James Clapper, January 2017:
“The Intelligence Community has not made any judgment that the information in this document - Steele dossier - is reliable, and we did not rely upon it in any way for our conclusions.”
But now they say the opposite?
“The Intelligence Community has not made any judgment that the information in this document - Steele dossier - is reliable, and we did not rely upon it in any way for our conclusions.”
But now they say the opposite?
5
If one is inclined to conspiracy theories about Carter Page, non better to present them than NY Times Op-Ed contributor Louise Mensch. The latest revelation in her Patribotics blog is:
April 16, 2016
Carter Page Went to Moscow With a Tape of Donald Trump Offering Treason For Hacking
https://patribotics.blog/
The reference is: "sources with links to the intelligence community" who believe this.
Also published on the same date:
Mike Flynn’s Treason Tour: Global Russian Propaganda Coordinated With Trump
"Sources linked to the intelligence community say that General Mike Flynn’s trips to Cambridge and across Europe will form a key part of Donald Trump’s impeachment and the prosecutions of dozens of his associates."
https://patribotics.blog/2017/04/16/mike-flynns-treason-tour-global-russ...
Wallow away, kiddies!
April 16, 2016
Carter Page Went to Moscow With a Tape of Donald Trump Offering Treason For Hacking
https://patribotics.blog/
The reference is: "sources with links to the intelligence community" who believe this.
Also published on the same date:
Mike Flynn’s Treason Tour: Global Russian Propaganda Coordinated With Trump
"Sources linked to the intelligence community say that General Mike Flynn’s trips to Cambridge and across Europe will form a key part of Donald Trump’s impeachment and the prosecutions of dozens of his associates."
https://patribotics.blog/2017/04/16/mike-flynns-treason-tour-global-russ...
Wallow away, kiddies!
6
Seems like the Russia ambassador attending the Republican convention, and to top it off the change in the platform with respect to Russia would have been enough in the past OR if the Democrats did this.
Maddow did report another link between Russia and blackwater's founder today (or yesterday). Maybe it is good that the intell. committees are not active , they might just get in the way of the FBI.
It is good that the NYTimes is still pursuing this, with Congress in recess it has been a bit quiet, The idea that in the end we might find that all of this is innocence is hard to believe, maybe in the end we won't find enough proof for a court of law or impeachment, but that is different. Just look at WaPo chart of all the Russian links between Trump team and others. Look at Trump's own financial connections and now ExXon Mobil pushing for renewed drilling explains allot?
Maddow did report another link between Russia and blackwater's founder today (or yesterday). Maybe it is good that the intell. committees are not active , they might just get in the way of the FBI.
It is good that the NYTimes is still pursuing this, with Congress in recess it has been a bit quiet, The idea that in the end we might find that all of this is innocence is hard to believe, maybe in the end we won't find enough proof for a court of law or impeachment, but that is different. Just look at WaPo chart of all the Russian links between Trump team and others. Look at Trump's own financial connections and now ExXon Mobil pushing for renewed drilling explains allot?
5
This appears to be much ado about very little. The only thing that reflects badly on Mr. Page is the fact that he supports Mr. Trump politically. His activities in Russia, as reported here, show him to be trying to make a living. What's new. Mr. McFaul, cited here, is a shameless, war-mongering neo-conservative, who should keep his mouth shut. As Mr. Page's classmate notes, Mr. Page is no idiot. But he does have to make a living. To that end he appears to have tried to insert himself, probably foolishly, wherever he could, to curry favor with powers-that-be in both Russian and USA political/governmental circles. But is the extent of it.
This continues to be froth, rather than substance. What is of interest in all this is what involvement Mr Trump had since 1991 at the time of the collapse of the soviet system in laundering funds stolen and expatriated by Russian oligarchs. Determining that requires a diligent review of all relevant tax and financial records for Mr. Trump's business entites, particularly those that relate to business conduits set up in tax havens, such as those created by Mr. Manafort, in order to hide transfer of funds.
This continues to be froth, rather than substance. What is of interest in all this is what involvement Mr Trump had since 1991 at the time of the collapse of the soviet system in laundering funds stolen and expatriated by Russian oligarchs. Determining that requires a diligent review of all relevant tax and financial records for Mr. Trump's business entites, particularly those that relate to business conduits set up in tax havens, such as those created by Mr. Manafort, in order to hide transfer of funds.
6
A special prosecutor is long overdue. Why would any American have a reason to meet or have contact with the Russians? But most especially why would all of these people connected to Trump have reason to meet with the Russians? To paraphrase Flynn: “Lock them up.”
8
It is said that a democracy that really lasts is a rare thing in history. The general public have to be enlightened for the democracy to last. They have to believe in democracy, which is equality, and they have to believe in truth, because an understanding of the value of truth is necessary for equality to survive. They have to fight to maintain these values. But governments become corrupt and the public become lazy or angry and democracy is let go. This seems to be what lies in wait for the U.S. now unless a shift happens in public awareness. Right now truth is out and power is in. This is the way to lose a democracy. Democracy is a rare and precious thing and losing it is a catastrophe. Getting it back is far harder then losing it. It is quite true that you don't know what you have until you lose it.
4
Is anyone really surprised by another Russian contact being extremely close to Trump? The first time is coincidence, the second is happenstance, but the third time is habit, and at this point we are way past three. The FBI did have the right to investigate Mr. Page, as a Russian spy is reasonably suspicious and when the potential Russian recruit becomes an adviser to the future president, who also is a bit too friendly with the Russian government, that sends up a huge red flag. People are up in arms or defending the Trump campaign and administration, yet there has been more than one count of evidence. Mr. Page said, "These same lies keep swirling around, having a really negative impact on U.S.-Russian relations" I understand defending yourself but at this point everyone can see what is being done. Trying to lie about something when the person you are lying to never looks good.
9
Yes, the overwhelming crush of evidence (statements about the type of car he drove 15 years ago) is astounding! BTW, how is our uranium sale (the one Her Majesty did not object to) looking?
2
Think about it: the discord within the US is so deep, that when one party's member gets close with Russia, his party defends that closeness with Russia, as better than a joint action with the rival domestic party AGAINST such a foreign connection.
Saying again: it seems that the Democrats are more foreign to the Republicans than the Russians.
I guess even the Russians are a bit surprised. Not to mention other people outside the US.
Does it mean that the US-Republican/Russian alliance is a possibility? This is a really new thing to consider...
Saying again: it seems that the Democrats are more foreign to the Republicans than the Russians.
I guess even the Russians are a bit surprised. Not to mention other people outside the US.
Does it mean that the US-Republican/Russian alliance is a possibility? This is a really new thing to consider...
3
When you consider that US-Republican/Russian alliance hacked its way into our presidential election. No thanks.
Nothing to consider.
Nothing to consider.
8
The Trumpets obviously don't know that "... The eighties called and want their foreign policy back.", like Obama did. May the FBI never turn its sights on you or yours. You won't be so gleeful then.
PAGE Sounds like The Trumpster Dumpster when he shifts blame to others. It's unclear whether he had any role in contacting the Russians on behalf of the Trump campaign. But on TV his style impresses me as someone who is overly self-congratulatory. His posture and affect bear some similarity to those of Michael Flynn. Page sounds grandiose talking about tons of false evidence and lies swirling around. His style resemble's Trump's, as they both shift blame and are comfortable with saying the first thing that comes into their heads when offering denials.
7
If you google 'Carter Page looks guilty,' about 84,400.000 results come in .81 seconds.
When Carter Page is interviewed on television, he comes across as if he's hiding something. His smiling is inappropriate to the seriousness of the situation, he hems and hahs, then re-states the answer----his next three statements are even more equivocating. We lied better than he does when we were kids!!
Certainly FBI experts have watched him dodge the question, be evasive, and hedge. Each and every time.
He especially seemed 'guilty' when interviewed by Chis Hayes on All In.
MSNBC plays that interview as a commercial for the network, and Page is acting like a smiling dancing queen.
That quibbling routine indicts him.
Page told Chris Hayes “I do not deny” meeting with the ambassador last summer in Cleveland, in a clear contradiction. And it was last summer FBI and Justice Dept. obtained a warrant targeting Page’s communications after convincing a FISA Court judge of probable cause in Page acting as an agent of a foreign power---known to be Russia.
Page seems like toast...
When Carter Page is interviewed on television, he comes across as if he's hiding something. His smiling is inappropriate to the seriousness of the situation, he hems and hahs, then re-states the answer----his next three statements are even more equivocating. We lied better than he does when we were kids!!
Certainly FBI experts have watched him dodge the question, be evasive, and hedge. Each and every time.
He especially seemed 'guilty' when interviewed by Chis Hayes on All In.
MSNBC plays that interview as a commercial for the network, and Page is acting like a smiling dancing queen.
That quibbling routine indicts him.
Page told Chris Hayes “I do not deny” meeting with the ambassador last summer in Cleveland, in a clear contradiction. And it was last summer FBI and Justice Dept. obtained a warrant targeting Page’s communications after convincing a FISA Court judge of probable cause in Page acting as an agent of a foreign power---known to be Russia.
Page seems like toast...
10
No mention that the FBI used, among other things, the unproven "dossier" put together by the former MI6 agent.
Payment for that action is usually ascribed simply to "opponents" of Trump. In fact, Jeb Bush's campaign originally paid for the investigating. And when he dropped out, Clinton backers paid for it.
And one might speculate whether the FBI would even have gotten the FISA warrant without it. Or whether that needs to be weighed in the assessment.
Payment for that action is usually ascribed simply to "opponents" of Trump. In fact, Jeb Bush's campaign originally paid for the investigating. And when he dropped out, Clinton backers paid for it.
And one might speculate whether the FBI would even have gotten the FISA warrant without it. Or whether that needs to be weighed in the assessment.
4
The FISA court may be liberal in granting wiretaps (T4 warrants) but they are always based on some evidence, a "dossier" by a foreign nation, even an ally, without the needed proof by way of evidence would not result in a warrant be granted. And the release of "what" evidence was discovered would possibly lead to "how" that evidence was gathered which may reveal sensitive information on information gathering technology and/or sources of information in Russia.
4
Is this treason yet?
16
Yes.
6
Graduate of the Navel Academy? He should tried for stealing a good education from the taxpayers.
2
So we were spying on members of the Trump team? Looks like Donald was right...
2
Well it looks like Trump and his associates are immune to any investigation related to collusion with a foreign power against America's interest and all should be given a free pass.
4
Simply reading an artcle on the RT website will put you on the FBI's "radar". Isn't thus the same iutfit that deployed thugs to keep reporters away from a secret meeting between AG Lynch and Bill Clinton, where we now know illegal surveillance dicuments were privided ti the Clinton campsign? The same FBI that took seriously a Ukrainian piece of fiction about yellow showers and prostitutes, the paranoid rantings and conspiracy theories of a former British MP who for the Clinton campaign that so loopy the UK tabloids wont touch her. The FBI, under Comey, is a pathetic joke that needs oversight and supervision, reforms from top to bottom, new leadership, or it needs dismantling.
3
Bozo self-rpomoter who was labeled an "idiot" even by the Russians who dabbled into recruiting him, but apparently did not because he was useless. Obviously no tangible connection to the Trump campaign. Now Trump is another bozo who just read some names provided to him to prove that he had a "foreign policy team", when at the time he had none and was shunned by just everybody. Trump did not even meet the guy. What's the news? Two bozos do not make a spy scandal. This is a joke...
3
Employment as a foreign policy advisor is absolutely tangible. First, the president lies, as do his people, so contact between Page and Trump has not been disproven. Second, he certainly was talking to other people---other people linked to this nightmare---while serving the official role he had in the campaign.
He is dirty and he is not the only one.
He is dirty and he is not the only one.
6
Hypothesizing that Carter Page offered Russian officials a quid pro quo on the part of the Trump campaign, do you really think that those Russian officials, or Russians economically tied to those officials now will tell reporters "Oh sure Carter Page is the Trump campaign operative who offered us a quid pro quo"?
2
Either Trump colluded with Russia or is an idiot that was incapable of seeing he surrounded himself with the likes of Carter Page, Paul Manaford and others who were in Russia's payroll.
Either way is bad.
Either way is bad.
9
Carter Page, All American!
ad paid for by Russian oligarchs and its government of the Stalin-lite.
ad paid for by Russian oligarchs and its government of the Stalin-lite.
3
The Russians have used blackmail for decades to gain access to and influence the highest political arenas. If you are naïve and go sniffing around Russia for personal gain the Kremlin's antennas will immediately be alerted. They will assess if you are useful and if so start to court you with deals. Once the honey trap is set they use influence to get you into the desired political arena they want access to. Trump and his entourage must of been way to tempting. Think about it - a really good chance of gaining access to the secrets of the White House - an absolute dream!
Then we have the Russian interference to ensure their man gets elected. The huge over the top Trump/Putin love fest and then suddenly Trump tries to pull away with a cock and bull story about Syria. Oh and lets throw a few bombs into Syria to make the rift seem real.
There is Russian smoke billowing like a out of control galleon fire from the entire Trump campaign. It's about time we received some real answers to the real reason we have such a chronic Russian connection with our political system not seen before.
Then we have the Russian interference to ensure their man gets elected. The huge over the top Trump/Putin love fest and then suddenly Trump tries to pull away with a cock and bull story about Syria. Oh and lets throw a few bombs into Syria to make the rift seem real.
