Has Senator Schumer denied being with Mr.Putin at that press conference where the photo was taken? I don t think he lied about being with Putin. In fact, I bet, Schumer probably remembers what they talked about and will tell us. How about your team, Mr. President.? or, are you still telling us, there were no meetings with the Russians,during the campaign?
1
“The president’s supporters say innocuous encounters, routine for any incoming presidential team, are being treated for political reasons as somehow subversive.”
No we are just asking why you keep lying about it. If its so innocuous why the lies?
It could be collusion with Russians, it could be creating the appearance of collusion to create this hubbub to distract folks from something else you guys are doing.
No we are just asking why you keep lying about it. If its so innocuous why the lies?
It could be collusion with Russians, it could be creating the appearance of collusion to create this hubbub to distract folks from something else you guys are doing.
131
Trump fans the flames every time he tweets. A more controlled individual would avoid this growing controversy, but Trump can't do that. And he couldn't do it during the campaign, either. Talking about the DNC hacking, he said he hoped that the Russians would continue and find Clinton's "30,000 deleted emails." By now, even a child wouldn't believe Trump's denials about his campaign's interaction with the Russians, even extending to Russian intelligence.
These trouble me deeply, but not as much as Trump's missing tax returns, which now must come to light, if necessary by subpoena. How much is his shaky fortune beholden to Russian money, and what influence could such debts or "investments" have over his foreign-policy decisions? That's the question that overrides them all.
These trouble me deeply, but not as much as Trump's missing tax returns, which now must come to light, if necessary by subpoena. How much is his shaky fortune beholden to Russian money, and what influence could such debts or "investments" have over his foreign-policy decisions? That's the question that overrides them all.
133
I'm having burnout. People met who's job is meet people and collect as many contacts as possible. I'm no Putin or Trump fan, but it's getting tiring and we're getting too paranoid.
20
Ok, lets investigate also the Clintons dealings after transferring the classified information into a private server, including state dep. Classified. The Saudi dealing WikiLeaks and George Soros involvement in our elections. His cartel organization of legalizing drugs and destroying our families. His manipulative stock markets and throwing billions into politics. Please investigate everything no stone unturned. the American people have the right to know.
13
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/the-last-confession-of-e-ho...
I found this article on Watergate Co-Conspirator E. Howard Hunt. It shows how he easily lied to everyone, about everything related to Watergate and his neck deep his involvement . He lied to everyone including his wife and kids...Before his death he felt like he was betrayed in that he was just "following orders" from "the top". He lied in the days long before email. the internet, digital access to records, and it took longer to piece it all together. But he continued to lie. All the way to prison.
I found this article on Watergate Co-Conspirator E. Howard Hunt. It shows how he easily lied to everyone, about everything related to Watergate and his neck deep his involvement . He lied to everyone including his wife and kids...Before his death he felt like he was betrayed in that he was just "following orders" from "the top". He lied in the days long before email. the internet, digital access to records, and it took longer to piece it all together. But he continued to lie. All the way to prison.
56
Our government has been accused of breaking a borrowed bowl and tells us 1. they never borrowed the bowl, 2. the bowl was broken when they got it, and 3. the bowl was in perfect condition when they returned it. Truth is irrelevant.
63
What keeps getting lost in all of the "meetings" Trump's people had with the Russians, the critical contact is being underplayed, and that is the one in which NSA Flynn, on the very same day that President Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats and closed two of their residences, seems to have soothed the Russian ambassador with a promise that things would be different in a few days, that is, when Trump took office. Putin uncharacteristically did not retaliate. That looks like the smoking gun to me and should be emphasized in every story.
99
I can't get over the fact that SO MANY Trump team members were meeting with this or that high-level Russian WHILE knowing (as any political operative would known at the time) that they were meeting with a foreign enemy who was AT THAT VERY MOMENT attacking our political system. Those meetings, and the news from David Cay Johnston about "The Russian Fertilizer King's" 20-some-odd visits to large and small city airports at exactly the same time as Trump's plane was there. This smells more and more like a grand conspiracy.
85
No, Mr. President, not a witch hunt.
It's called the free press!
It seeks to uncover the truth and the facts, with favoritism toward none..
It's what shields our democracy from despots.
It's why it's the very first Amendment.
It's called the free press!
It seeks to uncover the truth and the facts, with favoritism toward none..
It's what shields our democracy from despots.
It's why it's the very first Amendment.
117
Who would know more about 'witch hunts' than the architect of the birther movement we endured for years (which dragged the country down at a time of great economic crises, which was in turn caused by Republican policy), Trump himself. You reap what you sow.
95
Thank you NYT for not blazing Trumps unfounded tweets on wiretapping in your headlines. Such distractions take up all the air in the room. Keep on with your excellent reporting and inform us with real news (as frightening as it may be).
52
" a furor that Mr. Trump called a “total witch hunt.”"
There is no 'which hunt.'
Mr Trump and his staff and cabinet people, his family and his buddies should not have been and should not be kissing the Russians. Nor should any part of the Trump organization be involved with the Russians in any business or other operation.
Mr Trump wanted to be and is now president of our country. Russia is not and has not been a friend of America since the day Putin took over. Putin has his own version of world conquest or at least control of other countries. Putin wants to create a new Soviet Union in the style of the old one with control of other countries. He is trying to do that right now.
America must be a counter to Putin's grand plan. Mr Trump can not be all things Putin wants and be the counter to Russia that the free world needs to stay free. Mr Trump must learn that soon, or he has to leave the office of President.
There is no 'which hunt.'
Mr Trump and his staff and cabinet people, his family and his buddies should not have been and should not be kissing the Russians. Nor should any part of the Trump organization be involved with the Russians in any business or other operation.
Mr Trump wanted to be and is now president of our country. Russia is not and has not been a friend of America since the day Putin took over. Putin has his own version of world conquest or at least control of other countries. Putin wants to create a new Soviet Union in the style of the old one with control of other countries. He is trying to do that right now.
America must be a counter to Putin's grand plan. Mr Trump can not be all things Putin wants and be the counter to Russia that the free world needs to stay free. Mr Trump must learn that soon, or he has to leave the office of President.
42
The key to this whole mess may lie within Mr. Trump's tax return. In response, I will be sure to attend the related April 15th, Tax Day protest and demand Mr. Trump adhere to a fiffty year presidential practice by releasing his tax returns. What does he have to hide?
78
We forget that the US, the DNC, and the entire world expected Hillary to win the election. It makes sense Russia would hack Hillarys campaign to mess with the incoming president, not elect Trump instead. But no one has bothered to Consider this point in the press. If this massive effort to Lynch Trump were put into fixing Health care, infrastructure, job creation, and national debt, the things Americans REALLY care about, we might be well along the way to a better America. Instead, our bipartisan politicians are doing what they do best. In the name of protecting our Democracy, they are destroying our future and fighting like teenagers, ... again. When will they all grow up and actually Serve the People?
14
There's an apt saying to apply:
If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
Trump surely did not do his homework (in more than one area) in his pursuit of the Presidency. Get used to the heat Mr. President. It comes with the job.
If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
Trump surely did not do his homework (in more than one area) in his pursuit of the Presidency. Get used to the heat Mr. President. It comes with the job.
42
Why was Trump's fawning over Putin so publicly effusive from the get go? If his objective, all along, was to achieve a rapprochement with Russia, i.e.the lifting of sanctions, would it not have served him better to be discreet about his Russia policy intentions? Why telegraph, over and over again? Apart from praising the Russian president at every opportunity, he brazenly appealed for his help hacking Hillary Clinton's emails. Is it because he believed he would not win and ingratiating himself with Putin assured him of the future business with Russia that had until now eluded him?
40
IF the DNC can be hacked, why isn't there some clever 9th-grader available to get Trump's tax returns?
Is he hiding something, or just being a brat because he can?
Is he hiding something, or just being a brat because he can?
27
I understand why the authors of the article included a reference to the newly circulated a picture of Sen. Schumer and Mr. Putin--complete disclosure-- that is making the rounds of the alt-right, but it should have been identified the photo as having been taken over 10 years ago, and stated the context. Let's don't start with the "false equivalency" fantasy that skewed reporting of the campaign.
48
Congress better move quickly to impeach before our military are forced to coup.
33
The more nonsensical the cover-up, the more serious the lie. It's obvious to anyone with eyes that Trump and associates are covering up something so wrong, so dirty, that they're twisting themselves in knots to hide it. Just like during the campaign Trump could not keep his mouth shut about Putin and other clues to his dirty dealings. This is a stinking business, and all the cries of witch hunts by Trump and the Russians will not end the investigation. Our fragile democracy is being seriously challenged and we must do everything we can to protect it. We must start with the truth.
53
At this point, any member of Congress who is not taking immediate action to cause an independent investigation by a Special Prosecutor should be considered part of the cover-up.
In addition, any member of Congress who has any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest (e.g., Burr, Chaffetz, Nunes, Ryan and McConnell, to name a few) should not be permitted to be part of any investigation, except as a potential target.
In addition, any member of Congress who has any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest (e.g., Burr, Chaffetz, Nunes, Ryan and McConnell, to name a few) should not be permitted to be part of any investigation, except as a potential target.
54
The point is that we need this investigation in order to finally know whether our
"Entertainer" President along with his campaign surrogates knowingly colluded with Russia to hack and publicize the emails of DNC and Podesta, and in any other ways, including promises or suggestions of minimizing sanctions. And clarifying whether Trump's friendly affinity for Putin and Russia connections is due to past financial transactions. There is so much smoke, including Wilbur Ross's connection with the Cyprus Bank, the inflated sale of a Palm Beach mansion, and just last night Rachel Maddow's revelation of a Russian Oligarch's easily spotted plane at airports when Trump's plane was there.
"Entertainer" President along with his campaign surrogates knowingly colluded with Russia to hack and publicize the emails of DNC and Podesta, and in any other ways, including promises or suggestions of minimizing sanctions. And clarifying whether Trump's friendly affinity for Putin and Russia connections is due to past financial transactions. There is so much smoke, including Wilbur Ross's connection with the Cyprus Bank, the inflated sale of a Palm Beach mansion, and just last night Rachel Maddow's revelation of a Russian Oligarch's easily spotted plane at airports when Trump's plane was there.
32
Isn't Treason an offence which results in imprisonment?
32
Why does Trump have such obvious "affection" towards all things Russian?
But doesn't hesitate to criticize his own country, seen in the interview with O'Reilly on Fox. And criticize our judicial process, or our right to demonstrate. Why does he hate our diversity, our immigrants of which his family is one?
He seems to discount the strange death circumstances of Putins critics. The recent deaths of spies in Moscow post RNC hacking. The suspicious deaths of Russians in London. The recent deaths of ambassadors in Turkey, maybe New York. Actually he has never mentioned Putins thuggery ever. Why not?
He never talks about democracy, liberty, due process, never mentions these fabulous American values which are the complete antithesis to the Russian regime?
He actually seems to like Russia and Putin. Is he just ignorant or indebted to them in some way? Donald junior did say that money was coming in from Russia, not too sure when he said this, date wise that is, it's on eturbo.com?
But doesn't hesitate to criticize his own country, seen in the interview with O'Reilly on Fox. And criticize our judicial process, or our right to demonstrate. Why does he hate our diversity, our immigrants of which his family is one?
He seems to discount the strange death circumstances of Putins critics. The recent deaths of spies in Moscow post RNC hacking. The suspicious deaths of Russians in London. The recent deaths of ambassadors in Turkey, maybe New York. Actually he has never mentioned Putins thuggery ever. Why not?
He never talks about democracy, liberty, due process, never mentions these fabulous American values which are the complete antithesis to the Russian regime?
He actually seems to like Russia and Putin. Is he just ignorant or indebted to them in some way? Donald junior did say that money was coming in from Russia, not too sure when he said this, date wise that is, it's on eturbo.com?
37
For a sharper focus, it would be good to know what contacts there were, if any, between the Russians and the Hillary Clinton campaign before the election in November. It would be especially helpful to know whether there were any such meetings or exchanges at the convention in Philadelphia.
12
At a minimum , the worst thing to come out of this is the the stupidity of the Trump campaign/administration to allow contact with the Russians. They were warned that the purpose of Russian foreign policy was to disrupt democracy by pitting friend against friend internationally. The Trump-Bannon administration at the very least by their words & actions are Russian pawns. The revelations of the recent Trump tweets reveals that his sources for facts are Fox & Breitbart News . A seriously illegitimate sources of facts that a President blames for his views. As usual, both his foreign policy along with his buildings are owned by others. Trumps tweets today in regards to President Obama show an ignorance of the US government & Judicial system. Trump will destroy Vice-President Pence & the Republican Party . They are stuck with Trumps paranoid depravity, if not his criminal acts & deception.
17
“That’s the last behavior we should model — that simply meeting with a Russian official is wrong, without any knowledge of what was said,” Mr. Beyrle said.
Duh. What we want is an impartial investigation that tells us what was said, when, by who, and for what purpose. This Beyrle, apparently an Obama appointee, is parroting the Trumpists' line, which makes no sense whatsoever.
The threshold for a full investigation was passed months ago.
Duh. What we want is an impartial investigation that tells us what was said, when, by who, and for what purpose. This Beyrle, apparently an Obama appointee, is parroting the Trumpists' line, which makes no sense whatsoever.
The threshold for a full investigation was passed months ago.
9
We all now where this is going. You can feel it the same way you felt it in the weeks leading up to Watergate exploding: Trump is done. It's just a matter of when The Times of The Post runs the two=page spread diagramming this administration's corrupt eco-system. Then, as happened with Watergate, members of the FBI, Senate, and House will be shamed into the only two actions left to save their jobs: convince Trump to step down or have him removed by impeachment. Prediction: Trump presidential charade ends in 90-120 days from today.
26
We can put this to rest very easily if we had this President's tax returns.
25
There should be a Russian "wake-up" call. Russia, Putin, using cyber espionage warfare across Europe undermining the EU and NATO. Working hard to divide Europe. They put their candidate in the White House! Now they are working to do the same across Europe...same message of fear mongering, hate and bigotry! All wrapped up as "Nationalism!
9
"That’s the last behavior we should model — that simply meeting with a Russian official is wrong, without any knowledge of what was said,” Mr. Beyrle
If this is true why do administration officials under Trump recuse themselves and or leave their posts? Why is what was discussed not being disclosed? Why are Trump's tax records not disclosed? Why not? Why not?
There is a time for diplomacy and reasoning but the time now is to act against those who make a mockery of our institutions for their personal gains!
If this is true why do administration officials under Trump recuse themselves and or leave their posts? Why is what was discussed not being disclosed? Why are Trump's tax records not disclosed? Why not? Why not?
There is a time for diplomacy and reasoning but the time now is to act against those who make a mockery of our institutions for their personal gains!
11
In terms of this being a witch hunt, I vaguely remember a select group of republican congressmen (Richard Shelby, R-Ala, Bill Posey, R-Fla, Dan Burton, R-Ind, to name just a few), engaging in a witch hunt against any president who refused to produce a birth certificate. What was the name of the U.S. billionaire and reality TV show star who led the unrelenting, vitriolic, and racist "birther" witch hunt? Even if this Russia affair turns out to be a "ruse," calling out Senator Schumer in a midnight tweet from a Whitehouse bathroom stall sickens and disturbs me.
29
If the Russia problem that Trump is having is a witch hunt, then it's because Putin is a practitioner.
6
Trump has brought this on himself. Perhaps there is nothing "dramatically" ugly with what has been discussed in these various meetings but the continuous denials of any connection to Russia only to have more and more surface almost daily as in the the "drip - drip" adds to what can only be viewed now as a very suspicious situation.
I'm old enough to remember Nixon, and this brings flashbacks to that time. Trump may attack the press but Washington & national politics is a whole new level and Trump & cronies are quickly digging a deeper hole whether "merited" or not.
I'm old enough to remember Nixon, and this brings flashbacks to that time. Trump may attack the press but Washington & national politics is a whole new level and Trump & cronies are quickly digging a deeper hole whether "merited" or not.
11
when you distill the facts of the article, you have to ask
"where's the beef?" as was once famously proclaimed.
so, until something more interesting is unearthed, I have to agree
The president’s supporters say innocuous encounters, routine for any incoming presidential team, are being treated for political reasons as somehow subversive
or, as the former US ambassador to Moscow said “we’re beginning to out-Russian the Russians”
"where's the beef?" as was once famously proclaimed.
so, until something more interesting is unearthed, I have to agree
The president’s supporters say innocuous encounters, routine for any incoming presidential team, are being treated for political reasons as somehow subversive
or, as the former US ambassador to Moscow said “we’re beginning to out-Russian the Russians”
5
Where do we start?
The Russian ambassador invited to Trump Tower prior to the election?
A Russian businessman's plane arriving the same time as Trump's during multiple campaign stops?
More campaign staffers meeting Russian officials at various times up to the election?
Still hasn't disclosed his tax records!
Refuses to fill government positions but encourages destroying it.
The Russian ambassador invited to Trump Tower prior to the election?
A Russian businessman's plane arriving the same time as Trump's during multiple campaign stops?
More campaign staffers meeting Russian officials at various times up to the election?
Still hasn't disclosed his tax records!
Refuses to fill government positions but encourages destroying it.
22
It took less than two months to move from "making America great again" to "putting America in extreme danger" through ineptitude and deceit.
After the Republican Congress is defeated in 2018, and Trump is exiled (or imprisoned) in 2020, it is going to take the next Democratic president his or her first term -- four years -- to undo the damage Donald Trump and his administration have done in just eight weeks.
I'm the grandson of a U.S. Army general and a West Point graduate. My father served in occupation forces in Germany after WWII. My uncle served in the Air Force and then the CIA during the Cold War. And right now I am almost ashamed to be an American, heartened only by the constant anti-Trump rallies and the enormously important job that the American press corps is doing in its daily reporting.
After the Republican Congress is defeated in 2018, and Trump is exiled (or imprisoned) in 2020, it is going to take the next Democratic president his or her first term -- four years -- to undo the damage Donald Trump and his administration have done in just eight weeks.
I'm the grandson of a U.S. Army general and a West Point graduate. My father served in occupation forces in Germany after WWII. My uncle served in the Air Force and then the CIA during the Cold War. And right now I am almost ashamed to be an American, heartened only by the constant anti-Trump rallies and the enormously important job that the American press corps is doing in its daily reporting.
39
Hey, hey. One thing at a time. How can Trump deny that anyone on his team had contact with the Russians when Jared Kushner met with Kislyak right under his nose at Trump Tower? If nothing was amiss, why was Kisylak shown up the back way? Remember please, all the cameras that were stationed in the lobby then. But not one captured that little courtesy call. And why was Kushner meeting with anyone at all at that point? Maybe there were more than two people in that meeting. I smell a smokescreen.
19
Well then,
Nothing to hide. I assume that the administration will support a bipartisan independent commission to fully investigate the entire Russian Hacking Operation.
Nothing to hide. I assume that the administration will support a bipartisan independent commission to fully investigate the entire Russian Hacking Operation.
12
As horrible and as unqualified as Trump is, the nefarious and evil puppet master Bannon is far worse. He and his little, small minded yes man and toady, Mr. Miller, need to be removed and put away as soon as possible. The power before the throne is true evil.
24
Nothing used to rile devoted Barack Obama critics like the president’s winter Hawaiian vacation. A watchdog group once calculated that the Aloha state trips cost taxpayers $3.5m a pop – in airfare, security arrangements, communications and medical staff.
Among the harshest critics of Obama’s travel was Donald Trump, then a private citizen.
The joke, it turns out, is on Trump. Now he is the president – and it appears that he is on track to spend many more millions of taxpayer dollars on trips that might be construed as vacations for him and his family than Obama ever dreamed of. The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward... Mar-a-Lago?
By one sketchy estimate, Trump and his family, in their security and travel demands, have already rung up as much in accounts payable by taxpayers as the Obama and Biden families did in eight years, a figure elsewhere calculated, by the Washington DC-based Judicial Watch, as topping $97m.
How is it possible? The complicated receipt involves weekend trips by Trump to Mar-a-Lago, his resort in Palm Beach, Florida; travel by his children and their government security details on Trump family business; and costs associated with protecting Trump’s Manhattan home, the high-rise Trump Tower building, where Trump’s wife and youngest child live but where the real estate mogul himself has not set foot since becoming president.
Among the harshest critics of Obama’s travel was Donald Trump, then a private citizen.
The joke, it turns out, is on Trump. Now he is the president – and it appears that he is on track to spend many more millions of taxpayer dollars on trips that might be construed as vacations for him and his family than Obama ever dreamed of. The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward... Mar-a-Lago?
By one sketchy estimate, Trump and his family, in their security and travel demands, have already rung up as much in accounts payable by taxpayers as the Obama and Biden families did in eight years, a figure elsewhere calculated, by the Washington DC-based Judicial Watch, as topping $97m.
How is it possible? The complicated receipt involves weekend trips by Trump to Mar-a-Lago, his resort in Palm Beach, Florida; travel by his children and their government security details on Trump family business; and costs associated with protecting Trump’s Manhattan home, the high-rise Trump Tower building, where Trump’s wife and youngest child live but where the real estate mogul himself has not set foot since becoming president.
28
The real issue with all of the evidence of the connections between Trump and the Russians is the strong suspicion of a quid pro quo arrangement between them based on personal benefit to Trump in exchange for removing US sanctions against Russia. Information of Trump's financial and possible other ties to Russia is being obscured and hidden, while Trump praises Putin and hints that financial sanctions very problematic for Putin and his oligarchs may be withdrawn, with no evidence of any benefit to the US. Trump appoints Tillerson, who negotiated a mega oil deal with Russia, which is now on hold. The lies and failure to disclose Trump's taxes fuel the flame. And the only telephone call between Trump and various heads of state that was not recorded was his call with Putin. Why? Too much lying, too many cover-ups. There is a building body of evidence that Trump owed Russia a lot of money, and that he promised, if they helped him get elected and helped his financial empire, that he would remove the US sanctions against them. There is almost certainly a core of corruption underneath all of these contacts.
14
David Frum of the Bush administration has said that to get to the facts a special or select committee has broader powers than a special prosecutor. A select committee has subpoena powers and is not limited to investigating only things that were done that are/were illegal.
According to Frum a special prosecutor would have to turn away from following any leads where no law was broken.
American's need to know the entire scope of Trump and his campaign's dealing with the Russians. And that would include knowing why the Russian "King of Fertilizer" kept showing up at cities along the campaign trail in his private jet when Trump's private jet was sitting on the tarmac as well. (Remember all the hoopla surrounding the Bill Clinton/Loretta Lynch two-jet meeting?)
FYI the King of Fertilizer was the Russian oligarch who paid Trump $100 million for a property Trump had purchased for only $40 million. During a time Trump was in great need of $. And Trump has stated he "never met the man". How odd to not meet or shake the hand of a man who just fattened your wallet by $60 million.
According to Frum a special prosecutor would have to turn away from following any leads where no law was broken.
American's need to know the entire scope of Trump and his campaign's dealing with the Russians. And that would include knowing why the Russian "King of Fertilizer" kept showing up at cities along the campaign trail in his private jet when Trump's private jet was sitting on the tarmac as well. (Remember all the hoopla surrounding the Bill Clinton/Loretta Lynch two-jet meeting?)
FYI the King of Fertilizer was the Russian oligarch who paid Trump $100 million for a property Trump had purchased for only $40 million. During a time Trump was in great need of $. And Trump has stated he "never met the man". How odd to not meet or shake the hand of a man who just fattened your wallet by $60 million.
21
As weak as Obama appeared when many of us felt he should be strong, as much as many of us felt he and the democratic legislators should have fought back relentlessly against the vocalized pronouncements by McConnell and the Republican horde of lemming like followers of NOT working with the new president and trying to "make him a one term president", most of us NEVER once felt that under Barack Obama's leadership the government of the United States was not fully functioning and the people's business was not being cared for.
It was difficult when the other side absolutely refused to do their part of working to do the people's business in a cooperative manner and yet the Obama Administration did function fairly well but NOT as well as it should have because of the negativism and "strike mentality" of the other side.
However , when compared to the hideous malfunctioning of the Trump administration in it first 100 days, the immense movement of people in and out of his top cabinet and staff positions, his inclusivity of civilians in his inner circle possibly without proper vetting, his exclusivity of proper intelligent and military chiefs from his inner circle and his apparent lack of understanding how the government works and his continued campaigning while leaving his very weak staff to run this country the Obama administration was superb.
As flawed as it may have been, we felt more secure, more sure and more comfortable than we do with this bunch of amateurs in control!
It was difficult when the other side absolutely refused to do their part of working to do the people's business in a cooperative manner and yet the Obama Administration did function fairly well but NOT as well as it should have because of the negativism and "strike mentality" of the other side.
However , when compared to the hideous malfunctioning of the Trump administration in it first 100 days, the immense movement of people in and out of his top cabinet and staff positions, his inclusivity of civilians in his inner circle possibly without proper vetting, his exclusivity of proper intelligent and military chiefs from his inner circle and his apparent lack of understanding how the government works and his continued campaigning while leaving his very weak staff to run this country the Obama administration was superb.
As flawed as it may have been, we felt more secure, more sure and more comfortable than we do with this bunch of amateurs in control!
15
Lots of smoke here!
Manafort, Flynn, Kistner, Sessions, etc... have have lied or misled about their Russian contacts and connections. Appointing one Russia skeptic -- Hill -- to a minor position doesn't change anything, but throws up more smoke.
Without trump's tax returns, it's a safe assumption that he's owned by the Russians and Putin pulls the strings.
Manafort, Flynn, Kistner, Sessions, etc... have have lied or misled about their Russian contacts and connections. Appointing one Russia skeptic -- Hill -- to a minor position doesn't change anything, but throws up more smoke.
Without trump's tax returns, it's a safe assumption that he's owned by the Russians and Putin pulls the strings.
17
More than any of these accounts, which are disturbing by themselves, the thing which astounds me is the GOP's closing ranks against an independent investigation. Really, if there is nothing there then let's prove that. Also, the tax returns would go a long way to establishing credibility for the president in this matter.
14
It's not the politics, it's the money!
Until we know the full extent of the financial exposure that Trump and the Trump Organization have to Russia, we will never know the real story of the Trump-Putin connection. Trump ran the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow for a considerable profit. New York real estate is a notorious money-laundering ground for the Russian oil oligarchs.
Given all this and the fact that no Russian international business is carried on without Putin's consent (not to mention his frequently taking something off the top of the transaction), it is inconceivable that there are no Trump-Russia financial ties, ties that may be putting our national security interests at risk.
Just follow the money...
Until we know the full extent of the financial exposure that Trump and the Trump Organization have to Russia, we will never know the real story of the Trump-Putin connection. Trump ran the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow for a considerable profit. New York real estate is a notorious money-laundering ground for the Russian oil oligarchs.
Given all this and the fact that no Russian international business is carried on without Putin's consent (not to mention his frequently taking something off the top of the transaction), it is inconceivable that there are no Trump-Russia financial ties, ties that may be putting our national security interests at risk.
Just follow the money...
16
It's amazing how easy it is to bait this "President". Keep the bait coming Democrats. If Trump is kept busy tweeting responses to all of the attacks on his administration he won't be able to destroy this country with executive orders,or in Trumpspeak, making "America great again".
14
Why the denials of meetings by Flynn, Sessions, and others if they were innocuous? Why not just explain what the meetings were about? The lies are the problem, and exactly why an investigation is needed. The silent Republicans would have been more than outraged had the Democrats been having meetings, clandestine or otherwise, with Russians and had invited them to interfere with the election, and then won the election. Treason is not too harsh to consider in all these dealings. Russia is and adversary.
15
Putin has given up on his own Russian nation and is now just a tzar-oligarch siphoning money away from his people to build his own personal fortune.
In his quest for self-enrichment and self-aggrandizement, he's invading and annexing any and every country he can fabricate claim to.
With his embezzled billions, he can now buy the nations he can't invade.
In Trump, he's found his counterpart: an unprincipled snake willing to sell out his entire nation for cash and power.
We're witnessing the fall of our democracy.
We ARE fighting WW3 right now! Only this time we're "Vichy" America: selling out and appeasing while a hyper ambitious madman annexes the rest of the free world.
How many rubles does it take to buy our Senate, Congress, President, Justice Department, etc.?
Apparently sedition and treason is ok with everybody as long as they've assured themselves they'll be able to circle the wagons and block any investigation that would show what they've done.
I just pray the FBI and the rest of the intelligence community can stay strong and prevent this Trump-Putin cabal from turning America into just another Putin oligarchy and Russian satellite.
In his quest for self-enrichment and self-aggrandizement, he's invading and annexing any and every country he can fabricate claim to.
With his embezzled billions, he can now buy the nations he can't invade.
In Trump, he's found his counterpart: an unprincipled snake willing to sell out his entire nation for cash and power.
We're witnessing the fall of our democracy.
We ARE fighting WW3 right now! Only this time we're "Vichy" America: selling out and appeasing while a hyper ambitious madman annexes the rest of the free world.
How many rubles does it take to buy our Senate, Congress, President, Justice Department, etc.?
Apparently sedition and treason is ok with everybody as long as they've assured themselves they'll be able to circle the wagons and block any investigation that would show what they've done.
I just pray the FBI and the rest of the intelligence community can stay strong and prevent this Trump-Putin cabal from turning America into just another Putin oligarchy and Russian satellite.
16
Even supporters need to admit that Trump is demonstrating total incompetence in his handling of this overall situation. Mr. "Sophisticated Business Genius" continues to prove every day just how far in over his head he is in this job.
9
Trump wants to make peace with Russia in order to try to dissuade it from its growing alliance with China, therefore fracturing Eurasia, more specifically, the Heartland.
Things going the way they're going, it won't work. Putin has already stated that Russia's reapproachment with China, something unseen since the Sino-Soviet dissent, is the most important thing that happened to modern Russia, and it's its future for the 21st Century. If Putin is successful in his succession, the unification of Eurasia, through OBOR, is unavoidable.
Let the liberals have what they want, and accelerate this unification. It'll only hasten the demise of the USA as the lonely superpower.
Things going the way they're going, it won't work. Putin has already stated that Russia's reapproachment with China, something unseen since the Sino-Soviet dissent, is the most important thing that happened to modern Russia, and it's its future for the 21st Century. If Putin is successful in his succession, the unification of Eurasia, through OBOR, is unavoidable.
Let the liberals have what they want, and accelerate this unification. It'll only hasten the demise of the USA as the lonely superpower.
2
With Trump, it all seems to come down to two things:
Money. And ego.
As much as he curries Putin's approval, there's nothing about these dealings that would serve to gratify the latter.
Which leaves the former.
With most major banks unwilling to risk lending him money, Trump is highly dependent on the one that will: Deutsche Bank—which just paid over $600 million for failing to police money-laundering it its Moscow office.
In "All The President's Men," Hal Holbrook's advice to Bob Woodward was "Follow the money."
Then, the money led to the White House. Today. it seems to point to the Kremlin.
Is that the guilty secret hidden in the tax returns?
Money. And ego.
As much as he curries Putin's approval, there's nothing about these dealings that would serve to gratify the latter.
Which leaves the former.
With most major banks unwilling to risk lending him money, Trump is highly dependent on the one that will: Deutsche Bank—which just paid over $600 million for failing to police money-laundering it its Moscow office.
In "All The President's Men," Hal Holbrook's advice to Bob Woodward was "Follow the money."
Then, the money led to the White House. Today. it seems to point to the Kremlin.
Is that the guilty secret hidden in the tax returns?
18
Do any of you really believe Russians in power, who are accomplished former spies, are going to tell goofy Sessions," duh we are going to spy on The Clinton's". Yes, Russia probably is responsible for the leaks. No, the leaks had nothing to do with the Clinton loss. Calling people deplorable played a big role,being up Wall Streets but ,being untrustworthy, on and on. She was the worst candidate the democrats could have nominated. She lost without the help of Russia.
To get at Trump all of a sudden the Russians are the bigger bad wolves then they have ever been. The United States needs a relationship with Russia if for no other reason then making peace in Syria.
To get at Trump all of a sudden the Russians are the bigger bad wolves then they have ever been. The United States needs a relationship with Russia if for no other reason then making peace in Syria.
2
Interesting how the Russians did not meet or communicate with the Clinton campaign - unless you count hacking the Clinton campaign. But on the other hand were engaged for quite a while with a number of people working for the Trump campaign.
We really need Trump's tax returns to follow the money. The Republican Congress can get Trump's returns - but I imagine are scared what they would find.
We really need Trump's tax returns to follow the money. The Republican Congress can get Trump's returns - but I imagine are scared what they would find.
14
Millions of fearful working people don't give a rip about Russian influence. They just want the same Golden Age type jobs they used to have and an untroubled existence. They are still willing to be manipulated and used.
11
Saturday mornin' in America. Four new desperado tweets from the Bloviator. Crude innuendo about Obama "wire-tapping" him, the kind of stuff your 8-year-old would type (if he lived in a moral vacuum). Meanwhile, with the proposed shutting down (90% cut) of the EPA, the health of 40 million taxpayers living around the Great Lakes and below are threatened.
23
Consider this scenario preinternet era
Russian agents or spies brake in the democratic
party building, open all the mail and correspondence between the Presidential candidate and the surrogates and publish it. There would be an imaginable uproar and almost war like atmosphere.
That situation would be beyond imagination.
Fast forward to last October. Russian agents did exactly the same thing by hacking into Dem's e mails
via internet and Republicans are OK with it? What is the difference between the two scenarios?
Russian agents or spies brake in the democratic
party building, open all the mail and correspondence between the Presidential candidate and the surrogates and publish it. There would be an imaginable uproar and almost war like atmosphere.
That situation would be beyond imagination.
Fast forward to last October. Russian agents did exactly the same thing by hacking into Dem's e mails
via internet and Republicans are OK with it? What is the difference between the two scenarios?
9
Incompetence, petulance, braggadocio and hubris are the 4 horsemen who will define this presidency. The incompetence of not only the daily actions and non-actions in running the nation's affairs is stunning, as is the incompetence and incoherence reflected daily in the addled tweets, bizarre steam-of-consciousness shrink sessions (press briefings) and ham-handed attempts at diversions. The petulance of administration enablers rushed out to the "enemy" (media) makes Alice in Wonderland seem sane and normal. The braggadocio in proceeding with the evisceration of safeguards, regulations and the agencies charged with enforcement will damage us all for generations is breath-taking (literally), while the hubris of claiming a mandate with the diversion of "fake news", "alternative facts", "phantom alien voters who all voted for Hillary", "Obama wire taps, coup plotters and compliant allies" reflects a systemic illness (and probably a physical one) that needs lots of treatment.
The Watergate flashbacks are so surreal, and it seems the question is not "What did the president know and when did he know it" but more like "How long has the president been compromised and how many of his coterie involved?"
The GOP Congress has to decide if they want to put the country's best interest over party politics and the diversions underway by Trump, Bannon and company. The republic's fate is in their hands.
The Watergate flashbacks are so surreal, and it seems the question is not "What did the president know and when did he know it" but more like "How long has the president been compromised and how many of his coterie involved?"
The GOP Congress has to decide if they want to put the country's best interest over party politics and the diversions underway by Trump, Bannon and company. The republic's fate is in their hands.
15
The meetings that Sessions had with the Russian ambassador were meaningless and had nothing to do with the election. The first meeting was actually set up by the Obama state department. There were a hundred ambassadors from a hundred countries. Sessions could be said to meet with all of them. The second meeting was in his senate office involving the Senate Armed Service and was nothing but routine. There were three other people in the office at the time. That was reported by the NYT. Two army officers and an assistant.
What I think happened is when questioned by Al Frankenstein Sessions really didn't remember the meetings. He may still not remember the meetings. The details that he is sharing now may have been told to him by the others in his senate office at the time. Sessions biggest embarrassment from all this is his apparent lack of memory. The only lie he may be telling is he remembers the meeting now.
