignore the blob when it's out in the countryside, just claiming the lives of a few hapless folk that the powers that be can label as collateral damage.
But now it's headed into town, and people are taking notice.
"Oh no, they got big Mike Flynn! Jeff Sessions had to run for his life!"
Kinda like that...
111
Indeed. Only last night I watched the 50s classic "Fiend without a face" in which an eminent scientist's atomic-powered thoughts materialise in the form of murderous flying brains, complete with their spinal cords, and it made me think of the diabolical cerebella as an allegory for vile populist propaganda poisoning the minds of decent people.
IMHO He should have resigned!
3
Trump, staff, and Cabinet appointees' Russian ties just keeps growing: #1-Trump campaign manager Manafort worked as a well-paid lobbyist (paid $12+ million) for Russian-backed former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych and changed Republican platform contradicting the view of almost all Republican foreign policy leaders in Washington about Russia; #2-US intelligence agencies confirm truth of elements contained in Russian dossier on Trump, The Business Insider, 2/10/17; #3-Trump staff Carter Page, Roger Stone had Russian ties as did son-in-law Kushner, and Trump's attorney; #4-"The Curious World of Donald Trump’s Private Russian Connections," The American Interest, 12/19/16; #5-"Was a Trump Server Communicating With Russia?"- Slate Magazine, 10/31/2016; #6-Putin ties to Exxon Chief Executive Rex Tillerson and General Flynn; #7-Wikileaks under Russians tutelage only published Democratic Party-hacked information to harm them during the election; #8-Russia paid fake news bloggers to release fake news stories critical of Clinton; #9-17 U.S. intelligence agencies report U.S. election hack; #10-Trump insults and threatens other countries and long-time U.S. supporters and allies but praises and defends Putin; #11-Sessions lies under oath about Russian contacts; #12-Wilber Ross' Bank of Cypress ties to long-time Putin ally Viktor Vekselberg and former vice-chairman Vladimir Strzhalkovsky, also a former KGB agent with a close relationship to Putin.
35
Ann - If tedious list making were the foundation of good reasoning you'd be on to something. Just as often they mislead, especially when it's obvious the list maker is trying too hard.
Sessions was GIVEN no choice … not by Republicans but by Democrats. The artificial optics on this matter were portrayed as so bad that Republicans had no choice but to push for recusal.
A senior U.S. senator publically meets in his own office with a Russian ambassador who is an aggressive D.C. networker – which is his job – and the WaPost covers the meeting at the time, as it covered the one other five-minute meet-cute at a political event in the company of others. And this is grist for Dems’ charge of cahooting with Russians. Sessions claims to have met with many other ambassadors in a perfectly normal activity seeking better relations with the U.S., and he’s supposed to remember one of them when asked by Al Franken whether he is a traitor protecting the political interests of candidate Trump. All he needs to do is release the records of those other meetings and this is shown for the desperate Democratic Hail Mary that it is.
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) is quoted as claiming that she’s never met with ambassadors. I guess my only response is who would feel a NEED to meet with Sen. McCaskill on just about anything?
Until now, Trump, in a conscious effort to moderate the mutual campaign invective of the sides, hasn’t pulled an LBJ and gone after political adversaries. Guess what? That probably stops today. I’m not a Sessions fan, but this has gone waaay too far.
So … whatever happened to that investigation into Hillary’s missing emails and foundation pay-for-play?
A senior U.S. senator publically meets in his own office with a Russian ambassador who is an aggressive D.C. networker – which is his job – and the WaPost covers the meeting at the time, as it covered the one other five-minute meet-cute at a political event in the company of others. And this is grist for Dems’ charge of cahooting with Russians. Sessions claims to have met with many other ambassadors in a perfectly normal activity seeking better relations with the U.S., and he’s supposed to remember one of them when asked by Al Franken whether he is a traitor protecting the political interests of candidate Trump. All he needs to do is release the records of those other meetings and this is shown for the desperate Democratic Hail Mary that it is.
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) is quoted as claiming that she’s never met with ambassadors. I guess my only response is who would feel a NEED to meet with Sen. McCaskill on just about anything?
Until now, Trump, in a conscious effort to moderate the mutual campaign invective of the sides, hasn’t pulled an LBJ and gone after political adversaries. Guess what? That probably stops today. I’m not a Sessions fan, but this has gone waaay too far.