There is Russian smoke billowing like a out of control galleon fire from the entire Trump campaign. It's about time we received some real answers to the real reason we have such a chronic Russian connection with our political system not seen before.
12
I need more information about Carter Page of whether he did something wrong or not, But Roger Stone. Now there is a guy who lives by way of Dirty Tricks. He goes right up to the line he may not cross the legal/illegal line, but he sure does cross the Moral line.
2
So let me get this straight
It is your contention that Putin hacked and had published truthful emails by Hillary and the DNC
And as a result, it is your argument that the truth interfered with the election and that the voters would have been better served had they not known this truth and the dishonest collusion between the DNC and Hillary against Bernie
And it is also your assertion that Putin hacked and released these truthful emails in an effort to help Trump win the Presidency -- even before Trump was a candidate and afterwards, even though you and the rest of the media were absolutely certain that Trump had no chance to win -- up and until 10 or 11 pm election night -- yet somehow Putin knew
And it is also your assertion that the sloppy cyber clues (ballyhooed by A DNC paid cyber firm advocate and laughed at by many in the tech world) including dancing bears and the name of the founder of the Russian Secret Police prove a Russian Putin connection-- when in the world of cyber warfare the Russian cyber unit is one of the most respected
This is all about excuses for a flawed candidate and a poorly run campaign that you have been in bed with for years.
It is not illegal to travel to Russia, to talk with Russians even Russian agents, to do business in Russia, to be paid for speeches there, and to be a self promoter -- there or here -- ask the Clintons.
It is your contention that Putin hacked and had published truthful emails by Hillary and the DNC
And as a result, it is your argument that the truth interfered with the election and that the voters would have been better served had they not known this truth and the dishonest collusion between the DNC and Hillary against Bernie
And it is also your assertion that Putin hacked and released these truthful emails in an effort to help Trump win the Presidency -- even before Trump was a candidate and afterwards, even though you and the rest of the media were absolutely certain that Trump had no chance to win -- up and until 10 or 11 pm election night -- yet somehow Putin knew
And it is also your assertion that the sloppy cyber clues (ballyhooed by A DNC paid cyber firm advocate and laughed at by many in the tech world) including dancing bears and the name of the founder of the Russian Secret Police prove a Russian Putin connection-- when in the world of cyber warfare the Russian cyber unit is one of the most respected
This is all about excuses for a flawed candidate and a poorly run campaign that you have been in bed with for years.
It is not illegal to travel to Russia, to talk with Russians even Russian agents, to do business in Russia, to be paid for speeches there, and to be a self promoter -- there or here -- ask the Clintons.
9
You write as though expert witnesses had not told the Senate Intelligence Committee that during the primaries, Marco Rubio's campaign was a target of Putin's interference.
I'll ask again: What can we do to get a do-over for this past election? Why did the FBI step in and confuse the electorate? Why did the Electoral College elect Trump when he obviously was unfit for office?
I will not be satisfied with waiting for 2018 for a remedy to this mess. Look at the damage that's been done so far! We cannot allow that cretin to continue in his current position.
Does no one have a solution for this mess? Are there no patriotic, honest Republicans in Congress? Does the Democratic Party lack any semblance of a backbone?
Hillary Clinton should be our president and everyone knows that, but no one is fixing the "fixed" election.
We are now worse than any banana republic.
I will not be satisfied with waiting for 2018 for a remedy to this mess. Look at the damage that's been done so far! We cannot allow that cretin to continue in his current position.
Does no one have a solution for this mess? Are there no patriotic, honest Republicans in Congress? Does the Democratic Party lack any semblance of a backbone?
Hillary Clinton should be our president and everyone knows that, but no one is fixing the "fixed" election.
We are now worse than any banana republic.
6
What put Carter Page on the Russian spy list ? (Along with Trump, Manafort ,etc) It wasn't a FISA request,IMHO) It was a classic NSA batch dump of everyone's phones, emails, etc. These "spies" were looking to do business with the Russians. After Yeltsin fell and Jeffery Sachs went in and took over the Russian economy, Russia became a cash cow for American capitalists. Will the FBI jail these capitalist scoundrels?
7
Well it's apparent "Stranger In Moscow" will never be this Administration's Theme Song.
3
Maybe Page will be the weak link that the FBI will use to break this investigation open and finally implicate Trump. From what I've seen of him in interviews, he seems to want to be liked, unlike Manafort, Flynn, Cohen, Prince, etc.
4
For all of you doubters...FISA warrants are extremely hard to get...you have to prove to a judge that you have probable cause that the subject is an agent of a foreign government. For the FBI to secure this warrant, they must have had intercepts with transcripts. I doubt one speech in Moscow would do it...
6
Let it not be forgotten that this is the same person who has not only repeatedly lied on national television about his visits to Russia (didn't happen), but about his involvement with Trump during the campaign.
Evidently being a pathological liar is the the best way to fast-track a career in this administration -- he must have been taking the same speed-course in treason as Roger Stone.
It's only a matter of time before he blames it all on Obama.
Evidently being a pathological liar is the the best way to fast-track a career in this administration -- he must have been taking the same speed-course in treason as Roger Stone.
It's only a matter of time before he blames it all on Obama.
8
Why have the revolving door floods of US politicians, lobbyists, and ceo's in-out of China & the billions in intellectual property they've thieved from us got the attention of the FBI? Don't the editors of the NY Times think its strange that our political leaders have "colluded" with China for decades to destroy the US manufacturing base, impoverish 10's of millions of US citizens in the process? And why don't those 100,000's Chinese "students" in our universities stealing taxpayer funded R&D by scanning everything in sight into zip drives get the FBI's attention? China is still violating the spirit if not the law of all our trade and other agreements, has brutalized Tibet into submission with several million Han Chinese invader 'settlers' and the official Chinese news agency continually indoctrinates their one party dictatorship masses to expect war with the United States. But the FBI isn't curious about why the leaders of both parties still pretend to believe in the obvious fantasy that they can "buy" China's friendship, pay their murderous oligarchy enough trillions in US jobs and allowance to violate patent rights so they will for some reason magically transform China into a model democracy and perfect US ally But the FBI still isn't interested despite the fact that the most obvious reason for China's special treatment is that our political class have been all bought off with Chinese bribes thought the conduit of all that glorious China-US "global economic integration".
4
In the 1970s after Nixon awoke "The Sleeping Giant" U.S. Investors poured
into to China only to find the Chinese were only interested in picking their Brain Trusts. By the 1980s China based Internet Companies flourished in California. I worked for an outfit that gave back room deals to their 'Chinese Clients' while setting up the infrastructure for our government, libraries, university's and bookstores….Of course aside from having access to government intellectual properties they charged the 'Americans Clients' double the $$$. I always wondered why we let these 'foreign nationals'
get away with it.
into to China only to find the Chinese were only interested in picking their Brain Trusts. By the 1980s China based Internet Companies flourished in California. I worked for an outfit that gave back room deals to their 'Chinese Clients' while setting up the infrastructure for our government, libraries, university's and bookstores….Of course aside from having access to government intellectual properties they charged the 'Americans Clients' double the $$$. I always wondered why we let these 'foreign nationals'
get away with it.
3
Page, Stone. Manfort and others obviously had a great deal of influence on how Trump ran his campaign. In fact, everything about how Trump ran his campaign came off the Russian playbook to get him elected and/or delegitimizing Mrs. Clinton, if she got elected. There is no way that the FBI can investigate these people without it all leading directly to Trump. He wanted to win this and he didn't care how he did it. We know that for him the end always justified the means and frankly, these men were the means for him. Trump is a fool if he thinks that he can now distance himself from the very people who got him elected. He is no innocent in any of this and we need to know just how deeply he is in this. We need to see those tax returns.
20
Thank you for putting this front page and center in your paper version of the NYT. O'Reilly's influence via and for FOX is a sad reality. Trump's support for O'Reilly rather than victimized women is more to the point. Keep up the investigative reporting of Russian influence over our elections, our choice of president, his choice of cabinet and advisors, and his family members. To whom does Teump owe money? What's in his tax returns?
10
And speaking of Russian influence -- it'll be interesting to see if ex-EXXON-CEO-now-Secretary of State-Rex Tillerson will be effectvie at lifting current sanctions against Russia in order to go drilling for oil.
Why he, an no one else in this administration isn't being investigated for "Conflicts of Interest", is beyond comprehension.
Why he, an no one else in this administration isn't being investigated for "Conflicts of Interest", is beyond comprehension.
6
Well, when rogue agents seek to make foreign policy in place of disciplined diplomats, almost anything or everything can go wrong. Anyone can have an intuition about what their role might be to "improve the world", but as the British have discovered over-and-over again,calculations of these sorts coming from individual actors can go especially wrong. What's missing from these agent's agendas is that nation states are more powers with interests than friends, and so vital oppositions cannot be resolved overnight. Put another way: nations have interests and not friends, and this includes the likes of the US and the UK. As such, actors of this sort only endanger the cause of diplomacy, and, their ostensible heroism almost never comes true . Most disturbing right now, is the very real possibility that even Donald Trump does not understand these basic actualities regarding international interaction and order. I suspect he does not
1
It is generally considered by historians that Buchanan was the worst President in US history and that the Grant or Reagan administration was the most corrupt in history. It looks like Trump is making a serious run on both titles.
8
If Trump and his cronies have nothing to hide you'd think they would be more than willing to clear this Russian collusion debacle up immediately, but instead they seem to be covering-up.
Also, I don't think that the FBI would still be investigating this matter if there was no "there" there.
Also, I don't think that the FBI would still be investigating this matter if there was no "there" there.
7
Covering up? Donald Trump and his associates have been clear from the start about their relationships with Russia. They have limited contacts. No one has shown any sort of nefarious contacts by anyone.
You would think from articles like this, and from your comment, that there was a there there. But everything the FBI has has been leaked, and it amounts to nothing.
Relationships with Russia are pretty common. I myself talk to a Russian in Volgograd every month or two about his business. We would do well to work better with Russia and her people. Some benefit for everyone there.
You would think from articles like this, and from your comment, that there was a there there. But everything the FBI has has been leaked, and it amounts to nothing.
Relationships with Russia are pretty common. I myself talk to a Russian in Volgograd every month or two about his business. We would do well to work better with Russia and her people. Some benefit for everyone there.
2
Lack of disclosure of financial ties is one issue. The Trump campaign and administration officials reveal only when caught. The second is the ongoing investigation for collusion. We had years of Benghazi and Whitewater hearings so we can take our time here John.
4
@Smithson
What you seem to overlook is the fact that Trump hasn't come TOTALLY clean about the extent of his dealings with Russia (income tax returns, anyone??), and so it's easy to think that he's hiding something.
Plus, this isn't the first person to get caught lying about his involvement with Russia during the campaign -- Or, have you already forgotten about the hacking ?
Just for the record.
Talking as a private citizen to a Russian in Volgorad isn't the same as being in, or near the White House with access to sensitive information.
What you seem to overlook is the fact that Trump hasn't come TOTALLY clean about the extent of his dealings with Russia (income tax returns, anyone??), and so it's easy to think that he's hiding something.
Plus, this isn't the first person to get caught lying about his involvement with Russia during the campaign -- Or, have you already forgotten about the hacking ?
Just for the record.
Talking as a private citizen to a Russian in Volgorad isn't the same as being in, or near the White House with access to sensitive information.
3
A question for the NY Times:
Did the FBI investigate President Obama's remarks at the New Economic School graduation ceremonies on 7 July 2009 in Gostinny Dvor, Moscow?
If not, then what did Carter Page do wrong when he spoke at the New Economic School in Russia? As the article notes, he stepped down from the Trump campaign in September. What evidence is there that he ever was a "Russian agent"?
Which intelligence or FBI officials leaked this story to the NY Times? Why did they do so?
Please explain what is wrong with President Obama or Mr. Page speaking at a prestigious Russian university.
Did the FBI investigate President Obama's remarks at the New Economic School graduation ceremonies on 7 July 2009 in Gostinny Dvor, Moscow?
If not, then what did Carter Page do wrong when he spoke at the New Economic School in Russia? As the article notes, he stepped down from the Trump campaign in September. What evidence is there that he ever was a "Russian agent"?
Which intelligence or FBI officials leaked this story to the NY Times? Why did they do so?
Please explain what is wrong with President Obama or Mr. Page speaking at a prestigious Russian university.
9
That you know certainly know about Obamas' speech. We didn't know about Page specially his anti-American remarks that definitely resonates with Trump's campaigns... That's the problem when one talks way too much defending a dictator...
5
False equivalence. Look at the first sentence of the article Robert. The issue is being a Russian intelligence asset not giving a talk.
5
I'm going to guess President Obama did not spout the Russian party line in his speech. All these Russian connections to Trump are just too coincidental.
4
Whatever story is here needs to unravel fast. Exxon applying for a waiver on Russian sanctions is pretty mind-blowing, considering all these other things and their ex-CEO is now Secretary of State.
18
The photograph says it all:
A goofball masquerading as a diplomat and a businessman, an unwitting dialectic that meets the elements of a quisling.
A goofball masquerading as a diplomat and a businessman, an unwitting dialectic that meets the elements of a quisling.
13
The news here is the apparent Dragnet covering American citizens expressing views outside the "norm" of Corporatist Neoliberalism, or kindred neoCon threads. The irony is Russia is so often accused of its intolerance and heavy-handed approach to non-conforming citizens and organizations; the same thing is happening here. There is no reason whatsoever the United States should be at odds with Russia, aside from the opportunities lost for Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, General Dynamics, and other merchants of death and End-of-Times sociopaths in the Pentagon.