What I think happened is when questioned by Al Frankenstein Sessions really didn't remember the meetings. He may still not remember the meetings. The details that he is sharing now may have been told to him by the others in his senate office at the time. Sessions biggest embarrassment from all this is his apparent lack of memory. The only lie he may be telling is he remembers the meeting now.
1
The reason so many Trump people forgot about their meetings with the Russians is because they were programmed to believe they were at a meeting of a ladies' garden club. That's also why they think Donald Trump is "the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life."
8
Pretty ironic, Republicans accusing someone else of a witch hunt.
18
Trump is being his typical self in calling this business a total witch hunt. But this time, the witch is all too real and the hunt is absolutely necessary. One good way to pursue the hunt is to bring Trump’s financial records out of the shadows and discover if and where he might be beholden to Russian interests.
12
Let's pretend all these discovered and denied Russian contacts and resulting suspicions were swirling around a person named Hillary. Can you imagine the Republicans, with finally a real scandal in front of their faces, going, No problem, nothing here, let's move on?
14
"Attorney General Jeff Sessions admitted to having meetings with Mr. Kislyak that he had not disclosed during his confirmation hearing. " The Attorney General, head of the United States Justice Dept. lied at his hearing. That's what actually happened, so why not report that?
8
We may be giving Trump's brain too much credit.
It may be possible that Trump actually thinks of Russia as only a business partner. His ignorance and lack of interest in anything not directly feeding his ego or filling his pockets could well make him oblivious to the real reason all the nefarious Russian contacts are swarming around him, gaining entrance to his inner circle.
The Russians know that they shouldn't be seen with Trump himself. They own him, but they are way too smart to make it look like they do, and Trump is way too ignorant to realize what they are really up to.
It may be possible that Trump actually thinks of Russia as only a business partner. His ignorance and lack of interest in anything not directly feeding his ego or filling his pockets could well make him oblivious to the real reason all the nefarious Russian contacts are swarming around him, gaining entrance to his inner circle.
The Russians know that they shouldn't be seen with Trump himself. They own him, but they are way too smart to make it look like they do, and Trump is way too ignorant to realize what they are really up to.
12
Anyone of sound mind and reason knows in their heart of hearts Trump is behind this romance with the Russkies. Trump admires strong men with enormous power and stamina, in his mind, winners. They who rule with iron fists Trump is enamored with. This demagogue who was foisted upon us by the poorly educated gullible goobers of the Republican party have really stuck their collective foot in the Big Muddy this time. Trump will be the bane of their existence. The GOP has been the Stupid Party for so long we've lost track. Trump's ascendancy assures they will be scarred with this moniker for eons.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
10
There has been a cancer on this country called the Republican Party. Their party first mentality and their anti democratic values along with their horrid policy prescriptions have brought us to a dark place. The cancer has been exacerbated by Trump. The two feed off one another to the point the patient
is in a death spiral.
is in a death spiral.
11
Looks like the democrats illegally bugged Trump Tower. If this is true, democrats are going to jail and this would be the biggest scandal since Wategate. Meanwhile, not an iota of evidence of Trump campaign/Russian contacts . ZERO..NADA!! Then there is Pelosi lying about knowing the Russian Ambassador, then we have Schumer partying with the Russians, and then more than 20 visits to the white house. Democrats have been using the Russians as political ammunition but it looks like they are the ones who need to be investigated. It was always clear that hatred would drive democrats to break the law and cloud their judgement thinking they would not get caught.
3
Republicans lept at every chance to investigate every move Hillary made. They spent millions of dollars and years at it. Suddenly, they've lost their taste for investigations. Isn't that....interesting?
12
There is one person who knows, without any doubt, the nature of contacts between Trump associates and Russian operatives during and after the presidential campaign. While American journalists struggle to sort out the web of lies and distortions meant to keep these contacts secret, be assured that the person directing the scheme to attack our electoral process, without who's approval none of this could have taken place, is Putin himself.
What could take months or years for a special commission or special prosecutor to unravel, Putin could lay bare with news leaks. This could undo Trump and whatever agenda he might think of going forward. Looked at this way, Trump could be deeply in the pocket of the Russian despot. That Trump and his circle have put themselves in this position is disgraceful and a clear example of why our leaders shouldn't play footsie with dictators. He is subject to blackmail. Thus, Putin's intention to destabilize our electoral process and weaken Western democracies appears to have succeeded beyond what he could have realistically hoped.
Special commission/prosecutor are fine, but they could take time to work while it appears that compromised people are in the White House. Right now. I'm no lawyer, but I believe, based on reported phone recordings of Flynn talking to the Russian ambassador, that FISA court has issued a warrant allowing investigators to use the full power of NSA, etc., linking with allied intelligence abroad, to investigate this fully.
What could take months or years for a special commission or special prosecutor to unravel, Putin could lay bare with news leaks. This could undo Trump and whatever agenda he might think of going forward. Looked at this way, Trump could be deeply in the pocket of the Russian despot. That Trump and his circle have put themselves in this position is disgraceful and a clear example of why our leaders shouldn't play footsie with dictators. He is subject to blackmail. Thus, Putin's intention to destabilize our electoral process and weaken Western democracies appears to have succeeded beyond what he could have realistically hoped.
Special commission/prosecutor are fine, but they could take time to work while it appears that compromised people are in the White House. Right now. I'm no lawyer, but I believe, based on reported phone recordings of Flynn talking to the Russian ambassador, that FISA court has issued a warrant allowing investigators to use the full power of NSA, etc., linking with allied intelligence abroad, to investigate this fully.
5
Maybe, just maybe, Putin has copies of our president's tax returns which show that he owes Russian state banks tons of money after banks in the US didn't want to do business with him anymore due to his frequent bankruptcies?
Heck, there are so many conspiracy theories by Trump flying around, e.g. Obama having tapped the phone lines in his gaudy tower, why not add another one that might possibly be the reason why he become such an sycophant of the Russian bear?
Heck, there are so many conspiracy theories by Trump flying around, e.g. Obama having tapped the phone lines in his gaudy tower, why not add another one that might possibly be the reason why he become such an sycophant of the Russian bear?
8
Of course, no one on team Trump is going to say "We spoke about the hacking of the DNC".
So it is up to the investigators to connect the dots - meeting took place and then hacked documents were released. They also have to follow money connections.
For example: The Billy Bush tapes were released then an hour or two later Wikileaks starts the drip. Coincidence?
So it is up to the investigators to connect the dots - meeting took place and then hacked documents were released. They also have to follow money connections.
For example: The Billy Bush tapes were released then an hour or two later Wikileaks starts the drip. Coincidence?
6
Trump could end all the questions about his Russian "ruse" if he would just release his tax returns. As one of his biographers pointed out about his business failures in the 1990s, "he owed a lot of money and then suddenly he didn't." Who bailed him out? If it was the Russians we need to know. If it wasn't he may be in the clear. Then he can get on with the business of governing and wasting the taxpayers' money with weekend trips to Florida.
10
If this type of activity had occurred during the 1950's, there is no doubt all Trump lackeys would blacklisted from any association with government and perhaps even tried for treason. At best, they were incredibly naive to think that association with Russia would not be later manipulated to put them in a compromised position in terms of representing American interests. The fact that Trump trivialized these findings should frighten all Americans, regardless of party.
8
We don't know if Trump colluded with the Russians, and we don't know if information provided in the dossier of the British MI6 agent is true. Someone somewhere does know if it's true and we the American people have a right to know the truth. An independent investigation is absolutely required to find out if we are being duped. Anything less will leave a large number of people wondering what is going on.
8
Mar-au-gogo is once again Trump's weekend destination and it becomes more obvious that he considers the Presidency to be his day job.
Nobody cares much about their day job.
I believe he doesn't want his returns released simply because they reveal that he's not a good businessman, either.
Nobody cares much about their day job.
I believe he doesn't want his returns released simply because they reveal that he's not a good businessman, either.
5
Much of the suspicion is compounded exponentially by Trumps lies regarding his taxes. He promised to release them and has now refused. His son has said that money is "pouring in" from Russia and yet Trump denies this. There may be evidence of quid pro quo in this taxes and they must be released. Otherwise his name won't be cleared.
8
Trump's people talk to the Russians it's evil. Pelosi and Sumer talk to the Russians it's for the good of the nation. All this talking must life at the State Department difficult you know politicians interfere with policy they created. What about the emails? See what happens when congress makes laws disregarding separation of power? Those laws tend to be ignored. No one likes their hand tied when they have to get the job done. This latest smoke blowing exercise could have been avoided if the big brains contacted their photo department and search the archive for Russian Ambassador/American Senator. Both sides do it but when Trump does it.
2
I think the public would be better served with a running 'assessment of threat'.
What is the potential for our 'intelligence community' to run black bag jobs on those who are perceived to be a direct threat to them?
Treat investigative journalism as if our intelligence apparatus considered the press a threat instead of an ally. Instead of leaking to you, . . . journalists die. Opposition politicians are murdered like in Russia, N. Korea, and a host of third-world countries.
Since you have the confidence of the 'intelligence community', or to Normal America they are compromised and obviously rogue, just what are they capable of?
If we no longer respect them, should we fear them? Precisely, at what point do they become a clear and present danger to society?
For that is the logical conclusion should the 'intelligence community', acting on behalf of the Democrats and a compliant press, are successful in overturning the results of the last election.
What other conclusion can there be?
What is the potential for our 'intelligence community' to run black bag jobs on those who are perceived to be a direct threat to them?
Treat investigative journalism as if our intelligence apparatus considered the press a threat instead of an ally. Instead of leaking to you, . . . journalists die. Opposition politicians are murdered like in Russia, N. Korea, and a host of third-world countries.
Since you have the confidence of the 'intelligence community', or to Normal America they are compromised and obviously rogue, just what are they capable of?
If we no longer respect them, should we fear them? Precisely, at what point do they become a clear and present danger to society?
For that is the logical conclusion should the 'intelligence community', acting on behalf of the Democrats and a compliant press, are successful in overturning the results of the last election.
What other conclusion can there be?
5
How can the Republicans support this? --unless they put are putting Party and their own power before their country... Oh.
7
Trump takes a picture of Sen. Schumer at some function with Putin in 2003 (copied from the Drudge Report site) and tries to make another of his false equivalencies between that and the bevy of meetings we are finding out about between his campaign "associates" and Russian officials he formerly espoused as having "nothing to do with Russia".
At the time Sen. Schumer met socially with Putin, he was not running for President, there was no election taking place, there were no public disclosures of specifically Russian attacks on any non-existant Presidential election, Schummer had nothing to offer Putin, had no bromance with him, continued to criticize Russian policies, - you get the idea.
He actually sees no difference between normal diplomatic contacts and the parade of associates, surrogates and members of his cabinet who have had to come forward - only after awesome investigative reporting by the mainstream media, the friend of the people - to admit the truth about their Russian contacts during the campaign and transition.
Trump is simply not capable of critical thinking at its most basic. Sad. Scary.
At the time Sen. Schumer met socially with Putin, he was not running for President, there was no election taking place, there were no public disclosures of specifically Russian attacks on any non-existant Presidential election, Schummer had nothing to offer Putin, had no bromance with him, continued to criticize Russian policies, - you get the idea.
He actually sees no difference between normal diplomatic contacts and the parade of associates, surrogates and members of his cabinet who have had to come forward - only after awesome investigative reporting by the mainstream media, the friend of the people - to admit the truth about their Russian contacts during the campaign and transition.
Trump is simply not capable of critical thinking at its most basic. Sad. Scary.
18
One would think that the Trump Team would have rushed out a schedule showing all the other countries that they had multiple contacts with last year, as a means to minimize the impact of these Russian meetings. That this list hasn't been produced makes the Russian encounters even more suspicious.
13
Bottom line: Trump has GOT to make his tax returns public. All of this back-and-forth about Russian contacts means little until we can see whether the Russians have implanted a significant financial stake in Trump's enterprises. Trumps' tax returns would settle almost all of this hubbub immediately I think.
17
At the very least, notes of face-to-face meetings between Trump campaign/transition team officials and any representative of Russia should be turned over to the Senate foreign relations committee. Intelligence agencies know what was said in telephone calls such as those between Flynn and the Russian ambassador, but we need to know what was discussed in the meetings since none of the American participants seems to have a clear recollection of their conversations. Mr. Trump can protest and feel besieged by these questionns about his Russian connections, but it was he who opened this door by encouraging the Russians to hack Clinton, by his references to information coming from the Wikileaks/Russian hack, by his lying that no one on his team had a Russian connection, by his refusal to admit that Russia was involved in the election, and by not releasing his income tax records.
9
Witch Hunt? Maybe. Maybe not. But what goes around comes back around. It seems Mr Trump began this game with the Obama birth certificate nonsense. Then there was the Congressional Benghazi hullabaloo. Then Hillary's e-mail inquiries. Should the Democrats now just sit back and play statesmen? The Republicans in this Congress started this mess and now that they have opened Pandora's box they must suffer the consequences of putting politics ahead of good government. Of course the Republicans' continual attacks on Hillary Clinton beginning in the last century are why we now have this Trump administration.
19
Mr. Trump has had continued and deep connections with Russia and is closely connected with oligarchs and autocrats from Eastern Europe through his associates. I really wish everyone on the Hill would read this extensive and exhaustive article by James Henry and see what is the real story:
http://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/12/19/the-curious-world-of-don...
“Tell me who you walk with and I’ll tell you who you are.”
—Cervantes
http://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/12/19/the-curious-world-of-don...
“Tell me who you walk with and I’ll tell you who you are.”
—Cervantes
8
Everything trump does is a stunt with a very calculated eventual outcome. His actions are not 'normal' or benevolent in any way. He's an evil, manipulative man. He has gathered around him a host of incompetents. It attests to an abysmal leadership deficiency. It’s an assessment today shared by far too few right now, but most everyone tomorrow. Truth makes converts.
9
NYT's... This needs it's own headline as an astute commentator stated this today:
Follow the money.
Bank of Cyprus. Wilber Ross. Russian Fertilizer King. Trump's $95 million dollar sale of Miami property to him. There is a long money trail between Trump and Russian money. The money trail will reveal the truth.
Follow the money.
Bank of Cyprus. Wilber Ross. Russian Fertilizer King. Trump's $95 million dollar sale of Miami property to him. There is a long money trail between Trump and Russian money. The money trail will reveal the truth.
13
I am still waiting for Trump's Tax Returns - let NYT and the rest of the media focus on that. To paraphrase Trump - please hack the so-called President's tax returns please, in order to get real clarity about him including the Russian connection. Focus, focus!!!
15
Manafort! Keep up the top notch reporting, NYT. You're closing in on this massive web of connections between Trump and the Russians and Manafort's lobbying on behalf of Russia at the RNC demands far deeper scrutiny.
Trump's tax returns are the key. The ties to Rybolovlev are there.
Follow the money.
Trump's tax returns are the key. The ties to Rybolovlev are there.
Follow the money.
16
Let's face it NYT, you can't keep up with Trumpette. To distract everyone from his problems, he just has to Twitter a new crazy accusation (it's Watergate!) to drown out all your serious analysis. You're swimming upstream against Niagara Falls.
1
Trump tweets that he is a victim of "McCarthyism"? Really...?
I guess he forgot that his very own business mentor, Roy Cohn was Sen. Joseph McCarthy's chief counsel, who was known for interrogating citizens suspected of being communists behind closed doors, while McCarthy held the public hearings with his Committee for Un-American Activities.
I guess he forgot that his very own business mentor, Roy Cohn was Sen. Joseph McCarthy's chief counsel, who was known for interrogating citizens suspected of being communists behind closed doors, while McCarthy held the public hearings with his Committee for Un-American Activities.
10
What, specifically, are the charges here? So far it's a lot of yelling about meetings with the Russian ambassador that both parties had and forgot about.
What, specifically, are democrats alleging took place at those meetings? Details, please. If Obama actually had more detail, it's likely he would have released them when he had the power of the presidency at his disposal. It appears he has nothing more than the fact that these meetings took place, which wiith that ambassador, means little.
What, specifically, are democrats alleging took place at those meetings? Details, please. If Obama actually had more detail, it's likely he would have released them when he had the power of the presidency at his disposal. It appears he has nothing more than the fact that these meetings took place, which wiith that ambassador, means little.
2
The Republicans in the trump administration think they are Uber Republicans and are allowed to have their own set of rules.
6
Vladimir Putin was elected president of Russia by an overwhelming majority of the Russian people. In other words, he is the president of the Russian people - their choice. He has not engaged in any pogroms or any activities usually associated with dictators. Further, Russia is an ally of the United States. It wasn't during the Cold War, but it is now. Russia is no threat to the United States. They are not a Caliphate seeking to rule the world. They have not threatened war against us, beheaded any of our citizens, or gunned down innocent Americans in California or Florida.
Finally, all this stuff about Putin and alleged hacking of Mrs. Clinton's e-mails to "steer" the election is nothing more than a continuation of pre-election partisan hype. There is no proof of it at all, and there is nothing sinister about any American who might talk to a Russian. And it's kind of funny for some so-called "Progressives," who regularly claim to only deal in facts to now accept innuendo, suspecions, and allegations as the basis of this continuing smear campaign against President Trump and President Putin.
Finally, all this stuff about Putin and alleged hacking of Mrs. Clinton's e-mails to "steer" the election is nothing more than a continuation of pre-election partisan hype. There is no proof of it at all, and there is nothing sinister about any American who might talk to a Russian. And it's kind of funny for some so-called "Progressives," who regularly claim to only deal in facts to now accept innuendo, suspecions, and allegations as the basis of this continuing smear campaign against President Trump and President Putin.
Sorry, comrade, but Russia is not our ally.
7
Regrettably, the Republican party has stood, for some time now, for nothing other than greed and corruption. The Trump era has added a third quality to this list: treason. Greed. corruption, and treason are fine by Paul Ryan, as long as he can continue his life as a leech on the government, cut taxes on the top .01%, and cut benefits on the middle and lower classes. Same with Mitch McConnell.
13
There is one thing no one can dispute. We all heard it. During his "campaign" The Con Don called on Russia to hack and release Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton's e-mails - and they did. He trumpeted out he and Russia's plans ahead of time, as did his buddies. They think WE do not care.
The idea that anyone - any true American - believes or supports him/them is so astonishing it is simply beyond comprehension.
The idea that this boy-child-ego-maniac would be allowed to continue to pretend to be some "elected leader", along with his hate-christian-radio-jock pretend vice president and the BIG democracy-destroying money master boy/girl operatives who think they "won", is equally astonishing.
WE must get them OUT of OUR governments at every level RIGHT NOW - before they can put their destructive global democracy-busting plans into effect. WE must DEMAND a new election with full participation because this was not one. WE had a Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical Religion Good Old Boys' Party/ Cabal Financial Coup against OUR government and only WE can DEMAND it's full social/economic justice restoration.
NOW is the time. Every person in America who wants true democracy must pick one thing they value most and fight like hell to save it. Resist. Obstruct. Protest. Protect your neighbors and co-workers and let the public know when your rights are being trampled. Together WE can save the America WE love.
The idea that anyone - any true American - believes or supports him/them is so astonishing it is simply beyond comprehension.
The idea that this boy-child-ego-maniac would be allowed to continue to pretend to be some "elected leader", along with his hate-christian-radio-jock pretend vice president and the BIG democracy-destroying money master boy/girl operatives who think they "won", is equally astonishing.
WE must get them OUT of OUR governments at every level RIGHT NOW - before they can put their destructive global democracy-busting plans into effect. WE must DEMAND a new election with full participation because this was not one. WE had a Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical Religion Good Old Boys' Party/ Cabal Financial Coup against OUR government and only WE can DEMAND it's full social/economic justice restoration.
NOW is the time. Every person in America who wants true democracy must pick one thing they value most and fight like hell to save it. Resist. Obstruct. Protest. Protect your neighbors and co-workers and let the public know when your rights are being trampled. Together WE can save the America WE love.
10
When they get to the bottom of this scandal, I wouldn't be surprised if they uncover Donald Trump's Russian Birth Certificate.
15
The in-your-face hypocrisy of Trump and congressional Republicans is infuriating. Trump's hate-mongering, fear-mongering birther campaign, a calculated, filthy lie about Barack Obama, is the witch hunt that has inflicted the greatest damage in polarizing Americans. Almost as destructive was the Republicans' foamy-mouthed frenzy over Hillary Clinton's role in Benghazi.
Ironically Trump, who lives in a make-believe reality and deep denial of real facts, doesn't seem to understand that "witch hunt" implies the search for a fantasy being. Trump's lies and cheating are no fantasy as the hunt will surely reveal, if only congressional Republicans appoint a special prosecutor to get it done.
Ironically Trump, who lives in a make-believe reality and deep denial of real facts, doesn't seem to understand that "witch hunt" implies the search for a fantasy being. Trump's lies and cheating are no fantasy as the hunt will surely reveal, if only congressional Republicans appoint a special prosecutor to get it done.
11
The lingering question: Why all the Trump praise for Putin?
Sure seems like Donald had ulterior motives for his
obsession, always volunteering comment.
Sure seems like Donald had ulterior motives for his
obsession, always volunteering comment.
9
Why beat around the bush ... it's obvious that Putin won trump the election and expects pay back. It's also obvious that trump isn't forthcoming on what he knows and when he knew it. And most troubling is Priebus et al running interference with the FBI to thwart its investigation. Treasonous malfeasance now looms as a real possibility.
12
If he and his administration has not done anything wrong and illegal, why are they afraid of investigation?
9
It's not that they had meetings, it's that they LIED about them! It's the cover up, stupids. OK, those meetings are disgusting owing to the fact Russia was hacking US, but let's not get too far out in front of ourselves. I want to "hear" the "tapes."
Trump woke up spitting about Obama bugging Trump Tower, but I think that's just the power of Prism, myself. All of us send our electronic time, date, sender and receiver stamps to Utah, even this stupidness, you betcha. But I bet the contents are Russian characterizations of those conversations netted by the Five Eyes on their way back to Putin.
Trump woke up spitting about Obama bugging Trump Tower, but I think that's just the power of Prism, myself. All of us send our electronic time, date, sender and receiver stamps to Utah, even this stupidness, you betcha. But I bet the contents are Russian characterizations of those conversations netted by the Five Eyes on their way back to Putin.
4
In his twits, Trump seems to say a judge turned down the first FISA order. I can appreciate that judge might need more evidence before they agreed this Prism pull back was warranted. Had Trump known, he'd have blown the cover to the Russians.
1
Yes, it's true there is very much we don't know. However, here is what we DO know:
* The party platform of the GOP, a party long known for its hawkish stance on Russia, suddenly in 2016 was changed to bless the Russian take over of Crimea. This was done at the instigation of Trump's campaign.
* Trump's chief strategist has declared the "Judeo Christian West" must unify to fight Islam and win at any cost.
* We still have not seen Trump's tax returns, and so don't know the full extent of his business relationship with the Russian government and businesses. But we do have statements from the Trump family that such financial arrangements are extensive.
* US intelligence agencies have definitively stated that Russia interfered with the 2016 election, and the evidence indicates they did so at least against Ms. Clinton, if not actively for Trump.
So I ask you, how many needles have to point in the same direction before we call it north?
* The party platform of the GOP, a party long known for its hawkish stance on Russia, suddenly in 2016 was changed to bless the Russian take over of Crimea. This was done at the instigation of Trump's campaign.
* Trump's chief strategist has declared the "Judeo Christian West" must unify to fight Islam and win at any cost.
* We still have not seen Trump's tax returns, and so don't know the full extent of his business relationship with the Russian government and businesses. But we do have statements from the Trump family that such financial arrangements are extensive.
* US intelligence agencies have definitively stated that Russia interfered with the 2016 election, and the evidence indicates they did so at least against Ms. Clinton, if not actively for Trump.
So I ask you, how many needles have to point in the same direction before we call it north?
12
It isn't just the money that terrifies me as the possible motivation for Trump administration ties. It is also the ideological connection. The fact that Putin is funding right - wing organizations across Europe. If Trump/Bannon want to further their xenophobic campaign, Putin is a great ally.
4
What Christopher Steele knows about Trump and the Russians and Trump's tax returns are secret and have to be made public. The survival of our democracy may depend on it. It is time for all Republican patriots to show their true colors and do everything they can to expose the rot in the Trump campaign and administration.
7
Obama wiretapped Trump during the election??? This is third world Banana Republic stuff of the highest level. Waaay beyond Nixon and even Hillary. Time to purge the swamp! AG Sessions will pursue this, how delicious!
3
I don't think Obama knows how to wiretapping.
But he does know the procedure for getting court authorization for a wire tap.
But he does know the procedure for getting court authorization for a wire tap.
2
Yup, and Trump seems to understand the judge demanded more evidence, and then granted the FISA order.
2
Follow the money---always follow the money....and you will find the Trump/Russian connection.
6
Mr. Trump could dispel much distrust and suspicion simply by releasing his taxes.
8
No no no, we have no ties to Russia, says the founder of the brother movement who finally admitted after 6 years he was lying.
8
In a way, it's nice to see the Trump people and the GOP stumble in a net they have spun for themselves: Since nuance has been thrown out, it is difficult to defend a nuanced picture of the contacts with Russia. While they may be a little less innocent as the White House would like to have us believe, even if they were completely so, their base and the salivating media wouldn't believe them. Thus, the calculation might have been, better to deny any contact than try to defend them as innocent.
And let's be honest: Who among us would have believed that the contacts had been innocent? But as I wrote above: it was THEM who taught us to see only in two colours, black or white.
And let's be honest: Who among us would have believed that the contacts had been innocent? But as I wrote above: it was THEM who taught us to see only in two colours, black or white.
5
It is incredible. The press would probably get more honest answers is they questioned Tass or Pravada then the Russian agent in the WH, Trump.
This breach of security is probably our greatest threat since the USSR stole our Manhattan Project secrets.
Republicans in Congress...when are you gonna do your job and protect national security??
This breach of security is probably our greatest threat since the USSR stole our Manhattan Project secrets.
Republicans in Congress...when are you gonna do your job and protect national security??
10
Perhaps the Administration should just have a Russian State of Union Speech and inform us why we should appreciate Vladimir and the Kremlin as much as they do?
5
Difficult to know why the republicans wouldn't want a thorough, open investigation of the entire so-called Trump-Russia affair, if only to clear the air in an atmosphere of denial that muddles every aspect of policy making in Washington. The more obfuscation, the more suspicion. The more suspicion, the more lack of trust. It seems such a simple, basic rule: tell the truth. Take responsibility for your actions. If those actions are worthy, there is no reason to hide. If not, the worthy thing to do is admit it and be courageous about facing the consequences.
10
Charles, you propose a simple and ethical solution for Trump & Co. It's an ironic suggestion given the conniving and deceitful 'deal makers' that have been at this game for a long, long time.
2
If Trump is confident that he and his political surrogates did not collaborate with Russia to affect our election, he should be the first one demanding a thorough and impartial investigation to clear this up.
With Trump calling it a "total witch hunt" and with Republican leaders refusing to support an objective investigation, they are just raising more suspicion and guaranteeing that this will drag on for months.
With Trump calling it a "total witch hunt" and with Republican leaders refusing to support an objective investigation, they are just raising more suspicion and guaranteeing that this will drag on for months.
10
Aside from innuendo, hyperbole and political rhetoric, does The Times have any concrete evidence that a crime was committed? Sorry to disappoint you folks. But it's no crime to have friends who are former Russian interpreters and Russian diplomats. But which laws were broken? If my friend hates my enemies and decides to attack them it isn't a crime. Do you have any concrete evidence that Trump or his team instructed Russia to make these cyber attacks? If not, try to create a better story. What you have presented in this article reads like a third-rate Grisham novel.
2
Let's start with perjury by Sessions and go from there.
3
It's a bit too much to endure Trump's xenphobia stekes with a side of Russian slaw. I was raised to suspect Russians, sorry. They actually send folks here to simmer for years until they can damage our democracy from the inside.
Who's this Rabbi? Does he know where I can get a few chairs, like 12 of them?
Who's this Rabbi? Does he know where I can get a few chairs, like 12 of them?
This increased scrutiny of Team Trump, is responsible for his barrage of tweets this morning, concerning alleged wiretaps by Obama
7
"Rabbi Lazar, who has condemned critics of Mr. Putin’s actions in Ukraine..."
Really?
This troubles this Jew (me).
Really?
This troubles this Jew (me).
1
I just wonder how many Democrats had contact with the Russians over the years? Russia is after all a major nuclear power and a big player on the world stage. Still no smoking gun an election interference.
I'm beginning to think it is the Pentagon and the State Department that has a vested interest in keeping the Cold War going. A "threat" that gets you big budgets with little chance of actual fighting. Unlike their ten years of unwinnable wars in the Middle East.
They certainly are hysterical about Trump contemplating a reset in our policy - up to and including leaking secrets to discredit Trump. Is the real power in our country the Pentagon with its oversized public relations department and ability to embarrass presidents.
I'm beginning to think it is the Pentagon and the State Department that has a vested interest in keeping the Cold War going. A "threat" that gets you big budgets with little chance of actual fighting. Unlike their ten years of unwinnable wars in the Middle East.
They certainly are hysterical about Trump contemplating a reset in our policy - up to and including leaking secrets to discredit Trump. Is the real power in our country the Pentagon with its oversized public relations department and ability to embarrass presidents.
1
Instead of pursuing these disturbing activities as criminal matters involving perjury etc., the most fruitful approach would be to have our non-partisan and very professional intelligence experts investigate them from the standpoint of security issues. Such an approach is much more likely to have bi-partisan support, especially from Republican leaders such as John McCain and Lindsey Graham among others. Examination of Trump's financial affairs and tax forms could be part of such an investigation to establish areas of vulnerability and compromise that the Russian can exploit to their advantage. All the other issues being given so much publicity on the cable news networks are just distractions from the key issue -- what does this all mean with reference to national security?
4
its curious how much Bengazi was investigated w/o any results! yet here this could be worse than Irangate...but of course if we just take this administrations word for it...there was no foul play! if there was none lets investigate and set the record straight...we can come to our conclusions with a thorough investigation. what's good for the goose is good for the gander!
10
With such devastating revelations about Russia playing an active role in tilting the elections in Trump's favour surfacing almost daily, not only the US' national security is compromised badly, but also the Trump presidency stands clearly exposed to the charge of violating the integrity of the US constitutional system, by inviting foreign intervention in the democratic process of the country.
7
Please, someone, tell me what a Russian ambassador is doing at the Republican Convention?
19
What John Beryle seems to be is missing here in his comments is the unique context in which all these meetings took place i.e.:
An elaborate cyberattack strategy on the US presidential election, and similar attacks on other western allies, aimed at influencing the outcome and undermining western democracies. A campaign encouraged by Trump publicly.
A convention intervention by the Trump campaign to remove the hawkish language on Russia from the party's official platform - the only change it made.
A President with ties to dirty Russian money via extremely large Deutsche Bank loans and extensive Russian investment in his real estate, but who won't release his tax returns
Senior Trump officials lying about contacts with Russian officials, several of whom are members Russian intelligence and/or close to Putin. If there's nothing to see here, why lie?
Trump's public fawning over Putin, itself both suspicious and unprecedented
The ex- MI 5 agent, acknowledged as a credible source and Russian expert, alarmed enough to communicate his report to the FBI. "Unsubstantiated " does not mean "fake news" here - it means still to be confirmed by the way.
And of course Russia is, and will remain, a hostile adversary of the United States. It's not Australia or Sweden we are talking about here.
So these are in no way normal and routine contacts by campaign and administration officials.
An elaborate cyberattack strategy on the US presidential election, and similar attacks on other western allies, aimed at influencing the outcome and undermining western democracies. A campaign encouraged by Trump publicly.
A convention intervention by the Trump campaign to remove the hawkish language on Russia from the party's official platform - the only change it made.
A President with ties to dirty Russian money via extremely large Deutsche Bank loans and extensive Russian investment in his real estate, but who won't release his tax returns
Senior Trump officials lying about contacts with Russian officials, several of whom are members Russian intelligence and/or close to Putin. If there's nothing to see here, why lie?
Trump's public fawning over Putin, itself both suspicious and unprecedented
The ex- MI 5 agent, acknowledged as a credible source and Russian expert, alarmed enough to communicate his report to the FBI. "Unsubstantiated " does not mean "fake news" here - it means still to be confirmed by the way.
And of course Russia is, and will remain, a hostile adversary of the United States. It's not Australia or Sweden we are talking about here.
So these are in no way normal and routine contacts by campaign and administration officials.
11
There is clearly a much deeper story here. If during the campaign Trump "associates" had multiple and extensive unlawful contact with agents of the Russian government for the purpose of affecting the outcome of the election, those personal contacts did not instantly cease after Election Day; rather, they likely evolved into relationships that further strengthen Russia's influence on the Trump administration. Furthermore, given the action taken by FBI Director Comey late in the campaign that undermined Clinton, combined with his refusal to share with Congress intelligence about the current investigation, we certainly ought to be questioning the motives and methods of that agency.
9
Trump is a dimwit with dimwits for advisers. Did it never occur to them that we monitor Russians for security issues constantly? They mindlessly are in contact with Russians during the election campaign and thus become part of the scenario of information about Russian activities.
Who do I trust more? Our intelligence community! Certainly not pathologically dishonest Trump, who surrounds himself with like-minded individuals. He babbles on and on about making America great while undermining it. Dumb.
Eclectic Pragmatism — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Who do I trust more? Our intelligence community! Certainly not pathologically dishonest Trump, who surrounds himself with like-minded individuals. He babbles on and on about making America great while undermining it. Dumb.
Eclectic Pragmatism — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
11
I would assume that the international community of Western Europe, Japan, and others would have their own concerns about the integrity of this administration as well as the connection of Russian interference in the elections of very powerful nations. It is another way to isolate the US from its allies. It has already been reported that Western European nations have shared intelligence on this issue with the Obama administration. To maintain or regain our integrity, and the integrity of the elections of the most democratic republic on Earth we can not just close our eyes and jump down the rabbit hole.
2
Some times in a witch hunt you find a witch. Trump, maybe you find some honesty.
8
Under no circumstances should we let up on this. If it's no biggie, then why do they lie about it every single day? If this were a Democratic administration Republicans would be setting puppies on fire on live TV.
7
Trump has told so many lies, I am surprised when he does tell the truth. Some trust him, but we must have verification before taking it to the bank.
3
Yes, Mr. Trump, there is a "total witch hunt" going on. The wicked with of the White House is named Steve Bannon, and the wicked witch of the Justice Dept. is Jeff Sessions. I have written my senators why they should Fire These Nut Cases, and I get form letters in reply.
Mr. Trump owes millions to the Russian plutocrats, because the Wall Street tycoons had the sense to quit loaning him money. Meanwhile, no one is in charge of the State Dept., because Bannon has cleared out all the experienced people. When we get into a crisis with Russia, North Korea or Iran, no one in our government will be capable of dealing with it. Thanks a lot, warlock Donald.
Mr. Trump owes millions to the Russian plutocrats, because the Wall Street tycoons had the sense to quit loaning him money. Meanwhile, no one is in charge of the State Dept., because Bannon has cleared out all the experienced people. When we get into a crisis with Russia, North Korea or Iran, no one in our government will be capable of dealing with it. Thanks a lot, warlock Donald.
10
Its time to sue for a release of Trumps tax returns.
If Trump could get a president to turn over his birth certificate, the citizenry and Congress should be able to get this prez. to release his tax returns.
Quid pro quo.
If Trump can't prove he's not beholden to Russians, either thru the govt or organized crime,or other nefarious actors -then the the accusations are true. Much like Trump and the Alt-right, and the Alex Jones's and other conspiracy nut-jobs claimed Obama was not a citizen (even after the BC was released) - then until Trump can prove no financial ties to Russia, the gov't or its officials the accusations are all true. And impeachment proceedings should begin.