So … whatever happened to that investigation into Hillary’s missing emails and foundation pay-for-play?
18
Al Franken asked no such thing. He merely asked what Sessions would do if he found out that someone on The Donald's campaign team had met with the Russians. Sessions then volunteered that he had never done so personally. Either he lied or he's a victim of some form of dementia. One way or the other he shouldn't be serving as the nation's chief law enforcement officer. As for the investigation on Hillary, last we heard they hadn't come up with anything on her save carelessness. And we've now learned that Mike Pence has done much the same thing with respect to government e-mails. In any case why should one such investigation bother you and the other not at all? I've complained about Hillary's e-mail contretemps but at least she didn't lie about them under oath.
185
Sessions was damaged goods before he ever took this job (one for which he is not qualified given his "sterling" CV). Had a Hillary appointee been even remotely involved with "Russians," he/she would have been accused of comforting the commie-enemines and would now be facing congressional hearings.
As for the "Hillary" investigations, go do you're own research on that. It's yesterday's news Richard.
As for the "Hillary" investigations, go do you're own research on that. It's yesterday's news Richard.
10
It was Sessions who recused himself, not the Democrats. He did it because it either looks bad or it is bad. As for Hillary, she's not Attorney General now, is she?
11
What's even more disturbing than the lying by Trump cronies in his cabinet is the fact that the GOP apparently has no interest in pursuing the investigation, effectively closing ranks as to the need for a special prosecutor and an independent investigation.
What's also disturbing is the fact that were it not for some solid and excellent reporting by the two best papers in the United States, yes a bit in competition but nonetheless a healthy competition, the American public would not have learned about any of this at all.
Like many here I have my strong suspicions about so much smoke without fire. I also believe Mr. Trump is no innocent in this affair. But until we get this independent prosecutor, we will never get to the bottom of it.
And to a certain extent, that's where we need the public – to demand, to protest, and to force this dirty little cabal of GOP congressman and the Trump administration to face justice.
What's also disturbing is the fact that were it not for some solid and excellent reporting by the two best papers in the United States, yes a bit in competition but nonetheless a healthy competition, the American public would not have learned about any of this at all.
Like many here I have my strong suspicions about so much smoke without fire. I also believe Mr. Trump is no innocent in this affair. But until we get this independent prosecutor, we will never get to the bottom of it.
And to a certain extent, that's where we need the public – to demand, to protest, and to force this dirty little cabal of GOP congressman and the Trump administration to face justice.
231
A special prosecutor will be appointed in due time. It took 5 months in the Libby case. Espionage and conspiracy are among the most complex matters to investigate. Don't be in a hurry. Justice takes time.
Let me cut to the chase here.
We need a special prosecutor, with the power to go to the heart of this Russia business, and leave no stone unturned - the hacking, the ties to the Trump campaign, the changes to the Republican platform, the Trump tax returns, and the President's long-term financial relationships in Russia, all of it.
Nothing less than a special prosecutor will do.
We need a special prosecutor, with the power to go to the heart of this Russia business, and leave no stone unturned - the hacking, the ties to the Trump campaign, the changes to the Republican platform, the Trump tax returns, and the President's long-term financial relationships in Russia, all of it.
Nothing less than a special prosecutor will do.
465
Agreed. Also look at Secretary of Commerce Wilber Ross' role at the Bank of Cypress where he maintained contacts with long-time Putin ally and investor Viktor Vekselberg and Vladimir Strzhalkovsky, a former vice-chairman of Bank of Cyprus who is also a former KGB agent with a close relationship to Putin. Ross recruited Deutsch Bank CE Ackerman to the bank's board. Deutsch is Trump's larger creditor.
(1) "White House accused of blocking information on bank's Trump-Russia links"
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/27/commerce-nominee-wilbur-...
(2) "The Curious World of Donald Trump’s Private Russian Connections" http://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/12/19/the-curious-world-of-don...
(1) "White House accused of blocking information on bank's Trump-Russia links"
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/27/commerce-nominee-wilbur-...
(2) "The Curious World of Donald Trump’s Private Russian Connections" http://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/12/19/the-curious-world-of-don...
13
China has done MUCH more extensive and profitable hacking of our government's computer information from aircraft designs to the personal information of millions of American.
They are known to have experimented with hacking the electronic controls of our electric grid and other fundamentally crucial American assets. Where is your concern about that?