Please stop the preposterous and hypocritical Russia reporting. You have also established Trump is a clown and his spawn are sleaze-bags. There is real news to be covered in the United States: 1. Completely corrupt healthcare system. Why are folks being brought up on RICO charges? Racketeering and people dying. Drug company CEOs do more damage than any mob-boss. That is prosecution worthy. 2. Tax code helping to create the negative sum game where private equity firms are subsidized by US Taxpayers to profit by destroying capital, peoples' lives, and companies. 3. Phony Democrat Senators who are Republicans in every substantial way such as Warner, Kaine, et al.
Please stop the preposterous and hypocritical Russia reporting. You have also established Trump is a clown and his spawn are sleaze-bags. There is real news to be covered in the United States: 1. Completely corrupt healthcare system. Why are folks being brought up on RICO charges? Racketeering and people dying. Drug company CEOs do more damage than any mob-boss. That is prosecution worthy. 2. Tax code helping to create the negative sum game where private equity firms are subsidized by US Taxpayers to profit by destroying capital, peoples' lives, and companies. 3. Phony Democrat Senators who are Republicans in every substantial way such as Warner, Kaine, et al.
4
You speak of money in politics, and this story represents the worst of it, on a global scale! If you care about getting rid of corruption in government, you should care a lot about the Russian debacle because in a nutshell, it is essentially about the Russian mob and a few billionaires wanting to rule the world at everyone else's expense.
9
There is every reason to be at odds with Russia if you do not support this corruption.
2
Excuse me but there are very solid reasons for the United States not to embrace Putin's dictatorship or the threat that it represents to our democratic European allies.
And there are equally solid reasons for us to fully investigate and take measures against Putin's interference in our elections.
And there are equally solid reasons for us to fully investigate and take measures against Putin's interference in our elections.
1
“These same lies keep swirling around,” Mr. Page said, “having a really negative impact on U.S.-Russian relations.”
That quote pretty much sums it up. Russia is a sworn enemy and Page's big concern is about the relationship between the two countries. Where is the concern regarding the people in the White House with the American public.
There's been a lot of of smoke created by some very questionable characters who flirted with the Russians during the campaign. Perhaps Page will turn out to be the glowing ember that takes the whole place down.
That quote pretty much sums it up. Russia is a sworn enemy and Page's big concern is about the relationship between the two countries. Where is the concern regarding the people in the White House with the American public.
There's been a lot of of smoke created by some very questionable characters who flirted with the Russians during the campaign. Perhaps Page will turn out to be the glowing ember that takes the whole place down.
11
The readers comments really add to the PUBLIC DISCOURSE taking place while Americans try to figure at what has taken place, and what this all means. This is the most gripping manipulation of money and POWER that our democracy may have ever faced...!
13
When being interviewed, Mr. Page does not 'come across' well. His answers are evasive and don't make much sense. It is hard to visualize him as a major player in any company or organization.
Mr. Page is just one of how many ? people who have 'contacts' with Russians AND the Trump organization, campaign and administration. I think the number is well into the 20+ mark of people who have spoken to, done business with, have met with ....Russians. It is an unusually large number of people clustered about The Donald.
Director Comey has shown his Republican leanings repeatedly since this past summer and is therefore untrustworthy. So what, if anything, is being done now about the investigation? Are Comey and the FBI dragging their feet to allow a "Republican" president to continue in office as long as possible before any revelations come to light?
It seems to me Trump's public request to Russia to hack Clinton's emails is enough to start questioning him. Oh, I forgot, his name isn't Hillary or Barack.
Never mind.
I have absolutely no faith that any truth will ever come to light.
Mr. Page is just one of how many ? people who have 'contacts' with Russians AND the Trump organization, campaign and administration. I think the number is well into the 20+ mark of people who have spoken to, done business with, have met with ....Russians. It is an unusually large number of people clustered about The Donald.
Director Comey has shown his Republican leanings repeatedly since this past summer and is therefore untrustworthy. So what, if anything, is being done now about the investigation? Are Comey and the FBI dragging their feet to allow a "Republican" president to continue in office as long as possible before any revelations come to light?
It seems to me Trump's public request to Russia to hack Clinton's emails is enough to start questioning him. Oh, I forgot, his name isn't Hillary or Barack.
Never mind.
I have absolutely no faith that any truth will ever come to light.
10
There is nothing wrong with Comey. He is doing his job and he has no leanings. What are you afraid of? That you voted for the wrong person? You did.
1
So this is were we are at in 2017. An American citizen and member of a presidential candidate's staff goes to Moscow and says nice things about Russia and became the target of spying by US spy agencies. The same agencies that leaked secret information injurious to the same candidate.
The agencies that so many Americans have confidence in because they hate Trump. The CIA whose hacking tools have been released by Wikileaks. The NSA whose hacking tools have also been release leading to the assumption that they have a mole.
I think the real story is that our intelligence agencies are both incompetent and political.
The agencies that so many Americans have confidence in because they hate Trump. The CIA whose hacking tools have been released by Wikileaks. The NSA whose hacking tools have also been release leading to the assumption that they have a mole.
I think the real story is that our intelligence agencies are both incompetent and political.
5
So a man who very likely colluded with Russia on the character assassination of HRC and worked his way into the the Trump campaign and clearly influenced the President's views on Russia is now saying that he is happy the truth is coming out while also saying that anything regarding his relationship with the Russians was all a lie? He's on the defense, clearly.
When will we start seeing some arrests, FBI?
When will we start seeing some arrests, FBI?
17
It appears Mr. Page is a money- and publicity-seeking person who had no real link to the Trump campaign, but whose insatiable need to be noticed finally -- following a recommendation from a Tea Party member -- brought him into the orbit of another person with far greater needs for money and attention: Donald Trump.
The FBI was already watching Page, so when the potential president named Page as his advisor the FBI started watching Trump.
Closer investigation has revealed that Page is an inconsequential glory-seeker, but also that Trump and his associates were in bed, as Paige sought to be, with Putin and other Russian oligarch-criminals.
Trump is after easy money, and there is no money easier to tap than looted, illegitimate money that needs to be "laundered" for a decade or longer in Western investment vehicles. Most banks and investment companies are barred from taking such money.
By recruiting criminals as investors, Trump gets to see his name at the top of more hotels plus a stream of royalty payments. Hotel owner-investors would gain more if Trump were president, so they were willing to assist his campaign by launching cyber crimes that broke election laws.
I doubt if any one person coordinated the Trump Gang's activities. They are more akin to the freelancing that goes on within crime syndicates. Trump is at the center of the criminal conspiracy, and others promote their own interests by serving his. RICO prosecutions frequently bring such organizations to light.
The FBI was already watching Page, so when the potential president named Page as his advisor the FBI started watching Trump.
Closer investigation has revealed that Page is an inconsequential glory-seeker, but also that Trump and his associates were in bed, as Paige sought to be, with Putin and other Russian oligarch-criminals.
Trump is after easy money, and there is no money easier to tap than looted, illegitimate money that needs to be "laundered" for a decade or longer in Western investment vehicles. Most banks and investment companies are barred from taking such money.
By recruiting criminals as investors, Trump gets to see his name at the top of more hotels plus a stream of royalty payments. Hotel owner-investors would gain more if Trump were president, so they were willing to assist his campaign by launching cyber crimes that broke election laws.
I doubt if any one person coordinated the Trump Gang's activities. They are more akin to the freelancing that goes on within crime syndicates. Trump is at the center of the criminal conspiracy, and others promote their own interests by serving his. RICO prosecutions frequently bring such organizations to light.
8
Calling this a non-issue makes no sense trumpets. FBI and CIA have already concluded Russia hacked the election to favor Trump. Trump advisors have been picked up in wiretaps of Russian agents prior to election. To get a FISA warrant to spy on U.S. citizen, FBI must show cause. This idiot and Manafort and Flynn and Kushner and Stone and god knows who else, have been caught in the web. The FBI already has the goods - not sure why they are waiting so long to release. Don't worry though - by the time the news is released , we will be involved in 3 wars and Trump's collusion with the Russians will be the least of our problems.
17
The part I like best about Carter Page is
Roger Stone, a longtime adviser to Mr. Trump [:] “I think he’s a self-promoter — not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
Not surprising from a long time adviser to Donald Trump.
Roger Stone, a longtime adviser to Mr. Trump [:] “I think he’s a self-promoter — not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
Not surprising from a long time adviser to Donald Trump.
7
To me an equally large issue is whether or not the spying capabilities of the government are used for political purposes or otherwise used extra-constitutionally. A Fourth Amendment Warrant must be based on probably cause of a crime and I hope that standard was met with Mr. Page and in general.
In the case of spying on Trump's people, there is a potential political conflict of interest. In that products of that surveillance have been leaked, but nothing made public proves any Collusion, I have to wonder if there was, at least in part, a political motivation for Surveillance on an incoming administration of the opposition party?
NYT, does secret spying concern you?
Congress should get statistics from the intelligence agencies under penalty of perjury indicating the number of members of congress that have been surveiled directly or incidentally, as well as for the Supreme court, governors, and America as a whole. We need to know the extent of the surveillance and whether or not it is limited to true probably cause. We need to know if we are living in a police state, and if so, to what degree.
Also, I would argue, collecting of data for possible future review is a search and should itself require probably cause.
In the case of spying on Trump's people, there is a potential political conflict of interest. In that products of that surveillance have been leaked, but nothing made public proves any Collusion, I have to wonder if there was, at least in part, a political motivation for Surveillance on an incoming administration of the opposition party?
NYT, does secret spying concern you?
Congress should get statistics from the intelligence agencies under penalty of perjury indicating the number of members of congress that have been surveiled directly or incidentally, as well as for the Supreme court, governors, and America as a whole. We need to know the extent of the surveillance and whether or not it is limited to true probably cause. We need to know if we are living in a police state, and if so, to what degree.
Also, I would argue, collecting of data for possible future review is a search and should itself require probably cause.
5
So, is this investigation still on track to be finished by 2049?
Get It Done Please! - BEFORE Trump starts WWIII.
Get It Done Please! - BEFORE Trump starts WWIII.
29
I expect it will be completed ahead of schedule and under budget just like the ice rink.
4
I guess people are really only concerned because Trump the race. Clinton would have created the same reaction for her Russian and Saudi connections on the other side of the same coin. If a campaign was really nefarious they wouldn't need or want a member of the campaign if they had bad intentions.
Who knew that Putin has a side-hustle of an outsourced Human Resources Department for the Republican party & Trump administration.
7
... and then there was the "other candidate" who arranged the handover of 20% of U.S. uranium reserves to "Russian interests" and strangely, coincidentally, received a large donation to the "other candidate's" foundation (as reported in The New York Times, July, 2016) without drawing so much as an askewed glance from Obama's FBI.
6
@Bruce Hall; You've been listening to/ watching FOX NEWS!? Again!?
2
"and then there was the "other candidate" who arranged the handover of 20% of U.S. uranium reserves to "Russian interests""
Yeh, but that was a Democrat and not someone from the opposition party. Who in the last Administration would care about that? With limited Federal resources, how could they spy on their own party? It like selective enforcement of immigration laws.
Yeh, but that was a Democrat and not someone from the opposition party. Who in the last Administration would care about that? With limited Federal resources, how could they spy on their own party? It like selective enforcement of immigration laws.
3
You imply that the FBI acted as a stooge for Obama by not investigating Ms. Clinton's actions vis a vis Russia. Then how do explain FBI Director Comey's public statements regarding her private email server, which clearly hurt her campaign? Comey had a psychotic break? Obama wanted Trump to win? Nice try at distraction.
5
Seems the Defense of all this Kremlin CONnectivity is
"Nothing to see here."
and
"Nothing but Russians to see here."
"Nothing to see here."
and
"Nothing but Russians to see here."
6
Dear Trump voters,
This is the administration you gave us. A racist, sexist, pro-soviet dictatorship in the making. Our freedoms and rights are at risk with every second this is allowed to continue. It's time for you to step up and demand impeachment for the sake of our nation. We can only do this together. Put your partisanship aside and act!
This is the administration you gave us. A racist, sexist, pro-soviet dictatorship in the making. Our freedoms and rights are at risk with every second this is allowed to continue. It's time for you to step up and demand impeachment for the sake of our nation. We can only do this together. Put your partisanship aside and act!
9
If Carter page and the other guy are the extent of Russian collusion with trump the nation has been sent on a disastrous and costly wild goose chase.
1
A pretty big "IF", I'd say. I'm thinking the only way to find out the answer to that "If" question is to have an open and complete investigation. After all, we are talking about possible collusion with a foreign power to subvert our nation's election process and Democracy.
As far as I can tell just based upon the early investigative and reporting results, there are an awful lot of connections to an alarming number of campaign and administration associates, which are always revealed after previous loud denials and incorrect (false) statements from the same. What is your idea, J Schwab? Bury it and wish it away simply because SO FAR only several associates seem to be very directly and clearly wrapped up in this outrageous subterfuge? Assume that all the previous lies and denials are simply coincidences, and that from now on we should simply take them at their "word"? Pretend that we have actually HAD any sort of real congressional investigations to this point? Or even perhaps walk away from it all and then signal to the world that we are all OK with this attack on our sovereignty and national democracy?