Quid pro quo, Mr. quasi-Prez. Prove something tangible, your word is no good.
If Trump could get a president to turn over his birth certificate, the citizenry and Congress should be able to get this prez. to release his tax returns.
Quid pro quo.
If Trump can't prove he's not beholden to Russians, either thru the govt or organized crime,or other nefarious actors -then the the accusations are true. Much like Trump and the Alt-right, and the Alex Jones's and other conspiracy nut-jobs claimed Obama was not a citizen (even after the BC was released) - then until Trump can prove no financial ties to Russia, the gov't or its officials the accusations are all true. And impeachment proceedings should begin.
Quid pro quo, Mr. quasi-Prez. Prove something tangible, your word is no good.
7
This is enough. Most Americans knew it, but the Republican response to this matter proves one thing: Their past relentless, years-long, costly investigations of Democrats, namely Hillary Clinton and Pres. Clinton, but include Benghazi to try to bring Pres. Obama down, were conducted solely for political purposes. How can anyone argue that a ten-year-old land deal, already litigated, with the original special prosecutor being fired by republicans when he told them there was nothing and replaced by Kenneth Starr; a fib about a private, consensual affair gotten in a witch-hunt derived deposition; an attack by al Qaeda on the US and someone maybe saying a movie was a catalyst; and a personal email server which not only was never hacked by now appears to have been a safe choice...be more urgent than a US enemy illegally hacking emails to interfere with our election and many members of one candidate's entourage, including political people, meeting with officials from that country at that time?
Democrats should sue the RNC on behalf of the American people to get the tax money used for those political investigations conducted by the now yawning Republicans, yawning over potential treason and perjury regarding an actual serious matter.
I do not pay taxes for one party to target the other party politically. I want my money back from the RNC. GOP owes us that tax money they spent on those bogus investigations.
Democrats should sue the RNC on behalf of the American people to get the tax money used for those political investigations conducted by the now yawning Republicans, yawning over potential treason and perjury regarding an actual serious matter.
I do not pay taxes for one party to target the other party politically. I want my money back from the RNC. GOP owes us that tax money they spent on those bogus investigations.
28
Review years of the Cold War and it's very evident the Russians engage in such meetings only if it benefits them. Additionally their Ambassadors were always classified as spies. With Mr Putin in the Kremlin this tradition continues and they are masters at drawing in the west knowing our weakness now for cordial relations and the mischief it can cause.
Normally a Republican President is the last person the Russians want to see in the White House. Undoubtably they have been building a dirty file on Trump for years as their usual operatus modi dictates. Trump may wish to try and cover it up with attempts at "friendly relations" but it is evident the Russians have suckered him in and actually infiltrated the White House. No matter what you think of them Reagan and Bush wouldn't have allowed this to happen.
Normally a Republican President is the last person the Russians want to see in the White House. Undoubtably they have been building a dirty file on Trump for years as their usual operatus modi dictates. Trump may wish to try and cover it up with attempts at "friendly relations" but it is evident the Russians have suckered him in and actually infiltrated the White House. No matter what you think of them Reagan and Bush wouldn't have allowed this to happen.
8
The sublime irony of Trump forcing Obama to release a long form birth certificate to quell fake news is a karmic bomb. Trump's presidential legitimacy is now tied to his unreleased tax returns. Nothing short of release will stop this crazy Russia collusion train. He must disclose or resign lest his tax returns get subpoena'd by an independent prosecutor. However, the Republicans will never allow an investigation they can't control ,or quash , because the truth will not only destroy the Trump administration but the Republican Party as well. Great investigative journalism is our last resort to save democracy from oligarchy. Never prouder to be a subscriber.
22
Isn't it clearer every day that we have the Manchurian Candidate in office? How much more do we need to know?
He's Putin's Poodle.
He's Putin's Poodle.
16
Republicans get your act together. Don't sell our nation out for good poll numbers and a chance to push your unpopular legislation. A thorough investigation of these Russian ties and financial conflicts is needed now. And if you're not willing to do that, at the very least do something about Trump wasting my taxpayer money on his playboy lifestyle.
11
For anyone involved in international business, academic research, philanthropy, or foreign policy questions, it is inevitable that there are encounters with Russian officials. In Cambridge, Washington and New York, there are social occasions, cultural programs, academic conferences, political and trade conventions attended by high-level executives from the U.S., Russia, and elsewhere.
Such contacts are entirely understandable and routine exchanges. Unfortunately, Trump's denials bring to mind "the lady doth protest too much, methinks." The fact that Trump is blowing an increasingly dense smoke screen raises questions.
All things considered, it is highly likely that Trump has Russia-related vulnerabilities. We can assume, for example, that Russian intelligence has compromising videos of Trump cavorting with Russian prostitutes. (We know that Trump, by his own admission, can't keep his trousers zipped.)
We can further assume that Russian money has propped up Trump's shaky business deals. Trump's refusal to release tax returns raises further questions. U.S. intelligence reports that Russian influence played a role in the 2016 presidential election
In any matters involving Russia which come before the Trump administration, we are concerned that "President" Trump will do all he can to affect a favorable outcome for Russian interests. This is not appropriate for a U.S. president.
Trump's Russian problem need to be thoroughly investigated, probed and resolved.
Such contacts are entirely understandable and routine exchanges. Unfortunately, Trump's denials bring to mind "the lady doth protest too much, methinks." The fact that Trump is blowing an increasingly dense smoke screen raises questions.
All things considered, it is highly likely that Trump has Russia-related vulnerabilities. We can assume, for example, that Russian intelligence has compromising videos of Trump cavorting with Russian prostitutes. (We know that Trump, by his own admission, can't keep his trousers zipped.)
We can further assume that Russian money has propped up Trump's shaky business deals. Trump's refusal to release tax returns raises further questions. U.S. intelligence reports that Russian influence played a role in the 2016 presidential election
In any matters involving Russia which come before the Trump administration, we are concerned that "President" Trump will do all he can to affect a favorable outcome for Russian interests. This is not appropriate for a U.S. president.
Trump's Russian problem need to be thoroughly investigated, probed and resolved.
8
Apparently we can now add to the list Wilbur Ross and his connection the Bank of Cyprus 1/2 owned by the Russian oligarch who bought a Trump property in Florida. Not to mention the curious sighting of Trump's campaign plane and that Russian oligarch's plane at the same airports at the same time on over 5 different occasions.
Look maybe we the people are seeing Russians everywhere and getting a little too spooked. And yet it DOES seem that Trump and his pals are top heavy in how many Russians they are talking to and that despite claims to the contrary Trump HAS business dealings with Russians that we are only getting a glimpse of.
It is up to Trump to put this to an end if he wants to stop the 'witch hunt'. And I don't mean by quashing any and all investigations. He and his cronies can open up about business as usual dealings and he can show us he has no financial interests or else he only has himself to blame if speculation swirls and information is dug up. He does know that the cover up is always worse right?
Look maybe we the people are seeing Russians everywhere and getting a little too spooked. And yet it DOES seem that Trump and his pals are top heavy in how many Russians they are talking to and that despite claims to the contrary Trump HAS business dealings with Russians that we are only getting a glimpse of.
It is up to Trump to put this to an end if he wants to stop the 'witch hunt'. And I don't mean by quashing any and all investigations. He and his cronies can open up about business as usual dealings and he can show us he has no financial interests or else he only has himself to blame if speculation swirls and information is dug up. He does know that the cover up is always worse right?
12
Hold the presses!
Isn't "Ivanka" a Russian name?
I possess an as yet undisclosed dossier, from my years working as an anonymous source of intelligence in Minnesota (sorry, Al, I cannot hold this back any longer), on Ivanka Trump.
Her name from birth was secret code that Trump was "Soviet friendly."
Btw, Melania was an old plant from former communist Eastern Europe. Her code name, "First Lady".
Who knew?
I'm ready now to come in from the cold.
For a price.
Isn't "Ivanka" a Russian name?
I possess an as yet undisclosed dossier, from my years working as an anonymous source of intelligence in Minnesota (sorry, Al, I cannot hold this back any longer), on Ivanka Trump.
Her name from birth was secret code that Trump was "Soviet friendly."
Btw, Melania was an old plant from former communist Eastern Europe. Her code name, "First Lady".
Who knew?
I'm ready now to come in from the cold.
For a price.
4
The reason all of this makes us so nervous is because we don't have a clue on what is in Trump's tax returns - what does he own, who does he owe, who is he a secret partner to? - nor do we have a clue as to when his 500+ companies are going to drag us into a war.
No, no, Donnie, this nation said, We don't need your tax returns!
No, no, Donnie, this nation said, We wouldn't DREAM of requiring you to divest! That 'emouluments law' is for the suckers!
No, no, Donnie, you go ahead and bring in all the kids, especially that elegant Jared who must be sooo smart!
I've found in my 70 years that crooks and thugs wind up that way because those around them, let them be crooks and thugs.
Except for those who voted for Clinton, this one is yours, America...
... and you'd better fix it right now, this week, today, because it is only going to get wayyyy uglier.
No, no, Donnie, this nation said, We don't need your tax returns!
No, no, Donnie, this nation said, We wouldn't DREAM of requiring you to divest! That 'emouluments law' is for the suckers!
No, no, Donnie, you go ahead and bring in all the kids, especially that elegant Jared who must be sooo smart!
I've found in my 70 years that crooks and thugs wind up that way because those around them, let them be crooks and thugs.
Except for those who voted for Clinton, this one is yours, America...
... and you'd better fix it right now, this week, today, because it is only going to get wayyyy uglier.
14
The Democratic Party is in free fall. This is all they have. Put up evidence, the facts that sessions or anyone conspired with the Russians to steal the election. Does the CIA or FBI have anything? People would have been arrested by now.
O that's right it's only non sense and politicians doing what they do best which nothing constructive. No one conspired, Hillary lost the election because they turned their backs on the parties long term core, which is labor. And cheating in the CNN debate didn't help her chances, demonstrated a lack of character.
The DNC cared so much however forgot its core which is labor Where did they labor part of the democrats go? With President Trump.
O that's right it's only non sense and politicians doing what they do best which nothing constructive. No one conspired, Hillary lost the election because they turned their backs on the parties long term core, which is labor. And cheating in the CNN debate didn't help her chances, demonstrated a lack of character.
The DNC cared so much however forgot its core which is labor Where did they labor part of the democrats go? With President Trump.
1
You're delfecting. The problem with Sessions isn't the meeting with Russians (on the face of it) it's the lying.
4
Well, we now know that the GOP will protect a habitual liar and sacrifice the integrity of the United States over money, power and racism.
4
His tax returns would resolve so many suspicions, one wonders why Trump refuses to share them with the American people to end the intrigue. No guess work about relationships with the Kremlin and no worries about Putin blackmailing our President. Instead, we are increasingly concerned as Trump's associates admit Russian contacts, when the President has categorically denied any contacts. When caught, Trump and company misdirect us to Schumer and Pelosi, to Obama, to progressive shame at losing, to anything that takes our focus from his lies. Trump's team list of contacts and denials:(http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/02/trump-teams-many-...
Any and all contacts are under suspicion as a result because Trump has become utterly untrustworthy. Trump's spokespersons are all caught up in lies. Can Trump ever restore trust?
Any and all contacts are under suspicion as a result because Trump has become utterly untrustworthy. Trump's spokespersons are all caught up in lies. Can Trump ever restore trust?
7
I'm sure the Russians regret not standing by, without getting involved, and still have the satisfaction of watching the US government implode of its own accord, or rather, discord.
2
If there were "nothing wrong" with these meetings between heaven knows how many of Trump's top aides, campaign advisors, and subsequent cabinet appointees, then why the initial insistent denials by Trump and "his people" who did meet with the Russians that they did NOT meet?
Then when the photos and evidence of meetings are unearthed, those caught "red-handed" proclaim the meeting was trivial and about "something else," not the Trump campaign and presidency.
This is like those videos of Trump saying something obnoxious that we saw and read about, while Trump claims "it never happened" and "I didn't say that," when the evidence is right there for all to hear and see.
Actually, Trump might have been smart to admit right away the meetings occurred because he was interested in exploring ways to have friendlier relations with Russia, and wouldn't we all want a more peaceful world? But Trump did not, and the question is WHY?
Time to clear the air, Republicans, or you are going to have a seriously tainted presidency on your watch. So let's see those Trump tax returns, and how about a bipartisan, independent investigation of the Trump-Russian connection, which if Trump is correct and not lying, should exonerate Trump--or maybe not!
The public has a right to know
Then when the photos and evidence of meetings are unearthed, those caught "red-handed" proclaim the meeting was trivial and about "something else," not the Trump campaign and presidency.
This is like those videos of Trump saying something obnoxious that we saw and read about, while Trump claims "it never happened" and "I didn't say that," when the evidence is right there for all to hear and see.
Actually, Trump might have been smart to admit right away the meetings occurred because he was interested in exploring ways to have friendlier relations with Russia, and wouldn't we all want a more peaceful world? But Trump did not, and the question is WHY?
Time to clear the air, Republicans, or you are going to have a seriously tainted presidency on your watch. So let's see those Trump tax returns, and how about a bipartisan, independent investigation of the Trump-Russian connection, which if Trump is correct and not lying, should exonerate Trump--or maybe not!
The public has a right to know
11
Calling Trump's manner 'his pugnacious style' is to invite ridicule. He has conducted himself like a thug and he is a habitual liar. That doesn't add up to 'pugnacity'.
11
What should be asked : Why did advisors and appointees of Trump lie.
Follow this idea....need to lie about meetings which DID taken place between
Trump's team and Russian officials.....Need To Lie....by those who have been
found out as liars.......so ...what are these liars covering up...
Do Not Get Distracted by Trump and his Tweets....about anything....
Trump is the Chaos creator who would divert the investigation into the
Trump /Russian connections...so caveat...keep focused....and perhaps we
can rid ourselves of this dangerous and obviously mentally deranged President.
Follow this idea....need to lie about meetings which DID taken place between
Trump's team and Russian officials.....Need To Lie....by those who have been
found out as liars.......so ...what are these liars covering up...
Do Not Get Distracted by Trump and his Tweets....about anything....
Trump is the Chaos creator who would divert the investigation into the
Trump /Russian connections...so caveat...keep focused....and perhaps we
can rid ourselves of this dangerous and obviously mentally deranged President.
5
Trump's tweets are total tells. I expect the press to sell me they have Prism metadata and GCHQ netted the Russians getting back to Vlad. Sadly, the characterization is going to be Russian. My understanding is Russians think Trump is a loose cannon, and now he might even blow up in their faces.
1
So much smoke and lies.
5
"The case of Konstantin V. Kilimnik, who was previously the Kiev manager of Mr. Manafort’s consulting company, Davis Manafort International, is more complicated. A dual citizen of Russia and Ukraine, Mr. Kilimnik worked years ago as a translator in the Russian military. "
Ukraine does not allow dual citizenship. Mr. Kilimnik is in violation of Ukrainian law.
Ukraine does not allow dual citizenship. Mr. Kilimnik is in violation of Ukrainian law.
2
Just follow the money, and the witch's den will be found. Hopefully, witch will be burned at the stake soon enough. I would not be surprised if the removal of the Republican convention's platform plank for arming the Ukrainian army with lethal weapons was done at the request of Ambasador Kislyak - a Trump deal to be sure.
3
Folks seriously under sell that dossier's disturbing stories. For me it was Carter Page making plans for shares in Russian gas afterward.
6
In March of 2015, Sessions was pushing strength and opposition to Russia and Putin. By March of 2016, that had all changed. Why the change? He joined Trump's campaign. First you hate em, then you love em Sessions switched horses. Why? Money? Power? Vindication? How many are going to fall on their swords for Trump? It ain't over yet.
5
Given Mr. Trump's strong propensity to lie about everything, it's a bit difficult to believe anything he says. There are far too many dots that need connecting. We know that the Russians interfered in the election on DT's behalf, and since then there's been a constant drip, drip, drip of disclosed Russian connections that occurred during the campaign, not to mention Trump's apparent admiration for the Russian president, not to mention his refusal to release his tax returns. We'd be fools not to question and demand answers.
4
If the shoe were on the other foot, the Republicans would be howling for impeachment. This Administration has shown nothing but contempt for the truth, the Constitution and the rule of law. What has been discovered is barely the tip of the iceberg. It's crystal clear that top Trump officials were complacent in Russian influence and despite all the denials and perjury, Trump and his cronies need to be made accountable. The spineless Congressional Republicans are incapable of taking leadership on this issue; it's up to the American people to force the truth.
12
Trump says it's a witch hunt, why doesn't everyone believe him? Hmmm, could it be that ...
It seems to me that the problem is not so much communication with Russia but, rather, the fact that the members of the Trump administration who did speak with the Russians LIED about it. How can we ever again believe anything that anyone associated with the White House says. Especially an Attorney General who swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. That could have been a lie, too.
3
There are several issues here that come together to raise alarms, i.e., a multitude of Russian contacts done by the Trump team would not raise alarms excepting the drastic change in his Russian policy from that of the standing U.S. policy and its sanctions in place, the unreleased tax records, the failure of Trump to disassociate from his business, the emoluments questions unaddressed, Flynn's assurances that Russia would be treated differently in the new administration, the hacked emails and release of said info solely from the Democratic Party and the united views of our intelligence agencies that an investigation is neccessary. This colliding storm of facts begs even insists upon a special prosecutor for an independent, thorough investigation. And the prior administration thought as well and protected the evidence through out our government's frame work so that the facts would remain safely until then.
4
And now Trump is tweeting that Nancy Pelosi should be investigated for her "ties" to Russia.
Remember, with Trump he always accuses others of what he's doing.
This is going to get ugly.
Remember, with Trump he always accuses others of what he's doing.
This is going to get ugly.
8
What price Treason? Republicans insisted on an independent prosecutor on something as little as Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. Now we have Trump and all his men lying about not having contact with Russians; Republicans still insisting we only need in house investigations, yet even the ‘in house’ FBI withholding information from another congressional investigative committee. It’s time we started using the word Treason.
15
A good deal of the problem is that no one knows the extent of Trump's financial investments and where his potential conflicts of interest lie. His refusal to release his taxes and to effectively place his estate in a blind trust breed suspicion. He then surrounds himself with sycophants and billionaires. He defends Russia and Putin while insulting our longtime allies, attempts to discredit anyone who questions him and seeds doubt into the integrity of our checks and balances.
184
Just curious.
How many contacts did the Clinton campaign have with Russian officials?
What was the total amount paid to the Clintons by Russian interests, either through speaking fees or donations to the Clinton Slush Fund?
One candidate has a history of accepting large sums of money from Russians and one does.
The pretend outrage is not just a little hypocritical.
How many contacts did the Clinton campaign have with Russian officials?
What was the total amount paid to the Clintons by Russian interests, either through speaking fees or donations to the Clinton Slush Fund?
One candidate has a history of accepting large sums of money from Russians and one does.
The pretend outrage is not just a little hypocritical.
Hillary released her tax returns. When Donald does the same perhaps we can begin to put this behind us. I'm not betting on it!
4
Lock him up!
6
The Trumpians don't seem to get it. It is the continued denials of contacts with the Russians, despite incontrovertible proof otherwise, and not the contacts themselves that give the appearance of some sort of wrongdoing. Investigate, report and move-on.
6
All to do about...EVERYTHING! Probably from the beginning of Political Hacking many, many thousands of years ago, political parties have tried to gain the edge over the apposition. This is natural; Not necessarily the honest way to do things. So–why the big deal now? My guess would be the outcome of an election between two political parties in a dog fight for control of ideology for maybe the next 10 to 20 years. Neither candidate was really popular with the American public. It became again, the lesser of two evils. Then something very strange happened. Donald Trump, whom almost every Republican leader assumed would NEVER win the Primary actually won. That put the Republican Party in flux. Most of them had to support Trump even if they really disliked him because if they didn't support him, that could and probably would have been the end of their political career. OK, that's all ancient history. So why the big deal about meeting with our biggest adversary prior to an election of this importance? If you're a Republican: Nothing! If you're a Democrat, Independent or free thinker? Everything. You be the judge!
Folks, this is getting serious. Trump just unleashed a twitter storm that Obama had his phones tapped in Trump Tower. That, along with his tweet of Schumer and Putin from 2001 indicate that his mental instability is getting worse. Five weeks into his term and the pressure is making him crack.
7
One of the features of a "witch hunt" is that it catches a witch. It's all about how one defines "witch."
Let’s not forget the likelihood of human stupidity and incompetence playing its part here. But even if that accounts for 90% of the suspicious contacts between Trump’s players and the Russians, the other 10% is of grave concern. It was a very close election. Putin’s minions were probably messing with our election just to hobble Hillary Clinton’s administration. When they succeeded beyond their hopes, the 10% of these contacts became much more serious.
68
Question: is it possible that a few voting machines in battleground states were tampered with?? The outcome was way out of synch with the statistics...
5
Question: is it possible that a few voting machines in battleground states were tampered with??
Yes, it's possible. Trump should have won by a much greater margin in spite of what the fake polls were telling gullible people like you.
Yes, it's possible. Trump should have won by a much greater margin in spite of what the fake polls were telling gullible people like you.
Watergate was just blip on the pre election radar screen in Washington D.C. in 1972. A psychiatrist's office was invaded & Daniel Ellsberg - patient information was taken. NO big deal, for a year or so.
Now U.S. self appointed Supreme Leader ["Mr. Trump denounced the furor over Russian connections on Thursday as a “total witch hunt” — but it may not have helped his case that the Russian foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, echoed his words on Friday, saying, “This all looks like a witch hunt.”]
This melodrama has a ways to go on the investigations end. Trump is right about the witches and the Witch is Trump.
Double dealing, swindling , pathologically LYING Donald Trump. He's the same guy he's always been. A ptahological liar since birth.
Now U.S. self appointed Supreme Leader ["Mr. Trump denounced the furor over Russian connections on Thursday as a “total witch hunt” — but it may not have helped his case that the Russian foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, echoed his words on Friday, saying, “This all looks like a witch hunt.”]
This melodrama has a ways to go on the investigations end. Trump is right about the witches and the Witch is Trump.
Double dealing, swindling , pathologically LYING Donald Trump. He's the same guy he's always been. A ptahological liar since birth.
3
"Though nothing has emerged publicly indicating anything more sinister"
What on earth is wrong with you guys at the NYT?!?!?! Trump is ON THE RECORD PUBLICLY saying "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find Hillary Clinton's 30,000 missing emails." I would say that calling on a foreign power to hack your opponent is pretty sinister and should be mentioned in any article about this. Around the same time, the Republican Party changed its platform policy on the Ukraine, which reeks of a quid pro quo. The only questions are whether it can be proved that the Trump campaign privately coordinated strategy with Russia, paid any of the hackers, and/or received any financial assistance from Russia, and what concessions, in return for this, Trump offered Russia, presumably at the expense of the United States. You could start by extending your investigation into the private server contacts between the Trump organization and the Russian bank Alfa.
Honestly I am this close to switching to the Washington Post which unlike you isn't pathetically trying to curry favor with the White House. Sad!
What on earth is wrong with you guys at the NYT?!?!?! Trump is ON THE RECORD PUBLICLY saying "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find Hillary Clinton's 30,000 missing emails." I would say that calling on a foreign power to hack your opponent is pretty sinister and should be mentioned in any article about this. Around the same time, the Republican Party changed its platform policy on the Ukraine, which reeks of a quid pro quo. The only questions are whether it can be proved that the Trump campaign privately coordinated strategy with Russia, paid any of the hackers, and/or received any financial assistance from Russia, and what concessions, in return for this, Trump offered Russia, presumably at the expense of the United States. You could start by extending your investigation into the private server contacts between the Trump organization and the Russian bank Alfa.
Honestly I am this close to switching to the Washington Post which unlike you isn't pathetically trying to curry favor with the White House. Sad!
1
Corrected Rachel from Manafort to Maddow in my first posting!
Rachel Maddow has discussed Paul Manafort's deep ties to Russia and the Russian government, but most importantly has raised the question of how Manafort, with absolutely no experience in running elections and no electoral background at all, wound up as Donald Trump's campaign manager.
Another question she raised regarded the background of our new Secretary of Commerce, who as a senior person at Suisse Bank (I may have the name wrong) was forced out and wound up as the head of the Bank of Cyprus with its deep connections to hiding and laundering money for numerous Russian oligarchs. Why pick a guy with deep connections to billionaire Russians as our new Secretary of Commerce?
Questions abound, and now it's time for some clear answers.
Rachel Maddow has discussed Paul Manafort's deep ties to Russia and the Russian government, but most importantly has raised the question of how Manafort, with absolutely no experience in running elections and no electoral background at all, wound up as Donald Trump's campaign manager.
Another question she raised regarded the background of our new Secretary of Commerce, who as a senior person at Suisse Bank (I may have the name wrong) was forced out and wound up as the head of the Bank of Cyprus with its deep connections to hiding and laundering money for numerous Russian oligarchs. Why pick a guy with deep connections to billionaire Russians as our new Secretary of Commerce?
Questions abound, and now it's time for some clear answers.
8
I really want to see the "dossier of compromising information" that Russia supposedly has about Trump.
3
It is a total witch hunt - he's a witch destroying our society and soul, and he deserves to be exorcised and thrown in jail. Lock him up, I say (now where did I get that phrase from?).
8
It's only Global 'back room' politics where Putin and Trump are dividing up the worlds money and resources. Two thieves in backroom conspiracy and all the U.S. supporting characters completely unfit for such a conspiracy. These members of the "lunatic fringe" are Traitors to the American Sovereignty, traitors to the truth, traitors to morality, justice, equality before the law, and all for power, money, and fame. Small people playing spies. They may end up at the end of a rope. Deservedly.
3
Watergate culminated in the disgraced president's helicopter farewell from the White House lawn nearly two years after the initial burglary. If illicit contacts between this president's minions and Russian intelligence operatives began sometime in the first or second quarter of 2016, then we are nearing the halfway mark of the Watergate clock. Tic-Toc.
8
This bunch reminds me of the Bart Simpson excuse:
"I didn't do it. Nobody saw me do it. You can't prove anything."
"I didn't do it. Nobody saw me do it. You can't prove anything."
135
That is so true & funny....statement by Trump that he could walk down Fifth Avenue in NYC & shoot someone & be exonerated was a clear clue to his Presidency.
3
Trump is now claiming Obama tapped his phones in Trump tower during the campaign. If this doesn't show the country, sans his cult-like base, that he is nuts, nothing will. Let's even assume it's true. This is a president who has shown zero concern about a foreign enemy of the US hacking into US emails in order to interfere with our election and has not bothered to discuss so many of his aides and cabinet picks and their ties and meeting with Russian officials during the campaign, his own asking Russia to hack emails to find lost HRC emails.
Trump has no credibility here. Once again, he is expressing hatred, rage, fear, alarm against his predecessor, a US President, while shrugging off or even defending Putin and Russia. Something is very, very wrong with that.
Trump has no credibility here. Once again, he is expressing hatred, rage, fear, alarm against his predecessor, a US President, while shrugging off or even defending Putin and Russia. Something is very, very wrong with that.
10
Just follow the money! Its that simple. Get Trump's taxes out in the open and we will soon see if there is fire behind the smoke of his Russian connection. Why has he not released them? This is truly outrageous!!!!
10
Extensive contacts between Trump campaign representatives and Russian officials opened the door to foreign interference in US elections.
Even without an agreed scheme, such contacts announced to Putin that Trump might be a fool he could play.
And through such foolishness, Trump and his gang already delivered victories for Putin: erosion of trust in US elections and the US leadership in global security.
Worse than Watergate: treason by third rate bunglers.
Even without an agreed scheme, such contacts announced to Putin that Trump might be a fool he could play.
And through such foolishness, Trump and his gang already delivered victories for Putin: erosion of trust in US elections and the US leadership in global security.
Worse than Watergate: treason by third rate bunglers.
9
INDEPENDENT Investigation NOW!!!!
FBI Comey recusal.
The Trump tax returns, tax returns, tax returns...
Forensic financial audit of Trump Inc, its shell companies, its partnerships, its cash (and ruble flows), to understand who owes what to whom.
Trump-Alfa Group server ties.
What does the Republican Party have to hide?
FBI Comey recusal.
The Trump tax returns, tax returns, tax returns...
Forensic financial audit of Trump Inc, its shell companies, its partnerships, its cash (and ruble flows), to understand who owes what to whom.
Trump-Alfa Group server ties.
What does the Republican Party have to hide?
14
Now Trump is blaming President Obama for wire tapping Trump Tower. He cannot do anything BUT blame others for his messes. As much as I detest Pence I look forward to the day when this horrible man leaves the White House.
7
So Russia intervened in the US elections, just as the US has intervened in countless elections across the globe. Remember the overthrow of Mosaddegh in Iran in 1953. Remember the overthrow of Jacobo Arbenz in Guatemala in 1954. Remember the CIA interventions in the Chilean elections of 1964 and 1970, followed by the CIA sponsored coup d'etat on September 11th, 1973 (the first 9/11).
We know of this history because of the Church Committee hearings in the US Senate in 1976 set up to investigate abuses by the CIA and other agencies.
The regimes that followed US intervention were in most cases authoritarian and subject to the whims and temperament of the leader, surrounded by his generals and cronies. Yet in all these regimes, someone assumed the position of chief prosecutor and law enforcement official. That is, all had someone like Jeff Sessions who was, in most cases, complicit with and quietly supportive of the foreign intervention.
Of course, foreign influence could never be discussed or admitted. But the cronies, generals and political hacks occupying the top positions of government all believed it was for the greater good of the country. Prevarication or perjury in the name of the common good is a small price to pay for achieving national renewal and greatness.
We in Latin America and in countries across the globe have seen this film before. It ends ugly. We learned the hard way: after the fall, democracy is not easily restored and can takes years or decades.
We know of this history because of the Church Committee hearings in the US Senate in 1976 set up to investigate abuses by the CIA and other agencies.
The regimes that followed US intervention were in most cases authoritarian and subject to the whims and temperament of the leader, surrounded by his generals and cronies. Yet in all these regimes, someone assumed the position of chief prosecutor and law enforcement official. That is, all had someone like Jeff Sessions who was, in most cases, complicit with and quietly supportive of the foreign intervention.
Of course, foreign influence could never be discussed or admitted. But the cronies, generals and political hacks occupying the top positions of government all believed it was for the greater good of the country. Prevarication or perjury in the name of the common good is a small price to pay for achieving national renewal and greatness.
We in Latin America and in countries across the globe have seen this film before. It ends ugly. We learned the hard way: after the fall, democracy is not easily restored and can takes years or decades.
5
Stepping back from my decades long disgust with Trump and trying to be objective, three things come to mind. Coincidence in all these contacts by all these people can be ruled out. Secondly, when someone or a group constantly throws "I'm a patriot", as Trump and his supporters do, at us, they probably aren't. Lastly, would the release of Trump's tax returns show income, investment or loans from Russian sources?
Face it, America, as the rest of the planet has realized, we've been had by Trump and his manipulation of the worst elements of our society.
Face it, America, as the rest of the planet has realized, we've been had by Trump and his manipulation of the worst elements of our society.
7
The Trump administration needs a Cease and Desist letter now.
2
Trump is obviously hiding something in his tax returns, and it's obvious to anyone who cares to be objective that there have been extensive contacts between his campaign and the Russians, which they've been lying about and (thanks to organizations like the NYT) unsuccessfully trying to cover up. The American people deserve answers, and we're fast approaching the point where it's time to decide which side of history you want to be on - Vladimir Putin and his stooges in the Trump administration, including the president himself - and truth, freedom, and the American way. Make no mistake about it, there has been a coup d'etat.
5
It's the possible financial connections that should be given priority, but because of offshore accounts and dark money campaign contributions they may be hard to uncover. And by the way, we should expect Putin-controlled Russian to try to influence actions and outcomes (our not adequately defending against it is the disturbing thing). We do not generally expect (post-Hoover and post-Nixon) our own FBI to interfere in our elections. This, however, may never be investigated with sufficient scope.
3
As an old math professor of mine once said, "How many examples do you need to know the theorem and its resulting equation are correct?" We now have three such cases of Trump officials and "surrogates' lying about their contacts with the Russian ambassador. It seems to me that is proof not only of a cover-up, but more frighteningly, a conspiracy to rig the 2016 election between the Trump campaign and Russia. The stench of treason is rapidly enveloping the Trump Administration, and we absolutely must exert all possible pressure on the Republican Congress and FBI Director, James Comey, to support the immediate appointment of an independent Special Counsel. The Democrats and he public have very little leverage other than to increase the pressure. If not, we are looking at a new and truly terrifying equation where Unchallenged Widespread Cover-up + Congressional Inaction = Autocracy
7
To assume that Trump's people were not aware of what the Russians were doing is naive. They not only knew they offered advice on when to release potentially damaging information to influence the election. Julian Assange was always a Russian spy. James Comey is a traitor as is Trump and all the Trump people, as are Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell and any republiacns who support this charade of an administration.
4
At a news conference last month, he said that he had “nothing to do with Russia,” and that “to the best of my knowledge, no person that I deal with does.”
If this is true, then Trump is either a liar, or doesn't know what is going on around him. I'm guessing number 1.
If this is true, then Trump is either a liar, or doesn't know what is going on around him. I'm guessing number 1.
7
Come clean, Trump. Release your tax returns and identify your financial backers and benefactors. Put it all out in the open. Since you haven't yet done this - and given your history and the current circumstances - you should expect people will assume the worst.
9
Too many crossing paths, consequential incidents and questionable statements equate to strong suspicions of nefarious activity in relation to election tampering and potential unknown debts owed to foreign interests. We do know for a fact that Russians at some level were working to sway the election for Trump. We need to know exactly why, how and who on Trumps team was involved. It is long past time for Trump to release tax records. The more he stalls the more guilty of wrong doing he appears. Unfortunately for him credibility is not one of his strong suits. Time to pony up Trump! Let's see just what it is you are hiding and why.
4
"He (Putin) has many critics, many of them now in exile outside Russia or voiceless outside the coffee shops and wine bars of cosmopolitan cities like Moscow. But as Donald J. Trump said with admiration: Mr. Putin has “very strong control” over Russia.
According to Mr. Trump, the Republican Party’s presidential nominee, “He (Putin) has been a leader far more than our leader.”"
According to Mr. Trump, the Republican Party’s presidential nominee, “He (Putin) has been a leader far more than our leader.”"
5
I find it amazing that your paper does not include anything about the just confirmed Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, close friend of Donald's, who is Vice President of a Bank in Cyprus, where he is also a major shareholder along with Putin's very close friend, also a vice president, who selected as the chairman the deposed president of Deutsche Bank, a bank that paid millions in penalties for money laundering. Mr. Ross faciltiated the purchase of a Florida property Trump bought from bankruptcy for 40 million.When Deutsche Bank was in trouble, Mr Trump was also in trouble for 40 million with the bank form previous investments. Mr. Rybolovlev was trying to hide money from his stranged wife's divorce paid Trump 95 million. He never lived in it. Mr. Ross took care of his friends, both Russians (Putin's chums) and Americans (The Donald) and now is Commerce Secretary. All because of money laundering to evade banking laws.
The sleaziest of the bunch is Mr. Ross who is Vice President and one of the principal shareholders in a foreign bank whose main function is for Russia's billionaires (chums of Vladimir Putin and Putin himself) for stashing money outside of Russia.
For much more detail go to MSNBC, Rachel Madow Show, Feb 27th, 2017.
Rybolevlev also bought Scorpios (for 150 mill). an apartament for his daughter in Manhattan (88 mill), properties in Swiss Alps (103 mill), etc
The sleaziest of the bunch is Mr. Ross who is Vice President and one of the principal shareholders in a foreign bank whose main function is for Russia's billionaires (chums of Vladimir Putin and Putin himself) for stashing money outside of Russia.