Putin talked about hacking into political sites but he apparently had ZERO success in affecting our election - unless he was locking in a Hilary win. Maybe he is as ignorant of our Electoral College system as our Hillary Snowflakes Brigade?
They are known to have experimented with hacking the electronic controls of our electric grid and other fundamentally crucial American assets. Where is your concern about that?
Putin talked about hacking into political sites but he apparently had ZERO success in affecting our election - unless he was locking in a Hilary win. Maybe he is as ignorant of our Electoral College system as our Hillary Snowflakes Brigade?
I guess you missed this tiny little detail. I admit it's hard to keep up with these gangsters, but Deutsche bank, Trump's top lender, was fined for laundering 10 Billion (!!!) from dirty Russian funds...wonder no more why there are no tax returns....
http://money.cnn.com/2017/01/31/investing/deutsche-bank-us-fine-russia-m...
http://money.cnn.com/2017/01/31/investing/deutsche-bank-us-fine-russia-m...
Mike Flynn wasn't fired for lying. If he'd been fired for lying it would have happened three weeks sooner. Flynn lied about Russia. Sessions lied about Russia. Jared Kushner met with Russians. Trump doesn't care about the lies. Trump claims he had no contact with Russia. Anyone else see a pattern here?
252
Black and white stripes?
Not good enough. Jeff Sessions is supposed to be America's highest ranking law officer and yet he's already perjured himself by lying under oath. One might be tempted to call out "lock him up!" on the next occasion that his name is mentioned in public. Come on, Mr. President, surely there's another one of your supporters out there whose racist convictions match your own and who HASN'T broken bread with the Russkies.
321
I deeply hope that all Americans share first my sense of bewilderment that then grows into a strong disgust at the hypocrisy of Washington which refuses to respect us as honest and clear thinking citizens who deeply care about the principals of this great country. We so deeply deserve the truth and not the awful, self-serving political and ideological theater of hearings, orange suits and lock up chants that then swerve and turn to, "Oh, this is much to do about nothing!"
311
No, sorry, not all--the American Trump-lovers clearly do not share your sentiments.
Sadly I don't think most of America cares, their deep lack of concern shows in the man appointed to be President. It's not as if any of this is really new. The Russian connections were mentioned in the debates.
1
You've captured it all in one paragraph!
All this talk about draining the swamp? A swamp is more wholesome than this sewer of an administration.
528
I took Nixon almost 5 years to be placed in a position where he had to resign. Trump and Sessions will reach that point much more quickly.
113
Trump is resilient. He has a Republican congress. I don't see this bringing him down.
They have done much worse things. You could count on Nixon to open China, because you could count on Republicans to stand up against our enemies. Present day Republicans love Russia! Best buds! Republicans sell us out for oil deals and man crushes on dictators! They are sickos, and traitors.
Bring back the "e-mails"! I miss "Benghazi"!
16
I miss America.
3
This Administration has to go. Far too controversial and damaging to the Country.
117
Nominate a trustworthy candidate for President next time.
Sessions is the phobic soulmate of the President and his Chief Strategist. Phobia is by definition mendacious; it's a fear, based on a lie, which reflects it in every utterance. It's popular with 40 percent of the people, but the same constituency is intemperate toward crime. Two Cabinet-level perjury demonstrations in 40 days lay a pretty nifty wedge between this circus and its audience.
73
Sessions recusing himself is meaningless. There is now an army of Trump toadies just below Sessions in Justice who well know what they are expected to do, without Sessions issuing daily instructions.
116
I can't stop wondering how the Republicans and the birthers would be reacting, if Obama's election had all these tentacles of foreign involvement
260
I have wondered the same thing. They spent eight years crying for impeachment when he did nothing wrong.
2
This guy out and out lied. Why isn't he being fired?
328
I think we're all wondering the same thing, Steve.
Who should fire him - DJT, our Liar-in-Chief?
3
Because, just like his boss, he left himself just enough wiggle room to be able to say he meant something different. Vagueness is their forte.
This administration is turning out to be ten pounds of manure in a five-pound bag.
Recusal isn't enough. Sessions will have to resign; the sooner the better for Trump's sake. But of course he won't resign, and his continued presence will be a wonderful anvil on which the Democrats, with their newly implanted spine, can pound and pound and pound.