None of these options seem appropriate, rational, or patriotic to me. 'Head in the sand' may be politically expedient, but hardly the right thing to do for our own national interest.
As far as I can tell just based upon the early investigative and reporting results, there are an awful lot of connections to an alarming number of campaign and administration associates, which are always revealed after previous loud denials and incorrect (false) statements from the same. What is your idea, J Schwab? Bury it and wish it away simply because SO FAR only several associates seem to be very directly and clearly wrapped up in this outrageous subterfuge? Assume that all the previous lies and denials are simply coincidences, and that from now on we should simply take them at their "word"? Pretend that we have actually HAD any sort of real congressional investigations to this point? Or even perhaps walk away from it all and then signal to the world that we are all OK with this attack on our sovereignty and national democracy?
None of these options seem appropriate, rational, or patriotic to me. 'Head in the sand' may be politically expedient, but hardly the right thing to do for our own national interest.
6
The FBI investigation has been ongoing for 9 months, leaks from this and the congressional investigation are staggering. The media and the administration are at each other's throats. The damage being done to the country by the failure of the FBI to release a report to date is far worse than the damage that the suspected collusion could have caused. Get the report out if we have to immunize the whole administration do it. If they are guilty they will have to resign anyway. Get on with it
3
Trump and the Republican Party are trashing the United States and I understand that some Democrats and Clinton supporters want to weaken his hold on power by portraying him as "soft" on Russia and a co-conspirator with Putin in Clinton's electoral defeat. And they are happy to drag out every McCarthyesque Cold War trope available to do it.
They may think this Benghazi-style call for investigations is smart politics, but it's not. It only serves to divert their party's attention from its serious disconnect with many voters, especially independents, working class people and millennials revealed by Clinton's loss. In fact, it exemplifies and highlights this disconnect. Go out and talk to members of these groups and ask them how concerned they are about Russia, Putin and their possible interference in last year's election. You will find that what they are concerned about is much less tendentious and much closer to home, issues like access to health care, high prescription drug prices, lack of decent jobs, inequality and the rigged economy, minimum wages, destruction of the environment, lack of child care and the erosion of abortion rights.
Russian election interference and demonizing Putin is the Democratic version of Benghazi, possibly useful for rousing the already convinced but entirely remote from the concerns of the great majority of voters. The Democratic Party needs to reconnect with the majority of Americans and restarting the Cold War is not the way to do that.
They may think this Benghazi-style call for investigations is smart politics, but it's not. It only serves to divert their party's attention from its serious disconnect with many voters, especially independents, working class people and millennials revealed by Clinton's loss. In fact, it exemplifies and highlights this disconnect. Go out and talk to members of these groups and ask them how concerned they are about Russia, Putin and their possible interference in last year's election. You will find that what they are concerned about is much less tendentious and much closer to home, issues like access to health care, high prescription drug prices, lack of decent jobs, inequality and the rigged economy, minimum wages, destruction of the environment, lack of child care and the erosion of abortion rights.
Russian election interference and demonizing Putin is the Democratic version of Benghazi, possibly useful for rousing the already convinced but entirely remote from the concerns of the great majority of voters. The Democratic Party needs to reconnect with the majority of Americans and restarting the Cold War is not the way to do that.
6
Um, Clinton won the popular vote by 3,000,000. That's what's known as the "majority". So your "argument" is based on a lie.
9
Carter Page seems like the perfect "useful idiot" that the Kremlin loves. Also, there are just too many people involved with Trump's campaign who have had ties to the Russian government and then lied about it ( or conveniently forgot to mention such ties.) Let's demand an independent investigation before all evidence is compromised, and/or Putin has more people knocked off.
24
And now Exxon wants a reprieve from sanctions on Russia so they can drill in Russia. Something fishy in the Trump administration.
27
So many Americans who have been associated with our current president and/or his campaign have had contacts with Russian officials. It is a given that Putin is the tsar of Russian; he and his cronies are ruthless in their pursuit of power and money. If we were to display on a board all the meetings and connections that our current president's advisors, friends, and associates have had with Russian businessmen and diplomats, the dots would align themselves. When will the shoe drop?
12
Carter went to Moscow to get Trump's marching orders from Vladimir.
9
The media is so screwed on this. Clearly there is no "there" there on any of these connections between Russia and Trump. BTW what is NYT proposing... Carter Page told the Russians to send Podesta a phishing email that he would then click and give his password to someone who would release his emails showing how much he detested Clinton and how Clinton worked with Wasserman-Schultz to fix the election??
The BIG news is that Brennan/Rice/Rhodes unmasked Carter Page, Flynn and many other Trump associates purely for political purposes. TREASON. Someone is going to jail - hopefully the media AND the Deep State aka Valerie Jarrett and Brennan, co-conspirators in the Islamiphilia of the Obama Administration.
The BIG news is that Brennan/Rice/Rhodes unmasked Carter Page, Flynn and many other Trump associates purely for political purposes. TREASON. Someone is going to jail - hopefully the media AND the Deep State aka Valerie Jarrett and Brennan, co-conspirators in the Islamiphilia of the Obama Administration.
2
oh, okay Gertrude Stein.
1
On paper he looks like a perfect recruit for the Russian's.
6
I heard an interview on the television with Mr. Page, who does come off as an idiot and his responses to questions were all over the place addressing everything BUT the questions that were presented to him. When pressed by the interviewer, he answered those pressing queries with yes, no, I am not aware, false....seeing a pattern here? Stay tuned, there is more to come.
11
Why is The Times quoting a serial dissembler like Roger Stone on, well, anything?
10
How long is it going to take before the FBI can link Trump to Putin financially and otherwise?
When are they going to subpoena his tax returns for the past 10-15 years?
How long is it going to take before WE THE PEOPLE can resoundingly feel assured that there is enough evidence to IMPEACH TRUMP the HUCKSTER IN CHIEF?
When are they going to subpoena his tax returns for the past 10-15 years?
How long is it going to take before WE THE PEOPLE can resoundingly feel assured that there is enough evidence to IMPEACH TRUMP the HUCKSTER IN CHIEF?
22
I saw this guy on the NewsHour some months ago & I was stunned. He seemed indeed an idiot; and either a liar or lunatic ( or both) as well. Every word out of his mouth seemed to scream LIE LIE LIE.
And some of his claims, as slippery as he thought he was being, were later proved to be false- such as never meeting the Russian ambassador.
But I hate to think the Russian trump dealings will finally be pinned on him. There's surely more to it than this one nudnik.
And some of his claims, as slippery as he thought he was being, were later proved to be false- such as never meeting the Russian ambassador.
But I hate to think the Russian trump dealings will finally be pinned on him. There's surely more to it than this one nudnik.
23
The best possible of all outcomes is that this drip, drip, drip of revelations between the Trump campaign and the Russians continues in the background of Washington politics with new discoveries hitting the news cycle during the last days of the 2018 campaign so as to be fresh in voters minds.
If Americans can be shocked enough to focus at least temporarily on the light shining at the underbelly of D.C. politics they just might see all the other things Congress has been doing that are contrary to peoples' best interests.
If that were to happen it could result in a huge wave to throw the bums out.
If Americans can be shocked enough to focus at least temporarily on the light shining at the underbelly of D.C. politics they just might see all the other things Congress has been doing that are contrary to peoples' best interests.
If that were to happen it could result in a huge wave to throw the bums out.
9
So NYT writes an headline of course claiming that Trump had requested Page to go to Moscow and make a Russian connection BUT "Mr. Page’s relationship with Mr. Trump appears to have been fleeting" ... in other words, NYT creates an none story. As an arm of the Democratic / left NYT will never write anything that does not support the narrative that Russians rigged the election and those folks in Ohio etc. really did not vote for Trump , the Russians hacked the voting and changed the votes from Hillary to Trump (the NYT is generating conspiracy stories worth of Alex Jones )
8
It's not about rigging the election. It's about committing treason. TREASON.
You can choose to believe what you want to see, but Comey will present facts.
He is not partisan. He has proven he was willing to ruin Hillary's chances of winning.
Try to see things as they are.
You can choose to believe what you want to see, but Comey will present facts.
He is not partisan. He has proven he was willing to ruin Hillary's chances of winning.
Try to see things as they are.
12
Coney presented nothing ... you like most of your "kind" the true believers, cool aid drinkers, believe anything but the fact hat Hillary was a loser candidate who insulted the working class, failed to go to key states and never would represent anyone but the progresive elites such as yourself.
3
Page has been described as 'greedy' and the Russian spy that met with the Trump adviser thought he was an ‘idiot’
6
I put him right up there with Trump as a narcissist.
8
As far as I can tell, based on available evidence, Carter Page is guilty of believing he was free to express a dissenting view from the mainstream outlook on what US policy toward Russia should be, and to offer justifications for Russia's actions in Ukraine. He may also have been approached by a Russian intelligence officer, which happens to a lot of westerners and is not their fault. Depicting dissent from mainstream opinions as a criminal offense is not what we expect from the press in a liberal democracy. In a saner era, the U.S. embassy in Moscow had very cooperative relations with many scholars and specialists at the New Economic School, including people well known as strong critics of Putin, such as Sergey Guriev, now the chief economist at the EBRD.
4
My concern is that Trump is beholden to Russian oligarchs in a way that we do not understand because of the secretive way the Trump organization and family does business.
12
What you are forgetting is that Carter Page, because of his investments in Russian companies, has a conflict of interest.
What would be the rational reason for supporting Putin the dictator over our democratic European allies?
What would be the rational reason for supporting Putin the dictator over our democratic European allies?
I doubt the FBI and CIA will make the results of their investigations public; they would probably feel it would destabilize the country. However, they must follow through with them; other international intelligence agencies are watching impatiently and deciding whether to share intelligence with them. Without their collaboration the US would be at risk.
5
Hmm, the folks POTUS has surrounded himself with may be the best,.. seems like they're (ALL) the Kreme De Le KREMLIN.
18
As a candidate, Donald Trump often mentioned "extreme vetting". Maybe he should have thought about using "extreme vetting" procedures in selecting advisors.
21
When will something be done? We hear about Trump's Russian connection over and over yet the Republicans hedge and pretend nothing ever happened. If Mrs. Clinton was president and had this much evidence against her, the Republicans would lead her to the guillotine. There is all talk and no action. For my second cliché in a roll, I'd like to say it's time to fish or cut bait. There is so much evidence against Trump, it's time for him to go.
22
In other words Trump is making a big deal over an agency doing its job because that agency happened to decide to keep an eye on a person of interest named Carter Page. If Trump doesn't like what the FBI did he ought to consider how much of his election he owes to what they did to Hillary Clinton. What's sauce for the goose... or be careful what you wish for.
10
Will the denouement of Russiagate by the FBI, intelligence agencies and Congressional subcommittees come just after the mid-term elections in 2018? I hope not. It's time for Hillary to get some payback for the ill-timed release of her emails on the eve of the 2016 presidential election- none of which revealed any wrongdoing.
9
Time for Hillary to get payback? Funny. Hasn't her entire life been about payback?
Isn't "fake news" originally a Russian Intelligence term? Interesting how the Trump campaign picked up and uses that so frequently.
15
Finally.I've had enough of bozo's diversions. the real story here is carter page's trip to russia with a tape of bozo's voice suggesting ways he could betray USA in return for russia fixing the election in his favor.In my mind that is treason and all investigations into bozo should be focused on this.the longer this clown remains in office,the greater the damage.
13
Obviously a cover up of immense proportions is being perpetrated by trump himself and his henchmen. 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.
21
Benedict needed money and Russia was a great source for it. Everything proceeds from his need for money! Prosecute RUSSIAGATE!
15
It is the responsibility of Congress to continue to investigate the ties between the Trump campaign and Russian involvement. Failure to do so puts our democracy at risk. Those Republicans who dismiss the importance of this investigation are traitors to the constitution and our democratic principles.
29
With all this Russian connection " Stuff" we need some perspective for the future. Yes, Putin seems to be a troublemaker for us now. But his game may be based on some very good insight to the future of Russia's as climate change marches on. His ensuring Russia's maritime strength by regaining the Crimean Naval base and helping Assad in order to keep the Russian naval base in Syria will be of immense help in the future.
A quick glance at a world atlas will show how great a share of the Arctic Cicle area is in Russia. This means that Russia has a legitimate claim to a large share of the natural resources that will be available once the Arctic ice is gone in not too many years. Russia stands to be a big winner in the future.
The future is not bright because the effects of global warming will bring chaos in many parts of the world. We may need to be friendly with Russia for more than just getting our Astronauts to and from space as is the case now. Russia right now is a competitor not an enemy. It would be great if we could somehow work together to destroy ISIS an enemy common to us just as we did in WWII even though we were not best friends even then.
A quick glance at a world atlas will show how great a share of the Arctic Cicle area is in Russia. This means that Russia has a legitimate claim to a large share of the natural resources that will be available once the Arctic ice is gone in not too many years. Russia stands to be a big winner in the future.
The future is not bright because the effects of global warming will bring chaos in many parts of the world. We may need to be friendly with Russia for more than just getting our Astronauts to and from space as is the case now. Russia right now is a competitor not an enemy. It would be great if we could somehow work together to destroy ISIS an enemy common to us just as we did in WWII even though we were not best friends even then.
3
Just last night on Newshour/PBS there was a video of the opening of a new high tech base in the Artic by the Russians looking to increase drilling rights.