For much more detail go to MSNBC, Rachel Madow Show, Feb 27th, 2017.
Rybolevlev also bought Scorpios (for 150 mill). an apartament for his daughter in Manhattan (88 mill), properties in Swiss Alps (103 mill), etc
9
So what?
When wil the media begin covering issues that matter?
When wil the media begin covering issues that matter?
1
The issue that Russian meddling in the US election process and Trump's complicity in it with treasonous malfeasance now looming as a real possibility doesn't matter? What side of your toast do you butter in the morning?
Treason and sedition matter.
3
They are all a bunch of "bad hombres" who should all be investigated for their roles in allowing Russia to basically take over our election process. What is even more frightening is how easily it all went down and how gullible many of our citizens seem to be. And this morning trump is tweeting his allegations accusing President Obama of wire tapping trump tower...it is so like him to go with the shiny object theme along with conspiracy theory; what a recipe for disaster.
117
So now we don't want anyone to build relationships with the leadership of foreign nations, Russia or anyone's else? Wasn't the NYT complaining about Trump's non-global, isolationist policies just a few weeks ago?
This is how it works people. Leaders from BOTH parties establish personal relationships with leaders of foreign nations. It's the basis of diplomacy.
No one, jotted gen the Russians, expected Trump to win.
Too bad you weren't this outraged over the Secretary of Stat and her family receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes from foreign nations and corporations. Even with that blatant conflict of interest, you supported her for President.
How about you report wrongdoings instead of painting normal international relationships as criminal?
This is how it works people. Leaders from BOTH parties establish personal relationships with leaders of foreign nations. It's the basis of diplomacy.
No one, jotted gen the Russians, expected Trump to win.
Too bad you weren't this outraged over the Secretary of Stat and her family receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes from foreign nations and corporations. Even with that blatant conflict of interest, you supported her for President.
How about you report wrongdoings instead of painting normal international relationships as criminal?
3
If all these meetings were so trivial And innocent, why do the Trumpies keep lying about them?
8
I surely don't like a lying government official or politician, even though I'll readily admit that most of those in both categories have refined the art of lying to the point that in all but the cases of an easily exposed lie, they get away with it most of the time...call it misdirection, inarticulate, shading the truth, obfuscating or whatever other cheat word you like.
However, I'll also admit that as an independent voter (read that as non-partisan) I am quite surprised at the left's seeming attribution of virtually all that's wrong with America and the new Administration as being the result of Russian intrigue when much more obvious and much more likely causes are available.
I recall once in, I think, the second presidential debate in 2016 when Hillary was asked directly about the corruption implicit in her private e-mail server, a topic utterly separate and distinct from any Russian meddling in the election. Instantly and seeming seamlessly practiced, she pivoted, didn't answer the question and denounced the Russians. That was made it pretty clear to me that Russian meddling was a straw man erected as a diversion by the DNC and the Clinton campaign.
I don't think much has changed since then in the left's "Russia did it all" meme. And, I think it's more likely that the left is simply using it to beat Trump and his Administration over the head with and delay the implementation of his campaign promises.
Over-zealousness invites suspicion.
LF
However, I'll also admit that as an independent voter (read that as non-partisan) I am quite surprised at the left's seeming attribution of virtually all that's wrong with America and the new Administration as being the result of Russian intrigue when much more obvious and much more likely causes are available.
I recall once in, I think, the second presidential debate in 2016 when Hillary was asked directly about the corruption implicit in her private e-mail server, a topic utterly separate and distinct from any Russian meddling in the election. Instantly and seeming seamlessly practiced, she pivoted, didn't answer the question and denounced the Russians. That was made it pretty clear to me that Russian meddling was a straw man erected as a diversion by the DNC and the Clinton campaign.
I don't think much has changed since then in the left's "Russia did it all" meme. And, I think it's more likely that the left is simply using it to beat Trump and his Administration over the head with and delay the implementation of his campaign promises.
Over-zealousness invites suspicion.
LF
3
Why should she have wasted valuable debate time reiterating a dead issue? Hillary's emails, including those illegal hacks by Russians, were made completely public and investigated (allowing us all to learn great new risotto techniques but nothing actionable), while Trump has refused to even release his taxes, much less make his/his admin's dealings with Russia transparent. Trump's people even lie about them under oath. I assume if you are non-partisan you would at least want these investigations to be equivalent.
1
Witch hunt, Trump says. Is it time to start chanting "LOCK HIM UP!
5
John R. Beyrle, the United States ambassador to Moscow from 2008 to 2012, said he feared that “we’re beginning to out-Russian the Russians” by treating all contacts as suspicious.
All contacts aren't. And it isn't unreasonable that someone running for President - especially when they are a complete idiot - might want to have his surrogates speak with some foreign leaders in an effort to gain any understanding of "how this whole foreign policy thing works"!? (My quotes).
So did this many surrogates also meet with the ambassador from the Ukraine - maybe to hear out their side of the story?
And what about our other adversaries? Is there evidence of multiple meetings with the Chinese ambassador? The Iranian ambassador or UN rep? Anyone from North Korea? Where are the half dozen or more connections with people from all of those countries that suggest this is all just friendly chit chat?
All contacts aren't. And it isn't unreasonable that someone running for President - especially when they are a complete idiot - might want to have his surrogates speak with some foreign leaders in an effort to gain any understanding of "how this whole foreign policy thing works"!? (My quotes).
So did this many surrogates also meet with the ambassador from the Ukraine - maybe to hear out their side of the story?
And what about our other adversaries? Is there evidence of multiple meetings with the Chinese ambassador? The Iranian ambassador or UN rep? Anyone from North Korea? Where are the half dozen or more connections with people from all of those countries that suggest this is all just friendly chit chat?
68
"Follow the money". Find a way to publish Trump's tax returns. Don't try to untie the Gordian knot; cut it.
3
They need to get to the bottom of this cesspool string of events and expose the liars and Rubel- Rousers so they don't undermine other democratic elections. Democracy has been strapped to the stake and is slowing burning under this administration. If this is a witch hunt send me a broom. ( no offense meant to Wiccans)
2
Interesting, Trump makes a claim that Sweden has terrorist problems and oddly enough just a few days later, sure enough there is.
Go to YouTube: MILO Confronts the Panel | Overtime with Bill Maher (HBO) . Start at 10:50. Listen to Malcom Nance, US Counterterrorism Intelligence Officer explain the actual logistics and manpower needed to acquire information found on WikiLeaks.
In there also he tells how Trump would talk about something and some short time later it would happen. Everyone asked why did Trump dump on Sweden when there wasn't any evidence of is claims but yet to have it miraculously appear. He knew about what was going to happen beforehand. He is being fed the plot before it happens.
Go to YouTube: MILO Confronts the Panel | Overtime with Bill Maher (HBO) . Start at 10:50. Listen to Malcom Nance, US Counterterrorism Intelligence Officer explain the actual logistics and manpower needed to acquire information found on WikiLeaks.
In there also he tells how Trump would talk about something and some short time later it would happen. Everyone asked why did Trump dump on Sweden when there wasn't any evidence of is claims but yet to have it miraculously appear. He knew about what was going to happen beforehand. He is being fed the plot before it happens.
3
Dear IRS Auditors:
Could you please expedite the 45th president's review audit of his tax returns? He continues to rely on your allegedly eternal audit to avoid releasing his returns. We will be satisfied with only the last three years.
Yours truly,
The American People
Could you please expedite the 45th president's review audit of his tax returns? He continues to rely on your allegedly eternal audit to avoid releasing his returns. We will be satisfied with only the last three years.
Yours truly,
The American People
5
The tax returns of the key players, including the President, could probably resolve most of this dust-up.
3
Too many contacts with Russian intelligence agents during the campaign and while the Kremlin was actively interfering in the campaign to be accidental. These were not innocent contacts given the context and given all of the praise Trump was heaping on Putin. If these were the same as contacts with other foreign governments, then the Trump people should prove it. Who did they meet with from other governments and how often?
No, this is the smoke of a burning fire. The Kremlin was hacking the DNC, Clinton campaign officials like Podesta, state voters registration lists, and at the same time systematically spreading propaganda on social media that attacked Clinton and even lower level candidates. Trump repeated some of the Russian smears the same day they appeared so someone was feeding them to him. He publicly invited Russian agents to hack Clinton. The Russian materials given to WikiLeaks were intended to harm Clinton and were edited to ensure this.
Sessions, Flynn, Manafort and all the others were seeking out these Russian meetings at the very same time. Something is very rotten in Trumpland.
This needs an independent prosecutor. It seems like the FBI may have another Robert Hanssen problem, and that some Congressional Republicans were also involved with Russia. There is some reason they are blocking an independent investigation.
No, this is the smoke of a burning fire. The Kremlin was hacking the DNC, Clinton campaign officials like Podesta, state voters registration lists, and at the same time systematically spreading propaganda on social media that attacked Clinton and even lower level candidates. Trump repeated some of the Russian smears the same day they appeared so someone was feeding them to him. He publicly invited Russian agents to hack Clinton. The Russian materials given to WikiLeaks were intended to harm Clinton and were edited to ensure this.
Sessions, Flynn, Manafort and all the others were seeking out these Russian meetings at the very same time. Something is very rotten in Trumpland.
This needs an independent prosecutor. It seems like the FBI may have another Robert Hanssen problem, and that some Congressional Republicans were also involved with Russia. There is some reason they are blocking an independent investigation.
6
I have no idea whether the Trump campaign had normal levels of communications with the Russians. But it sure would be interesting to compare the number of innocuous calls and meetings their people had with other foreign countries like the UK, Japan, China or Germany. Or to compare them with the number of innocuous calls that the Clinton campaign had.
Keep digging Fourth Estate! Seems to me the Trumpists doth protest too much.
Keep digging Fourth Estate! Seems to me the Trumpists doth protest too much.
7
Trump has lied so many times he is now permanently locked in a corner from which he can never escape. His business interests with the other oligarchs and kleptocrats in power is his only focus. Revealing his taxes will assure the obvious.
3
Disturbing the administration considers the emergence of the truth as a "leak."
3
Here's the book title: "All The Kommissar's Men"
1
Boy I tell ya, if this is how hateful pseudo genius Bannon runs a campaign, then transition and a White House's first few months, Trump would have been better off with a copy of Becoming President of the United States For Dummies.
Or should I say, The Art Of Becoming President of the United States For Dummies?
Or should I say, The Art Of Becoming President of the United States For Dummies?
4
The Dems descending into new lows of rabid, childish temper-tantrum, desperately seeking to create the illusion that somehow Trump was some sort of Manchurian candidate. It's all part of an effort to oust president Trump. More evidence now that Obama ordered the wire-tapping of Trump Tower.
Speaking of collusion, it is quite clear that the Media, Democrats and members of the intelligence community have only one objective: destroy the Trump presidency at all cost. To hell with the business of the Nation or what's good for the American people. To hell with National security: witness all the classified leaks . . . It's about Power and nothing else.
Ironically, this intense collusion of the Media with the Dems did not yield a victory and even more ironic is that they try to blame their loss to some sort of Putin-Trump collusion that swayed the minds of the American voter. Laughable. Pelosi and Schumer acting like scorned children. And this is the leadership of the Dems? Political idiocy at its best. Thankfully, many Americans saw where the Dems were taking our Nation and what sort of transformation they seek for our nation which amounts to a lawless country with no borders, yes, a preface to the global community where the exceptionalism of America is offensive and must disappear . . such sense of liberal fairness.
Speaking of collusion, it is quite clear that the Media, Democrats and members of the intelligence community have only one objective: destroy the Trump presidency at all cost. To hell with the business of the Nation or what's good for the American people. To hell with National security: witness all the classified leaks . . . It's about Power and nothing else.
Ironically, this intense collusion of the Media with the Dems did not yield a victory and even more ironic is that they try to blame their loss to some sort of Putin-Trump collusion that swayed the minds of the American voter. Laughable. Pelosi and Schumer acting like scorned children. And this is the leadership of the Dems? Political idiocy at its best. Thankfully, many Americans saw where the Dems were taking our Nation and what sort of transformation they seek for our nation which amounts to a lawless country with no borders, yes, a preface to the global community where the exceptionalism of America is offensive and must disappear . . such sense of liberal fairness.
4
You mean the "lawless country with no borders" where U.S. government officials perjure themselves during a Congressional hearing and the U.S. is now a Russian puppet state?
With the assistance of Russian hackers, a compromised head of the FBI,
a long standing series of Hillary-the-witch hunts (on the taxpayers dime) with a well funded and orchestrated negative propaganda campaign against Hillary the candidate for President, you manage to put into power a pathological narcissist with a long history of business failure and financial associations with the Russian mob. IMO the Republican party is in a serious credibility crisis.
a long standing series of Hillary-the-witch hunts (on the taxpayers dime) with a well funded and orchestrated negative propaganda campaign against Hillary the candidate for President, you manage to put into power a pathological narcissist with a long history of business failure and financial associations with the Russian mob. IMO the Republican party is in a serious credibility crisis.
1
For the good of the country, someone please hack Trump's tax returns.
4
"The president’s supporters say innocuous encounters, routine for any incoming presidential team, " Do we know how many of Clinton's campaign had talks with the Russians?
2
I think Pussy Riot might have played at a benefit for HRC once.
he lied his way through the campaign.... and won...
he's been lying all his life, and 'winning'....
he's lying now..... because, well, does a bear 'paws' in the woods ??
trump 'paws' on the people...
I refuse to listen to anything the G.O.P. or this administration has to say until, as a party, they stand up for integrity and for America and all its people... and with trump, that just ain't gonna happen....
he's been lying all his life, and 'winning'....
he's lying now..... because, well, does a bear 'paws' in the woods ??
trump 'paws' on the people...
I refuse to listen to anything the G.O.P. or this administration has to say until, as a party, they stand up for integrity and for America and all its people... and with trump, that just ain't gonna happen....
3
Hear that drip drip drip ? That is republicans deciding when to jump ship.
I am assuming the ''base'' hold together until the nanosecond after they take a vote confirming Gorsich for SCOTUS, Perhaps the Ryan budget\agenda as well.
It will be ironic, because as soon as the budget is signed, will be sealing his fate with the very same stroke of the pen.
I am assuming the ''base'' hold together until the nanosecond after they take a vote confirming Gorsich for SCOTUS, Perhaps the Ryan budget\agenda as well.
It will be ironic, because as soon as the budget is signed, will be sealing his fate with the very same stroke of the pen.
2
I can't stop wondering about Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the UN, who died on Feb 20 at the Russian Mission office in NYC. Might he not have died from natural causes? News reports at the time said the NYC medical examiner would investigate. When will that information be released?
7
Drip, drip, drip. We need to remember the context here, that the Russians hacked computer systems including the DNC and leaked emails in an effort to put doubt in the minds of voters about Sec. Clinton, in an attempt to influence the election. Within that context (and subsequent sanctions), the constant contact with Russians by Trump's associates before and after the election becomes suspect. On top of that is the denials and then change of stories by Trump Associates once they have been identified. That in itself makes it suspect whereas if the contact was normal, they should be up front. That is what Trump does not want to understand and why he continues to act like a child, or deflect, in attempts to stop the investigations to get tot the truth. If in fact Trump is clean, he should be open to having his tax records opened to determine if there are financial entanglements with Russia, and the appointment of a special prosecutor to get to the bottom of this. The result could say no issues. Then again, it may not, and it seems Trump will do anything to prevent this possibility, which again, in the context of Russia's influence on the election, make it very suspicious. Whether this is Trump, Obama, Clinton, Bush or some future leader, I as a citizen and voter, want to know the answer.
167
Does Trump also have connections to the Russian Mafia whose home base is in Brooklyn?
3
We have known for a while now that Donald Trump is a pathologic liar and sociopath. And we have know for a while that certain politicians are very talented "spinners" of the facts.
Now, unfortunately, Donald Trump and his team of inexperienced political hacks have turned the White House, and by association Washington DC, into a giant pit of pathologic liars and sociopaths.
This cover-up makes Watergate look like amateur hour.
Bad....
Sad....
Now, unfortunately, Donald Trump and his team of inexperienced political hacks have turned the White House, and by association Washington DC, into a giant pit of pathologic liars and sociopaths.
This cover-up makes Watergate look like amateur hour.
Bad....
Sad....
8
I agree with Linda from Oklahoma - it's not that Sessions and others MET with the Russian ambassador and others but that they felt the need to lie about it.
6
They lied about it as much as Pelosi and McCaskill lied about it. In other words, they all forgot.
1
Innocuous meetings or conspiracy? The prime reason that there is plenty of room for suspicion is that Trump hasn't released his taxes or divested from his businesses. We just don't know if he has huge loans to repay to Russian oligarchs, for instance, and there are hints that might be the case. We do know that he and his family are not hesitating in trying to make as much money from this presidency thing as possible, and that he has repeatedly skirted the law for decades when it benefits him.
If he were a different kind of person and we knew where his money came from, people wouldn't be seeing so many shadows. As it is, it's hard to avoid thinking that he's pulling another fast one.
If he were a different kind of person and we knew where his money came from, people wouldn't be seeing so many shadows. As it is, it's hard to avoid thinking that he's pulling another fast one.
229
I'm not getting it.
Meetings are ok. Taking bribes/donations to "The Clinton Foundation" to have a meeting while head of the State Department, not ok.
Am I missing it?
Meetings are ok. Taking bribes/donations to "The Clinton Foundation" to have a meeting while head of the State Department, not ok.
Am I missing it?
5
Although it may be absurd to try connecting every dot to a presumed malfeasance of Trump minions during the campaign, it is even more ridiculous to persist in a "nothing to see here" stance. Do we really believe that the critical mass of contacts already unearthed limited themselves to idle prattle about grandchildren, religious beliefs and household pets?
Why would such senior figures as Mike Flynn and Jeff Sessions risk perjuring themselves concerning their contacts if they were transparently on the up-and-up? There may be a reason that the media and congressional Democrats smell a rat here. Maybe there really is a rat. Let's find out through an independent inquiry.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Why would such senior figures as Mike Flynn and Jeff Sessions risk perjuring themselves concerning their contacts if they were transparently on the up-and-up? There may be a reason that the media and congressional Democrats smell a rat here. Maybe there really is a rat. Let's find out through an independent inquiry.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
10
It'd be good to know how many contacts the Clinton campaign had with Putin surrogates, as a basis of comparison (or past campaigns if we can find a similar historical context). If few or none, the claim that such contacts are usual would be debunked; if on a similar level, then at least the frequency of contacts would not be good evidence of collusion between the Trump team and Putin.
33
It isn't the contacts alone, it's the lying, deceiving, and perjury used to cover them up. The context makes it worse, when the hacking of the DNC started and there were suspicions it was led by Russians, Donald Trump didn't think that an attack on part of the system was an attack on the whole system, he openly encouraged it.
Every day's news confirms that this administration is evil, pure and simple.
6
And this morning, another rap...
One patently, an Obama trap:
a wiretapping, sent to capture,
and deter ol' Trump
from any Presidential rapture.
.
One patently, an Obama trap:
a wiretapping, sent to capture,
and deter ol' Trump
from any Presidential rapture.
.
Why is it so hard to appreciate that candidate Trump wanted to pursue - and campaigned on - opening a new era of US-Russian relations based on common interests? Why is it so hard to believe that Mr. Trump understood the only effective way to preserve hope for such a new beginning would be to resist the self-destructive litmus tests his Democrat opponents were cynically trying to impose - that he publicly utter inflamatory insults about Russia's leader - in their transparent effort to simultaneously bury his candidacy together with the risk he might eventually succeed where they had failed? And why is it so hard to accept that Russia also saw a "reset" in US-Russian relations as in their own national interest, and so acted in the way we've known all of our lives that Russia acts (oh me, oh my!) to influence our electorate, using KGB-style tactics, toward the outcome they preferred?
This all frankly sounds a lot like candidate, and then President Obama's foreign policy approach concerning not only Russia, but Iran.
How about we all put our ICBMs back in their silos long enough for our 17 national intelligence agencies, Congress, and the frenzied media to actually find the first sniff of evidence of Trump campaign quid pro quo or even complicity? Seems to me if it exists it will be found, and of course breathlessly exposed; and if it doesn't, it won't. So far... zero. That's not really a hopeful omen for all the Trump haters.
This all frankly sounds a lot like candidate, and then President Obama's foreign policy approach concerning not only Russia, but Iran.
How about we all put our ICBMs back in their silos long enough for our 17 national intelligence agencies, Congress, and the frenzied media to actually find the first sniff of evidence of Trump campaign quid pro quo or even complicity? Seems to me if it exists it will be found, and of course breathlessly exposed; and if it doesn't, it won't. So far... zero. That's not really a hopeful omen for all the Trump haters.
10
Avshimmy,
It is not at all hard to appreciate that the Trump team wants to reset the relationship between the USA and Russia, and I believe that most Americans, myself included, applaud this effort and sincerely pray for its success.
The problem is that there are disturbing details that get in the way of accepting this at face value:
1. The Democratic party server was hacked, with indications that the Russians were responsible. This information was published on WikiLeaks. We are supposed to believe that the Republican party was somehow immune to hacking?
2. Everyone in the Trump administration denies having any contact with the Russians. These denials then prove to be false. Is this lying or selective memory? If the contacts are on the up and up, stand up and state "yes, of course we had contact with the Russians, how else can we expect to reset our relationship ?" Don't you get concerned when someone lies to you? Ever wonder why?
3. You are correct that the Obama administration did attempt to improve relationships with Russia and Iran. The big difference is that they never lied about it.
It is not at all hard to appreciate that the Trump team wants to reset the relationship between the USA and Russia, and I believe that most Americans, myself included, applaud this effort and sincerely pray for its success.
The problem is that there are disturbing details that get in the way of accepting this at face value:
1. The Democratic party server was hacked, with indications that the Russians were responsible. This information was published on WikiLeaks. We are supposed to believe that the Republican party was somehow immune to hacking?
2. Everyone in the Trump administration denies having any contact with the Russians. These denials then prove to be false. Is this lying or selective memory? If the contacts are on the up and up, stand up and state "yes, of course we had contact with the Russians, how else can we expect to reset our relationship ?" Don't you get concerned when someone lies to you? Ever wonder why?
3. You are correct that the Obama administration did attempt to improve relationships with Russia and Iran. The big difference is that they never lied about it.
3
Why is it so hard to appreciate the fact that Mr. Sessions lied under oath at his confirmation hearing? And not by answering a question, but rather, offering an unsolicited statement.
2
What a revoltin' development this is! But we will NOT be living The Life of Riley if this goes unchecked!
2
Now that we've learned that many democrats, too, have had memory lapses with respect to their meetings with the seemingly omnipresent Russian ambassador, it's time to acknowledge that simply being in the same room with this man is insufficient evidence of anything beyond the fact that the ambassador never stopped working.
It turns out that the Obama Administration organized the trip to the Republican Convention for the ambassadors to hear Senator Sessions speak. The first alleged "meeting" occurred when a group of them walked up to Sessions afterwards.
The other meeting was one of over 20 meetings Senator Sessions had with ambassadors. He had met with the ambassador of Croatia the day before.
Obama has obviously worked very hard to piece together a conspiracy theory about Trump's team. The problem is that his own motives are highly suspect. Right now, he appears to be a president trying to sabotage his successor.
Democrats are going to have to do more than allege that "meetings took place." They are guilty as well, if that's their entire case. They are going to have to substantiate their claims that something nefarious occurred at these meetings.
It turns out that the Obama Administration organized the trip to the Republican Convention for the ambassadors to hear Senator Sessions speak. The first alleged "meeting" occurred when a group of them walked up to Sessions afterwards.
The other meeting was one of over 20 meetings Senator Sessions had with ambassadors. He had met with the ambassador of Croatia the day before.
Obama has obviously worked very hard to piece together a conspiracy theory about Trump's team. The problem is that his own motives are highly suspect. Right now, he appears to be a president trying to sabotage his successor.
Democrats are going to have to do more than allege that "meetings took place." They are guilty as well, if that's their entire case. They are going to have to substantiate their claims that something nefarious occurred at these meetings.
3
Let's have Trump release his taxes like every other president and we'll call it even. Or, will the light of day reveal something...untoward?
2
In the end will we find out that Trump campaign workers received information regarding DNC emails etc from Russians? Yes it seems very likely. If Trump's team could get out of their own way on this- stop the infantile tweeting, and stop denying provable facts. Let's get the special prosecutor in place, and be done with it.
It truly seems that Trump is pulling anything out of his hat now to try to distract from this story. Cracking down on Immigrants from the south- splitting up mothers, and children. He will do anything it seems at this point to excite is shrinking base.
This is no way to govern, and yes Trump is about as inept a "president" as any nation has ever seen, but that does not mean he's not dangerous. As the story closes in on him he seems to be acting out more, and more with new heinous executive orders - like siccing ICE agents on families that are no threat to the nation. The Republican's need to grow a backbone, and get on top of this, appoint investigators, and let the chips fall where they may. This slow trickle and take down of various Trump surrogates is causing angst for both parties, and (I believe) making Trump more determined to act out to whip up his base. By his base I mean those that voted for a "Wall", "Deportations," and the end of "political correctness."
This bleeding by a thousand cuts is costing the whole nation, and the world as Trump continues to lash out against what he knows will likely be his downfall.
It truly seems that Trump is pulling anything out of his hat now to try to distract from this story. Cracking down on Immigrants from the south- splitting up mothers, and children. He will do anything it seems at this point to excite is shrinking base.
This is no way to govern, and yes Trump is about as inept a "president" as any nation has ever seen, but that does not mean he's not dangerous. As the story closes in on him he seems to be acting out more, and more with new heinous executive orders - like siccing ICE agents on families that are no threat to the nation. The Republican's need to grow a backbone, and get on top of this, appoint investigators, and let the chips fall where they may. This slow trickle and take down of various Trump surrogates is causing angst for both parties, and (I believe) making Trump more determined to act out to whip up his base. By his base I mean those that voted for a "Wall", "Deportations," and the end of "political correctness."
This bleeding by a thousand cuts is costing the whole nation, and the world as Trump continues to lash out against what he knows will likely be his downfall.
197
If the Republicans don't get out of their own way and do the right thing (investigate), they run the risk of doing their own party irreparable damage. If this circus of an administration (and members of Congress, and just about everyone else apparently) is found to have colluded with Russia to fix the election, having let the crisis slowly percolate and draw focus for a year or more, the blowback from the American people will be a firestorm.
My hope is that the people who voted for Trump will actually disapprove of such scurrilous behavior, even if their senators and congressmen are willing to put their narrow personal interests above national security.
My hope is that the people who voted for Trump will actually disapprove of such scurrilous behavior, even if their senators and congressmen are willing to put their narrow personal interests above national security.
1
Bill Clinton bumps into the then Attorney General at an airport. Sessions and the Republicans melted down: call in a special prosecutor! They added that encounter to the high crimes of operating a stupid email server and the botched CIA operation in Benghazi. On the other hand, and prior to the general election, everyone in the trump administration is meeting with the Russian Ambassador who just happens to be a former master spy….and if they are not meeting with that spy they are meeting with other Russian “Diplomats” who are, in fact, spies.
Now, the trump administration, with the wave of a (figurative and small) hand across a table, is pushing aside these Russian contacts as if scraping breadcrumbs off of a table. Move on. trump says it’s a “witch hunt” at exactly the same time the Russians publish an official statement that everything is a “witch hunt”. When will we get the official pronouncement from the Kremlin, sorry I meant the White House, that everyone will be required to speak Russian as a second language?
To a person, trump and his top people reek of something unmentionable.
Now, the trump administration, with the wave of a (figurative and small) hand across a table, is pushing aside these Russian contacts as if scraping breadcrumbs off of a table. Move on. trump says it’s a “witch hunt” at exactly the same time the Russians publish an official statement that everything is a “witch hunt”. When will we get the official pronouncement from the Kremlin, sorry I meant the White House, that everyone will be required to speak Russian as a second language?
To a person, trump and his top people reek of something unmentionable.
210
"Bill Clinton bumps into the then Attorney General at an airport. Sessions and the Republicans melted down: call in a special prosecutor!"
I think many would dispute the "bumps" into part. In that Lynch was investigating Clinton's wife, both should not have met with the other privately. That seems clear it me.
In the case of the Sessions meeting, one was arranged by the Obama White House where foreign ambassadors went to the RCN convention.
What very much concerns me is that it appears there may be a false narrative fabricated to damage the Trump administration, and that Federal spying resources and criminal leaking could have been used politically to support that narrative. Hopefully no wrong doing occurred in investigating the Trump campaign.
If I understand correctly, unless there was a special warrant, it would be unlawful to identify the content related Flynn, a U. S. citizen. If general wiretapping was done on the Trump administration, wouldn't that be a crime unless there was a Forth Amendment compliant warrant based on probably cause, and an oath of affirmation, specifically identifying the scope of the surveillance. The Forth should clearly prevent spying on the next administration for politically purposes..
I hope the Obama administration did not illegally spy on the incoming Trump administration. Should that have occurred, I hope any violation of the law will be addressed by the judicial system to the fullest extent the law allows.
I think many would dispute the "bumps" into part. In that Lynch was investigating Clinton's wife, both should not have met with the other privately. That seems clear it me.
In the case of the Sessions meeting, one was arranged by the Obama White House where foreign ambassadors went to the RCN convention.
What very much concerns me is that it appears there may be a false narrative fabricated to damage the Trump administration, and that Federal spying resources and criminal leaking could have been used politically to support that narrative. Hopefully no wrong doing occurred in investigating the Trump campaign.
If I understand correctly, unless there was a special warrant, it would be unlawful to identify the content related Flynn, a U. S. citizen. If general wiretapping was done on the Trump administration, wouldn't that be a crime unless there was a Forth Amendment compliant warrant based on probably cause, and an oath of affirmation, specifically identifying the scope of the surveillance. The Forth should clearly prevent spying on the next administration for politically purposes..
I hope the Obama administration did not illegally spy on the incoming Trump administration. Should that have occurred, I hope any violation of the law will be addressed by the judicial system to the fullest extent the law allows.
1
Bring back Brezhnev, a real Russian Commie. No subtlies no alliances, no business deals with this guy.
It's turned into a which hunt for the one who hasn't talked to the Russians?
3
First, if Trump feels embattled, perhaps he should have approached those who believe differently than he with a little more decency instead of a flamethrower. Second, one reason the other side is so worked up is the blatant hypocrisy that Republicans have shown. They went ballistic at the slightest whiff of infraction with Democrats, and now are balking when there is significant questions arising about their actions.
6
The pattern is so obvious : tax returns, lack of separation of business interests, Russian connections.
It is sickening.
It is sickening.
8
Should we call Trumps new residence the Kremlin East, or West?
4
Follow the money Press-- this has only just begun.
10
Where is the money? Le tasse? The tax returns? A president who owes money to mystery meat geopolitical influences will be suspect. We need to see these tax returns now! Enough with the Trump exceptionalism from the demands of the office.
We don't know what, if anything, has passed between Trump and Putin. That situation is getting old, in a hurry. The American people deserve and will demand, a decent, competent government that is not in the pocket of a foreign power. We are not interested in also becoming a kleptocracy with a foreign policy. If Trump doesn't like it--dur fromage. No one asked to run.
We don't know what, if anything, has passed between Trump and Putin. That situation is getting old, in a hurry. The American people deserve and will demand, a decent, competent government that is not in the pocket of a foreign power. We are not interested in also becoming a kleptocracy with a foreign policy. If Trump doesn't like it--dur fromage. No one asked to run.
6
My gut tells me there is a lot less here than meets the eye. Sessions obviously lied, gratuitously and stupidly since he wasn't even asked if he had contact. But I just don't think the Russians would have admitted to him or other Americans that they were involved in this. So I really doubt there was collusion. But the Trump administration (with support from the GOP) is circling its wagons. And that makes them look guilty and also hypocritical because of its extensive investigation into both Clinton's. Politically, they're handling it stupidly. But as someone who thinks Trump is dangerous to this country, I don't mind seeing them squirm.
87
Sometimes it helps to look at things with a macro lens.
It's now known that Russia interfered in the US presidential election favoring Trump.
Trump campaign has consistently denied any Russia contact.
Pence, a fierce Russia critic suddenly speaks nice of Russia.
Information starts trickling out that the campaign and close associates did have contacts with Russians.
Trump associates now admit there indeed were contacts with the Russians but they were only casual.
A Russian oligarch's plane is now being reported to have been at many stops during the campaign at exactly the time when Trump was there.
Hmmmm........
Too many coincidences, ifs ands or buts........
It's now known that Russia interfered in the US presidential election favoring Trump.
Trump campaign has consistently denied any Russia contact.
Pence, a fierce Russia critic suddenly speaks nice of Russia.
Information starts trickling out that the campaign and close associates did have contacts with Russians.
Trump associates now admit there indeed were contacts with the Russians but they were only casual.
A Russian oligarch's plane is now being reported to have been at many stops during the campaign at exactly the time when Trump was there.
Hmmmm........
Too many coincidences, ifs ands or buts........
6
I'd like to be clear, just because Sessions recused himself, that doesnt imply he lied. You have to look closer at questions he was asked.
Please see a heated debate on that at debateIsland.com
http://www.debateisland.com/discussion/503/did-jeff-sessions-lie-about-t...
Please see a heated debate on that at debateIsland.com
http://www.debateisland.com/discussion/503/did-jeff-sessions-lie-about-t...
3
Donald Trump is a very dangerous narcissist and must be stopped before he does incredible damage.
5
As most sensible readers have already pointed out, it is not about the meetings but the evasion. The Republicans chose to impeach President Clinton because he wanted to keep his personal life private. This is not about privacy but public records.
As an aside, with so much talk about the Russian ambassador, have people thought about what might Putin do?
As an aside, with so much talk about the Russian ambassador, have people thought about what might Putin do?
9
If all the contacts with various Russian people by the Trump organization were so innocent, why has Trump repeatedly contradicted himself with meetings and talks with Putin? Why did Sessions commit perjury? Why are Trump associates lying about conversations, meetings or have foggy memories of any form of contacts with the Russians? The information that the press is unearthing has all the hallmarks of a cover-up.
11
My father's family escaped eastern Europe. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have no desire to live like your average Russian because Donald and a select few wish to live like Putin.
12
Again, here MSM/NYT goes on the rampage with a high degree of hypocrisy. Where is the coverage of all of the Dems who met with the Russians, ergo doing their jobs? Why is there already 7x more coverage this past week than when AGHolder was brought up on contempt charges? No one here in the NYT has a headline saying "Pelosi and McCaskill caught up in their own lies as evidence clearly shows them meeting with same Russian Ambassador....the one they blast AGSessions for meeting with"
Have you no morals?
Have you no morals?
5
Were Pelosi and McCaskill under oath in front of a congressional Committee considering their confirmation to become Chief Law Enforcement Officer?
3
The pattern of people lying when they ostensibly shouldn't have to suggests to me an "insiders " vs. "outsiders" situation in the White House, with the Pence example being the most glaring.
Who did Flynn lie to? The only guy with a modicum of integrity, or at least deep ties to establishment Washington. Why? Because Donald told him to keep chump-Pence in the dark about all that Russia stuff.
As to Sessions - not sure where he falls in the world of integrity, but I don't need to wonder about his allegiances; Donald Trump just gave him the job he's wanted his whole life. He also has that obvious tell when he lies - the smirking. It's unmistakable.
Who did Flynn lie to? The only guy with a modicum of integrity, or at least deep ties to establishment Washington. Why? Because Donald told him to keep chump-Pence in the dark about all that Russia stuff.
As to Sessions - not sure where he falls in the world of integrity, but I don't need to wonder about his allegiances; Donald Trump just gave him the job he's wanted his whole life. He also has that obvious tell when he lies - the smirking. It's unmistakable.