This can become the new political parlor game - what member of the Trump administration will be the next to be caught in an untenable lie?
Recusal isn't enough. Sessions will have to resign; the sooner the better for Trump's sake. But of course he won't resign, and his continued presence will be a wonderful anvil on which the Democrats, with their newly implanted spine, can pound and pound and pound.
This can become the new political parlor game - what member of the Trump administration will be the next to be caught in an untenable lie?
195
and all those investigations, special prosecutor, staff, etc, cost lots of money, OURS! not to mention that instead of wasting the money of these pseudo- adult circuses, so many aging bridges could be rejuvenated; broken dams repaired; poor kids given an educational boost of a life time from poverty into the light; etc, etc, etc. instead however, our " government " will spend our money to prove WHAT ?!
You know what Hillary is thinking..........Lock him up. Lock him up. Lock him up.
Lock him up. Lock him up. Lock him up. Lock him up. Lock him up. Lock him up.
You get the idea.
Lock him up. Lock him up. Lock him up. Lock him up. Lock him up. Lock him up.
You get the idea.
117
We all should be thinking that.
It's kind of what we are all thinking...
Good move, Sen. Sessions.
Once the FBI investigation is complete and finds no substantive wrongdoing, your recusal will ensure that Democrats will accept the findings as unbiased and finally end this whole canard.
Actually, Democrats will never accept the findings. They need their own “birther” movement to keep the base in a frenzy.
Once the FBI investigation is complete and finds no substantive wrongdoing, your recusal will ensure that Democrats will accept the findings as unbiased and finally end this whole canard.
Actually, Democrats will never accept the findings. They need their own “birther” movement to keep the base in a frenzy.
23
The Dems don't need a birther movement.
2
Lying to the Senate IS substantive wrongdoing.
4
Interesting John how you concede that motivation of the birther movement was to keep the Republican base in a frenzy.
5
So surreal. Here's another high-level Trump appointee who LIED, under oath, no less to his 'home institution', the Senate. Will his head roll, like Flynn's? Will either of them ever be charged with Perjury? How about Treason? How anyone can forget a recent meeting in his OWN office with the highest ranking Russian official in the US is beyond me, and in itself disqualifies Sessions for the job of Attorney General. It's just not a job for someone with memory problems. I can hear it now: "War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength". !!
110
The lie does not rise to the level of perjury because associating or communicating with a foreign diplomat is not a crime, period. Read my comment.
James Comey needs to recuse himself from the investigation as well. He seems to have gotten a "Get out of jail" pass on his interference in the election.
112
His problem wasn't getting one but giving one out that should not have been given.
2
immoral and dishonest.
just leave, already.
just leave, already.
80
The backstory? Sessions was told, in light of the recent revelations, that the GOP could only shield him from calls for his resignation IF he recused himself from any Justice Dept investigations into Russian hacking and contacts with the Trump campaign.
It remains to be seen whether subsequent revelations won't destroy even that GOP position. But it's clear Sessions perjured himself, and the GOP should be made to pay a high price for defending him against charges being filed, considering how the GOP left no stone or tax dollar unturned in the pursuit of Democrats who weren't even shown to have committed any malfeasance, much less a crime.
It remains to be seen whether subsequent revelations won't destroy even that GOP position. But it's clear Sessions perjured himself, and the GOP should be made to pay a high price for defending him against charges being filed, considering how the GOP left no stone or tax dollar unturned in the pursuit of Democrats who weren't even shown to have committed any malfeasance, much less a crime.
123
Sadly, so many of our fellow countryman are so preoccupied with fearing immigrants and basking in the euphoria of being untethered to the restraints of "political correctness" to give a pig's ear about Russia. Sadly, too many of our fellow countryman couldn't find the Ukraine on the map and have selected to drowned out any information about the state of Russia or its neighbors with the sweet lullabies churning out of their screens which are tuned to Faux News.
1
I forget... does the "R" in RNC stand for Russian or Republican?
133
Russian.
66
It's been apparent since before the election that Trump and his campaign were not just pro-Russia, but eerily cozy. It's time for the whole bunch to step down, Trump and Pence too.
99
Maybe it's time to ask who in Trump's campaign was NOT in touch with Russia?
130
It would probably be a much shorter list.
Tax returns, NOW.
Resist. Organize.
Dump the trump.