3
FBI director Comey's "Clinton e-mail" statement a week before the election probably had more to do with Trump's win than this wannabe player or Russian collusion with the campaign. Comey should have been fired for that statement, but further the FBI itself should be thoroughly examined by the A.G. That certainly won't happen under this administration, however that does not let Trump and those around him off the hook for this naive admiration for Putin. Playing footsie with this dictator, who has enriched himself beyond his wildest dreams, as Trump does, indicates a similar goal for our commander-in-chief. It's all about the Trump brand and the interests of his family business, not about what's good for America and all those blue collar voters in the mid-lands. Putin takes every advantage given him and those who fail to see this do so at their peril.
19
So let me get this straight, all during the fall presidential campaign, James Comey and the FBI sat on this explosive story about potential Russian espionage and possible Putin connections to the Trump campaign, and at the same time decided to directly intervene in the campaign by issuing two public letters regarding Anthony Weiner's laptop, which turned out to contain nothing but duplicate emails that the FBI already possessed?
Talk about a double standard!
As Paul Krugman would say "Thanks, Comey!"
Talk about a double standard!
As Paul Krugman would say "Thanks, Comey!"
23
The thought that our FBI director is potentially complicit in a dark campaign against Clinton is terrifying, but it also borders on the absurd. It is simply too much to fathom, especially given Comey's overall reputation. But, then again, apparently anything is possible these days...
5
Carter Page, seditious doofus.
11
One by one, the Russian trolls are being forced to come out of the woodwork. At what point will the Trump's Russian Connection be confirmed? One anti-Putin Syrian strike does not confirm anti-Putin stance.This administration has or have a lot of close senior advisers who have easy access to Trump's ears, doing thriving business in Russia cannot simply be a coincidence. Why? The Syrian strike was great optics - nothing else!
10
According to NYT, I must be a Russian spy, too!
I've been called an "idiot" by a Russian...I've associated with persons who drive BLACK Mercedes...I expressed doubt about Obama's economic relations with Russia.
My saving grace, I'm not remotely associated with President Trump.
Whew!
I've been called an "idiot" by a Russian...I've associated with persons who drive BLACK Mercedes...I expressed doubt about Obama's economic relations with Russia.
My saving grace, I'm not remotely associated with President Trump.
Whew!
5
Some of the alt-right talking heads are creating a red herring/MacGuffin that the FBI is invading the privacy of American Citizens. This seduces gullible observers from the true issues of Russian involvement/interference regarding our election, as well as the seduction & cultivation of future influence peddlers & lackeys in the Administration. Are the apologists saying we shouldn't observe actions or communications of foreign agents, so as to preserve the "privacy" of Americans who could prove to be "convenient idiots" for their Russian handlers? I would hope not.
This is not spying on Americans, as much as it is the FBI is simply doing its job of monitoring possible foreign agents & their American contacts.
This is not spying on Americans, as much as it is the FBI is simply doing its job of monitoring possible foreign agents & their American contacts.
12
Yes, Cater Page seems to be liking the limelight....probably most people would embellish to make it brighter. As to Putin, he has one of the highest approval ratings of any leader of a powerful nation, including present and past US presidents. Let's worry about our own before judging others from our self-centered point of view.
Three days in Moscow. No ONE goes there for ONLY three, days, to take in the sights and eat caviar/ drink vodka. Dude, at least make it a LOOK realistic. Seriously.
8
“When you introduce false evidence in a court of law, including the FISA court,” he said, referring to the court that issued the warrant targeting him, “that is illegal. So, let’s see what happens.”
- hmmm accountability on FISA applications ? RIGHT!
- hmmm accountability on FISA applications ? RIGHT!
1
How many in this Administration have Russian as their primary and English listed as their 2nd Language?
3
Let's be clear here and focus. If just one person Russian or a Russian informed American tipped Donald Trump off about the DNC hacking or the timing of their releases on Wikileaks. Whispered it into his hear even. Then Donald Trump has committed treason. And I have absolutely no doubt that this happened. Carter Page may have only needed to meet him once for this to have occurred. Maybe it was messaged 'by courier' as Trump himself has advised us as a tool to avoid surveillance. What I like to call the 'burn after reading' method.
What president have we ever had with so many connections to Russian?
He has out right lied about his connections and people believe those lies.
The offices Russian gangster firms, which have backed multiple projects of his, are mere floors away from him in his buildings in NYC.
The timing of Trumps rhetoric on the campaign trail mirrors released Russian propaganda to the T. Alongside Trumps praise of Putin, who is a ruthless thug who robs and murders his own people. Republicans think all this and so so much more is just a coincidence. Give me a break. Get your head out of your...
We already have more than enough evidence as far as I'm concerned.
What president have we ever had with so many connections to Russian?
He has out right lied about his connections and people believe those lies.
The offices Russian gangster firms, which have backed multiple projects of his, are mere floors away from him in his buildings in NYC.
The timing of Trumps rhetoric on the campaign trail mirrors released Russian propaganda to the T. Alongside Trumps praise of Putin, who is a ruthless thug who robs and murders his own people. Republicans think all this and so so much more is just a coincidence. Give me a break. Get your head out of your...
We already have more than enough evidence as far as I'm concerned.
21
So if Mr. Comey's public acknowledgement of the investigation into Russian ties to Trump AFTER the presidential election was "unusual", what term might one use to describe his repeated publicity stunts DURING the presidential campaign regarding the Clinton email investigation?
And for God's sake, which was more important - Hillary Clinton not following proper email procedures, or half the Trump campaign colluding with Russia? Apparently the former.
This whole thing is shocking and sad. Every effort was made by Comey to discredit Clinton - why was every effort made to conceal the Trump investiagations?
And for God's sake, which was more important - Hillary Clinton not following proper email procedures, or half the Trump campaign colluding with Russia? Apparently the former.
This whole thing is shocking and sad. Every effort was made by Comey to discredit Clinton - why was every effort made to conceal the Trump investiagations?
37
If you were paying attention Comey cleared Hillary before the election.
1
yeah, sort of.
By the way, we shd note that Hillary's private server seems to be the only one that wasn't hacked.
7
"When Donald Trump named him last week as one of his foreign-policy advisers, Page says his e-mail inbox filled up with positive notes from Russian contacts. “So many people who I know and have worked with have been so adversely affected by the sanctions policy,” Page said in a two-hour interview last week. “There's a lot of excitement in terms of the possibilities for creating a better situation.” Bloomberg March 30, 2016. And now he is saying what? Do these guys forget on purpose?
19
My thoughts,
Humankind would be better served if the major governments representing large populations, large economies, and considerable mineral resources cooperate. So if governments could use the Institutions established by the Bretton Woods "talks" at the end of WWII, the World Bank, the UN, the IMF, GATT, now, WTO, to work toward taking on the serious problems of humankind, the world would be a much better place to live.
War, and violent conflicts do not make any sense -- they make people miserable, or take them out of their misery with untimely death, so we should work with the major military powers to redirect resources to creating systems that will broadly share the benefits of technology.
We are approaching Earth Day, this Saturday, and I think we should knock off a lot of the completely absurd conflicts that are driving people from their homes like Syria, and turn attention to the World's long term quality of life problems: availability and access to food, water, shelter, health, education, reproduction, and household formations. It is absolutely stupid to continue to ignore the global emissions of combustion gases that cause global warming. It will require lots of cooperation to evolve fossil fuel energy to renewable energy -- key quality of life factors are electricity and transport. These are the biggies that will require cooperation.
I stay on message with the US to lead in establishing a system of space solar satellites to beam energy to Earth.
Humankind would be better served if the major governments representing large populations, large economies, and considerable mineral resources cooperate. So if governments could use the Institutions established by the Bretton Woods "talks" at the end of WWII, the World Bank, the UN, the IMF, GATT, now, WTO, to work toward taking on the serious problems of humankind, the world would be a much better place to live.
War, and violent conflicts do not make any sense -- they make people miserable, or take them out of their misery with untimely death, so we should work with the major military powers to redirect resources to creating systems that will broadly share the benefits of technology.
We are approaching Earth Day, this Saturday, and I think we should knock off a lot of the completely absurd conflicts that are driving people from their homes like Syria, and turn attention to the World's long term quality of life problems: availability and access to food, water, shelter, health, education, reproduction, and household formations. It is absolutely stupid to continue to ignore the global emissions of combustion gases that cause global warming. It will require lots of cooperation to evolve fossil fuel energy to renewable energy -- key quality of life factors are electricity and transport. These are the biggies that will require cooperation.
I stay on message with the US to lead in establishing a system of space solar satellites to beam energy to Earth.
3
Thank you, New York Times for bringing this back into the news. I hope you can keep reporting on this, even when Trump dominates the news cycle with the usual. I urge you to hasten his demise - you did a good job with Fox News, now please continue to assign your best to reporting on issues that will bring down Trump.
31
Hey NYT! So where is your coverage of the status of the House Investigation into Trump's ties to Russia. Seems it's gone silent in the media.
27
So criticism of US policies toward Russia got Page noticed by our KGB? Nothing changes.
4
I've always had immense respect for our intelligence agencies -- the F.B.I. and CIA. This is another example of the F.B.I. being on top of things. America is a great country. America is far from perfect, but its Justice Department, its F.B.I and CIA are doing exactly what they're supposed to be doing.
7
Oh my, a whole lot of Russian bots today. Their "comments" are always the same "fake news," "biased," "NATO bad,"and blah blah blah blah. I think the Russians coders writing the algorithms for these annoying little bots need to spice things up a little bit, make it sound like these "people" making "comments" actually have more than 5 pre-programmed sentences to use when spamming news sites.
17
The Democratic Party, and its media partners, are still desperately trying to
divert attention away from the real reasons they lost the election they thought they could not lose.
Nothing to see here folks, keep moving.
divert attention away from the real reasons they lost the election they thought they could not lose.
Nothing to see here folks, keep moving.
6
So it's actually the Democrats and "liberal press" who are lobbing missiles into abandoned Syrian airbases, dropping MOABs on Afghanistan, carrying out ill-considered SEAL raids in Yemen, threatening a major war against North Korea and saber-rattling against Iran in order to deflect the public away from their treasonous relationship with Russian coconspirators who spent billions to elect Trump via their immense propaganda campaign.
Interesting theory.
Interesting theory.
20
@ Wally: That was perfect!!!! Articulate, concise, and 100% true. Well said sir. Thank you!!!
1
For me, Carter Page is in the same mold as Ann Coulter, i.e. legends in their own minds who relish in self-promotion and undeserved media attention because it is financially advantageous to themselves. Neither one of the has yet to convey anything informative.
That also describes Donald Trump.
That also describes Donald Trump.
18
I believe this is what karma looks and feels like.
Just look at the actions our own nation collectively has perpetuated on to others ( and our own ) in the last 240 years.
If a mere 62 millions votes was all it took to get us into this mess, and apparently not one republican has the patriotism to help put an end to it, it is definitely karma.
Just look at the actions our own nation collectively has perpetuated on to others ( and our own ) in the last 240 years.
If a mere 62 millions votes was all it took to get us into this mess, and apparently not one republican has the patriotism to help put an end to it, it is definitely karma.
4
That karma wd presumably include the rise of democracies around the world. Credit where due.
3
Russia has untapped oil fields that are worth trillions of dollars. When some businessmen see only $$ signs, they are blinded to the true nature of the people they are dealing with. Putin knows this and he is an expert in the art of manipulation, and exploiting greed. The question is: how high up the U.S. ladder has Russian corruption reached?
17
Well, to answer your question, Bill Clinton got $500,000 for a speech in Moscow and worked to engineer a deal for US uranium for Russia. Suffice?
6
Yet the Russians mounted a multi billion dollar propaganda campaign to get Trump elected.
Odd, isn't it?
Odd, isn't it?
7
Poor maligned Carter Page! Good thing he has so many defenders, today.
5
Well was the Top brass of FBI knew exactly how to put seeds of doubt 11 days before election about our former Secretary of
State who was one of the most intelligent candidate to run for presidency of USA.
How come our citizens do not know to show the door to the top FBI brass like how FOX-news top anchor was shown the door.
State who was one of the most intelligent candidate to run for presidency of USA.
How come our citizens do not know to show the door to the top FBI brass like how FOX-news top anchor was shown the door.
8
Boy, does everyone have this one wrong! I met Carter at an energy security conference in LA. We were the last two guys standing, so we spent the late afternoon and evening together. First, he introduced me to his aunt in Pacific Palisades. It was apparent that she had money, hence the comment that Carter seemed to be living beyond his means is a false fact: his family has money! Later, we hung out in a bar on the beach in Santa Monica, Loews, drinking cocktails, telling stories about our lives.
A couple of years later my wife and I met him in his near empty apartment (all except his bike) high above south Central Park, near Columbus Circle. We were giving him advice about how to get his committee of changing members to sign off on his dissertation about energy in the Former Soviet Union.
Totally likeable, totally trustworthy, totally patriotic; although, perhaps, a bit naïve about getting involved in global politics. I, too, gave a talk at the New Economics School in Moscow. It is in the middle of nowhere, impossible to find, not a hotbed of political intrigue. Carter is as clean as a whistle. I can hear him humming in his photo!
A couple of years later my wife and I met him in his near empty apartment (all except his bike) high above south Central Park, near Columbus Circle. We were giving him advice about how to get his committee of changing members to sign off on his dissertation about energy in the Former Soviet Union.