5
Where is the substance in this article? Mere meetings with Russians, which members of both parties have all the time, proves nothing.
5
Really if it was nothing why was it done in secret? The one coming up about the Dems currently have all been done with knowledge and in public and with the press. The other is not and the lied about it until confronted.
The substance is in the fact that Trump insists none of his people had any contact with Russians. If this was all so routine why lie about it? You don't want to see that because of what it means about Trump.
2
Trump accused Obama of being a Manchurian candidate -- a sleeper spy planted by the Russians.
Now Russia and Trump both say that people opposing Trump have created a "witch-hunt" for people with concealed connections to Russia.
This gets freakier every day.
Now Russia and Trump both say that people opposing Trump have created a "witch-hunt" for people with concealed connections to Russia.
This gets freakier every day.
8
"....Rabbi Berel Lazar, the chief rabbi of Russia and an ally of Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin."
Chief Rabbi of Russia? Is that an actual title? I'd like to know how one becomes the "chief rabbi" of anywhere. The Jewish religion is not like the Catholic Church. No one elects or appoints a Chief Rabbi from within the religion. So of course he's an ally of Putin. Putin appointed him.
Chief Rabbi of Russia? Is that an actual title? I'd like to know how one becomes the "chief rabbi" of anywhere. The Jewish religion is not like the Catholic Church. No one elects or appoints a Chief Rabbi from within the religion. So of course he's an ally of Putin. Putin appointed him.
5
I wonder how many republicans knew that they were voting for the Russian candidate for the President of the United States of America? I wonder when Trump is going to hand over the reins to Putin?
8
It is not necessarily the fact that so many members of Trump's circle are or were in contact with the Russians before and after the election but why they are not truthful about these contacts. It is like Nixon's circle all over again. The tax returns are most likely about his "smartness" in using tax avoidance. Still, in this day and age, the president and his staff have to be transparent!!! Trump supporters cannot go on and on about "crooked Hilary" when their leader appears to be just as dishonest and maybe a bigger liar.
2
Rachel Maddow's broadcast last night raised a startling portrayal of a Russian oligarch -- the king of fertilizer, he is called -- whose private jet just happened to show in the closing days of the Trump campaign in the same places where Trump was campaigning: Concord and Charlotte, NC, Florida, and at least one other locale.
But wait, there's more. The Russian fertilizer king bought from Trump a mansion in Florida for some huge amount of money -- in cash -- just two years after Trump had purchased the same property for a mere pittance at a fire sale. The oligarch, Maddow reported, was in the midst of a messy divorce and was allegedly trying to distribute his fortune in investments hidden from his wife.
The other connection Maddow revealed was that Trump's just confirmed Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, sits on the Board of the Bank of Cyprus, along with another Russian oligarch who is extremely close to V.Putin.
The drip is beginning to flow.
But wait, there's more. The Russian fertilizer king bought from Trump a mansion in Florida for some huge amount of money -- in cash -- just two years after Trump had purchased the same property for a mere pittance at a fire sale. The oligarch, Maddow reported, was in the midst of a messy divorce and was allegedly trying to distribute his fortune in investments hidden from his wife.
The other connection Maddow revealed was that Trump's just confirmed Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, sits on the Board of the Bank of Cyprus, along with another Russian oligarch who is extremely close to V.Putin.
The drip is beginning to flow.
11
Russia. Lying and evasive staff. A cruel pending wallop on America's already second rate Health coverage system. No incriminating tax returns.
Whatever.
These are all indications of a presidency that is screaming to be stopped and the damage reversed.
However what upsets me even more is the impending attacks on basic civil rights, the environment, the giveaways to the already rich and the fall of grace and dignity that our highest office of our country promises.
The fact that great strides in progress will be undone by this man, these mediocre players in the Republican Congress and their thoughtless followers is like taking the original print of Guernica and having Ivanka Trump hawk it on a late night channel and then spending the money on more tacky jewelry.
Whatever.
These are all indications of a presidency that is screaming to be stopped and the damage reversed.
However what upsets me even more is the impending attacks on basic civil rights, the environment, the giveaways to the already rich and the fall of grace and dignity that our highest office of our country promises.
The fact that great strides in progress will be undone by this man, these mediocre players in the Republican Congress and their thoughtless followers is like taking the original print of Guernica and having Ivanka Trump hawk it on a late night channel and then spending the money on more tacky jewelry.
7
The President of the United States is looking more and more like a Russian espionage agent.
5
Humpty Trumpty imagined his wall, Humpty Trumpty had a great fall.
All the Kremlin's agents and all the duplicitous men couldn't put Trumpty back together again..
All the Kremlin's agents and all the duplicitous men couldn't put Trumpty back together again..
8
I would like to hear why the Trump campaign team was having so much interaction with Russia in the first place. I'm sure they weren't looking for a salad dressing recipe.
8
"that simply meeting with a Russian official is wrong"
It is more than just simply meeting, it is when they met (see Politico's timeline) and where (RNC - when discussing platform on the Ukraine) and how they me (Senate office to discuss senate business). Let's hear from the other folks said to be there, if they are NOT dead, like the Russian ambassador to the UN, who did mysteriously in NYC. What did he dies of? Was he poisoned like the journalist who leads an opposition news outlet in Russia? (see PBS News Hour last night) Plus, Trump is just protesting too loudly and frequently to NOT have anything to do with it. He, obviously, has had business in Russia, as his son said they have loads of money coming into the business from Russia. I don't think we should wait till someone else ends up dead to explore these things more. The next target would be Christopher Steele, the British spy that compiled the dossier. Putin and his thugs (that is what John McCain rightly called them), will stop at nothing (as opposition journalists have been shot and poisoned in Russia), but will Trump and his gang go that far?
It is more than just simply meeting, it is when they met (see Politico's timeline) and where (RNC - when discussing platform on the Ukraine) and how they me (Senate office to discuss senate business). Let's hear from the other folks said to be there, if they are NOT dead, like the Russian ambassador to the UN, who did mysteriously in NYC. What did he dies of? Was he poisoned like the journalist who leads an opposition news outlet in Russia? (see PBS News Hour last night) Plus, Trump is just protesting too loudly and frequently to NOT have anything to do with it. He, obviously, has had business in Russia, as his son said they have loads of money coming into the business from Russia. I don't think we should wait till someone else ends up dead to explore these things more. The next target would be Christopher Steele, the British spy that compiled the dossier. Putin and his thugs (that is what John McCain rightly called them), will stop at nothing (as opposition journalists have been shot and poisoned in Russia), but will Trump and his gang go that far?
3
addendum - Slate is NOW reporting that Jared Kuchner was at the meeting Flynn had with the Russian agent at Trump Tower and this was never disclosed, even after Flynn lied and Trump covered for him. Since the meeting was at Trump Tower and unlike ALL other meetings with ambassadors that were more noted by the press pool in the lobby, leads one to question why the secrecy and more lying. Trump is NOW tweeting that Obama wiretapped his tower because he thinks that is the only way the press would know that Kushner was there????? Keep the leaks coming so we can get to the truth. Like Trump said about Clinton, the leakers are doing us a real service.
2
Let us not forget that it was Donald J. Trump, himself, who during his presidential campaign made a PUBLIC APPEAL ON NATIONAL TV to his dear friend, Vladimir Putin, to find Hillary Clinton's 30,000 missing emails. By so doing, he openly invited Russia to interfere in our electoral process. Clearly, Russia had a very public profile and role in our presidential election, principally due to Donald J. Trump, himself, with his open invitation to Putin to interfere in our election.
I remember thinking at the time that this was very, very strange indeed. I couldn't believe what I had just heard on national TV. So for Trump to complain about the extent of the news media's focus on Russia, and its role in our presidential election, is insincere and hypocritical. It is, in fact, both a proper and intelligent application of resources given the facts. And what we are discovering is that our worst fears are proving true -- that Russia did indeed play a pivotal role in helping to elect Donald J. Trump.
...Now it is absolutely imperative that Donald J. Trump release his tax returns. What is he so afraid of us seeing? I'm sure that the answers to many of our questions will be revealed once we gain access.
In my eyes, there's nothing legitimate about the presidency of Donald J. Trump. Absolutely nothing. The sooner we unravel this nightmare, the better off we will all be.
I remember thinking at the time that this was very, very strange indeed. I couldn't believe what I had just heard on national TV. So for Trump to complain about the extent of the news media's focus on Russia, and its role in our presidential election, is insincere and hypocritical. It is, in fact, both a proper and intelligent application of resources given the facts. And what we are discovering is that our worst fears are proving true -- that Russia did indeed play a pivotal role in helping to elect Donald J. Trump.
...Now it is absolutely imperative that Donald J. Trump release his tax returns. What is he so afraid of us seeing? I'm sure that the answers to many of our questions will be revealed once we gain access.
In my eyes, there's nothing legitimate about the presidency of Donald J. Trump. Absolutely nothing. The sooner we unravel this nightmare, the better off we will all be.
4
If it's so normal for members of a presidential candidate's team to meat with foreign diplomats and officials, perhaps there are records of Trump's team meeting with all sorts of officials from countries other than Russia. Or perhaps records exist of Hillary Clinton's campaign team members meeting with officials from Russia and other countries. If neither of these is true, then it should become even more obvious that Trump and his team had very specific reasons for meeting with some very specific people from one specific country. We need the specifics.
2
The liberal bias of the press is obviously showing here. Why is the NYT not using their ample resources to investigate the suspicious meeting between Putin and Schumar at this doughnut shop. That bombshell photograph showed the complete hypocrisy of the House leader of the Democratic Party. Was it just doughnuts they were sharing or was it just a cover for some as yet unexplained devious plot they were hatching in a backroom. Hopefully the Republicans can now launch a full scale Benghazi like investigate into this potential outrage.
4
What is it going to take for everyone to see how suspicious Trump and associates activities are? Schumer was in a public place with the public around him. The meetings in question were in closed door settings with the President of the United States campaign associates, who then lied to cover them up and he aided and abetted their lying to the Vice President and the American people. We still wouldn't been privy to these nefarious deeds, had the leaks not went to the press. Aren't you at all concerned that a foreign power is controlling policy in your government and disrupting the democratic process?
1
I'm sure you think your last couple of lines qualify as biting sarcasm but they only demonstrate your tenuous grasp of reality. The Benghazi investigation truly was a whitch hunt. Trump is lying about colluding with the Russians. He really does belong in prison while Clinton belongs in the White House.
2
Rabbi Lazar, a fierce defender of Putin's policies in the Ukraine, and the leader of Chabad in Russia, closely aligned with Putin, performed the bris for Trump's 2 grandsons, Joe and Ted. He is an old family friend.
2
If there is nothing wrong with any of this, why is there so much lying about it? What is so secret or what is the problem in that these are just regular conversations with our Russian friends? If it acts like a skunk and begins to smell like a skunk-- why is the stench a surprise! Where's Bannon?
Where is the investigation into Russian Ambassador to the US Vitaly Churkin's sudden heart attack death a day before his 65th birthday just as all of this BIG Russia news started?
This is not fake news nor a witch hunt by Democrats because of a lost election. If the Trump team is on the "defensive" there are reasons and the media and US Congress need to drill down into it all. Initially, Trump knew "nothing about Russia." Besides his & his teams relationships, also investigate his two sons who are not connected to the WH and are busily helping Russians launder dirty money in the US (in NYC real estate) and elsewhere, perhaps? Who knows? These are questions that have to be answered. The Office of the Presidency cannot just denounce these serious concerns.
Trump had NO employment other than with his Dad and as a TV personality for his own show before becoming President. His experience working with others on terms other than his own is zilch! He now works for the people of the US as POTUS. He can't understand this! The more he covers up his prior business dealings, the closer he is to exiting the WH.
Trump's leadership acumen is unbecoming of the office. He is a pathological liar.
Where is the investigation into Russian Ambassador to the US Vitaly Churkin's sudden heart attack death a day before his 65th birthday just as all of this BIG Russia news started?
This is not fake news nor a witch hunt by Democrats because of a lost election. If the Trump team is on the "defensive" there are reasons and the media and US Congress need to drill down into it all. Initially, Trump knew "nothing about Russia." Besides his & his teams relationships, also investigate his two sons who are not connected to the WH and are busily helping Russians launder dirty money in the US (in NYC real estate) and elsewhere, perhaps? Who knows? These are questions that have to be answered. The Office of the Presidency cannot just denounce these serious concerns.
Trump had NO employment other than with his Dad and as a TV personality for his own show before becoming President. His experience working with others on terms other than his own is zilch! He now works for the people of the US as POTUS. He can't understand this! The more he covers up his prior business dealings, the closer he is to exiting the WH.
Trump's leadership acumen is unbecoming of the office. He is a pathological liar.
4
We are forgetting that DJT stood in front of major news network cameras and openly called for Russia to hack the emails of a US citizen and former Secretary of State for his own political gain. During this time his associates were meeting with the same Russians on things allegedly having nothing to do with the campaign and the Russians were hacking the campaign of that same US citizen/ former Secretary of State. "I have nothing to do with Russia" is an absolutely meaningless statement in this context. Long live the free press with sincere thanks to the NYT and Washington Post.
2
Here are a few simple question.
How come the Russian Ambassador only met with Trump people? Doesn't he understand that one party only appeals to one half of the American people?
Doesn't he represent all of the Russian people to all of the American people?
We have reached the point in this country where the American people start kidding themselves. Are we now kidding ourselves?
How come the Russian Ambassador only met with Trump people? Doesn't he understand that one party only appeals to one half of the American people?
Doesn't he represent all of the Russian people to all of the American people?
We have reached the point in this country where the American people start kidding themselves. Are we now kidding ourselves?
3
The Russians didn't have any deals with the Democrats and knew to stay clear of Clinton, as she was no friend to Putin.
It seems that the Russians are better at getting their candidate elected than the DNC. I hope the new DNC chair is paying attention. Maybe he can get a few ideas for the next time around.
Trump is acting like the noose is tightening. He just tweeted a slew of accusations saying Obama wiretapped his office in Trump Tower before the elections. Which tells me he's really REALLY got something to hide.
However, if anyone was going to wiretap him, I would suspect his overlord Putin who would want to make sure Donny was toeing the line and following instructions as dictated by Moscow.
But even if it was our government, the fact that he even looked for bugs means he's hiding something.
And here I thought it would be a quiet Saturday.
However, if anyone was going to wiretap him, I would suspect his overlord Putin who would want to make sure Donny was toeing the line and following instructions as dictated by Moscow.
But even if it was our government, the fact that he even looked for bugs means he's hiding something.
And here I thought it would be a quiet Saturday.
4
Americans may never know the full extent of Russia’s involvement in the 2016 presidential election. Individuals with more information will always have a tendency to keep the American people uninformed, using national security as a way to maintain power. But, Americans can hope and pray that the truth is revealed because they have an absolute right to known whether Trump and the Republicans have stolen the presidency. Most Americans at this point believe that they have stolen the election, and Trump and the Republicans should not be in control of the government. What Trump and the Republicans have done is to make the U.S. of A the same as Russia and its dictator Putin. Americans should not be surprised by this outcome as huge amounts of money from corporations, wealthy conservatives and conservative PACs have been invested in controlling the government. It’s been ongoing for more than five decades. As the first line of Resistance, Americans must keep this shame in the news and in the streets.
3
Putin is controlling trump! trump "Liar in Chief" has never said anything negative about Putin, but has said many things negative about everyone in America. Putin has something on little trump!
5
Trump knows all about witch hunts. Recall his 8 year campaign of slander about President Obama's citizenship, and his smirking approval of the cries of "Hang her!" at his wanna-be lynch mob campaign rallies.
9
All the King's horses and all the King's mean are not going to be able to put Humpty Dumpty back together again.....all roads eventually will lead to the Donald...you can tell from his behaviors and body language that he is hiding something(s)...a Special Prosecutor must be appointed.
Republican Congressional leaders run the risk of losing their offices if they do not act now...starting with a subpoena for the Donald's tax returns.
Republican Congressional leaders run the risk of losing their offices if they do not act now...starting with a subpoena for the Donald's tax returns.
5
There are numerous dedicated, patriotic professionals across a great many US intelligence agencies methodically doing their jobs, working above the fray and building the solid cases against this administration. Give them time. Their continuing efforts are what the outgoing Obama Administration was counting on. We, as Americans, are counting on them to clean house as well.
9
Trump is a liar and he has something to hide. His tax returns will show that he is into the Russians for loans and investments that make up a sizeable portion of his wealth, just as was stated in the "disproportionate" comment made by his son. The campaign knew such ties would be toxic, repelling his base, hence the repeated contacts and lies about those contacts.
Time for Mr. Trump to come clean and release his taxes and provide a full explanation of his relationship with the Russians. Until he does so, he should be kept on a very tight leash and ground down by public inquiry. Nothing should get done in his Administration until we know the extent of his involvement. Until everything sees the light of day, Mr. Trump should be treated as an enemy of the American people.
Time for Mr. Trump to come clean and release his taxes and provide a full explanation of his relationship with the Russians. Until he does so, he should be kept on a very tight leash and ground down by public inquiry. Nothing should get done in his Administration until we know the extent of his involvement. Until everything sees the light of day, Mr. Trump should be treated as an enemy of the American people.
5
Well, at the very least, all this criticism will paralyzed any attempt to make any type of concession to the Russian.
2
There is no harm in building relations with Russia as long as they are transparent. This will help solve many international conflicts and control terrorism in the world. Russian can be a very useful partner if properly worked with for security in Europe and well being of humanity all over the world.
No one disagrees - but Russia successfully distabilised us in 2016.
This all seems like a bad spy novel and little too mobbish for my taste. Maybe it's just the way things are done these days--a game of thrones.
3
The U.S. meddles in foreign politics all the time, e.g., Ukraine, Libya, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, most of Central and South America, etc. Two wrongs don't make a right, but at least we could drop the feigned outrage and blatant hypocrisy. Even better, now that we have a taste of our own medicine, we could stop interfering in other countries' domestic affairs and let them determine their own futures.
4
So you're okay with Russia trashing Ukraine's autonomy and desire to join the EU, annex Crimea, commit war crimes in Syria, invade Afghanistan, and meddle in Lybia and Iraq? How much is that for letting people determine their own futures? Why was Obama blamed for NOT interfering more in Syria then?
2
Do you honestly believe that America could or would stop meddling in the affairs of other countries? It is in the marrow of our bones. We have been meddling almost as long as we've been a nation. The worse part of our meddling is that we aren't interested in spreading democracy across the planet - we're meddling to make countries better suited for our business interests.
That said, I agree we should stop acting like we're innocents in the world.
That said, I agree we should stop acting like we're innocents in the world.
1
Fair enough - but has a foreign country ever affected OUR elections before?
2
If another country conspired to affect changes similar to those proposed by the Bannon-Putin administration, we would consider it an act of war.
So why is our own government acting like a foreign adversary? Oh, wait ...
So why is our own government acting like a foreign adversary? Oh, wait ...
3
If this is a witch hunt, the coven is in big trouble.
Our government looks inept. They have been talking about Russian connections since way way back in the campaign, when Trump first spoke admiringly of Putin. And are we not supposed to have the best intelligence agencies on the planet? So what is taking so long? Is there an actual investigation happening and why do they not have more facts? Enough already with the speculation and innuendo. What we have in place of government is chaos.
Party politics are failing. One side against the other and neither side is worth supporting. The future of this country is looking very dark. I've also been hearing about Obama having hired operatives with his Foundation in order to sabotage the Trump administration. So all day, all night we hear about Trump because the Democrats are trying to get their power back and they are determined to get it back no matter what and we have the previous administration working behind the scenes to overthrow the current administration, but no one is investigating that?
You're all out of control. And the public is getting caught up in it and not stepping back to look at the big picture of everything that is going on. Perspective and cooler heads without an agenda are needed. And all because we can't work out our differences and figure a way to co exist.
Party politics are failing. One side against the other and neither side is worth supporting. The future of this country is looking very dark. I've also been hearing about Obama having hired operatives with his Foundation in order to sabotage the Trump administration. So all day, all night we hear about Trump because the Democrats are trying to get their power back and they are determined to get it back no matter what and we have the previous administration working behind the scenes to overthrow the current administration, but no one is investigating that?
You're all out of control. And the public is getting caught up in it and not stepping back to look at the big picture of everything that is going on. Perspective and cooler heads without an agenda are needed. And all because we can't work out our differences and figure a way to co exist.
Why was Russian fertilizer oligarch Rybolovlev's private jetliner at same airport (e.g., Concord NC) as trump's plane on day of campaign appearances? Didn't t-Rump sell this same thug an estate for $100 million that t-Rump paid $40 million for a couple of years earlier? Never met the guy. Really?
5
Tax. Returns. Now.
7
"Former diplomats and Russia specialists say it would have been absurd and contrary to American interests for the Trump team to avoid meetings with Russians..."
Then it is ridiculous for Team Trump to deny having the meetings and get caught lying about it. And it is beyond ridiculous for Sessions to claim he wasn't lying to Congress because he was wearing his armed services committee hat when he met Kislyak at the Republican convention. Not so incidentally, Kislyak didn't attend the Democratic convention, when Clinton was still a heavy favorite to win.
With Trump acting like a guilty middle schooler, the path of least resistance is to assume he sold out our country to the Russians over money. The only evidence that might refute that are his tax returns. And he refuses to release them.
Then it is ridiculous for Team Trump to deny having the meetings and get caught lying about it. And it is beyond ridiculous for Sessions to claim he wasn't lying to Congress because he was wearing his armed services committee hat when he met Kislyak at the Republican convention. Not so incidentally, Kislyak didn't attend the Democratic convention, when Clinton was still a heavy favorite to win.
With Trump acting like a guilty middle schooler, the path of least resistance is to assume he sold out our country to the Russians over money. The only evidence that might refute that are his tax returns. And he refuses to release them.
2
At this juncture, there are two possible outcomes from the Trump/Russian affair. Both of them are sad to the occupant of the White House.
In the best case scenario, a diplomatic initiative of normalization-cooperation between US/Russia is now dead. Back to the cold war status quo.
In the worst case scenario, president Trump could face congressional impeachment IF Kompromat material --that could be used to create negative publicity or blackmail him -- comes to light.
In the best case scenario, a diplomatic initiative of normalization-cooperation between US/Russia is now dead. Back to the cold war status quo.
In the worst case scenario, president Trump could face congressional impeachment IF Kompromat material --that could be used to create negative publicity or blackmail him -- comes to light.
1
I think Trump has proved to be the most dangerous man, intellectually vacuous, with not a sliver of a grasp of policy, and is being managed by a slew of special interests. Now with complete gutting of EPA and reversal of many critical rules that helped this country to be livable and her air breathable, he's proven himself to be an unworthy caretaker of her people, especially the most vulnerable. And none of the Republicans could even care?
I am so hoping this man's false pride and boorishness comes before a gigantic fall leading to his impeachment and the IC and the Press might be our only hope.
I am so hoping this man's false pride and boorishness comes before a gigantic fall leading to his impeachment and the IC and the Press might be our only hope.
4
I'm just reminded of people like Lance Armstrong, who adamantly denied any wrongdoing for years. Only when the evidence was overwhelming and undeniable he finally admitted to some allegations. Trump however is a different cat, no matter what truths are revealed or what happens he will never ever admit any wrongdoing or culpability. And because of that many of his core supporters will believe he was maligned and scapegoated. Very Sad.
3
Among the flimsy, baseless articles written by the NYT for political vengeance, this is the most lacking in any coherence.
What claptrap.
What claptrap.
3
Why?
1
If Trump would just release his tax returns, I think the furor would die down. Or not!
As far as posting pictures of Nancy Pelosi or any other top american official meeting with Russians, well--I thought the time for trivial arguments was over! The people whose pictures he tweeted had every right to be openly meeting with such people as they were either legitimacy elected or appointed. Candidate Trump and his team having so many contacts with a hostile foreign power who hacked our elections naturally raises suspicion...esp since Trump has tried to keep it secret, has seemingly lied about it and has a history of making weirdly flattering remarks about Putin and Russian government. There's no trivial witch hunt going on here...but there should be a manhunt.
As far as posting pictures of Nancy Pelosi or any other top american official meeting with Russians, well--I thought the time for trivial arguments was over! The people whose pictures he tweeted had every right to be openly meeting with such people as they were either legitimacy elected or appointed. Candidate Trump and his team having so many contacts with a hostile foreign power who hacked our elections naturally raises suspicion...esp since Trump has tried to keep it secret, has seemingly lied about it and has a history of making weirdly flattering remarks about Putin and Russian government. There's no trivial witch hunt going on here...but there should be a manhunt.
3
Instead of making the real story about the cheating at the New York Times, CNN, The DNC and Mr. Podesta, the media circles their wagons and decries Russian Boggyemen. Pathetic. This is why the media's approval rating is even below congress'.
3
The democrats lost the election, get over it! These fake conspiracy theorys are nothing more than poor loser excuses so they can drag their feet instead of working for the American people. Trump did not sell Russia 20% of our uranium, Clinton did. Trump did not give Iran billions in cash, Obama did!
3
Wrong on both counts fact check yourself . Clinton do not give uranium to the Russians. Obama did not give billions of cash to the Iranians. That was their money that was frozen from the sanctions and embargos against them oh by the way that cash was for money that partially was paid for weapons systems purchase from the US approved by Reagan. Of that there wer F14 Tomcats as well as other weapons. If this conspiracys were false why did they no come forward with the fact that they had meetings with the Russians. Why will Trump not release his tax returns. There is obviously something to hide here. Where there is smoke there is fire. Oh by the I have had a Security clearance as part of the experience of doing so you must always report if ever you have had contact with officials or agents of a foreign country it is very specific on that. So again why try to hide it.
1
No she did not. That is provably a "fake conspiracy". If she was elected and had these meetings you'd be crying bloody murder.
This is the dude Schumer, Fanken and Company are pinning their hopes on?
The only thing in danger when Kislak is around is a plate of food!
Come on people! Why is he still here? Obama threw out 35 Russians diplomats and ole Sergey is still here!
Give us a break, this story is complete nonsense. This guy has been trolling DC for years, so much so that he is part of the swamp.
Throw him out of party town, end of story.
Now go back to work! Give the man his cabinet
The only thing in danger when Kislak is around is a plate of food!
Come on people! Why is he still here? Obama threw out 35 Russians diplomats and ole Sergey is still here!
Give us a break, this story is complete nonsense. This guy has been trolling DC for years, so much so that he is part of the swamp.
Throw him out of party town, end of story.
Now go back to work! Give the man his cabinet
2
A "total witch hunt"? Does he mean like Clinton's emails? Like Benghazi? Or maybe like the bogus charge that Planned Parenthood sold body parts? Or perhaps like the bogus claims that ACORN engaged in "massive voter fraud"? Or maybe like the "major investigation" into voter fraud that Trump himself is calling for. Is that the kind of witch hunt he means?
4
Please, somebody -- leak those tax returns!
5
Coincidence I think not. There is just way too many of these contacts to be considered fake news stories.
4
My suspicion remains and grows. Call it tit for tat or quid pro quo: you take care of us (sabotage HRC in the election) and we'll take care of you (relief on sanctions, backing off on Ukraine, etc.)
If this is case, it's an impeachable offense.
If this is case, it's an impeachable offense.
4
You better look to this - https://twitter.com/DerSPIEGEL :)
The attorney general lied under oath. He is unfit for service. The entire trump administration is illegitimate. The entire 2016 election was a fraud of massive system wide voter suppression that we have not seen since the "Good old days" when "America was great". Before the voting rights act, when it was OK to deny African Americans the right to vote. It was also OK to lynch them for voting. Time to stop splitting hairs in trump's do. Repeal and replace the 2016 election. Paper ballots, hand counted in all 50 states. Monitored by the League of Women Voters.
6
Move along. Nothing to see here. Hey, what about that wall, pretty cool huh? Or maybe, we still should lock her up shouldn't we? Or how about, look out for those Muslims, they'll get ya.
But all the denials and distractions still don't change the truth. The G men are coming for you orange man. And your friends too.
But all the denials and distractions still don't change the truth. The G men are coming for you orange man. And your friends too.
3
If Trump has nothing to hide he should be the biggest advocate for an independent investigation and should release his tax returns for at least as many years as he claims he has had no business ties to Russia. Nothing could be more straightforward. The fact that he continues stonewalling and whines of "witch hunts" and "illegal leaks" speaks volumes. Remember Donny, your only paranoid if they are NOT out to get you. Your paranoia seems well justified.
5
There are good reasons to international investigate conflicts of interests withing this or any administration. This should include business as well as the influence of foreign governments whether Russian, Saudi, Israeli or Chinese. As for the focus on Russia we are seeing, it is vital that we separate actual harmful conflicting connections and influence from overblown narratives pushed to promote pretexts for a National Security State coup with dangerous implications. Journalist Paul Street writes of the danger of blindly repeating convention narratives:
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_deep_states_hatred_of_trump_is_n...
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_deep_states_hatred_of_trump_is_n...
1
It's sad and ironic that the best investigative work in this newspaper seems to be in the Comments section. Don't look for the story of Dimitry Rybolevlov, bagman for Putin to Trump in the Main section.
Read it here on the Democracy Wall.
Read it here on the Democracy Wall.
5
Follow the money ... find the mattress (tape).
3
Here we go here we go again. So the inference is that President Trump is actively working on behalf of Russia and Putin against the interests of the United States? Or that he worked with Russia to hack the Democratic Party and John Podesta's email to reveal the truth about their misbehaviors? By using a stupid phishing scheme that most intelligent people spot immediately? Total FAKE NEWS! It's sad to see the Democrats rip our country apart for purely partisan political purposes. Reminds me of the Florida fiasco when Al Gore and the democrats couldn't take losing fair and square and were totally willing to blow our country apart for nothing but selfish reasons. Sad.
2
Seems like these stories are showing how Trump's team has been openly lying in front of Congress, but maybe I haven't read enough of Trump's tweets to get fully indoctrinated.
Either one is against the Constitution Kent-if you didn't know. Fake news are made up stories-this isn't, if you didn't know. Your acceptance of a enemy foreign power interfering in our election speaks volumes about you and rest of "Trump followers" than it does about him. He has always been transparent to the many that knew him before all of this (presidency): gaudy, a bit of a slime-ball, but most importantly, power seeking. Your excuse and the many sheep that follow-SAD.
1
Trump, like Hillary Clinton, invites suspicion by refusing to be transparent and truthful and is paranoid. He does not release his tax returns, denies everything, and defends the undefendable. They are two peas in a pod.
Not even close.
1
No, not the same at all. We have seen the financial records pertaining to the Clintons multiple times. They are no longer in power, whereas Trump and his minions are. We need to see the financial records ASAP!
1
Traitors, all. Just vile specimens.
7
It seems a bit coincidental that two of Trump’s three wives are Eastern European natives. Has it always been that difficult for NY billionaires to find a more local mate?
1
The Republican National Convention was July 18th thru July 21st.
Russian spy agencies stolen emails were first published by WikiLeaks on July 22, 2016.
Trump happily used hacked emails from the Democrats on the trail, celebrating a steal/ leak political sabotage by Russians.
USA NSA head: '“This was a conscious effort by a nation-state (Russia) to attempt to achieve a specific effect.”
FBI security expert Shawn Henry: shocked FBI didn't send agent in person to the DNC headquarters:
FBI Special Agent Hawkins: only warned DNC, never went in person to assist Democrats in dealing with hack. Despite being one mile away.
Next, Hillary's opponent, Bernie Sanders improperly gained access to Hillary Clinton's data.
On July 6, 12 days before the Republican National Convention began in Cleveland, Russia released the DNC's operational plans and budget for countering GOP.
Reince Priebus, then head of RNC, refused to condemn Russia hacks + has directly worked with Trump to this day.
All knew in advance about Russia's plan:
Days before the Podesta email release began, Roger Stone, Republican operative working with Trump campaign, sent out "an excited tweet" on exactly was coming.
The Trump team's denied Russian contacts since July 24th, starting with Paul Manafort, who worked for Ukrainian President Yanukovych, a Putin ally.
Pro-Russian language was added to RNC platform. An upset Rachel Hoff, then on the platform, said "Trump is dangerous for America + the world.”
Russian spy agencies stolen emails were first published by WikiLeaks on July 22, 2016.
Trump happily used hacked emails from the Democrats on the trail, celebrating a steal/ leak political sabotage by Russians.
USA NSA head: '“This was a conscious effort by a nation-state (Russia) to attempt to achieve a specific effect.”
FBI security expert Shawn Henry: shocked FBI didn't send agent in person to the DNC headquarters:
FBI Special Agent Hawkins: only warned DNC, never went in person to assist Democrats in dealing with hack. Despite being one mile away.
Next, Hillary's opponent, Bernie Sanders improperly gained access to Hillary Clinton's data.
On July 6, 12 days before the Republican National Convention began in Cleveland, Russia released the DNC's operational plans and budget for countering GOP.
Reince Priebus, then head of RNC, refused to condemn Russia hacks + has directly worked with Trump to this day.
All knew in advance about Russia's plan:
Days before the Podesta email release began, Roger Stone, Republican operative working with Trump campaign, sent out "an excited tweet" on exactly was coming.
The Trump team's denied Russian contacts since July 24th, starting with Paul Manafort, who worked for Ukrainian President Yanukovych, a Putin ally.
Pro-Russian language was added to RNC platform. An upset Rachel Hoff, then on the platform, said "Trump is dangerous for America + the world.”
2
I feel so bad about the impact of revelations of fascist Russia committing an act of war against the US with help from a traitorous presidential campaign on the comfort level of oligarch-loving Russophiles when they are in Moscow. Cry me a river.
1
Donald. I feel sorry for him. It was sad watching the inauguration and seeing him basking pompously as lousy c-list country singers did their own version of strange fruit. It was really really sad. Mr Trump should run when he can as Saddam Hussein should have. Run Don run, as I would imagine Vlad will give you sanctuary and you can have a KFC with Ed Snowden. Surely you have a fortune over there. Don't you? You are popular in Russia whenever Vlad gives the nod. You can bask in glory and see Alaska from there.
2
The Russians are laughing at us.. and it isn't because of Trump...
The real tragedy in all of this is while we wring our hands trying to connect all of the Russia dots, Trump is about to unleash a slew of executive orders that pose an even greater threat to our democracy. I do not mean to be dismissive of the Russia scandal. It should be investigated aggressively and exhaustively. I just shudder when I think of what chaos Trump is about to unleash : anti-pollution regulations gutted, mass deportations, a new healthcare plan that rewards the rich and the healthy while neglecting the most vulnerable, a school system designed for Christian fundamentalists and science deniers, and an Attorney General's Office that shows no interest in protecting the rights of minorities. Scariest of all, the feckless GOP stands idly by watching the train wreck.
3
It's really difficult --although not entirely impossible-- to believe that all Trump wanted to do, from deep in his heart, was to improve American- Russian relations. But this is where the ignorant amateur with a big mouth has almost certainly completely ruined the prospect for better relations any time soon.
When is Trump going to learn that there was always a reason for Political Correctness? ..that every word he speaks or tweets matters? ...that being President is really really hard work and is not a job you do by gut-reaction but by long hard deliberation on an endless list of pros and cons that should guide you in everything you do and and every last word you say?
Odds are almost certainly better that he won't last four years than he will finally and truly meet the very very high bar of being Presidential. (there are millions of Americans who could have done as good or a better job of delivering a TelePrompter speech in Congress. That doesn't make you a leader. It makes you a reader.)
It appears as though Trump is going to achieve what Hillary set out to do... he's breaking the glass ceiling from the other side and falling through. Oprah for President anyone?
When is Trump going to learn that there was always a reason for Political Correctness? ..that every word he speaks or tweets matters? ...that being President is really really hard work and is not a job you do by gut-reaction but by long hard deliberation on an endless list of pros and cons that should guide you in everything you do and and every last word you say?
Odds are almost certainly better that he won't last four years than he will finally and truly meet the very very high bar of being Presidential. (there are millions of Americans who could have done as good or a better job of delivering a TelePrompter speech in Congress. That doesn't make you a leader. It makes you a reader.)
It appears as though Trump is going to achieve what Hillary set out to do... he's breaking the glass ceiling from the other side and falling through. Oprah for President anyone?
2
Looking at the extensive business connections and backgrounds of his team members and their deep and complicated histories / relationships with Russia, I strongly disagree that one could ever assume that this was simply based on misguided efforts to build good will between nations. Best case scenario (and I use that loosely here, since calling this "best" hardly seems appropriate) seems to be that it all could boil down to the almighty dollar. Worst case scenario seems to be that it may turn out to have been a more hostile and all-encompassing foreign takeover attempt by Russia.
How far down does this matryoshka doll set travel within the Trump Administration? Lift one doll and there's another hidden inside. Is it reasonable to expect transparency in Cabinet and Staff that avoids the taint of impropriety? Three years, 11 months and 28 days on the clock.
3
Liar liar pants on fire . Burn the letters. I am not a criminal. Instead of I have a dream.
In my book, this is just one more "ZERO-TO-IT" news story with invisible legs supported by cold war mentality crutches the vast majority of us cast off years ago.
Go find some real news, NYT. As Trump says, you are failing, because you fail your oldest readership for the naive millennial crowd.
Go find some real news, NYT. As Trump says, you are failing, because you fail your oldest readership for the naive millennial crowd.
2
The following quote from this article, talking about what has emerged from an entire compilation of the various media sources, really summarizes where the matter stands:
"There have been courtesy calls, policy discussions and business contacts, though nothing has emerged publicly indicating anything more sinister. "
Until something more "sinister" can be discovered what is the purpose in continuing the enslaught of innuendo and implied judgement?
"There have been courtesy calls, policy discussions and business contacts, though nothing has emerged publicly indicating anything more sinister. "
Until something more "sinister" can be discovered what is the purpose in continuing the enslaught of innuendo and implied judgement?
2
Who knew Melania was such a genius? Smart enough not to pack and UPACK so soon.
3
Russian contacts?,,, nahhhhh. Nothing to see here. Move along everyone. This is just yet another case of "fake news".
And he is still America's President?
So SAD!!!!!!!
And he is still America's President?
So SAD!!!!!!!
Two competing visions. One the US and Russia in constant conflict over who will cause the most damage, exercise the greater global control and will be the most feared. The other Russia and the US in partnership agreeing to coordinate efforts to dominate the world together, creating global misery in tandem.
1
Get Trump's tax returns. That's what needs to happen. Follow the money. As history has already shown, that's where the story leads.
Did you notice how silly and thoroughly awkward Trump looked wearing that jacket and hat on his visit to the ship this week trying to pretend to be earnestly presidential? Yet he can maintain this facade indefinitely unless the money trail is uncovered. Remember: Trump's own son announced that the Trump organization had money "pouring in from Russia" several years ago. Was the son lying?
Trump knows he's a liar who only cares about money and he has met his match with Putin. We are all caught in the middle unless we can find a way to follow the money.
Did you notice how silly and thoroughly awkward Trump looked wearing that jacket and hat on his visit to the ship this week trying to pretend to be earnestly presidential? Yet he can maintain this facade indefinitely unless the money trail is uncovered. Remember: Trump's own son announced that the Trump organization had money "pouring in from Russia" several years ago. Was the son lying?
Trump knows he's a liar who only cares about money and he has met his match with Putin. We are all caught in the middle unless we can find a way to follow the money.
3
The article describes International Republican Institute as "an American democracy-building group". Shouldn't we similarly categorize alleged disclosures of information Hillary Clinton would prefer to keep from the electorate as "democracy-building"? Same may be said of the Obama administration spying on Trump campaign figures, although that appears as a page from a totalitarian regime's playbook.
The meeting that Mr. Greenblatt had with Rabbi Lazar isn't being scrutinized because Mr Greenblatt admitted tot he meeting's happening, he can justify the reason for the meeting and he can explain what was discussed.
The meeting that Mr. Gordon had with Russian's ambassador isn't being scrutinized because it was at an event at which ambassadors from many other countries both friendly and hostile were present. It wasn't a case of he spoke to Russia, only Russia, nobody else but Russia.
Jeff Sessions meeting with the Russian ambassador in his office is being subject to scrutiny because he lied about it while under oath in his own confirmation hearing, because other members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on which Sessions had a seat have gone on record as saying that meetings with the Russian ambassador are not usual fare for them. Because it is not the meeting itself that people find so suspicious, rather it is his attempt to deny it and cover it up.
As for Michael Flynn, had not misled the VP (and through him, misled the American people) about his calls to the Russian ambassador on the day Obama kicked out 35 diplomat-spies, and had he just admitted to the fact he asked the Russians not to retaliate against the incoming administration, and the Trump administration would more or less do whatever Moscow wanted in return for this... But no, he lied, investigations happened and he lost his job.
The meeting that Mr. Gordon had with Russian's ambassador isn't being scrutinized because it was at an event at which ambassadors from many other countries both friendly and hostile were present. It wasn't a case of he spoke to Russia, only Russia, nobody else but Russia.
Jeff Sessions meeting with the Russian ambassador in his office is being subject to scrutiny because he lied about it while under oath in his own confirmation hearing, because other members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on which Sessions had a seat have gone on record as saying that meetings with the Russian ambassador are not usual fare for them. Because it is not the meeting itself that people find so suspicious, rather it is his attempt to deny it and cover it up.
As for Michael Flynn, had not misled the VP (and through him, misled the American people) about his calls to the Russian ambassador on the day Obama kicked out 35 diplomat-spies, and had he just admitted to the fact he asked the Russians not to retaliate against the incoming administration, and the Trump administration would more or less do whatever Moscow wanted in return for this... But no, he lied, investigations happened and he lost his job.
While the desire for a stable and friendly Russia is in America's global interest, the conduct of deceptive and clumsy diplomacy to work towards that objective is dangerous. The fact that these Russian contacts were made by the functionaries of a government in waiting raises serious issues of national security and propriety. The noisy right wing hyperventilation that greeted every foreign policy overture of President Obama is strangely silent except from a stray GOP senator or two. The blatant practice of double standards by either party on such matters is detrimental to our country's security especially when the concerned country is a major adversary. Mr. Putin is an astute and highly trained ex KGB agent. He is clearly succeeding in creating a rift in America's top leadership echelons. The White House cabal frames ill thought out policy from the president's catchy one liners spewed to frenzied campaign audiences. A full blown Congressional investigation is required to set at rest the public's uneasiness about these dealings and determine if our laws have been breached.,
7
Republican's evil empire Russia. For 60 years republicans pointed out how Russia was inferior to The United States. Republicans over and over warned of close association with Russia who could not be trusted and now expect the taxpaying citizens of this nation to think otherwise? That NATO is suspect and Russia our new friends? That Kellyanne Conway can put her dirty feet on the furniture in the Oval Office and get away with it like it's some kind of playroom. Or dayroom.
4
It's amazing what your friends will do for you. "That’s the last behavior we should model — that simply meeting with a Russian official is wrong, without any knowledge of what was said,” Mr. Beyrle said."
REALLY??!! Did he forget intelligence has shown Russian interference of our elections. Of course not, party over country
REALLY??!! Did he forget intelligence has shown Russian interference of our elections. Of course not, party over country
6
Pres Trump is learning that bragging about his romantic conquests to NYC gossip columns is not the same as dealing with the NY Times, Wash Post, other major news organizations, the intelligence community, and the majority of the American people. And the avalanche is coming.
8
The press is whipping up mass hysteria because they still can't accept Clinton's embarrassing loss. As if the U.S. has never meddled in any foreign elections.
Diplomats and ambassadors are in place precisely to speak with and to nurture relationships with the goal of avoiding serious conflicts down the road.
An incoming administration will begin contacts with foreign counterparts and this should be no cause for alarm in and of itself.
It wouldn't be plausible to have an "expert" on China that has never met with any Chinese, would it? The same is true with Russia.
Handshakes and discussions are a part of international business, politics and diplomacy. Where is the evidence of any improper collusion?
Diplomats and ambassadors are in place precisely to speak with and to nurture relationships with the goal of avoiding serious conflicts down the road.
An incoming administration will begin contacts with foreign counterparts and this should be no cause for alarm in and of itself.
It wouldn't be plausible to have an "expert" on China that has never met with any Chinese, would it? The same is true with Russia.
Handshakes and discussions are a part of international business, politics and diplomacy. Where is the evidence of any improper collusion?
6
You are correct. I think we all understand and agree on this.
The problem is that Flynn, Sessions, and the rest, all deny any meetings and go to some effort to deceive and then cover those deceptions.
The question that the press is asking is "Why?"
The problem is that Flynn, Sessions, and the rest, all deny any meetings and go to some effort to deceive and then cover those deceptions.
The question that the press is asking is "Why?"
All the contacts might be considered part of completely normal attempts by Russia to win friends in the US if not for the fact that they hacked the election to ensure Trump won.
The question then becomes; what did they expect in return for delivering the US Presidency to a completely unqualified rabble-rouser. I have little doubt that if the Obama administration had not spread evidence of this throughout government; the sanctions against Russia would now be lifted and Ukraine would be left to fend for itself. And that would only be the beginning.
The question then becomes; what did they expect in return for delivering the US Presidency to a completely unqualified rabble-rouser. I have little doubt that if the Obama administration had not spread evidence of this throughout government; the sanctions against Russia would now be lifted and Ukraine would be left to fend for itself. And that would only be the beginning.
6
Hack the DNC, seduce the GOP.
Who couldn't fall in love with Sergey?
He definitely is cute.
Who couldn't fall in love with Sergey?
He definitely is cute.
3
How quickly Trump dismissed the information from several intelligence agencies that Russia had hacked our election. He said the agencies were stupid. His shift on policy toward Russia is stunning; Putin is a great leader and Russia can be our friend. This was not done for no reason. Possible choices:
a. Russian hacking to help the Donald win
b. Donald owes Russia bigly and they have Kopromat on the Donald
c. Donald and his pals Manafort, Flynn, Sessions, Ross, Tillerson, et al will
make oodles of money
d. all of the above
a. Russian hacking to help the Donald win
b. Donald owes Russia bigly and they have Kopromat on the Donald
c. Donald and his pals Manafort, Flynn, Sessions, Ross, Tillerson, et al will
make oodles of money
d. all of the above
9
Trump really doesn't have to use government channels to communicate with Russian contacts. Trump has business ties that would make it easy. Manafort, Flynn and others are the tip of the iceberg. Just another type of conflict of interest between Trump as businessman and Trump as President.
Think of Tillerson who has extensive and long standing business ties with Russia and Putin as being the most logical go between not Manafort. Tillerson as Secretary of State presents much more opportunity and is much more of a possibility than Manafort. And how would you investigate Tillerson as CEO of Exonn-Mobil?
Think of Tillerson who has extensive and long standing business ties with Russia and Putin as being the most logical go between not Manafort. Tillerson as Secretary of State presents much more opportunity and is much more of a possibility than Manafort. And how would you investigate Tillerson as CEO of Exonn-Mobil?
4
I agree that meeting with foreign officials can be part of the job of members of the Trump transition team and administration. I would like to see a list of officials from other governments that they met with. If they were meeting so often with Russian officials, surely they also had a lot of meetings with ambassadors from other countries. For example, they must have met with the ambassador from The United Kingdom, our most important ally, many times.
3
" Manaforts translator is being investigated by Kiev", and who wanted the investigation, Pinchuk, billionaire oligarch and huge Clinton foundation donor, oh and incidentally one of the benefactors of regime change in Ukraine when we overthrew their duly elected President and allowed the takeover by Pinchuk and his associates, all of whom seem to have gained their billions when the Soviet Union broke up and the assets were plundered. Yeah this is a credible bunch who we should be starting wars for, count your blessings that Clinton and Nuland aren't still in there beating the drum for war with Russia.
1
The Russia thing did NOT work in the election. And it still does NOT work.
Trump supporters know WHO sold URANIUM to the Russians.
You'll keep going nowhere with Russian hysteria.
Trump supporters know WHO sold URANIUM to the Russians.
You'll keep going nowhere with Russian hysteria.
"Trump supporters know who sold uranium to the Russians"
You poor thing. You believe everything Trump says.
Trump's claim that Hillary sold uranium to the Russians is not true, and has been fact checked.
But you believe it because your savior said it. Sad.
You poor thing. You believe everything Trump says.
Trump's claim that Hillary sold uranium to the Russians is not true, and has been fact checked.
But you believe it because your savior said it. Sad.
1
Christina, the campaign is over, the elections have been held and President Obama and Ms Clinton have returned to the private sector. The fiasco that is the Trump administration belongs to trump, the GOP and the folks who voted him into office. Congratulations.
Christiana, please get your facts straight about the uranium sale if you are at all interested in facts at all. Clinton was one of 9 cabinet members and department heads that sat on the CFIUS with the Sec of Treasury as chairperson. The job of the board was to evaluate the sale then turn the findings to the President. The then Assistant Sec of State Fernandez represented the State Dept on the board and said Clinton never intervened in committee matters. You are listening to alternative facts which are lies unless you think that Clinton twisted the arms of the 8 other members and the President to get the sale done, so wrong!
1
Mr Trump's "pugnacious" style? Why does the media constantly try to normalize the Donald? Call this what it is, reckless behavior with no respect for the office of the Presidency and it's responsibility. We'll do whatever we want no matter what the risks and make more money doing it. To heck with what some people think.
All your suspicions are true and the some. This guy and his administration are a bunch of small time crooks that can't be trusted.
And there's a whole lot more to this which will eventually come out even though the GOP will do their best to squelch the truth. Stay tuned. Make America Great Again. Yeah, right.
All your suspicions are true and the some. This guy and his administration are a bunch of small time crooks that can't be trusted.
And there's a whole lot more to this which will eventually come out even though the GOP will do their best to squelch the truth. Stay tuned. Make America Great Again. Yeah, right.
13
Makes me wonder if these Russians might have left behind listening devices at these meetings in Trump Tower and other places.
5
Release your taxes and PROVE you have no ties to Russia - or worse. That would be a start.
6
Anyone still think the Trump server which communicated exclusively with a Russian bank was just sending spam?
5
one of the connections between Russia and Trump is becoming evident: Trump facilitates money laundry for Russian oligarchs through high investment properties in the USA. It has been written that there is nothing illegal about this, but isn't it true that these cash buyers for properties are driving Americans out of the real estate market? Shouldn't there be regulations or limitations to this Russian invasion of the USA?
6
Clinton team's had tied with the european government.
With the saudis and the islamists too.
I dont understand why your newspaper is constantly criticizing Russia, and not the islamists.
With the saudis and the islamists too.
I dont understand why your newspaper is constantly criticizing Russia, and not the islamists.
1
Let's see, I am a United States Senator and the Russian Ambassador wants to meet with me. It's right near our Presidential election and there are confirmed reports that Russia has been hacking into our election and trying to alter the results. Wouldn't one of the first things I would question the ambassador about is Russia's activities in our election? Huh? And wouldn't I remember talking about that if I did ask? Huh? "Something is [definitely] rotten in Denmark"
8
If Sergey Kislyak is such a dark figure in Washington and suspected of spying, then why is he allowed to represent Russia in Washington?
1
Thank you, NYT! Keep going. You, and other courageous members of the fourth estate, are our only hope. Maybe our last hope. We the people can only be empowered by that which is uncovered. Don't fail us now.
2
The bigger story is why Pelosi lied about meeting with the current Russian Ambassador. And how come that is not on the front page of the NY Times, Washington Post and the lead on CNN.
Given the Democrats, colluded with the Media to destroy Bernie, I don't think it is too far fetched to believe The Media, Democrats, and Russians are now colluding to destroy the Trump Presidency.
Especially with the cozy relationship that Obama and Hillary had with Putin that led to the USA selling 20% of our Uranium stores to Russia, and allowing them to run roughshod over the world without America doing anything.
We are on to you NY Times. You are the Russian mole. You are the "enemy of the American People".
Given the Democrats, colluded with the Media to destroy Bernie, I don't think it is too far fetched to believe The Media, Democrats, and Russians are now colluding to destroy the Trump Presidency.
Especially with the cozy relationship that Obama and Hillary had with Putin that led to the USA selling 20% of our Uranium stores to Russia, and allowing them to run roughshod over the world without America doing anything.
We are on to you NY Times. You are the Russian mole. You are the "enemy of the American People".
3
Oh, please. I realize I am "feeding the trolls" by responding, so I'll keep this short. It was clear Pelosi meant she had never had a 1:1, secretly arranged "meeting" (the way Sessions had, and then lied about it under oath); posting a picture where she sat with Russian officials years ago, with numerous other US and foreign diplomats present, on documented and official (and open) business, which she never lied about under oath, is something altogether different. False equivalency and goal post moving is the lowest form of "debate" tactics, and won't work with people far from Twitter or other internet corners of pro-Trump propaganda.
Scott and Andrew, if there was no truth to the report that Trump's team contacted the Russian intelligence officials for his election purpose, then why Trump is denying the fact that there were contacts.
It's not just one member of Trump's team who had contacts.
It seems like various members of Trump's campaign team and his transition team had conversations with the Russian Ambassador to U.S.A.,Mr. Kislyak.
By denying these contacts with the Russian envoy, Trump and his national security team is making it quite obvious to us that there was and is something to hide as now know that these meetings were not just formal greetings.
Through wiretapping these calls, our very esteemed F.B.I. figured out long time ago that these conversations with Mr. Kislyak, Trump's campaign team which was pretty new in this game of campaigning and politicking wanted to learn quite a lot about how to disrupt a wining candidate's campaign which at that time was Ms.Clinton.
I'm quite sure like a majority of the American citizens of this country who're convinced about Russian meddling in our elections, that the Trump's team's request to Mr. Kislyak was "How can you help us in finding some dirt on Hillary?"
And since the current Russian Ambassador was no saint, he must've promised them to do his best to find some unsavory facts from Hillary's personal life as well as any news about infighting between her campaign team members.
So its an undenying fact that Russia helped a lot in making Trump win.
It's not just one member of Trump's team who had contacts.
It seems like various members of Trump's campaign team and his transition team had conversations with the Russian Ambassador to U.S.A.,Mr. Kislyak.
By denying these contacts with the Russian envoy, Trump and his national security team is making it quite obvious to us that there was and is something to hide as now know that these meetings were not just formal greetings.
Through wiretapping these calls, our very esteemed F.B.I. figured out long time ago that these conversations with Mr. Kislyak, Trump's campaign team which was pretty new in this game of campaigning and politicking wanted to learn quite a lot about how to disrupt a wining candidate's campaign which at that time was Ms.Clinton.
I'm quite sure like a majority of the American citizens of this country who're convinced about Russian meddling in our elections, that the Trump's team's request to Mr. Kislyak was "How can you help us in finding some dirt on Hillary?"
And since the current Russian Ambassador was no saint, he must've promised them to do his best to find some unsavory facts from Hillary's personal life as well as any news about infighting between her campaign team members.
So its an undenying fact that Russia helped a lot in making Trump win.
3
" tRump, meanwhile, said that Sessions was the target of a “witch-hunt” and declared his “total” confidence in him.
"tRump tweeted: “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.”
Did'nt he say something similar just before he "asked" Fynn for his resignation?
"tRump tweeted: “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.”
Did'nt he say something similar just before he "asked" Fynn for his resignation?
3
Is a Russian operative occupying the White House? Is the pope Catholic?
So much smoke is swirling about Trump's Russian ties that the fires are being obscured. Manafort left Trump's campaign just as his Russian ties came under scrutiny. Flynn lied. Trump knew he lied. But Flynn only had to resign after his Russian connections were exposed in the press. Sessions is caught lying to the Senate about his Russian contacts. Trump repeatedly refused to admit Russian hacking of the DNC, even after he was given national security briefings that concluded Russia had been conducting cyber warfare on America's election, democracy. Trump equated Russian state authorized murder of its citizens, intentional bombing of Syrian civilians, hospitals, relief efforts and Russia's illegal military annexation of parts of a neighboring sovereign nation to acts of the USA! In other words Putin is no more evil than Barack Obama. Trump wants to be (already is?) Putin's BFF. He wants to lift sanctions on his Russian friends and undermine NATO. When will Trump's sons be traveling to Moscow (at American taxpayer expense) to build a new Trump hotel? The dense smoke of Trump's Russian ties is choking us.
Every American patriot IS OUTRAGED.
What does that say about Republicans! Who don't care about Russia attacking our democracy because they are too happy grasping the opportunity to tear down the social safety net, end Social Security, end Medicare, end Obamacare, end Medicaid and cut taxes on the rich.
So much smoke is swirling about Trump's Russian ties that the fires are being obscured. Manafort left Trump's campaign just as his Russian ties came under scrutiny. Flynn lied. Trump knew he lied. But Flynn only had to resign after his Russian connections were exposed in the press. Sessions is caught lying to the Senate about his Russian contacts. Trump repeatedly refused to admit Russian hacking of the DNC, even after he was given national security briefings that concluded Russia had been conducting cyber warfare on America's election, democracy. Trump equated Russian state authorized murder of its citizens, intentional bombing of Syrian civilians, hospitals, relief efforts and Russia's illegal military annexation of parts of a neighboring sovereign nation to acts of the USA! In other words Putin is no more evil than Barack Obama. Trump wants to be (already is?) Putin's BFF. He wants to lift sanctions on his Russian friends and undermine NATO. When will Trump's sons be traveling to Moscow (at American taxpayer expense) to build a new Trump hotel? The dense smoke of Trump's Russian ties is choking us.
Every American patriot IS OUTRAGED.
What does that say about Republicans! Who don't care about Russia attacking our democracy because they are too happy grasping the opportunity to tear down the social safety net, end Social Security, end Medicare, end Obamacare, end Medicaid and cut taxes on the rich.
7
While meetings with Russian individuals and official may be entirely innocuous and routine, Trump raised suspicions during the Republican primaries and
the general election by praising Putin and embracing Russian foreign policy. It was totally odd to hear a candidate for president of the United States speak of these things together with a new world order; I thought he was either loony or compromised.
If so innocuous and routine, why deny or lie or mislead people regarding meetings?
the general election by praising Putin and embracing Russian foreign policy. It was totally odd to hear a candidate for president of the United States speak of these things together with a new world order; I thought he was either loony or compromised.
If so innocuous and routine, why deny or lie or mislead people regarding meetings?
3
The problem is no one believes anything these guys say. Telling us the conversations were normal and about nothing important is not enough. They live on misinformation and lie routinely, that means they have to offer proof, accept serious scrutiny and investigation. The way they defend themselves is ridiculous. Trump and company can start by documenting that they are not gaining financially from Russian contacts.
4
Trump will never be considered legitimate unless three things happen: (1) he must release his tax returns in order to clear up his murky financial situation and ties with Russia and (2) there must be a total investigation re Russian interference in our election. Jeff Sessions must resign ---like Flynn--Sessions raised his hand and took a solemn oath---and lied. To the cowardly Republicans who prefer not keep such matters hidden---"Have you no shame?"
6
The question is becoming more and more clear, more and more frightening, "does the Russian Bear have a strangle hold on our American Peacock"?
5
Most or all of the contacts were likely initiated by the Russians. Reaching out to influential folks in the host country is what ambassadors do. That raises the question why the Russians had so many contacts with Trump people when Trump seemed like an also ran in the race. That may well tie into their aggressive efforts to tamper with the election. What better way to get guidance on how to sabotage Hillary than going to the Trump people? From there, there are three possibilities. The Russians may have been very discrete, directing conversations to helpful topics while concealing their true purpose. Or they may have directed conversations to matters that revealed their purpose with nobody acknowledging what was apparent. Or they may have engaged in an out and out conspired with the Trump people. The most likely scenario is the second -- the Trump people understood what the Russians were up to, but the two sides acted as if the conversations were innocuous. Whether that was criminal depends upon how clear the Russians' intentions were and to what extent the Trump people were ignoring the obvious. If the Americans taped the conversations, the tapes are available by subpoena. Russian tapes are not because the Russians have diplomatic immunity. If investigators have to rely on the summary accounts of the conversations by those who were present, proving a criminal conspiracy will be an uphill battle. Priority #1 is determining whether there are tapes.
1
Did you hear about Trump's new health care plan, PutinCare? It will offer patients Real Choice between shutting their own mouths or having them shut for them.
2
The Republicans will stop at nothing in their quest for power - nothing. Gerrymandering and voter suppression are the least of it. Perhaps - perhaps - they are stonewalling over the release of Trump's tax returns because a. the party itself is in it up to its eyeballs, from Reince Priebus on down through Ryan and McConnell (who have strangely been keeping low profiles through all of this - I wonder why?), keeping in mind that they will stop at nothing, and b. because Trump is likely insolvent, with the Russians holding a great deal if not most of his debt. That could mean that Russian involvement in the election is, in fact, the result of blackmail, not only of Trump but of others associated with him.
5
Why are so many in this administration lying about contacts with Russians if there was nothing of consequence discussed? The most obvious explanation: dropping sanctions against Russia for invading Crimea in exchange for Exxon deals to drill for oil in the Russian Arctic region. That would have been well worth it for some of them...
The European Union currently has sanctions against Russia for invading Crimea. Trump's idea of leaving NATO would get rid of that issue...
Those promises were made on TV during the electoral campaign. That could explain why the Russians were so interested in Trump becoming president?
The European Union currently has sanctions against Russia for invading Crimea. Trump's idea of leaving NATO would get rid of that issue...
Those promises were made on TV during the electoral campaign. That could explain why the Russians were so interested in Trump becoming president?
4
Of more concern should be that Trump followed Obama's similar Potus decision & has determined to spend 1 Trillion$ to upgrade US Nuclear Arsenal. (est. cost/actual cost after 10 year implementation: Multi-Trillions.)
Failed Petro State Russia is not cold war USSR. But
this will force the real new #2 superpower, CHINA, to do same: in other words, a new ARMS RACE bonanza for Mil-Industr-Congressional Complex (the original unredacted Potus/Gen. IKE's first draft)
The Dem Pols should be ashamed of themselves. American Exceptionalism is false flag patriotism
whether from Neo-Lib D or Neo-Con R.
Ironically, be thankful for Donald is a hard-nosed business man and not a bought & paid for Pol.
Failed Petro State Russia is not cold war USSR. But
this will force the real new #2 superpower, CHINA, to do same: in other words, a new ARMS RACE bonanza for Mil-Industr-Congressional Complex (the original unredacted Potus/Gen. IKE's first draft)
The Dem Pols should be ashamed of themselves. American Exceptionalism is false flag patriotism
whether from Neo-Lib D or Neo-Con R.
Ironically, be thankful for Donald is a hard-nosed business man and not a bought & paid for Pol.
2
The President's inability to distinguish between the meetings and lying about them is another facet of his distorted view of appropriate behavior. Since he has lived his life as a liar, exaggerator, mocker of the truth, to bring up the meetings between Senators Schumer and Pelosi and Russians in the past and what his own team did is to try to bury the lies beneath another lie, that the meetings were equivalent.
His people met (he says without his knowledge, which I have a hard time believing) with the Russians, and then lied about it, and then tried to cover up the lies.
This is not the behavior of an administration that can be trusted.
His people met (he says without his knowledge, which I have a hard time believing) with the Russians, and then lied about it, and then tried to cover up the lies.
This is not the behavior of an administration that can be trusted.
2
This so-called president, Benedict Donald, needs a special prosecutor and Congress to investigate Russiagate NOW! Ignore Benedict's red-herrings .
4
Now is the time for the media to pile it on. I'd like to see the hosts of tomorrow's morning shows ask Priebus, Miller et al how they intend to quash the growing swell of information about these Russian connections. If it's fake news, why won't you tell us why it's fake? Where's the WH's evidence that it's fake? Trump could quash this and gain credibility by releasing his tax returns and showing the country that he's got nothing to hide. Why won't he? What's he afraid of?
Questions like these, and many more, need to be asked on TV. The presenters need to put Trump's reps on the spot, make them answer the questions, make them squirm and then air their excuses and "falsehoods" as often as possible.
Questions like these, and many more, need to be asked on TV. The presenters need to put Trump's reps on the spot, make them answer the questions, make them squirm and then air their excuses and "falsehoods" as often as possible.
6
I for one am going to sit back and enjoy the spectacle that is going to unfold. It could very well be true that the contacts were routine, but there is too much of an appearance of suspicious (perhaps treasonous) behavior for this thing to get turned off by Trump's bluster. An immense fly wheel is beginning to rotate and obstruction will do nothing but aggravate the situation. Patriots and political opponents are doing their jobs when they investigate, get used to it - this is far more disturbing and substantive than Hillary's emails or Bengazi.
3
Even if the contacts were benign and innocent, the fact that Trump and his people tried to hide them makes it look as if they have something to hide, as does the reluctance of Republicans to start an independent investigation. If they have nothing to hide, they have nothing to fear from the truth, and in fact it would be in their own interests to cooperate with an independent investigation in order to put the suspicions to rest.
Of course, maybe the Republicans are simply afraid that the Democrats will use their own tactics against them. After all, they successfully used incessant investigations of Hillary Clinton to discredit her, despite not finding anything particularly damning, and there are still people who believe that Barack Obama was not born in the United States despite all evidence to the contrary. You reap what you sow, and if your tactics are successful against your opponents, you can't really fault them for using them against you.
Of course, maybe the Republicans are simply afraid that the Democrats will use their own tactics against them. After all, they successfully used incessant investigations of Hillary Clinton to discredit her, despite not finding anything particularly damning, and there are still people who believe that Barack Obama was not born in the United States despite all evidence to the contrary. You reap what you sow, and if your tactics are successful against your opponents, you can't really fault them for using them against you.
4
Rachel Maddow reported on the fact that Dmitry Rybolovlev (the Russian Fertilizer King) flew into the same airport as Donald Trump numerous times during the campaign for no apparent reason. Mr. Rybolovlev owns part of the Bank of Cyprus which was funneling dirty money from Deutsche Bank in Germany. It appears that DJT received around a billion dollars of this money. See the Palmer Report.
https://www.palmerreport.com/news/dmitry-rybolovlev-who-keeps-flying-in-...
https://www.palmerreport.com/news/dmitry-rybolovlev-who-keeps-flying-in-...
6
Can we find out how often Democratic politicians met with the Russians to put this in context?
Two things could have gone on here. First, the Trump campaign worked with a hostile power, Russia, to undermine the integrity of our election. Or second, Russia using vasts amounts of money bought favor with Republicans and the Trump campaign to undermine our election. Either way you look at it, Trump is the accidental president.
2
Perhaps the GOP's reluctance to support an in-depth inquiry might be because they are worried what might come it and its possible impacts for the mid-term elections.
1
The other real story is who is doing the massive leaking from our Intel Agencies. Low level or high level? This is a clue as to how close the investigations are to bringing down the administration.
Editors: and investigative journalists all should keep the Trump accusations in
mind...every hour of every day...
and the pronouncement of Donald J. Trump and his camp followers is that
the news media is the 'enemy of the people' clearly shows that Trump like
Putin like others who are and have been despots ...these suppressors of truth
want to destroy our truth seekers...those in news media who ...print the
truth...and not the distortions of the truth...; and therefore I hope that all
those employed by the NYTimes will call you the media out...if you dare
ever again to intentionally try to spin or distort the news...and defame your
fine predecessors...in this business...so no more spin..just the news that is
forever fit to print...remember your fine predecessors...or I will quit reading
your columns..
mind...every hour of every day...
and the pronouncement of Donald J. Trump and his camp followers is that
the news media is the 'enemy of the people' clearly shows that Trump like
Putin like others who are and have been despots ...these suppressors of truth
want to destroy our truth seekers...those in news media who ...print the
truth...and not the distortions of the truth...; and therefore I hope that all
those employed by the NYTimes will call you the media out...if you dare
ever again to intentionally try to spin or distort the news...and defame your
fine predecessors...in this business...so no more spin..just the news that is
forever fit to print...remember your fine predecessors...or I will quit reading
your columns..
2
Absolutely NYT! This must be the only above the fold story until trump, Bannon and Pence are long gone. As far as Comey goes - orange pajamas for that traitor to the republic. And Obama? Thanks for nothing. I'm surprised you don't have arthritis from sitting on your hands all day.
1
Sadly, so much of this can be traced back to Trump/GOP campaign self inflicted wounds. Refusing to provide tax returns, extremely controversial and in many cases unqualified appointments, "we won get over it" attitude from both Trump and his team, alternative facts, partisan overreach by congress on Clinton/Benghazi/emails, jumping to conclusions and policies based on radical Bannon ideologies, lack of any policy details during or after the campaign, maligning immigrants/judges/responsible press....I'd go on, but I'm tired of rehashing it all, but it does need to be pointed out as Trump has once again seen fit to blame others for his failures (the generals wanted the Yemen raid, it's a "WITCH HUNT").
It has now been driven to the point where only an independent special prosecutor can untangle the damage.....and the reason for that lies with the Trump team.....no one else.
It has now been driven to the point where only an independent special prosecutor can untangle the damage.....and the reason for that lies with the Trump team.....no one else.
2
So meeting with a Russian Hasidic rabbi is a scandal now? Literally, Joe McCarthy didn't go as far as the NYT and WaPo are going in hyping hatred towards Russians.
2
Trump is solely responsible for the rise of suspicions about his ties to Russia.
His failure to release his tax returns and his unusual admiration of Putin and softer stance on Russia gave rise to the initial suspicion that perhaps he had financial reasons for his stance. And his categorical denials which turn out to be fake don't help either.
The Republican Party should never have permitted him to run without subjecting him to extreme vetting.
Talking with foreign diplomats, even from less than friendly countries, is routine and important. But Trump affiliates and surrogates would have to be brain dead not to realize that all contacts with Russians would be subject to heightened scrutiny because of Russian interference in the election campaign. So carry on with the contacts but do so openly and within normal protocol. And don't deny it, or forget about it.
Improving relations with Russia is a good goal. But what is the cost of doing so? Trump has been vague and vacillating on this.
Ironically, because of Russian interference in the election and Trump's failure to allay suspicions of financial entanglements, any attempt by the Trump Administration to improve relations with Russia will be met with suspicion.
His failure to release his tax returns and his unusual admiration of Putin and softer stance on Russia gave rise to the initial suspicion that perhaps he had financial reasons for his stance. And his categorical denials which turn out to be fake don't help either.
The Republican Party should never have permitted him to run without subjecting him to extreme vetting.
Talking with foreign diplomats, even from less than friendly countries, is routine and important. But Trump affiliates and surrogates would have to be brain dead not to realize that all contacts with Russians would be subject to heightened scrutiny because of Russian interference in the election campaign. So carry on with the contacts but do so openly and within normal protocol. And don't deny it, or forget about it.
Improving relations with Russia is a good goal. But what is the cost of doing so? Trump has been vague and vacillating on this.
Ironically, because of Russian interference in the election and Trump's failure to allay suspicions of financial entanglements, any attempt by the Trump Administration to improve relations with Russia will be met with suspicion.
3
Accepting reality, that the Russians played a role, with Trump and his team's sellout for the win and money, what was the "quid pro quo?
Was it Crimea? Was it the dismantling of NATO? can't be something as simple as the lifting of sanctions? a compromised president?
what was their end game?
Was it Crimea? Was it the dismantling of NATO? can't be something as simple as the lifting of sanctions? a compromised president?
what was their end game?
6
I expect that even the most ardent Trump supporters will be exhausted by this constant circus that is the Trump/Putin love in would want a full investigation to put paid to the relentless speculation so that their glorious leader can get on with the business of running the government. Trump is his own worst enemy and this will not disappear unless there is a commitment on the part of the Trump administration to a full and open investigation.
3
On the contrary, we recognize an orchestrated political effort when we see one.