Totally likeable, totally trustworthy, totally patriotic; although, perhaps, a bit naïve about getting involved in global politics. I, too, gave a talk at the New Economics School in Moscow. It is in the middle of nowhere, impossible to find, not a hotbed of political intrigue. Carter is as clean as a whistle. I can hear him humming in his photo!
9
Purely anecdotal, this is no defense. It's a love story.
19
The media is driven by something other than the truth, and cares little about what you say or think.
2
Ricardo Chavira - Yes "purely anecdotal" however there is no evidence to the contrary, that would need a "defense."
4
All of sudden the Republicans and the Trump voters have become blind Russian supporter and Putin lover. All of them like to support the KGB moles, Russian puppets and spies and support treasonous activities. Love and loyalty for party and love for Trump should not above the love and interest of your country USA.
22
Nonsense. Nobody on the right loves Putin. His fans are usually liberals who fantasize about Socialism and blame the US for threatening Russia with NATO.
No one, however, supports a witch hunt without a scintilla of evidence beyond a suspect dossier by a Clinton opposition researcher.
No one, however, supports a witch hunt without a scintilla of evidence beyond a suspect dossier by a Clinton opposition researcher.
5
KGB got replaced by the FSB, but it's the same sort of state police and intelligence organization, and no friend to either the Russian people or anyone else in the world. The FSB exists to protect the Russian government and the oligarchs, and reportedly will kill or jail anyone perceived to be an enemy of the state.
13
@AACNY: Exactly which liberals love Putin? Hillary? Obama? That is why they pushed for sanctions against Putin cronies? it never ceases to amaze me how right wingers will turn anything into an anti-liberal rant with no factual foundation.
17
The story defeats its own purpose by repeatedly pointing out that Page's connection to Trump is minimal, if at all. What, then, is everyone trying to prove, other than ram a square peg down a round hole???
10
If his connection was so minimal, why did Trump during the campaign claim Page as one of his primary foreign policy advisors?
15
Read the story: Trump was given a list of volunteers who would be foreign policy advisors. He didn't know them. Someone else drew up the list.
Trump, as we now know for certain, says many things without there being any substance to them.
3
A little like the US being the Mother Of All Atomic Weapons and has no right to criticize others for wanting a deterrent, The US is the Great Great Grand Mother of all Meddling in the elections and governments of other nations. The US has a history of bombing and even invading foreign nations we don't like and we have no right to judge other nations for having a preference and a desire to influence our elections, especially when one of the candidates was a proven war monger.
3
We might be hypocrites, but that doesn't absolve the Russian federation of its many recent murders of its own citizens, or its wars and invasions of neighboring Chechnya, Georgia, and Ukraine. Saying we both do it is a tu quoque fallacy. Two wrongs don't make a right.
14
It is people like Carter Page that lead me to believe that the United States military service academies should be shut down. What did he learn at the Naval Academy about loyalty, patriotism, truthfulness, honor and duty? Evidently, not much.
10
And what did Page actually do that was bad? What did this FBI investigation reveal? NOTHING.
9
Let's have an impartial, non-political investigation and find out. So far all we've seen are tainted Republican-lead cover-ups while the evidence moves further from our minds and the stolen election it produced.
18
Yet.
3
Um...the FBI_is_non-political and impartial...AND they've found NOTHING.
"The trip to Moscow" shows no evidence of anything. This guy Page has a great lawsuit for violation of his privacy rights.
More fake news by the NYTs.
More fake news by the NYTs.
11
Tell that to Bill O'Reilly.
3
Tax returns now!
16
Give it up NYT. Even if Jesus Christ went to Moscow you would try to make something of it. Still, Mr. Trump is President and your precious Hillary is not.
10
Making public the catalyst for the investigations has public and civic value regardless of whether you've already made up your mind one way OR another.
12
Let's see the evidence.
1
From Russia with Love, Part Deux.
Isn't a sequel as much as it's a Reality Show.
Isn't a sequel as much as it's a Reality Show.
3
Will the delusional please read the article again, not just the misleading headline. There is NOTHING in this story, and all this is, is a story. Another embarrassing nothing NYT story, but the base eat it up. JAIL, IMPEACHMENT, wishful thinking.
8
Agree no real substance in this story. Perhaps more evidence in the investigation; if so, wait for the outcome and tell the real story then.
If this stuff was going on with Hilary can you imagine the howls and clatter from the right? Benghazi is trivial pursuits compared to this fiasco.
Also,all the more reason to see Trump's tax returns.
Also,all the more reason to see Trump's tax returns.
40
It did go on with Hilary and much worse. Skolkovo, Uranium One, the failed Russian Reset... like any money hungry globalist, she too saw dollar signs in Russian oligarchy. What is most likely, is that the Russian-Putin narrative is a distraction to dissuade dissection of her past misdeeds with Russians, Podesta's too, or I should say, especially!
3
Do you think Putin sent Trump a 1099 or a K-1?
3
These guys are connected to the Kremlin similar to 6 Degrees Separation w Kevin Bacon and the Kremlin is the Bacon.
Except there's only 1 Degree of Separation.
Except there's only 1 Degree of Separation.
11
what is the significance of mentioning that he retired from the navy prior to 9/11/01 . Is it another case of journalistic seeding ?
6
Connections to Russia doesn't mean your a spy. If it were, the Clintons would be even more guilty. All of this nonsensical hysteria over Russia is reminiscent of the McCarthy era. You know a Russian? Spy! You traveled to Russia? Spy! The real story here is that the FBI obtained a secret warrant to spy on an American merely because they gave a talk at a school in Moscow that was critical of the Obama Administration's foreign policy towards Russia. That's what's scary, and that's how democracies die; not in darkness, but in the light, by allowing (and in some cases, cheering) the Government to trample the liberty of the people.
8
You're missing the forest -- the problem is that all of these connections have first been kept secret until ferreted out by the media and have all clustered around a single campaign for president.
14
There is no reason to maintain secrecy about perfectly legal contacts.
It is equally easy to find similar, and actually more seriously damaging contacts, between the Russians and the Clintons as well as people close to them. Many have been documented but largely ignored. None of those serve the purposes of the NYT, other media, or the Democrats who are attempting to delegitimize Trump and his Administration.
Examine your own motives. Do you want the truth? Or just to destroy Trump? Why are you only interested in one side?
It is equally easy to find similar, and actually more seriously damaging contacts, between the Russians and the Clintons as well as people close to them. Many have been documented but largely ignored. None of those serve the purposes of the NYT, other media, or the Democrats who are attempting to delegitimize Trump and his Administration.
Examine your own motives. Do you want the truth? Or just to destroy Trump? Why are you only interested in one side?
Richard Nixon and Donald Trump. Two republican presidents sharing the same fate with the FBI, perhaps?
Richard Nixon's doomed presidency started with a nightly break-in attempt of the DNC's headquarters located at the Watergate complex in June of 1972.
Trump's tribulation with the FBI started with a trip to Moscow by a former foreign policy campaign adviser in July 2016. Can history repeat itself?
Richard Nixon's doomed presidency started with a nightly break-in attempt of the DNC's headquarters located at the Watergate complex in June of 1972.
Trump's tribulation with the FBI started with a trip to Moscow by a former foreign policy campaign adviser in July 2016. Can history repeat itself?
6
Why is this article below two stories about O'Reilly? Again I ask, where is the outrage? Where is the the push for impeachment?
10
KK,
Exactly.
Exactly.
6
Nice piece of propoganda.
6
So which is it, the NYT made public a piece of information that helps the Trump-is-innocent crowd or the NYT published a propaganda piece? I'm so tired of watching people come into the comments section with FAR more bias than the NYT might have and accusing it of political bias.
We're lucky to have a publication such as this. If you want journalists who subscribe to your political party there are plenty of European or third world countries that are all set up for you.
We're lucky to have a publication such as this. If you want journalists who subscribe to your political party there are plenty of European or third world countries that are all set up for you.
16
So how the hell is Trump still President?
Are we just waiting for him to dismantle all the agencies with the power to prosecute him?
Are we just waiting for him to dismantle all the agencies with the power to prosecute him?
10
Umm. . . he was elected democratically, in case you didn't know.
5
Was he really?
4
Sort of; he lost the popular vote by a lot. He won the gerrymandered States he needed to get the Electoral College vote. He has no mandate; he has no experience in governing. He has very little business experience, judging by the bankruptcies. He rambles on as if he is making real points. Now, he has bombed a few planes and left Assad's airstrip ready for use. Let's see those tax returns.
8
Page is just the fall guy, another distraction. He is not stupid, he is just greedy and looking to make a buck like the rest of them. He overshot the mark a bit in trying to play in a leaugue above his game ... the Bigly guys happy to hire him to front for them, and deleriously happy if he takes the hit and they escape. Normally fall guys are paid after they serve their prison sentence.
Which is not to say he shouldn't go to jail for crimes he knowingly or unknowingly committed. Hopefully he will sing like a birdie when he realizes he is not going to get the light sentence he has been promised.
Which is not to say he shouldn't go to jail for crimes he knowingly or unknowingly committed. Hopefully he will sing like a birdie when he realizes he is not going to get the light sentence he has been promised.
6
So you express concerns about us policy in a public speech and the FBI investigates you? Wow. Something is seriously wrong here with the intelligence community. A fake oppo dossier and a speech in OMG Russia are what has prompted FISA warrants and unmasking classified intelligence? And scores of commenters just "know" all the answers?
It is disheartening to live in America and see standards of proof replaced by guilt by association and innuendo that anyone who did or tried to do business with Russia was somehow a spy colluding to overturn the us election.
It is disheartening to live in America and see standards of proof replaced by guilt by association and innuendo that anyone who did or tried to do business with Russia was somehow a spy colluding to overturn the us election.
7
Partisanship makes fools of people.
1
Perhaps you read over the initiating incident: a discussion between Russian agents about recruiting Page to be an unwitting source for Russian intelligence in 2013.The NYT didn't emphasize it, but evidence of that attempted recruitment was presented in the 2014 trial of one of the Russian agents and he was convicted not only of being an unregistered foreign agent but of trying to recruit Americans to spy against their country. Page was the American who was mentioned in the court case but not identified by name. Very recently he has confirmed that he was that American who the Russians spoke about. He admitted it to several news organizations.
So Page was on the American intelligence radar well before he was named by Trump as a foreign policy advisor. Did he tell the Trump organization about his link to the convicted Russian spy? Could the Trump organization have discovered it in their vetting? Either they knew and it was fine with them, or they were being set up, by the man who recommended him or by the Russians. I don't blame the FB8 for paying close attention to him.
So Page was on the American intelligence radar well before he was named by Trump as a foreign policy advisor. Did he tell the Trump organization about his link to the convicted Russian spy? Could the Trump organization have discovered it in their vetting? Either they knew and it was fine with them, or they were being set up, by the man who recommended him or by the Russians. I don't blame the FB8 for paying close attention to him.
8
As the article makes clear, the reason for the FISA warrant was that Mr. Page was approached by a know recruiter for Russian intelligence services. This seems like a perfectly legitimate cause for concern to me.
11
Seems a bit of a poser and a wannabe and, just maybe, not as smart as Richard Guerin (whoever he is) thinks.
2
I'm pretty sure the Putin trolls have found their way in the NYT comments section today. There's a clear and traceable pattern to a number of these "comments."
24
Seems like it. Rarely notice so many "nothing to see here" comments to an NYT article. Guess all those Russian hackers have to stay busy even when there's not an election to invade.
12
Steve Bannon and his Russian LOVIN' Minions back on the job polluting the Body Politic...Just like they did in 2016!!!! The difference this time around…We're on to the TRAITORS.
4
It's hard to imagine a ship of more traitorous fools than these. I'd use the Keystone Cops analogy if they weren't so pernicious and outrageous.
19
Shopping one's influence and access to the US government with a foreign power, however (and if) grandiosely self-importantly exaggerated, is still suspiciously bordering on treasonous behavior. The beliefs and "disagreement" in speeches are the suspicion-provoking behavior. Whatever we may believe of his de minimus significance, Mr. Page presented himself as influential and "for sale". Many's the time the FBI has been pilloried for ignoring such behavior to the peril of our own nation. This time they deserve kudos for doing the appropriate thing - seeking probable cause evaluation and permission to investigate deeper from the FISA court. Too bad the rest of the cast was not included... some of them wield actual influence beyond Mr. Page's wildest dreams.
96
Carter Page is identified as a liason between Trump and Sechin (Head of Rosneft) in Christopher Steele's dossier. He was offered a "brokerage fee" on the sale of 19% of Rosneft which was mentioned in the dossier before it happened. This brokerage fee could have been large and is alleged to have been an inducement to Trump to lift sanctions on Russia.
14
The FBI and CIA -- joined recently (astonishingly) by the liberal press -- seem to be trapped in a Cold War mindset that imagines modern Russia through the lens of a snowy spy transfer across the Berlin Wall.
And I think I'm beginning to understand why.
Middle-class white men (like me) who grew in the 1960's and 1970's -- now in charge of all facets of America's security operations -- learned to fear the Soviet Union as an evil place that openly threatened Western freedoms while keeping its own people muzzled and miserable.
But modern Russia cannot be conflated with the bad old days.
If anything, Russia aspires to Western standards of living and would much rather prosper together than remain in this on-again, off-again confrontation with the U.S. and Europe.
So I'm still hopeful that President Trump's instinct toward a new Russian glasnost might be both right and timely.
Even as the reality of historical enmity stands in the way.
And I think I'm beginning to understand why.