Democrats never called for their Attorney General to step down when she was caught on the tarmac with Bill Clinton. Their outrage now is meaningless. Democrats also met with the Russian ambassador, forgot and "lied" about it. Their allegations based on the very existence of meetings is meaningless.
There is still no evidence to dispute what participants in those meetings claimed was discussed. In fact, the one consistent theme in all these charges is the lack of evidence behind the democrats' charges.
What Trump supporters see is an Obama smear campaign. Hopefully, rightwing media will investigate his role in this. It's shameful. I hope President Trump purges his Administration, especially at Justice, of all Obama operatives. They're like cult members, devoted to him and will obviously do anything.
Democrats never called for their Attorney General to step down when she was caught on the tarmac with Bill Clinton. Their outrage now is meaningless. Democrats also met with the Russian ambassador, forgot and "lied" about it. Their allegations based on the very existence of meetings is meaningless.
There is still no evidence to dispute what participants in those meetings claimed was discussed. In fact, the one consistent theme in all these charges is the lack of evidence behind the democrats' charges.
What Trump supporters see is an Obama smear campaign. Hopefully, rightwing media will investigate his role in this. It's shameful. I hope President Trump purges his Administration, especially at Justice, of all Obama operatives. They're like cult members, devoted to him and will obviously do anything.
1
Why the urgency for Trump "surrogates" (I prefer "representatives") to meet with a known Russian spymaster, consistently, from April -Dec. of 2016, all *before* residing in the WH? Why not do the same with China or N. Korea or with leaders of Europe?
Steven Bannon has stated that conflict (read:war) with Russia and China is "inevitable." Trump's mentor and chief influencer, Roy Cohn, was virulently anti-Communist. As I did, Trump grew up during the Cold War when we were all taught the evils of Communism; it was drummed into us and for Trump, especially, at the "military" prep school he attended. And yet, all those meetings on Trump's behalf with, effectively, Russian intelligence? Cui bono?
The only question remaining is the big one: why were all those meeting so very important to Donald J. Trump? Pure common sense tells us, given Trump's narcissism, that he had something of great importance to either gain or lose - the presidency itself and Russia's help was vital to the former.
What is just as damaging to our democracy (as a president elected with help from an adversarial government) is the Republican Party's attempts to retain legitimacy by obstructing independent investigations. This is not as simple as political calculus but, rather, a stunning lack of patriotism in the face of orchestrated collusion to undermine our country.
Steven Bannon has stated that conflict (read:war) with Russia and China is "inevitable." Trump's mentor and chief influencer, Roy Cohn, was virulently anti-Communist. As I did, Trump grew up during the Cold War when we were all taught the evils of Communism; it was drummed into us and for Trump, especially, at the "military" prep school he attended. And yet, all those meetings on Trump's behalf with, effectively, Russian intelligence? Cui bono?
The only question remaining is the big one: why were all those meeting so very important to Donald J. Trump? Pure common sense tells us, given Trump's narcissism, that he had something of great importance to either gain or lose - the presidency itself and Russia's help was vital to the former.
What is just as damaging to our democracy (as a president elected with help from an adversarial government) is the Republican Party's attempts to retain legitimacy by obstructing independent investigations. This is not as simple as political calculus but, rather, a stunning lack of patriotism in the face of orchestrated collusion to undermine our country.
4
Did the Trump campaign have disproportionately more contact with the Russians than, say, with the Germans, British, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Canadians, Saudis?
Looks like it. If it is fact, then why?
Nothing wrong with meeting with the Russians. But why so much more than all these other countries? (And why lie about it?)
Looks like it. If it is fact, then why?
Nothing wrong with meeting with the Russians. But why so much more than all these other countries? (And why lie about it?)
8
.... and the swamp is getting bigger and bigger .... unfortunately Pence does not seem any better than Trump..... the only solution is to keep them contained for the next four years by voting Republicans out of office. You do no like Democrats? ... vote Independent... personally I like Dems, they seem more decent to me... but whatever the beliefs.... lets bring back some sanity !!
1
There is bats in the belfry and Russians hiding in the attic this level of hysteria from the left is really what is getting scary. With all the hearsay and anonymous sources being reported by the Times not one shred of evidence conclusively points to the Russians in fact even hacking the DNC or any other nefarious activity if so please bring it forward. Would any of this hold up in a court of law...... No......This is really starting to feel like the red scare of the 1950's ..... Really irresponsible journalism ... Shame on you editors of NY Times...
2
Fir bats in the belfry, see Trump's latest demented tweets about Pres. Obama wiretapping him. Crazy is as crazy does. This Russian interference in the American election cannot be swept under a rug. It's very interesting and concerning that Republicans are so eager to do so. What are they hiding?
1
We've had many defective members of Congress over the years, lacking in intellect and integrity, but I can't remember a time when all the members of a party had totally abdicated responsibility to their constituents and the nation as the GOP now has. They seem driven by an urge to self-destruction, bringing all of us down.
6
The Republican party now has access to more power and more money than they could ever have imagined. Why would they do anything to jeopardize that?
Histrionic Democrats. Ho hum. It's getting boring. There's nothing there.
3
Except that all US intelligence agencies reported that Russia interfered in the 2016 election in order to elect Trump. Across the same year there were multiple contacts between his cue left and Russian agents. And Trump has refused to release his tax returns that would show the extent of Russian investment in his businesses and consequently the extent of his indebtedness to Russia.
This cyberwarfare on a US election cannot be ignored, and how much collusion Trump and Republicans had on the matter determines how treasonous they were.
Maybe this doesn't matter in Canada but certainly does in this country.
This cyberwarfare on a US election cannot be ignored, and how much collusion Trump and Republicans had on the matter determines how treasonous they were.
Maybe this doesn't matter in Canada but certainly does in this country.
2
Yes, it's a total witch hunt. it's what you have to do when you've got the moral equivalent of witches.
5
TREASON. Duh.
Reagan did it with Iran in 1980.
What's new for power-mad Republicans? Nothing.
Reagan did it with Iran in 1980.
What's new for power-mad Republicans? Nothing.
6
The appearance of wrong-doing is often as bad as having done the deed itself, especially when this undermines the public's trust in their governing institutions.
Both major parties owe the people an honest effort to address this problem before it becomes a far worse solvent of public trust for this is a problem that will affect all parties concerned.
This problem can not be dismissed as being a "total witch hunt" – not by the one person that has so much of a vested interest in the outcome.
Both major parties owe the people an honest effort to address this problem before it becomes a far worse solvent of public trust for this is a problem that will affect all parties concerned.
This problem can not be dismissed as being a "total witch hunt" – not by the one person that has so much of a vested interest in the outcome.
4
Follow the money
Phil Las Vegas 7 hours ago
Trump owes hundred of millions of dollars to Deutsche Bank, the same Deutsche Bank caught laundering $10 billion of Putin Mafia money, freshly fleeced off the Russian people, overseas, mostly in Cyprus (the Bank of Cyprus is owned by the Putin Mafia), but also in assets in America. For example, a few years ago Deutsche Bank told Trump he needed to pay $40 million immediately, of the $600 million he owed them. Trump didn't have it. Then, a Russian oligarch, and part owner of the Bank of Cyprus, buys a Trump home in Florida, that Trump had paid $40 million for two years earlier. The oligarch generously paid $100 million. Now Trump has the money to pay back Deutsche Bank: Putin's launderer. Subsequently, the head of Deutsche Bank gets caught laundering for Putin, so he steps down. His new job: head of the Bank of Cyprus. The Bank of Cyprus hired him based on the advice of its two vice-chairs. One is Putin's closest friend. The other is Wilbur Ross. Wilbur Ross is our new Secretary of Commerce! What a small world this is!! So, at this point you should be asking: what is Trump's relationship with the Putin Mafia and the banks they own (Cyprus), or at least heavily influence (Deutsche)? At the very least, we should investigate, with a special prosecutor. Because Trump is unable to say anything negative about the leader of the Russian Mafia.
Trump is all about the money
That's where you will find the evidence
We must see his taxes
Phil Las Vegas 7 hours ago
Trump owes hundred of millions of dollars to Deutsche Bank, the same Deutsche Bank caught laundering $10 billion of Putin Mafia money, freshly fleeced off the Russian people, overseas, mostly in Cyprus (the Bank of Cyprus is owned by the Putin Mafia), but also in assets in America. For example, a few years ago Deutsche Bank told Trump he needed to pay $40 million immediately, of the $600 million he owed them. Trump didn't have it. Then, a Russian oligarch, and part owner of the Bank of Cyprus, buys a Trump home in Florida, that Trump had paid $40 million for two years earlier. The oligarch generously paid $100 million. Now Trump has the money to pay back Deutsche Bank: Putin's launderer. Subsequently, the head of Deutsche Bank gets caught laundering for Putin, so he steps down. His new job: head of the Bank of Cyprus. The Bank of Cyprus hired him based on the advice of its two vice-chairs. One is Putin's closest friend. The other is Wilbur Ross. Wilbur Ross is our new Secretary of Commerce! What a small world this is!! So, at this point you should be asking: what is Trump's relationship with the Putin Mafia and the banks they own (Cyprus), or at least heavily influence (Deutsche)? At the very least, we should investigate, with a special prosecutor. Because Trump is unable to say anything negative about the leader of the Russian Mafia.
Trump is all about the money
That's where you will find the evidence
We must see his taxes
6
It's more incriminating than the media even realizes, as I noted here when I uncovered additional, publicly verifiable information not discussed in this overall context and uncovered it before the election: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exclusive-top-trump-aides-deeper-linked-r... The web centers around connections to Russian mob boss Semion Mogilevich and links Trump, Sater, Manafort, Page, and Firtash in a series of crooked Eurasian gas and Manhattan real estate deals, two of which are certainly linked and to which Trump's failed SoHo deal may also be linked. This is all part of Putin's war against Western democracy https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/welcome-era-rising-democratic-fascism-ii-... of which the Russo-American Cyberwar that put Trump in the White House in a razor-close election was an integral part: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/first-russo-american-cyberwar-how-obama-l...
5
There needs to be an independent investigation into the Trump campaign financial and political ties to Russian entities and collusion with Russian intelligence involved with undermining Clinton's campaign. The reason is that too many Trump sycophants including House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes who has echoed suspicious parallel verbage of Trump & Russian claims of a "witch hunt" and Senator Richard Burr, both of whom were contacted by Trump inner circle to talk to press while under investigation suggests partisan collusion and undermining of public trust into political bias by the very legislative committee tasked with investigating the President & his campaign. What the independent, 9-11 type investigation should focus on is why Trump's campaign regularly met with Russian entities throughout the campaign including why Dmitry Rybolovlev bird doggededly intersected Trump's campaign stops at regular intervals. Also investigate potential illegal Trump's financial ties to Deutsche Bank & Bank of Cyprus including criminal mafia like connections to white collar criminal Felix Sater & the suspicious sale of his $98 million dollar Palm Beach home just months before the 2008 global financial meltdown by Russian. https://www.democracynow.org/2017/3/2/billionaire_wilbur_ross_confirmed_... https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/what-the-cia-and-fbi-knew-about-tru...
8
I guess the NYT, in this and all the other drumbeat "news stories" about team Trump and their nefarious Russian connections, is suggesting that in our global economy, and in the DC world of diplomatic relations and embassies and ambassadors there should be no communication. Isn't that why embassies are there, to improve relationships and understanding between powerful countries with different ideologies and agendas?
Certainly no Democrat has ever talked to a Russian, right? Not even my senator Claire McCaskill....despite her record of tweets
It is all such utter nonsense.
Certainly no Democrat has ever talked to a Russian, right? Not even my senator Claire McCaskill....despite her record of tweets
It is all such utter nonsense.
3
And did anyone in team Trump have secret meetings and lie about them with say the Chinese or British? Why were they ONLY meeting with the Russians especially at a time when there was already PROOF from 17 intelligence agencies that Russia had interferred in the election? One of these days you Trumpster voters are going to have to be honest with yourselves and admit that you voted for a traitor to the U.S.
1
Of course they talk to each other.
But then why lie that you did not?
But then why lie that you did not?
2
No, they're suggesting they shouldn't have lied about it under oath.
1
When former diplomats and Russia specialists say it would have been absurd and harmful for the Trump team to avoid contacts with Russians, they're writing on a blank slate. The contacts in question took place in the context of Russian interference in a US election. That makes all the difference.
8
It should not be possible to write an article like this and forget to remind readers of Trump's odd praise for his fellow dictator Putin. Likewise that Manafort worked for the kleptocrat who ran Ukraine--a Putin puppet. The supposedly innocent dots the media is connecting are not the only dots.
7
NYT - You followed the smoke. Now find the fire. Please be diligent and dogged in your journalistic duties. America depends on you. There's not much riding on this - only the First Amendment and the future of the country.
12
Face it, he's the Manchurian Candidate--bought, sold, and delivered by the Soviet Union (with assistance by the gullible voters of Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania) into the Oval Office. He's Donald Trumpovich, the Czar of Putin's satellite bureaucracy. Da!
11
Given that Trump publicly requested that Russia back the US government to find and release more of Hillary's emails,how much of a stretch is it to assume he colluded in their hacking and influencing the election in his favour?
I think Comey needs to be investigated too given his suspicious conduct in announcing a further investigation into Hillary when she was aiming,despite that being against protocol,yet now won't co-operative with other Intel in their investigation of GOP?
I think Comey needs to be investigated too given his suspicious conduct in announcing a further investigation into Hillary when she was aiming,despite that being against protocol,yet now won't co-operative with other Intel in their investigation of GOP?
12
It was a joke. Everyone laughed. Actually, a very funny one. New York humor.
1
Tax returns, please. How much did Trump borrow, and from whom? What did Don,jr. mean when referencing Trump family business interests in Russia?
15
Have just read about Trump's latest tweet...that C. Shumer met Putin years ago! So what? How is this anything like the Putin/Russia issue with Russian Diplomats who are part and parcel Putin's men...the ones who hacked the DNC. The difference in case Mr. Trump reads my letter, is that as C Shumer has pointed out...his meeting was OPEN and for all the world to see. The clandestine calls before they took office of Trump's choices for his staff are totally another ball of wax. And there had better be an investigation of Sessions...I predict however that somehow the Republican Party will stonewall this.
11
Yes and the tweeter in-chief isn't even bright enough to figure out the pic was years old
Isn't the best antidote to rumour and denial the creation of a Special Counsel (independent Prosecutor) to looking the Russian file, the missing tax returns and the conflicts of interest? And why is this resisted? In its absence it falls on the press to continue very active investigative journalism.
12
This is so bizarre. I often feel like I don't recognize my country right now.
I assume this is all temporary. Which might prove to be wrong.
I assume this is all temporary. Which might prove to be wrong.
9
Live from Moscow West, it's...
SATURDAY MORNING LIES!
SATURDAY MORNING LIES!
6
This report is another example of the bias and fake news in the NYT and the hypocrisy of the Democrats.
Does anyone think for one second that:
There were no contacts by the Democrats in Congress, the White House or Hillary's campaign with any foreign leader or his surrogates during last years campaign? That there was no discussion of the US election, who they expected to win or what they intended to do after the election?
That Obama's open mike conversation with the President of Russia on waiting until after the 2012 election to pursue nuclear discussions was an isolated incident?
That the comments of numerous European leaders or their staff about Trump or their open public endorsement of Hillary during the 2016 campaign occurred with no communication with Hillary's campaign staff or Obama's staff?
That the FBI monitored Trump and his staff's phone calls but not Hillary or her staff's phone calls without a directive from Obama?
That, if the FBI's monitoring was justified and security related, there were no Democrat's conversations with all world leaders monitored?
That the one sided leaks are not politically motivated?
That we are any closer to finding out who actually leaked Hillary's emails to WikiLeaks?
Where is a responsible journalist when you need one? An unbiased media would get the answers to all of these questions? Otherwise the witch hunt and fake news charges stand.
Does anyone think for one second that:
There were no contacts by the Democrats in Congress, the White House or Hillary's campaign with any foreign leader or his surrogates during last years campaign? That there was no discussion of the US election, who they expected to win or what they intended to do after the election?
That Obama's open mike conversation with the President of Russia on waiting until after the 2012 election to pursue nuclear discussions was an isolated incident?
That the comments of numerous European leaders or their staff about Trump or their open public endorsement of Hillary during the 2016 campaign occurred with no communication with Hillary's campaign staff or Obama's staff?
That the FBI monitored Trump and his staff's phone calls but not Hillary or her staff's phone calls without a directive from Obama?
That, if the FBI's monitoring was justified and security related, there were no Democrat's conversations with all world leaders monitored?
That the one sided leaks are not politically motivated?
That we are any closer to finding out who actually leaked Hillary's emails to WikiLeaks?
Where is a responsible journalist when you need one? An unbiased media would get the answers to all of these questions? Otherwise the witch hunt and fake news charges stand.
4
Unlike your assertions, which are false, those regarding trump's associations are backed up by facts. Remember those? Things that can be proven in court? Prove yours.
If you strip away all these allegations and disregard all of the Obama leaks, what are you left with? The truth, which is that President Obama allowed the Russians to hack an election (his claim) and did nothing about it, and a DNC that was in cahoots with one of the candidates.
Democrats are obviously working very hard to obstruct this from remaining the one true story of the election.
Democrats are obviously working very hard to obstruct this from remaining the one true story of the election.
2
Actually, Gene, it shows the gross hypocrisy of Republicans, considering the amount of taxpayer funds that party has spent on relentless investigations into far less serious matters, like a ten-year-old already-litigated land deal, including firing the initial special prosecutor when his conclusions weren't what they wanted, so they got Kenneth Starr in there; seven years harassing a sitting president in the hopes of finding something, anything, on which to hang him, settling for a fib about a consensual affair and impeaching him over it; a committee created for the sole purpose of bringing the president and SOS down over a terrorist attack (and I remind you that Democrats got behind Pres. Bush after 9/11`. Republicans saw Benghazi as a political opportunity); a private email server, never hacked.
But a US enemy illegally hacking one party's emails in order to interfere with out election and help throw it to its preferred candidate, an Attorney General lying while under oath to Congress regarding this serious matter, among others, causes yawns amongst Republicans. It is weird and creepy that, apparently had Sessions fibbed about a consensual sex act in an actual witch hunt with no national security or risks to our democracy, that THAT would have gotten you Republicans demanding impeachment and removal. Way. Off. Base. And dishonest.
But a US enemy illegally hacking one party's emails in order to interfere with out election and help throw it to its preferred candidate, an Attorney General lying while under oath to Congress regarding this serious matter, among others, causes yawns amongst Republicans. It is weird and creepy that, apparently had Sessions fibbed about a consensual sex act in an actual witch hunt with no national security or risks to our democracy, that THAT would have gotten you Republicans demanding impeachment and removal. Way. Off. Base. And dishonest.
There are two issues here. Firstly, there is no debate about Russian subversion of the US presidential election process. All the US intelligence agencies have confirmed it. This leads onto the question of the extent to which the Trump campaign were aware of this or a party to it.
The second issue is the extent of Russian knowledge of and involvement in the business affairs and social activities of Trump and his associates. There seems to be little doubt this is considerable and almost certainly explains Trump's unwillingness to release his tax returns. At the very least this leaves his administration open to blackmail.
The US intelligence agencies almost certainly know all about this and they are probably principally responsible for the leaking of all these tidbits. A process that is likely to continue. At the moment Trump is being protected by Republicans in congress in an astounding betrayal of the national interest. What is it going to take for this protection to be withdrawn?
The second issue is the extent of Russian knowledge of and involvement in the business affairs and social activities of Trump and his associates. There seems to be little doubt this is considerable and almost certainly explains Trump's unwillingness to release his tax returns. At the very least this leaves his administration open to blackmail.
The US intelligence agencies almost certainly know all about this and they are probably principally responsible for the leaking of all these tidbits. A process that is likely to continue. At the moment Trump is being protected by Republicans in congress in an astounding betrayal of the national interest. What is it going to take for this protection to be withdrawn?
40
To avoid the power of blackmail the Trump people just need to tell Russia to f* off. Americans are so mesmerized by Trump that they will not care what comes out. Trump's people have nothing to be afraid of from the American people. America knows what it was getting in Trump and they wanted it. We wanted jobs over Social Security, Medicare or health insurance. We wanted crappy water and air so businessmen could make more money and get lower taxes. and we wanted much lower taxes for the rich so the GOP could maximize campaign contributions. And finally we want taxpayer's to pay for school vouchers so young white Christian children do not have to go to school and learn science or be around African Americans.
Your "second" issue is a conspiracy theory without a shred of evidence.
By the way, the one person still responsible for the Russian hacking is still former President Obama. Despite his very clever efforts to distract from his culpability, he was at the helm when it occurred, not Trump.
Nice try on Obama's part to make this about Trump when it was Obama's ineptitude -- and those at the DNC -- that allowed the alleged Russian hacking to have occurred.
Democrats just keep going down the line of republicans, starting with President Trump, trying to find someone to take the heat for their royal mess.
By the way, the one person still responsible for the Russian hacking is still former President Obama. Despite his very clever efforts to distract from his culpability, he was at the helm when it occurred, not Trump.
Nice try on Obama's part to make this about Trump when it was Obama's ineptitude -- and those at the DNC -- that allowed the alleged Russian hacking to have occurred.
Democrats just keep going down the line of republicans, starting with President Trump, trying to find someone to take the heat for their royal mess.
1
These folks hang together to avoid getting hanged separately. They know they're over the line.
The more this goes on, the more critical Trump's unseen tax returns seem to get.
Those returns could very well be material evidence of Russian financial connections and therefore influence. The president, while the president, is beyond indictment, but others connected to his campaign and administration are not. Can the president's tax returns be subpoenaed by a congressional committee or the FBI investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election?
Those returns could very well be material evidence of Russian financial connections and therefore influence. The president, while the president, is beyond indictment, but others connected to his campaign and administration are not. Can the president's tax returns be subpoenaed by a congressional committee or the FBI investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election?
10
The whole affair sounds more like the Vincent Foster or Benghazi hysteria
3
I am completely comfortable entertaining the charge that the Trump campaign colluded with the Russians to influence the 2016 presidential election. The Trumpian ship of fools was entirely too clueless to have pulled it off by themselves.
What I fear is that, in light of FBI Director Comey's finger on the scale in the election, most Americans fail to remember that FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover suborned out-and-out assassinations of American citizens (e.g., Fred Hampton), unlawful character assassination (e.g., Martin Luther King) and the manufacture of evidence on numerous occasions during the Vietnam War.
As long as Donald Trump is given presidential authority, the United States is in danger from its own law enforcement establishment.
Citizens have to force their elected representatives to act now before this gets any further out of control.
What I fear is that, in light of FBI Director Comey's finger on the scale in the election, most Americans fail to remember that FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover suborned out-and-out assassinations of American citizens (e.g., Fred Hampton), unlawful character assassination (e.g., Martin Luther King) and the manufacture of evidence on numerous occasions during the Vietnam War.
As long as Donald Trump is given presidential authority, the United States is in danger from its own law enforcement establishment.
Citizens have to force their elected representatives to act now before this gets any further out of control.
13
If the meetings are innocent why not disclose them and the content of the discussions?
18
Who knew.
Who knew that a crooked Hillary and a lyin' Ted, would turn up in the body of mean, nasty, wildly impulsive, overly emotional, confused, silly, intellectually challenged, unfocused, unread big baby, crooked Donald, lyin' Donald, our first illegitimate President--who knew?
Who knew that a crooked Hillary and a lyin' Ted, would turn up in the body of mean, nasty, wildly impulsive, overly emotional, confused, silly, intellectually challenged, unfocused, unread big baby, crooked Donald, lyin' Donald, our first illegitimate President--who knew?
8
Golden showers? Fake news.
Michael Flynn? Really fake news.
Sessions? Embarrassingly fake news.
Rybolovlev/Airplane coincidences? Intriguing, if true.
It's hard to imagine that this wouldn't have been uncovered before, but at least it’s more than anonymous innuendo. The FBI needs to investigate this angle, and the media needs to stay on this line of questioning. If this is something big and it leads to impeachment/resignation, then give David Cay Johnson the Pulitzer Prize (again) and make him the new FBI director.
Michael Flynn? Really fake news.
Sessions? Embarrassingly fake news.
Rybolovlev/Airplane coincidences? Intriguing, if true.
It's hard to imagine that this wouldn't have been uncovered before, but at least it’s more than anonymous innuendo. The FBI needs to investigate this angle, and the media needs to stay on this line of questioning. If this is something big and it leads to impeachment/resignation, then give David Cay Johnson the Pulitzer Prize (again) and make him the new FBI director.
5
His Website has mysteriously gone dark, right after last nights Rachel Maddow report and his appearance on her show. I thought it was because so many people were checking it out last night, but this morning also I could not access the site.
If anybody has any information I would love to hear it. I agree that Mr. Johnson is performing a valuable Public service and I would hate to think that some foreign entity is responsible for shutting down his site.
If anybody has any information I would love to hear it. I agree that Mr. Johnson is performing a valuable Public service and I would hate to think that some foreign entity is responsible for shutting down his site.
1
That last minute move by James Comey to derail the Hillary campaign with Anthony Weiner implicates him directly in this coup d'etat. This guy is now charged with investigating himself. It's another blatant travesty.
This is past recuse and resignations. It's now squarely in the definition of Treason. Helping the hacking is giving aid to the enemy as defined in the Constitution. Lying about it is going against your oath to protect and defend the Constitution. Jared Kushner, Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn, Jeff Sessions, and Donald Trump are all willing to compromise themselves and this country to help Russian interests. This is the definition of Treason. History will not be kind to the Trump White House and his GOP Congress enablers for selling out our country. They will be all remembered as Traitors.
15
Imagine the uproar from the GOP if the tables were turned and it was a Clinton in the White House
14
Or imagine if it were a Democratic Attorney General, and she did something like meet privately on a tarmac with the husband of the person under investigation. Democrats would be equally outraged. They would immediately call for her resignation. Right?
1
"In fact, vigorous reporting by multiple news media organizations is turning up multiple contacts between Trump associates and Russians who serve in or are close to Mr. Putin’s government."
Vigorous reporting? Or vigorous leaking by the deep state? With the journalists just being mules?
"Angela Stent, a Russia expert at Georgetown, said Ms. Hill was “realistic about Putin” and praised the 2013 book she wrote with Clifford G. Gaddy, “Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin,” as the best biography of the Russian leader."
Is this journalism? Quoting one unknown "expert" to praise another... Please give some quotes instead. Everyone has his own definition of "realistic", so this quote said nothing.
Vigorous reporting? Or vigorous leaking by the deep state? With the journalists just being mules?
"Angela Stent, a Russia expert at Georgetown, said Ms. Hill was “realistic about Putin” and praised the 2013 book she wrote with Clifford G. Gaddy, “Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin,” as the best biography of the Russian leader."
Is this journalism? Quoting one unknown "expert" to praise another... Please give some quotes instead. Everyone has his own definition of "realistic", so this quote said nothing.
4
This is how "fake news" occurs. Journalists repeat, unchallenged, leaked information without verification. They then inject their speculation, as though it is fact. Then they analysis those speculations and report on them as though they are the news. It soon becomes reporting about their own speculations.
The "vigorous" reporting is merely their all reporting the same story, which doesn't make it any more legitimate. It just demonstrates they exist in their own bubble.
The "vigorous" reporting is merely their all reporting the same story, which doesn't make it any more legitimate. It just demonstrates they exist in their own bubble.
1
If all these contacts were with Canadians instead of Russians, I'd be encouraging it. Even if it's just a lot of smoke and no fire, just like in a house fire, we have no business ignoring it. If the GOP administration continues what turns out to be a too-cozy relationship with Putin, that *will* harm our efforts and status abroad and result in a president beholden to a foreign power...the very definition of dangerous.
10
While it is not wrong to meet with foreigners, quite the opposite, it has a potential to broaden your view of the world, it is simply wrong to lie about it under oath.
So far there is no proof that Russia has had a hand in the elections, but there are some issues that are much more of a problem and that is the involvement of Russian money in Trump's business which makes him susceptible to blackmail.
Trump has repeatedly used Russian money, e.g. in Canada, to fund his business.
Money that was supplied by Russian business people like e.g. Alexander Shnaider or Eduard Shifrin of the Midland Group with very close ties to the Russian government.
And that is where Trump and his team are vulnerable to no end.
Trump is the Manchurian Candidate.
So far there is no proof that Russia has had a hand in the elections, but there are some issues that are much more of a problem and that is the involvement of Russian money in Trump's business which makes him susceptible to blackmail.
Trump has repeatedly used Russian money, e.g. in Canada, to fund his business.
Money that was supplied by Russian business people like e.g. Alexander Shnaider or Eduard Shifrin of the Midland Group with very close ties to the Russian government.
And that is where Trump and his team are vulnerable to no end.
Trump is the Manchurian Candidate.
20
I find the overall silence from the rightwing on this story to be deafening. Imagine the hyperbolic outrage the rightwing would be going through if this story or the disastrous Yemen attack were about Hillary or Obama instead of about Trump. They freaked out just because Obama used the word apology and saluted with a cup in his hand and held years of hearings over Benghazi and emails that turned up nothing over and over again.
We can now safely add "hypocrisy" to the list of established hallmarks of Trump and the Republican party, right along side of incessant lying and willful ignorance.
We can now safely add "hypocrisy" to the list of established hallmarks of Trump and the Republican party, right along side of incessant lying and willful ignorance.
10
While only time will tell if there's fire producing this smoke, it is imperative that the legitimate media maintain the pressure to get the information and force government investigation into this suspicious activity. Never has free and independent journalism been most needed.
5
The NY Times wrote, "The issue, which Mr. Trump denounced as a “total witch hunt,” has already had momentous consequences for the new administration."
It's not momentous, except perhaps that Sessions should resign...but that would be a good thing, 'cause he prob'ly shouldn't have been chosen in the first place.
It's not momentous, except perhaps that Sessions should resign...but that would be a good thing, 'cause he prob'ly shouldn't have been chosen in the first place.
1
In 2010, Paul Manafort was Viktor Yanukovych's campaign manager and helped him win the Ukrainian presidential election. Yanukovych then tried to sell out the Ukraine to Russia, but his efforts failed because the Ukrainian people would not allow it and deposed him.
And now it’s déjà vu all over again. In 2016, Paul Manafort was Donald Trump's campaign manager and helped him win the U.S. presidential election. Donald trump then tried to sell out the U.S. to... [you complete the sentence]
And now it’s déjà vu all over again. In 2016, Paul Manafort was Donald Trump's campaign manager and helped him win the U.S. presidential election. Donald trump then tried to sell out the U.S. to... [you complete the sentence]
4
There is little doubt in my mind that a deal was struck with the Russians : in exchange for continued hacking of the Democratic Party , Trump and his minions promised to go soft on them after the election. This is treason, plain and simple. The Republican Party has sold its soul. Payment is coming due.
8
Hard for Democrats to complain about Sessions lying to congress when James Clapper was not prosecuted for lying to congress during the Obama administration. Both should be prosecuted. Their perjury is well documented on video.
1
For someone who adopted the almost original mantra "Make America Great Again", the nascent irony of Russia shadowing his (and his team's) every move may finally prompt an American authority to have a look and see what's going on? If time permits, of course. Voices also mention China...surely not? Trump is an American patriot, and he promised to always tell us the truth... But, hey-ho, maybe he was just pulling our legs? Alas, poor Congress is busy with new legislation that will likely render America miserable again, so quite understandably they have their hands full. At least Gen. Flynn and AG Sessions fell on their swords (well Sessions tried, and missed), sparing further unpleasantness to the three Houses. Anyway, Speaker Ryan assures us there's nothing to see here, as does his Senate counterpart, so we'll just give the unfairly embattled president a break, and he can enjoy his well-deserved holiday among his paying friends at the Winter Palace. After all, it's only Russia. But, and it's just a passing thought, it would be nice if these horrible suggestions of consorting with the the enemy to sway a domestic election were put to bed, and that the president (and maybe others) are not rolling over and having their tummies tickled by dear Uncle Vlad. That would be a surprise.
2
The United States simply cannot give to Trump and his team the benefit of the doubt on the Russian contacts and interference with the American political process. The potential harm is so grave, the undermining of the country's foundations, that the only reasonable option is to err on the side of over investigating. It seems clear that the Russians used cyber warfare to tinker with the election, Ttrump's team met with the Russians and the need for investigation is obvious. It is equally obvious: Russia chose this phase of the US-Russian relationship. If the United States begins treating Russia with much greater suspicion, that was the risk the Russians courted when it decided to wage war on America.
5
It is clear that the US made itself vulnerable by neglecting the importance of public education to maintain a common core of national understanding.
Some Abraham Lincoln quotes about trueth and lies, and destroying the country:
"No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar."
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time."
"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong."
"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts."
"There is another old poet whose name I do not now remember who said, 'Truth is the daughter of Time."
"No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar."
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time."
"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong."
"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts."
"There is another old poet whose name I do not now remember who said, 'Truth is the daughter of Time."
7
People who believe that nature has a personality are usually bad at discerning fact from fiction. Whatever the US is, it is not "under God".
I'd like to thank, once again, the "purity" voters, the third party voters, and the non voters. You gave us Trump.
10
Where there is smoke there is fire. EXCEPT when the CNN,MSNBC,NYT, ETC. USE SMOKE MACHINES to create smoke and an impression of fire.
6
Actually, it's the Obama smoke machine. Those media outlets are merely blowing the smoke on Obama's behalf.
1
Truth has a way of eventually creeping around and above congressional majorities.
2
This may be something of a witch hunt, but when the stakes are this high, keep hunting!
3
Does anyone want to ask the question-why are so many of Trump persons contacting Russian officials? One has to be an idiot to not perceive a pattern here of some kind of organized contacting of Russians. What was the purpose and why so many? This is an egregious betrayal of American citizens when members of a political party-not yet in power- contact a Russian official, and worse, American senators and likely candidates for high office in Trump administration. All the time, Trump is campaigning on how wonderful Putin is as a leader. This Russian leader is a thug-nothing more-and has turned Russia into a total autocracy-and a kleptocracy as well-as his thugs have looted the Russian economy for personal gain. No Western leader can excuse Putin-but many try to do so-including Trump. And why do they want to take that stance-in the case of Trump-a fellow hard case person-
5
I think if it's perfectly acceptable for Trump to ask Russia to hack Clinton's emails then it's perfectly acceptable for me to ask anyone at the IRS to please leak Trump's tax returns. At this point no action could be more patriotic.
9
Any Russian investments would be hidden under layers of Cayman Island companies. Debt is more likely and lenders are not revealed on tax returns. It would be better if one or two IRS Trump auditors retire and start leaking knowledge not tax forms. Trump is trying to hide that he is a billionaire who pays less tax than his janitors.
It seems to me that talking to foreign representatives should be OK however accepting money would not be, and so far there does not seem to be any evidence of that,
on the other hand.....
The Clinton foundation accepted tens of millions in cash from foreign interests, (including a Russian mining company), while HRC was secretary of state. As reported by the New York Times in an article on April 23, 2015.
on the other hand.....
The Clinton foundation accepted tens of millions in cash from foreign interests, (including a Russian mining company), while HRC was secretary of state. As reported by the New York Times in an article on April 23, 2015.
1
IF they did nothing wrong- why all the denials and why did so many people need to meet Russians and then deny the meetings? If it was all so innocent, there would be no need to deny, deny, deny. This stinks......bad!
2
Schumer and Pelosi had a meet and greet with Putin in front of 75 cameras and 125 reporters. Trump and his men met privately and have no memory of it. I know he thinks we are stupid but THAT stupid??!
3
Trump's taxes must be released.