Middle-class white men (like me) who grew in the 1960's and 1970's -- now in charge of all facets of America's security operations -- learned to fear the Soviet Union as an evil place that openly threatened Western freedoms while keeping its own people muzzled and miserable.
But modern Russia cannot be conflated with the bad old days.
If anything, Russia aspires to Western standards of living and would much rather prosper together than remain in this on-again, off-again confrontation with the U.S. and Europe.
So I'm still hopeful that President Trump's instinct toward a new Russian glasnost might be both right and timely.
Even as the reality of historical enmity stands in the way.
3
Exactly when did the Kremlin become Cool?
So this Russian Alliance, is a Good Thing (on one hand)?
And in the same breath (defense by others) the Alliance doesn't exist?
The I'm an Atheist that Believes in God Defense, noted.
So this Russian Alliance, is a Good Thing (on one hand)?
And in the same breath (defense by others) the Alliance doesn't exist?
The I'm an Atheist that Believes in God Defense, noted.
5
How has Russia improved? Look at their invasions of Chechnya, Georgia, and the Ukraine. Their treatment of LGBT people is often violent and murderous, with collusion of thugs, police and the Russian Orthodox Church. The government of Russia is extremely corrupt, and Putin has built himself palaces, looted the state enough to make himself the richest man in the world, and had critics murdered. Russia wants to regain its superpower status, and is willing to tear down Western Democracies like ours and those in Western Europe to gain power. They interfered in our election and continue to try doing the same in France. Russia needs to be confronted when they do wrong, and congratulated when they do right. But there is precious little going right in Russia at the present time.
14
This is the story of the century and the media is eerily silent about it. There's no doubt the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. When will the FBI make its move on Trump and all his treasonous minions? The world needs this to happen, and soon.
15
So how many past Presidents had this number of associates involved with Russian energy production, Ukranian political intrigue, personal deals with Russian oligarchs laundering money or secret envoys meeting in Arab countries with Russian diplomats while publicly asking Russian intelligence to help him dig up evidence to use against his US political opponent?
None.
Something fishy going on here. Think the Republican Congress has any concerns?
Of course not, they and their love of money is just as traitorous.
None.
Something fishy going on here. Think the Republican Congress has any concerns?
Of course not, they and their love of money is just as traitorous.
14
I see a Reagen/Iran contra redeux coming from this. Page, Manafort, Flynn, etc. will be found to be colluding, but there will be no evidence of a direct connection to Trump. Trump will disavow any relations to these people. One or two might go to jail. No one will give up Trump.
10
The only reason the Trump-Russia scandal hasn't yet exploded with 1,000 times the force of Watergate can be stated in 2 words:
Republican-controlled Congress.
Republican-controlled Congress.
24
Slim Pickens dropping out of a bomb bay, sitting atop a fine piece of american nuclear weaponry. Is that the image we get from an elected leader who may be following a path of destruction we should have real fear of? JFK had the sense to play poker with the russians, but also have back channels with negotiators willing to allay each party's concerns. The media, being the only real conduit for the general population's 'fact feed' must be as good as, or even better than the public facing representatives from the administration.
3
Allegations, innuendo based on his ostentatious ability to have things beyond a pay grade...sounds like we could say this about anyone who is now in the Trump administration as an apparatchik, not just Carter Page. Perhaps there is nexus to FSB spies, but let that be proved beyond reasonable doubt as our legal system requires before a conviction.
3
Hopefully the folks leaking information about an ongoing investigation will see the inside of a prison cell.
2
“Washington and other Western capitals have impeded potential progress through their often hypocritical focus on ideas such as democratization, inequality, corruption and regime change.” - Carter Page
What a truly bizarre statement. I guess Mr. Page wants the Western democracies to enthusiastically support and deal with corrupt oligarchs and dictators. It's good for business.
What a truly bizarre statement. I guess Mr. Page wants the Western democracies to enthusiastically support and deal with corrupt oligarchs and dictators. It's good for business.
17
I'm sure he was there just to explain the American language to Putin. For example, that 'armada' means 1 big ship and five escorts; and heading North means to Australia.
7
Impeachment is the only solution but I doubt the GOP really care anymore.
7
The news that lead us deeper in to the quagmire of Vietnam was faked.
Fake news was used as justification for our invasion of Iraq.
I'm no fan of the current administration but I don't buy any of this Russian conspiracy with the Trump campaign. These conspiracy theories look more like fake news being promoted by certain Democrats as a scapegoat to their own distasteful behavior during the campaign. And ultimately cost them the election.
Fake news was used as justification for our invasion of Iraq.
I'm no fan of the current administration but I don't buy any of this Russian conspiracy with the Trump campaign. These conspiracy theories look more like fake news being promoted by certain Democrats as a scapegoat to their own distasteful behavior during the campaign. And ultimately cost them the election.
4
Vietnam and Iraq were justified by the sitting Presidents with false premises. Therefore, using that logic, Trump may well be creating his own false narrative to hide his real motives. Who is promulgating the fake news, the mainstream media or the man in power.
The American public has to do their own assessment through reading multiple sources, commonsense and logical evaluation. Vietnam War and the Iraq War were not universally supported. A lot of voices in both cases disagreed with the presidents' actions and justifications for those wars. The problem was that the presidents at the time had the power as commanders in chief to send the military in, were ill advised and spooked the Congress to go along. Sounds a lot like the conditions we find ourselves in today.
The past Presidents of the United States have made mistakes and Trump is going to be no exception. Trump has shown himself to be a dupe in the past from the bankruptcies, the fake university, the Hollywood persona he internalized to the overweening ego as portrayed in his Art of the Deal, he is going to be one again. His obsession with numbers and value and his need for money to save his empire are also indicators. Bannon, Conway, Miller, Pence, Sessions, Pruit, Price - people who found him and not the other way around - are all using him to bring a neoconservative agenda into the WH. All those impressions help form an opinion of the Page issue.
The American public has to do their own assessment through reading multiple sources, commonsense and logical evaluation. Vietnam War and the Iraq War were not universally supported. A lot of voices in both cases disagreed with the presidents' actions and justifications for those wars. The problem was that the presidents at the time had the power as commanders in chief to send the military in, were ill advised and spooked the Congress to go along. Sounds a lot like the conditions we find ourselves in today.
The past Presidents of the United States have made mistakes and Trump is going to be no exception. Trump has shown himself to be a dupe in the past from the bankruptcies, the fake university, the Hollywood persona he internalized to the overweening ego as portrayed in his Art of the Deal, he is going to be one again. His obsession with numbers and value and his need for money to save his empire are also indicators. Bannon, Conway, Miller, Pence, Sessions, Pruit, Price - people who found him and not the other way around - are all using him to bring a neoconservative agenda into the WH. All those impressions help form an opinion of the Page issue.
7
Stop picking on Russian operatives. They won the election fair and square.
19
Most everyone gave Trump no chance of winning the presidency until he won. That includes the Russians. They had no reason to help Trump and because of that had no reason to coordinate anything with Trump.
The Russians probably did hack the DNC. They did so to dig up possible trash to use against the next president of the US Hillary Clinton.
The Russians probably did hack the DNC. They did so to dig up possible trash to use against the next president of the US Hillary Clinton.
10
Even though Trump was flailing around during the campaign due to his lack of political connections and was looking for advice wherever he could find it, it is too weird to be true that all of these Kremlin connections came together by coincidence. I hope the truth comes out before Trump and his cabal can suppress it. But I guess that's why the Obama team left all the breadcrumbs behind - to make sure the truth eventually gets out.
132
It is not surprising that Trump surrounded himself with Putin sympathizers. Notice I did not say Russian sympathizers because Putin does not necessarily represent the views of most Russians. He has in fact murdered thousands of Russian political figures and others who have been critical of him. The man is a shameless butcher that uses nationalist rhetoric to stir up a frenzy and justify militaristic posturing around the world. If you listen closely to Trump's rhetoric during the campaign and even after he won the election you can see it mirrors Putin's ideology very closely. It is no surprise then that many in his inner circle were actually acting as agents of Putin and his regime. Manafort, Stone, and Page are all guilty as sin and it is my sincerest hope that after the investigation is concluded they are all branded traitors and spend the rest of their lives in jail. Those who voted for Trump will have to come to terms with what they have done because if it turns out that he himself is guilty of treason then all those who voted for him are complicit in that treason.
111
Putin's approval rating exceeds 80%. He's making Russians feel important on the world stage at the expense of the US.
And all of us who voted for Trump were contacted by "robo" calls with a voice message from Putin himself thanking us for voting for Trump.
1
Suggesting that voting for Trump may verge on complicity to treason is a real stretch. I believe Trump is a liar, a cheat and a bluff, but I doubt he is a Benedict Arnold. And both his brawler style and his nationalistic content obviously appealed to a significant minority of Americans who may someday wake up to having been lied to and cheated. I think more bad judgement than winking at treason.
1
It's amazing to me how unhinged both the NYT and too many of its readers continue to be regarding our president and his election. The Times editorial pages have become too predictable and almost unreadable because of this obsession.
Every little tidbit, no matter how minor, about a perceived Russian connection becomes sensationalized and placed on page one of the Times which seems to have become part of the editorial section. Whatever happened to honest and objective reporting which the Times used to be known for?
Every little tidbit, no matter how minor, about a perceived Russian connection becomes sensationalized and placed on page one of the Times which seems to have become part of the editorial section. Whatever happened to honest and objective reporting which the Times used to be known for?
8
JEF--I disagree. The actions of Trump have served to disillusion the German allies of the USA. It is very suspicious that Putin and Trump both attack Angela Merkel, try to damage the EU and NATO and western Europe. There can be only 1 conclusion. Trump is in the power of Putin. Why is the big question. This may shake the USA to the core when the investigation results are revealed.
9
There is also the lack of interest in the Obama Administration's role in all this. The Times shifts dramatically and takes pains to proclaim "Unsubstantiated" and "No Evidence" when the allegations are not furthering the right narrative.
Many in the media were too cozy, some related by blood and marriage, to Obama Administration officials and are still reluctant to publish information harmful to it. An example is The Times' Maggie Haberman's not reporting on Susan Rice as the source of the leaks.
Many in the media were too cozy, some related by blood and marriage, to Obama Administration officials and are still reluctant to publish information harmful to it. An example is The Times' Maggie Haberman's not reporting on Susan Rice as the source of the leaks.
4
Page seems like a wannabe. He my not even know enough to turn informant on Flynn, Prince, Tillerson, Bannon, and Manafort. If there was collusion, I don't think we'll ever get the full story. But we would be derelict as citizens if we didn't investigate.
7
It is almost certainly up to the press like the NYT and others to pursue what really happened as the Republican-controlled Congress has been compromised and is ignoring its constitutional duties. The FBI and the Intelligence agencies ultimately answer to Trump and we can see how that's going to play out.
11
So what you're saying is that Louise Mensch and her theories about Carter Page's influence may be a bit...overblown?:
Compare this profile, to this (8,000 RT) tweet:
https://twitter.com/LouiseMensch/status/853729191136817153
Compare this profile, to this (8,000 RT) tweet:
https://twitter.com/LouiseMensch/status/853729191136817153
4
Page's link to Trump: the Russians think both are idiots.
7
NYT: Stay on this.
If the Bridgegate fiasco taught anything, it is this: You cannot count on the FBI or any of the investigatory arms of government to do the right things. The only reason Christie aides went to prison is because of the investigative powers of one newspapers, the Bergen Record, and because of the scathing and nonstop opinion pieces in the Asbury Park Press. Christie walked because the farthest they got were his aides, but if you meticulously listen to Christie's first press conference on the matter, there is plenty of evidence from the things he says/doesn't say, that he was complicit. It's in the details and the omissions.
.....but is he going to jail? Probably not.
Similarly, it will require for the Times, the Washington Post and others to keep the pressure and the steady stream of information. It will then require, we, the people, to stay focused and not get distracted by phony wars/war mongering.
Already the record shows enough for collusion. What is missing is the details and the smoking guns. So keep at it, please. Your country needs you.
If the Bridgegate fiasco taught anything, it is this: You cannot count on the FBI or any of the investigatory arms of government to do the right things. The only reason Christie aides went to prison is because of the investigative powers of one newspapers, the Bergen Record, and because of the scathing and nonstop opinion pieces in the Asbury Park Press. Christie walked because the farthest they got were his aides, but if you meticulously listen to Christie's first press conference on the matter, there is plenty of evidence from the things he says/doesn't say, that he was complicit. It's in the details and the omissions.
.....but is he going to jail? Probably not.
Similarly, it will require for the Times, the Washington Post and others to keep the pressure and the steady stream of information. It will then require, we, the people, to stay focused and not get distracted by phony wars/war mongering.
Already the record shows enough for collusion. What is missing is the details and the smoking guns. So keep at it, please. Your country needs you.
36
Two sentences in this article stand out to me. One is where Page declared that he was at "zero risk" of being recruited by Russian intelligence. The second is where he is described as "perhaps a bit naive."
Spies are not recruited by some guy walking up to you and saying, "Hi, I'm Boris. Would you like to betray your country?"
The process is much more insidious, and the Russians are good at it (so are we). Anyone brash enough to declare themselves at "zero risk" is indeed naive. Their overconfidence can make them a perfect target.
How do I know this? No, I'm not a spy. I did work in a prison for 21 years, and unfortunately saw some very intelligent and decent people compromised by inmates. Some just lost their jobs. Others lost their marriages, or their freedom. In many cases, they were overconfident and thought it could never happen to them.