5
Apparently this is just NYT and Obama propaganda. Apparently the ambassador meets with just about everyone in DC. He met with six or seven Democrats and there are pictures to prove it. Some even denied meeting with him. He was at the White House at least 20 times.He sat with the Democrats at Trumps speech to Congress and was very friendly indeed with them. There are pictures of him with a big smile on his face.
Sessions met with the ambassador at Obamas bidding for public relations purposes, I guess. Their was a roomful of people. No secret plotting g
.
Sessions met with the ambassador at Obamas bidding for public relations purposes, I guess. Their was a roomful of people. No secret plotting g
.
3
Obama and democrats have no real evidence of wrongdoing so they have made this about whether or not meetings took place. Their problem is that democrats are in the same boat, having met with the ambassador, forgotten about it and claimed otherwise.
Expect the next set of leaks to come out now that this set is losing its steam.
Expect the next set of leaks to come out now that this set is losing its steam.
1
Russian intervention in 2016 Presidential Election make this election VOID, VOIDABLE or UNENFORCEABLE.
1
How many times have you heard from Trump supporters that he is a successful business man? The hard reality is that he is incompetent to the point that he has had to seek financial backing outside the U.S. due to his spectacular failures in the past. That anyone believes otherwise is both shocking and sad.
If a true success, he would share his tax returns, if only to bolster his ego. Sans such documentation, Trump is a pathetic blow hard, a poser who has never lived up to his fathers business acumen. The Russian oligarchs saved him from ruin, and he is thus beholden to a foreign power.
Let the games begin!
If a true success, he would share his tax returns, if only to bolster his ego. Sans such documentation, Trump is a pathetic blow hard, a poser who has never lived up to his fathers business acumen. The Russian oligarchs saved him from ruin, and he is thus beholden to a foreign power.
Let the games begin!
4
To Russia with love.
1
It seems there was a long stretch of time for these contacts to be set up.
It was surely meant to be secure! Perhaps it was a handshake deal made years ago. And just waited to enact a different kind of world order.
Two reasons: 1. both have outlandish egos. 2. It's a game with few players. I keep imagining they met at some event, and already planned to pull this off.
It was surely meant to be secure! Perhaps it was a handshake deal made years ago. And just waited to enact a different kind of world order.
Two reasons: 1. both have outlandish egos. 2. It's a game with few players. I keep imagining they met at some event, and already planned to pull this off.
There really isn't anything wrong with a presidential candidate's surrogates talking to a Russian ambassador. Other than if they lie about it under oath. Other than if the candidate spent much of the campaign praising a thug, oppressor, and much worse as a model world leader.
3
It's quite clear that there are tentacles of connection from President Bannon to Mr Orban in Hungary, to Mr Putin in Russia, and to many other oligarchs around the world. It is no coincidence that fascism is flaring around the world; it is a well-planned move to clamp down on civil society at all levels. Trump admires Putin's ability to seize that which he desires. The world oligarchs cannot get their way if they are being pestered by a questioning Press and Public. This is why they are trying to discredit liberalism and Free Speech.
Trump would love to get away with the political murders that are done for Mr Putin. Vilifying protesters is one such move to criminalize and make protesters less-than-human and thus fair game for the new-hires at the DHS. Beware of the flow of trigger-happy neo-nazis into poorly screened job openings in the expanding national security state.
Trump would love to get away with the political murders that are done for Mr Putin. Vilifying protesters is one such move to criminalize and make protesters less-than-human and thus fair game for the new-hires at the DHS. Beware of the flow of trigger-happy neo-nazis into poorly screened job openings in the expanding national security state.
1
Trump's indebtedness to Russian oligarchs is now a matter of national security demanding release of Trump's tax returns.
4
I just do not understand how so many americans hang on the lips of that liar trump, how so many americans ignore his lies, how so many americans give their future this way in a unknown future!
1
It gets much worse for Trump
Last night Trump & Melania were seen going into THE RUSSIAN TEA ROOM for dinner by 1 of the 12 NY Times reporters covering the story.
Also Melania ordered a White Russian drink.
Schumer & Pelosi glossing over this to see if it reaches Impeachment.
to be continued tomorrow in Sunday Times and the next 30 days or longer if needed.
Last night Trump & Melania were seen going into THE RUSSIAN TEA ROOM for dinner by 1 of the 12 NY Times reporters covering the story.
Also Melania ordered a White Russian drink.
Schumer & Pelosi glossing over this to see if it reaches Impeachment.
to be continued tomorrow in Sunday Times and the next 30 days or longer if needed.
2
And Trump wore a RED tie, which is drop dead proof of his RED connections.
1
If Pres. Trump releases his tax returns for the past five years and they don't show any Russian financial interests and influences; all the innuendo about collusion with Russia goes away. If he has colluded in business and is afraid of exposure, then the Repubs must be waiting for him to get his tax reforms and regulations rolled bacand the added bonus of their wing nut crazy policies re EPA.health,education etc ,before they get rid of him for Pence.
It is amazing the powers that have allowed the inequality of income in the US wouldn't have vetted Trump's tax returns and business in tests before allowing him to be elected President. The only reason I can think of for not vetting him s the economy is at the tipping point and they need to inflate the bubble of the economy so would want Trump in there to do their bidding regarding corporate tax breaks and regulations rolled back. Most of the economy is dependent on consumer buying power and the only buying power the consumer has is built on the debt they are willing to take on. Having the stock market rise rapidly will allow not only people to feel optimistic but also inflates their equity in their stocks, pension funds etc and allows the consumer to brake on more debt to spend in the economy. The consumer hasn't had a significant raise in wages in thirty plus years so the only way the economy can work is for the consumer to go even more into debt.
It is amazing the powers that have allowed the inequality of income in the US wouldn't have vetted Trump's tax returns and business in tests before allowing him to be elected President. The only reason I can think of for not vetting him s the economy is at the tipping point and they need to inflate the bubble of the economy so would want Trump in there to do their bidding regarding corporate tax breaks and regulations rolled back. Most of the economy is dependent on consumer buying power and the only buying power the consumer has is built on the debt they are willing to take on. Having the stock market rise rapidly will allow not only people to feel optimistic but also inflates their equity in their stocks, pension funds etc and allows the consumer to brake on more debt to spend in the economy. The consumer hasn't had a significant raise in wages in thirty plus years so the only way the economy can work is for the consumer to go even more into debt.
1
Can anyone explain to me why Pence becomes President if Trump is shown to have won the election fraudulently, due to influence by Russia? In sport. if a team is disqualified by wrongdoing of one of it's members, the whole team is disqualified. They don't get the trophy, the runner up does.
5
In sports, there's a mechanism. What's the mechanism here? If there isn't one, create one. If not for this Trump, then for the next one.
It's simple math. The longer Trump can remain in office, the more $$ he can loot. Eventually, when the corruption is finally exposed, Trump will resign and exercise his Get Out Of Jail Free card known as the presidential pardon. Just like Nixon and Gerald Ford, Pence will become president and pardon all of the crimes the looter committed.
Pence, whose infinitely more damaging to the avg American because of his demented religious views, will chop health care and along with Ryan shift more $$ to their special interest backers and away from soc security. This is classic sociopathic behavior.
Pence, whose infinitely more damaging to the avg American because of his demented religious views, will chop health care and along with Ryan shift more $$ to their special interest backers and away from soc security. This is classic sociopathic behavior.
7
How do we when Trump is lying? His lips are moving.
2
It looks like "draining the swamp" may eliminate more creatures than originally expected.
5
How do we know when Trump is lying? His lips are moving.
4
Eventually the only action that will draw a line under the Russia question for Trump is releasing his tax records. until this is done he has no other option but to remain a lame duck President
8
Russian state KGB mafia is very real, and the USA is just catching this cancer that already eats Europe alive. Google "schroeder gazprom" and "tillerson gazprom" to see what it's all about.
2
Calling for an investigation of Schumer based on one ancient photo is a deflection so ham-handed as to be laughable.
And in any case, the public already has ample information regarding Schumer's finances: His 2015 tax return is currently posted on his Senate website, a practice he has followed for a number of years.
So Trump, why don't you now go ahead and release yours? Chuck has. In fact, you should want to. Because if there are no shadowy Russian connections to hide, as you claim, then they should serve to exonerate you, and you can clear this mess up once and for all.
And in any case, the public already has ample information regarding Schumer's finances: His 2015 tax return is currently posted on his Senate website, a practice he has followed for a number of years.
So Trump, why don't you now go ahead and release yours? Chuck has. In fact, you should want to. Because if there are no shadowy Russian connections to hide, as you claim, then they should serve to exonerate you, and you can clear this mess up once and for all.
5
Trump is scared stiff to release his Tax Returns. There must be a way to have them subpoenaed on the grounds that the security of the country is at risk.
A very disturbing trend. Michael Flynn lied, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Donald trump are lying, an entire administration of liars. Trump call this a witch hunt. Two witches were netted in the hunt and the ring leader of the witches is still at large.
The free press and friends of the people will keep telling the truth as they are the
only semblance of Democracy remaining.
The free press and friends of the people will keep telling the truth as they are the
only semblance of Democracy remaining.
5
Shane and Kramer casually observe: "Part of the problem underlying disputes over such contacts may be Mr. Trump’s pugnacious style, which usually leaves little room for nuance." Are you just kidding me? There's a heck of a lot more wrong here than Trump's pugnacious style. Then there's one of the commenters: "those who oppose Mr. Trump and want to see the Trump Era end quickly should reflect on whether championing a new Cold War is the best way to do that ... Let's also reflect on why Trump won an election he should have lost in a landslide: Russia is not responsible for that." Oh, it isn't? I think the whole point is, no one can be sure. I think if anyone or any nation improperly swayed a US election, that is a matter of intense and legitimate concern. Oh yes, I admit, we do it to other nations and have done it for years (though from British Columbia, I'm an American too). It is extremely immoral if not outright evil, and with the US meddling in that way, it figures that sooner or later it would be done to the US. But there's more. There's the vivid possibility that Trump may have personal interests entwined with Russia, which would distort his judgement on international affairs and, if so, would endanger us all. I'm glad most people are outraged about this, the indifference coming from some directions is amazing.
1
This isn't one article, it's two. The first half is a cohesive narrative about contacts that the author says are the subject of "intense scrutiny." The second half undermines the first half of the article completely by seemingly arguing that there is less to the matter of the Trump campaign's contacts with the Russian government than meets the eye.
The quote from the former ambassador to Moscow is positively asinine. He wags his finger at your readers that we need to calm down about the Trumps and the Russians, precisely at the time when facts are pouring out, because all this attention in the US to Russia is making us unpopular in Moscow. I'm not sure I understand why this is in this article.
Similarly, what is the point of the long account of the meeting between Greenblatt and a pro-Putin rabbi in Moscow? This supports the Ambassador's comments that we are all being paranoid.
Let's just worry about getting all the facts out and we can decide later what was important and what wasn't.
The quote from the former ambassador to Moscow is positively asinine. He wags his finger at your readers that we need to calm down about the Trumps and the Russians, precisely at the time when facts are pouring out, because all this attention in the US to Russia is making us unpopular in Moscow. I'm not sure I understand why this is in this article.
Similarly, what is the point of the long account of the meeting between Greenblatt and a pro-Putin rabbi in Moscow? This supports the Ambassador's comments that we are all being paranoid.
Let's just worry about getting all the facts out and we can decide later what was important and what wasn't.
1
Trump supporters are willing to stand by him even after all these revelations about contacts with Russia. It makes you wonder if they have ever opened a history book and read how vicious and deadly the dictators have been--just in recent years! So many flat-out dumb Americans.
5
If the Russians can get the U.S to lift the sanctions, Poof! Money and power for the 1% and the oligarchs.
The GOP will not save America.
Make America Great?
We must move forward not backwards.
This is so tiring.
The GOP will not save America.
Make America Great?
We must move forward not backwards.
This is so tiring.
2
This may well be all smoke, no fire, but Trump's utter, thorough incompetence; his undisguised disgust and incomprehension for the most basic concepts of governance; his complete disregard for any pretense of compliance with rules about engagement by himself and close families members in bringing his business interests into every nook and cranny of the federal government; and his instability, irritability, jumping to conclusions, random accusations and immaturity have all, in barely a quarter of a year, made a laughingstock of his administration and of the United States in the world.
7
Any reasonable person can connect the dots here! Trump mentioned it several times in his book, winning what is matter and in this case he decided to betray the country to win
2
What do the Russians have on Donald Trump?
3
Is not the case that Putin has seized and annexed Crimera, is supporting a seperatist war in part of Ukraine, is conducting a cyber attack and propaganda war in the Baltic States, France, Germany, Italy, Holland and America while the Trump campaign and adminstration waters down the Republican platform, lies about contact with Russians and debates an appeasement agreement?
It's pretty obvious that Putin's goal is to divide the West, discredit democracy and the free press, extend his influence and even seize territory. Trump is in a bromance while Putin exploits the chaos. Frightening.
It's pretty obvious that Putin's goal is to divide the West, discredit democracy and the free press, extend his influence and even seize territory. Trump is in a bromance while Putin exploits the chaos. Frightening.
So Trump would have us believe that all these meetings were innocent. Well then, tell us exactly what they were about. And why lie about them? Sorry, but it's a bit hard to believe that the same group of people who gave us the last six weeks of amateur hour chaos were, before the election, carefully laying the groundwork for their foreign policy by meeting with Russian officials. Laughable! And Jeff Sessions, going into a hearing knowing that the Russia question was going to be asked, still "forgot" they he had met with the Russian ambassador. Twice. Trump must think we are all as gullible as the people who voted for him.
1
So many questions...
If it's so common for campaigns to meet with foreign ambassadors, how many other ambassadors were brought to Trump Tower to meet with Flynn, Kushner, et al?
If Flynn and Kushner met with the Russian ambassador at Trump tower, was Pence really in the dark and misled or is that also a lie?
If Trump knew all along that Sessions, Flynn, Kushner, and who knows who else, was meeting with Kislyak, why would he repeatedly lie that no one associated with him has spoken with Russians?
Why would so many people from one campaign need to meet with so many people who are politically connected in Russia?
So many lies...
Gotta be a serious motive.
If it's so common for campaigns to meet with foreign ambassadors, how many other ambassadors were brought to Trump Tower to meet with Flynn, Kushner, et al?
If Flynn and Kushner met with the Russian ambassador at Trump tower, was Pence really in the dark and misled or is that also a lie?
If Trump knew all along that Sessions, Flynn, Kushner, and who knows who else, was meeting with Kislyak, why would he repeatedly lie that no one associated with him has spoken with Russians?
Why would so many people from one campaign need to meet with so many people who are politically connected in Russia?
So many lies...
Gotta be a serious motive.
When I think of the republican's reaction after the video showing Obama saying to the Russian leader that with a change in congress, the United States and Russia would be able to work better and how they now try to pretend that nothing happened, it's quite pathetic
The Obama Administration delivered over $1 Billion in Cash to Iran which sponsors terrorism and I don't remember any Media outcry.
2
Um, perhaps that's because you didn't bother to learn the facts about this event?
1
If only the press investigated more aggressively after President Obama's statements in July and October before the election about Russian meddling...sigh.
2
I must say that the drip, drip, drip of this metastasizing scandal is karmically delicious. I envision that by Summer's end I will be popping open a nice bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate the end of our national nightmare.
2
This whole Russian infatuation is sad and comical. The Democrats are sounding very McCarthy-ite in their witch hunting.
2
While Bannon (and his cabal), Flynn and maybe Sessions maybe truly interested in ideology, I suspect that they are alone in that interest.
Quite frankly, if you were interested in big scale corruption, the Russia would be your best bet. They could easily turn Trump's failing empire into a success. And help others grow their fortunes.
Is this the motive? Who knows. Are all of them involved? Who knows.
I hope that Republican leaders will put their country first. The game is up. They won't get anything from Trump but grief. What is their endgame? Better to take their lumps now and go with Pence.
And I feel sorry for the millions who were conned once again by Trump. He is a grifter and always has been. I hope they have the courage to put their country first and defend our Constitution. Like the Republicans in Congress they will get nothing.
Quite frankly, if you were interested in big scale corruption, the Russia would be your best bet. They could easily turn Trump's failing empire into a success. And help others grow their fortunes.
Is this the motive? Who knows. Are all of them involved? Who knows.
I hope that Republican leaders will put their country first. The game is up. They won't get anything from Trump but grief. What is their endgame? Better to take their lumps now and go with Pence.
And I feel sorry for the millions who were conned once again by Trump. He is a grifter and always has been. I hope they have the courage to put their country first and defend our Constitution. Like the Republicans in Congress they will get nothing.
1
Trump's days of bullying the GOP congressional leaders with the cudgel of his reality-TV fan base are done. The Russia investigation is giving GOP congressional leaders tremendous leverage over Trump. If they refuse to stonewall public opinion and allow a full investigation -- which would include a demand to see Trump's tax returns -- Trump's presidency is doomed. Look for Trump to continue his public bluster and Twitter tantrums. But behind the scenes, Trump will comply with whatever the GOP congressional leaders want.
Who knows? Maybe after the GOP leadership has gotten what they want from Trump, they may throw him to wolves anyway. Trump has certainly tried to humiliate many of them in the past. It would be a fitting end to a reckless, amoral con man.
Who knows? Maybe after the GOP leadership has gotten what they want from Trump, they may throw him to wolves anyway. Trump has certainly tried to humiliate many of them in the past. It would be a fitting end to a reckless, amoral con man.
3
Thanks for explaining why the Russian ambassador was in Philly for the convention. Enquirering minds wanted to know.
Now, how the heck do we get out of this mess?
Waiting for the next election is clearly not an option.
Now, how the heck do we get out of this mess?
Waiting for the next election is clearly not an option.
3
Trump administration is in total meltdown mode. Carter Page on CNN was painful to watch even as his cynical lies were systematically exposed. He also connected many of these dots with what he said and did not say.
3
There they are, inside the circled wagons, with the evil king in the safest place. What else could the besiegers do but pick off the lesser villains one by one? Good tactic. In a game or a war.
Is this a real issue or a game? If it is a real issue, how come it's acting like a game? I hope it is a real issue because if it is a silly childish game, everyone is a silly child.
Perhaps it's time for the public to be shown some evidence of malfeasance.
1
There's a simple way to test the defense that Trump team interaction with Russian representatives was/is "normal": select another country important to the US such as China, Germany, the UK, or even Canada and document Trump team interactions with representatives of that country during and after the election. That should prove to be an interesting comparison...
2
The many meetings with Russian officials and surrogates don't bother me as much as the lying about it. If everything is on the up-and-up, as I'm sure some contacts were as routine parts of a political campaign, why not just "fess up" and admit the number and scope of the meetings? Embarrassment at potentially being used or "played" by a foreign power or something more sinister? There does appear to be something to hide in that the confessions come only after discovery, and everyone's minds (those people now in charge of our government) are "fuzzy" as to the details. THAT is the suspicious part, especially after the Flynn debacle. People lie to protect themselves - we're not trying to take away Trump's presidency only to root out the truth on an issue, the manipulation of free elections, that has worldwide consequences.
260
And you've hit the crux of it for me. The fact of their continuing lying, dissembling, obfuscation and all the rest lead me to but one conclusion. They know they've been involved in traitorous activities, and they're scrambling for cover. But now we know. Where it leads from here is anyone's guess but I will say this. They are fortunate to live in the U.S. Certain other countries I can think of would have already taken them out to the wall and shot them.
John~
American Net'Zen
John~
American Net'Zen
1
@Interested Reader: Huh? Why shouldn't we take away Trumps presidency if he is a traitor? If he overturned a legitimate American election. Why not????
1
Trump and his loyal Republicans in Congress should remember that it wasn't the Watergate burglary itself, but the cover-up, that led to Nixon's downfall. The Republicans of that era had the good sense to participate in the investigation of Nixon and his cronies.
1
He asked Russia to hack Hillary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNa2B5zHfbQ ). Now he complains that there's witch hunt? Trump is more than a whining liar, he is delusional. Impeach Now!
12
When Hillary Clinton was queried about her actions as Secretary of State regarding Benghazi, she volunteered to answer any and all questions for as long as it took, and she did the same thing with the emails and server issue.
In the situation with the Russian interference and hacking in our election, as well as possible collusion with the Trump campaign, there has been a steady stream of denials, then leaks and then when proof comes out there were meetings, then we have Trump's Whitehouse admitting meetings had taken place.
Unlike Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump has done everything a guilty man would do, lie, misrepresent facts and deny, but his antics of tweeting to deflect from this serious and possible impeachable offense are doing nothing more than making him look more guilty then ever.
Trump who has a history of lying and avoiding any responsibility has always found a way to either cover his backside by filing bankruptcy or settling out of court, but it may be the time that Trump has to finally pay the piper.....Big Time!
Donald Trump's oval office is not only smelling like a swamp, it's starting to smell more like a cesspool of corruption.
In the situation with the Russian interference and hacking in our election, as well as possible collusion with the Trump campaign, there has been a steady stream of denials, then leaks and then when proof comes out there were meetings, then we have Trump's Whitehouse admitting meetings had taken place.
Unlike Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump has done everything a guilty man would do, lie, misrepresent facts and deny, but his antics of tweeting to deflect from this serious and possible impeachable offense are doing nothing more than making him look more guilty then ever.
Trump who has a history of lying and avoiding any responsibility has always found a way to either cover his backside by filing bankruptcy or settling out of court, but it may be the time that Trump has to finally pay the piper.....Big Time!
Donald Trump's oval office is not only smelling like a swamp, it's starting to smell more like a cesspool of corruption.
20
We know what the Trumpistas would be saying at this point if this was a different administration with apparent ties to a foreign government: Impeach or, better still, lock 'em all up! Treason! Manchurian candidate! Soft on defense! Foreign birth certificates!
10
There's only one reason for Trump to be concerned about relations with Russia: he would be bankrupt without the secret loans from Russian oligarchs. That's the only logical explanation for his behavior and his refusal to release his tax returns. You can fool some of the public some of the time, but not all of the public all of the time.
12
At the same time this story is running, another headline in the Times states "The White House Feels Under Siege" - the NYT just cannot stop trying to shape the narrative. This is all-out war between the New York Time and the new administration. Every headline, every story is calculated to create an impression of chaos, of desperation, of imminent collapse. The NYT is desperately trying to convey that the entire Trump apparatus is at the tipping point with headlines like this. I am on the verge of cancelling my subscription. It has become unreadable.
3
They don't need the NYT for that, they're doing a great job of that all on their own.
Off you go, you'll find all the 'unbiased' headlines you want at Fox. #cuckoo
Off you go, you'll find all the 'unbiased' headlines you want at Fox. #cuckoo
If The Times were a true investigative reporting organization, it would have already put to rest the democrats' allegations of "meetings".
Imagine not having uncovered that the Obama Administration actually orchestrated the first Sessions' meeting with the Russian ambassador? Or that Senator McCaskill had actually "lied" about her meeting with the Russian ambassador? How many other democrats "lied" about their not having met him? The Times will respond to inconvenient facts, just not seek them itself.
If it were a true investigative reporting paper, it would be investigating all these Obama leaks and the Obama politics at work in the Trump Administration.
Imagine not having uncovered that the Obama Administration actually orchestrated the first Sessions' meeting with the Russian ambassador? Or that Senator McCaskill had actually "lied" about her meeting with the Russian ambassador? How many other democrats "lied" about their not having met him? The Times will respond to inconvenient facts, just not seek them itself.
If it were a true investigative reporting paper, it would be investigating all these Obama leaks and the Obama politics at work in the Trump Administration.
2
And yet you're still reading it. 'Bye.
1
There may or may not have been any wrong doing or any sinister plots in any and all of those Trump-Team/Russian contacts. But part of the fury was because of Trump's own proclaimed admiration of Putin, the dossier, and his refusal to release his tax return. Given that, and his own son's statement that their holding has a huge Russian portfolio, and that American banks generally would not lend Trump or the Trump organization money and so much of his debts are owed to foreign banks like the Bank of China, Deutsche Bank, questioning the Trump/Russian connection is NOT a witch hunt. He can at least help set it straight if he releases his tax return and his team members come clean with what was said during those meetings instead of making denials only to be caught red handed.
16
"Former diplomats and Russia specialists say it would have been absurd and contrary to American interests for the Trump team to avoid meetings with Russians, either during or since the campaign."
Lying under oath is a real problem for an Attorney General.
Lying under oath is a real problem for an Attorney General.
9
Trump has used the term "extreme vetting" for children escaping a war zone, yet has complete faith in the liars and charlatans that make up his administration. The GOP ignores what is plain to see at the peril of our entire nation. It is only a matter of time before an enemy of the United States uses the toxic blend of dysfunction, chaos, and incompetence against us. On second thought, Russia already has.
17
Liberals can organize all the drum circles and poetry slams they want but it won't change a thing: The big game is over and the GOP won.
3
Will see, body.
And there speaks a true patriot. Sad.
That's what Haldeman said about Nixon in regards to Watergate. Haldeman was wrong.
The more he hide, the more suspicious it becomes. Nixon did not order WaterGate break-in and he was impeached for the following cover up. Hopefully, DT will learn from this and come out clean by telling the truth if he has nothing to hide. This may be a high order to ask given his character and temperament.
5
I would suggest that everyone express their outrage to their House Representative and US Senators. I love reading your comments, but I would feel better if your grievances were also directed to your elected officials.
16
Unfortunately thanks to Gerrymandering this tactic won't work anymore.
My "outrage" is over the Obama leaks. A smear campaign if there ever was one.
1
Seeing on MSNBC that Trump bought a property in Florida for $40 million and sold it 2 years later to a Russian oligarch for $100 million. Really fortunate for Mr. Trump to have been lucky enough to make that contact.
Trump, by refusing to come clean AND his declared war on the media, is getting exactly what he didn't want. Every major news organization is open to leaks, and they are leading in lots of directions. The undeniable fact is; There is a web of links between Trump and his crew and a variety of Russians. Diplomats, oligarchs, businessmen. Spies or not? It's my guess that if Putin wants information from any of these contacts, he will get it.
MSNBC also ran clips of Trump alternately claiming to have a relationship with Mr. Putin, and to have never met or talked to him. As with most things about Trump, the truth is what he wants it to be at any moment--- he has fungible facts. This is where a free press comes in. The NYT, WaPo and several others have taken on the challenge. We have to know where Mr. Trump is coming from and where he's planning to take us.
Trump, by refusing to come clean AND his declared war on the media, is getting exactly what he didn't want. Every major news organization is open to leaks, and they are leading in lots of directions. The undeniable fact is; There is a web of links between Trump and his crew and a variety of Russians. Diplomats, oligarchs, businessmen. Spies or not? It's my guess that if Putin wants information from any of these contacts, he will get it.
MSNBC also ran clips of Trump alternately claiming to have a relationship with Mr. Putin, and to have never met or talked to him. As with most things about Trump, the truth is what he wants it to be at any moment--- he has fungible facts. This is where a free press comes in. The NYT, WaPo and several others have taken on the challenge. We have to know where Mr. Trump is coming from and where he's planning to take us.
34
Love your post and especially love the 'fungible facts'.
1
This is not "meddling," it is an act of war and too many people don't understand that. Today, Russia attacks nations just as brutally as ever, except they do it with the internet. And morality has never been Valdemar Putin's strong suit.
And those staunch patriots, the republican party, apparently don't see the need for a full investigation. Because it may interfere with their "campaign contributions."
And those staunch patriots, the republican party, apparently don't see the need for a full investigation. Because it may interfere with their "campaign contributions."
19
At this point It doesn't matter who contacted who. What matters is the survival of the republic. Thanks Founding Fathers, from their era to ours the same scammers. Like the Trump administration. Donald already blew it, he will limp to the next election. The investigations will go on for years. So much malfeasance. Sad but a good lesson for American tin-hat dictators will pop up time to time.
11
Even in the worst of cases, such as if Trump was found guilty of treason, the sad fact remains that the people who voted for him will give him (and Putin) a pass to do whatever they want. This country is sick. It's a pity that bad things will happen before these people wake up.
18
I just get the sense that this entire matter is beginning to unravel in public view. Must admit that I'm curious about whether any of the Trump "associates" if subpoenaed will try to stonewall or perjure themselves to shield Trump — why would they? Will any will assert Fifth Amendment privilege? Do we as a nation deserve to be put through this embrarrassing, wrenching trauma? Oh, most assuredly we do.
21
After Trump's first disastrous bankruptcy he was not getting money from bankers in our country. They knew his business dealings and wouldn't touch him.
So, where dis he go for more money to build his businesses?
So, where dis he go for more money to build his businesses?
27
Picture says it all.
Sergey I. Kislyak, the Russian ambassador, is among a small group of diplomats who chat with Jeff Sessions after an event during the Republican National Convention.
4 days later WikiLeaks releases 20,000 DNC emails.
Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn and Jeff Sessions - all Trump election surrogates met privately with the Russians.
The Attorney General Sessions perjured himself under oath and must resign.
Putin has been caught influencing the US Presidential election and elections in other western democracies.
People in the US government who were complicit in working with the Russians must be investigated and brought to justice for treason.
Sergey I. Kislyak, the Russian ambassador, is among a small group of diplomats who chat with Jeff Sessions after an event during the Republican National Convention.
4 days later WikiLeaks releases 20,000 DNC emails.
Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn and Jeff Sessions - all Trump election surrogates met privately with the Russians.
The Attorney General Sessions perjured himself under oath and must resign.
Putin has been caught influencing the US Presidential election and elections in other western democracies.
People in the US government who were complicit in working with the Russians must be investigated and brought to justice for treason.
9
What I find missing in all this discussion is a representation of what is -NORMAL- and -conventional- interaction between the campaign and transition staff and foreign agents and dignitaries. Perhaps it is senescent forgetfulness, but I do not recall any account of the incoming Obama or Bush administrations having such high profile interactions with foreign dignitaries. The contacts between Bush or Obama (or their teams) and foreign heads of state did not, AFAIK, extend beyond conventional congratulatory messages. Meetings or conversations extending into the policy realm did not occur, or at least did not occur to the point of newsworthiness.
That Mr. Trump and his acolytes -APPEAR- to have acted as a shadow government, to the point of telegraphing potential policy (and thereby undermining the sitting President) is to my mind unprecedented. Coupled with the substantive questions of Russia's interference in our electoral process, the situation demands extraordinary action by the Congress - and the GOP will be tarnished by unresolved issues! - or the Department of Justice (a special prosecutor) or both.
That Mr. Trump and his acolytes -APPEAR- to have acted as a shadow government, to the point of telegraphing potential policy (and thereby undermining the sitting President) is to my mind unprecedented. Coupled with the substantive questions of Russia's interference in our electoral process, the situation demands extraordinary action by the Congress - and the GOP will be tarnished by unresolved issues! - or the Department of Justice (a special prosecutor) or both.
4
Please stop repeating Trump's keywords that he uses to brand people/conversations/everything. You're helping him spread misinformation and doubt in his accusers by doing so.
1
Let's throw Jill Stein's candidacy into the mix of the Russia-gate investigation and her $40,000 payment from Putin to sit at his table. I imagine a third-party candidate like Stein gained just enough more votes with that and additional Russia backing to be a factor in Trump's "win." Stein's not saying anything about Putin now and she has echoed many of Trump's praises for Putin. Curiouser and curiouser.
6
I am reminded of listening to an experienced foreign correspondent, interviewing a foreign dictator, not letting them get away with repeated lying.
Yet even with all the obvious, bald faced lies of the past few months, the mainstream media keep shying away from calling out what is happening. Maybe out of habit, respect for the institution of the presidency?
It seems so obvious from the evidence that many people in this administration, including the president, and the congress, are lying repeatedly. Corruption is blatant. Conflicts of interest are unequivocal. But no one in the mainstream is using the word "lies".
If Jeff Sessions' answer under oath to the question about contacts with Russia was not a lie, what is? When President Trump campaigned for a muslim ban, then claims that it is not, how could that possibly be construed as anything other than lying?
War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength
Yet even with all the obvious, bald faced lies of the past few months, the mainstream media keep shying away from calling out what is happening. Maybe out of habit, respect for the institution of the presidency?
It seems so obvious from the evidence that many people in this administration, including the president, and the congress, are lying repeatedly. Corruption is blatant. Conflicts of interest are unequivocal. But no one in the mainstream is using the word "lies".
If Jeff Sessions' answer under oath to the question about contacts with Russia was not a lie, what is? When President Trump campaigned for a muslim ban, then claims that it is not, how could that possibly be construed as anything other than lying?
War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength
5
This is all a "Murder She Wrote" episode written by Edgar Allan Poe. The noses have grown so long from lying they now reach Russia. If these shenanigans of duplicity, deception, intrigue & fraud don't put a 9/ll fear into normal individuals then those souls are unconscious. This is way way beyond scarey.
8
Trump's enormous ego may be the fissure in his broadly boasted business prowess that does him in. I envision when that when approached by an aid or advisor with inquiries like "What if they do find something, what will we do?" Trump would scoff that he's gotten this far with deflection in the face of blatant lies, he can just keep playing the same game plan. His arrogance won't allow him to see how vulnerable he is, and his potent intimidation will cause his team to back down.
Trump is extremely clever and expert on street business tactics. He is full of surprises. But, even he has limits. After all, he did face bankruptcy 6 times.
Trump is extremely clever and expert on street business tactics. He is full of surprises. But, even he has limits. After all, he did face bankruptcy 6 times.
6
Now I fully understand why Trump has not released his taxes and why has not divested his business interests. He has never been under any illusions that he would last. He will resign sooner or later, and will then declare triumphantly that he was too much of a maverick to be accepted by the "corrupt system," and will spend the rest of his life cultivating his political martyrdom, as well as regaling himself and the few who will continue to adulate him, with tales of his 2016 Presidential win.....
18
Tax Returns.
Tax Returns.
Tax Returns.
D'ya feel me?
I'm talking Tax Returns. It'll be the blueprint of this man's dark and small soul.
Tax Returns.
Tax Returns.
D'ya feel me?
I'm talking Tax Returns. It'll be the blueprint of this man's dark and small soul.
29
When Hillary Clinton was queried about her actions as Secretary of State regarding Benghazi, she volunteered to answer any and all questions for as long as it took, and she did the same thing with the emails and server issue.
In the situation with the Russian interference and hacking in our election, as well as possible collusion with the Trump campaign, there has been a steady stream of denials, then leaks and then when proof comes out there were meetings, then we have Trump's Whitehouse admitting meetings had taken place.
Unlike Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump has done everything a guilty man would do, lie, misrepresent facts and deny, but his antics of tweeting to deflect from this serious and possible impeachable offense.
Trump who has a history of lying and avoiding any responsibility has always found a way to either cover his backside by filing bankruptcy or settling out of court, but it may be the time that Trump has to finally pay the piper.....Big Time!
Donald Trump's oval office is not only smelling like a swamp, it's starting to smell more like a cesspool of corruption.
In the situation with the Russian interference and hacking in our election, as well as possible collusion with the Trump campaign, there has been a steady stream of denials, then leaks and then when proof comes out there were meetings, then we have Trump's Whitehouse admitting meetings had taken place.
Unlike Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump has done everything a guilty man would do, lie, misrepresent facts and deny, but his antics of tweeting to deflect from this serious and possible impeachable offense.
Trump who has a history of lying and avoiding any responsibility has always found a way to either cover his backside by filing bankruptcy or settling out of court, but it may be the time that Trump has to finally pay the piper.....Big Time!
Donald Trump's oval office is not only smelling like a swamp, it's starting to smell more like a cesspool of corruption.
12
Keep the pressure on. They, the Grifter and Liar and his Merry Bunch, cannot get away with treason. Jail them!
14
We need to see Trump's tax returns. It Is his ties to the Deutsche Bank and Russian oligarch money lenders that has to be forced out of the liar, liar pants on fire creep in the White House.
25
Oh yes, he'll publish them after the "audit" is done. Which, the IRS says, you can do even during an audit. Let's put "audit" in quotes again.