If inmates can manage to do this, I can only assume that Russian intelligence recruiters are much, much better at it.
Spies are not recruited by some guy walking up to you and saying, "Hi, I'm Boris. Would you like to betray your country?"
The process is much more insidious, and the Russians are good at it (so are we). Anyone brash enough to declare themselves at "zero risk" is indeed naive. Their overconfidence can make them a perfect target.
How do I know this? No, I'm not a spy. I did work in a prison for 21 years, and unfortunately saw some very intelligent and decent people compromised by inmates. Some just lost their jobs. Others lost their marriages, or their freedom. In many cases, they were overconfident and thought it could never happen to them.
If inmates can manage to do this, I can only assume that Russian intelligence recruiters are much, much better at it.
20
Ok....I really can't discern if this news about an investigation into whether Page was violating a law - perhaps the Logan Act or colluding? Or is it a fishing expedition? It all seems pretty sketchy to me. Is there a storm gathering or is it just cloudy today?
5
Mr. Trump should want to get this cleared up and not covered up. He should appoint a special investigatory team of people not associated with his campaign or office. There are a number of unemployed former attorneys, including Preet Bharara, who used to work for the Justice Department who would be perfect for such a team.
16
Republicans will do nothing with Trump until he signs a massive tax cut, rolls back all regulations impeding profit and clears out anyone who looks foreign...then they may attempt to do their duty and investigate the hundreds of constitutional violations that go on daily at the White House
Until then, nothing
Until then, nothing
11
It is just a matter of time before Page rats out trump. I give him three months. The treat of a long prison term has a way of doing that.
11
This is looking more curious each day, and the one thing the media and press should be on high alert for is Trump's next diversion tactic, let's hope it's not an attack on North Korea or Iran.
We already have the missing in action Secretary of State coming out from hiding to make a somewhat odd, unintelligent comment on the Iran treaty, Rex Tillerson is not only sounding unimpressive, he is sounding like he doesn't know what he is doing, and frankly doesn't seem too interested in learning to do the job.
We already have the missing in action Secretary of State coming out from hiding to make a somewhat odd, unintelligent comment on the Iran treaty, Rex Tillerson is not only sounding unimpressive, he is sounding like he doesn't know what he is doing, and frankly doesn't seem too interested in learning to do the job.
24
Sounding like Watergate. "Minnows" like bungling burglars and protest disrupters were instrumental in hauling in the whales, thanks to the reporting of Woodward and Bernstein. Page, et.al., are just the beginning of the food chain in Kremlingate. The Free Press is our only hope and I pray that NYT reporters will doggedly pursue this story.
22
Exactly, the free press is the only entity left that has a chance of pursuing and exposing the Truth. The Republican Party, and increasingly the court,s will not hold traitors responsible, even if the public outcry is on a par with Watergate. At least half the populace is brainwashed and resistant to discovery. We are living in a very different era.
6
Flynn, Sessions, Kushner, Manafort, Page, Prince, Page. Are these the salesmen who sold our election to the Russians? That is what I want to know. Mr. Trump may be trying to run away, but forgetting you talked to the Russians no longer seems like a plausible excuse. Then there are the excuses of conversations with the Russians are normal campaign rhetoric. Meanwhile, Trump seems to be leaking info he already has about Wikileaks, praising Putin, etc. during the campaign. Deflect, hide, lie, the mantra of the Trump administration.
14
Why are these people not under indictment for treason right now?
15
H. Savage - Why?
The total and complete lack of any credible evidence, that's why! That dog won't hunt no matter how hard or how often it's beaten by the NYT and other Democratic party sycophants.
The total and complete lack of any credible evidence, that's why! That dog won't hunt no matter how hard or how often it's beaten by the NYT and other Democratic party sycophants.
1
As Comey has stated, Trump is not being investigated. There is no criminal investigation. It is an investigation into the Russia Government's actions and is a counter-intelligence investigation. Crimes will be prosecuted IF they happen to be uncovered in the process of that investigation. Trump associates are not the subject of this investigation.
1
The next story to watch is will Tillerson get Russias sanctions lifted so they can do business together!
12
Nothing against the Kremlin Personally buttt,..I prefer Russians in their own Government, not ours.
Or even in other countries government but not ours.
Or even in other countries government but not ours.
5
This how I see the timeline for impeachment procedures, after Nov 2018 elections---> if the Democrats regain control <--- If not, just forget about...
I hope I'm wrong by the way...I wish it could be sooner because some really BIG blowout.
I hope I'm wrong by the way...I wish it could be sooner because some really BIG blowout.
8
Russia, Russia, Russia. Does anyone in the Trump administration have any knowledge about other countries around the globe? I mean we know about Donald- he is clueless about how the government works here at home.
19
We don't know enough to tell whether Page was just a self-promoter or a back channel to the Russians from the Trump campaign. The former is more likely. Any evidence of direct collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian efforts to influence the election in Trump's favor is likely to remain elusive. Nevertheless, a vigorous investigation is absolutely necessary to learn how to combat such efforts in the future and clarify once and for all what role, if any, the Trump campaign played in those efforts.
7
We know enough to conclude that Mr. Page is what is known as an "agent of influence" on behalf of the Russians. Look up the terms "useful idiots" on Google and read all about it.
10
Actually there are recorded conversations that indicate Trump himself requested Putin's help in hacking the election. The quid pro quo was lifting sanctions. See WSJ article yesterday about sanctions waiver request by Exxon.
7
According to The Guardian, in 1998 Carter Page was hired by The Eurasia Group - a major US consulting firm that advises banks and multinational corporations - but left three months later. His former employer, Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, believed Page's pro-Kremlin ideology had been known for nearly two decades before he joined Trump campaign. He called him "the “most wackadoodle” alumni of his firm's history.
Page was relatively obscure in US foreign policy circles. Apparently he was eager to rise to the top and did anything to attract attention - often for the wrong reasons, that could prove his undoing.
Page was relatively obscure in US foreign policy circles. Apparently he was eager to rise to the top and did anything to attract attention - often for the wrong reasons, that could prove his undoing.
23
My suspicions are always aroused when some people think a person is the smartest they've ever met, others call him an idiot.
Anyway, NYT, why are you still using Roger Stone as a source? Hasn't he lost all credibility? I mean, he's a target of the FBI investigation too!
Anyway, NYT, why are you still using Roger Stone as a source? Hasn't he lost all credibility? I mean, he's a target of the FBI investigation too!
14
To use a minnow like Mr. Page to cast a net over the Trump candidacy is a nice ruse, we can but hope that it will bring in a worthwhile catch or two.
5
In my opinion, finding some treasonous collusion between Russia and Trump is a liberal pipe dream.
This might go down in history as one of the most corrupt Whitehouse's ever.
46
I had to ask. "Might"?
8
Might seems like a very restarined word.
8
If it is found that an investigation was concocted by the Obama Administration to gain intelligence on Trump's campaign team, its abuse of intelligence will make Watergate look like a minor offense.
1
That noose is getting tighter and tighter around the Trumpsters exposed neck. More planks every day: Page Mannfort, Stone, Flynn, Kushner, and on.
Must be so tight, the rope is cutting off circulation. Trump can't remember what country he bombed. He thinks Armadas are steaming 180 degrees from where they are actually headed. He forgets his poorly developed manners.
Such will be the demise of the most corrupt, illicit, and inept administration in US history. Hopefully this regime goes out with a puff, rather than some nuclear conflagration. And Trump will be remembered as the traitorous fool he is.
Must be so tight, the rope is cutting off circulation. Trump can't remember what country he bombed. He thinks Armadas are steaming 180 degrees from where they are actually headed. He forgets his poorly developed manners.
Such will be the demise of the most corrupt, illicit, and inept administration in US history. Hopefully this regime goes out with a puff, rather than some nuclear conflagration. And Trump will be remembered as the traitorous fool he is.
49
Man, these guys have more connections to Russia than Ivan Drago.
18
Oh me- oh my! My wife and I visited not only Moscow, but Leningrad (oops) St. Petersburg two years ago. I guess the FBI may come a-knocking on my door. The NY Times had better get a lot more on Page than he gave a speech and tried to pitch business deals in Moscow. After all, even the NYT knows that it was not long ago that relaxation of tension with Russia was encouraged, as were business deals. Who does the Times and the US internal police think deals in Russia are worked with? Smiling peasants and factory workers or the anointed insiders who picked off anything of value when the Soviet Union collapsed? Page was an Annapolis grad and a naval officer. I give him respect and the benefit of doubt until something of substance arises in the case. The NYT slimes.
7
If you're (also) connected to the Kremlin too, no doubt you're POTUS Trump Administration Material.
8
"“The half year I spent on the Trump campaign meant more to me than the five years I spent in the Navy,” he said in an interview last month."
You give "respect" to someone who claims the above???
You give "respect" to someone who claims the above???
15
"The NYT slimes."
It primarily slimes Republicans, but sometimes Democrats such as Saunders as well.
It primarily slimes Republicans, but sometimes Democrats such as Saunders as well.
3
Lock him up!
23
It's interesting that FBI director Comey testified to Congress that there were no FISA warrants related to the Trump campaign - in response to Trump's claim of wiretapping. I guess that was technically correct in that Page wasn't part of the campaign when the FISA warrant was issued, but Comey's statement seems rather misleading.
Regardless, it seems there are quite a few government recordings of conversations with Trump campaign or transition personnel - Michael Flynn being the most obvious. I'm sure these recordings were all "incidental" - which is why Susan Rice and others in the administration were so interested in them.
Regardless, it seems there are quite a few government recordings of conversations with Trump campaign or transition personnel - Michael Flynn being the most obvious. I'm sure these recordings were all "incidental" - which is why Susan Rice and others in the administration were so interested in them.
5
Russia involvement in all of American society was intense with the decision to permit Kaspersky web browser and security to be sold by vendors including Best Buy. This was before Webroot.
It was promoted as one of three substitutes for Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo products. That is no longer the case.
Kaspersky came from the highest levels of the Kremlin.
It was promoted as one of three substitutes for Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo products. That is no longer the case.
Kaspersky came from the highest levels of the Kremlin.
7
President Kompromat won't be impeached until he is such a liability to the Republicans that they lose their jobs. 2018 will be interesting. Impeachment is a political tool for the GOP. Clinton was impeached, but W and now Trump don't? So, if we want Trump impeached, we have to vote Republicans out.
14
They've been watching him since 2013.
Let me repeat that: THEY'VE BEEN WATCHING HIM SINCE 2013.
Page was the ONLY AMERICAN to have a FISA warrant sworn out on him in... wait for it... wait for it... 2017. When? RIGHT AFTER THE CONVENTION made him the nominee.
I didn't vote for Trump. I was HARD core NEVER TRUMP. I believe him to be MANIFESTLY UNFIT to hold the Office he holds.
BUT YOU GOT NOTHIN'. This has been going on for YEARS. YEARS. And you got NOTHIN'.
Let me repeat that: THEY'VE BEEN WATCHING HIM SINCE 2013.
Page was the ONLY AMERICAN to have a FISA warrant sworn out on him in... wait for it... wait for it... 2017. When? RIGHT AFTER THE CONVENTION made him the nominee.
I didn't vote for Trump. I was HARD core NEVER TRUMP. I believe him to be MANIFESTLY UNFIT to hold the Office he holds.
BUT YOU GOT NOTHIN'. This has been going on for YEARS. YEARS. And you got NOTHIN'.
10
More and more, it's looking like the Obama Administration needed someone to "investigate" so it could snoop on Trump. The intelligence agencies seem like the useful idiots in all this.
After the way the CBS investigative reporter, Sharyl Attkisson's, home computer was bugged -- by sophisticated spying software -- while she was investigating the Obama Administration, I wouldn't put anything past it.
After the way the CBS investigative reporter, Sharyl Attkisson's, home computer was bugged -- by sophisticated spying software -- while she was investigating the Obama Administration, I wouldn't put anything past it.
1
That's what Flynn was saying as he was packing up his belongings as he was resigning faster than the paint dried in his reserved parking space.
7
Well, the Russian weren't trying to throw the 2016 election in 2013, Annie. So, stay with it now ...
6
The Russians used to specialize in useful idiots. Looks as though this time they got a useless one.
10
Republicans have always been shameless, but the silence from the right in this matter and Devin Nunes's little stunt to distract from the obvious collusion is beyond what any American should have to bear. How did Roger Stone know in advance that John Podesta's e-mails would be released? Why do Republicans allow Sessions and Flynn to lie to congress while under oath. Republicans control everything including Comey who politicized the FBI during the campaign. Were this a Democrat the Republicans would be wrapping themselves in the flag and their collective heads would be exploding. America has been betrayed by the very people that took an oath to protect it. This is nothing short of treason.
38
"Mr. Page’s role in the Trump campaign *appears to have been* minimal. Papers he wrote on energy policy languished unread. *Former campaign officials* play down his significance almost to the vanishing point, saying Mr. Page had no ID badge, desk or email address from the campaign. [emphasis added]"
This paragraph is poorly written: ambiguous at best, more likely biased & credulous. When Messrs. Shane, Mazzetti & Goldman write that Mr. Page's role "appears to have been minimal," they seem to be accepting as FACT the CLAIMS made by the "former campaign officials" they reference two sentences later. They are also, of course, TELLING the reader these claims are fact.
This is like a prosecutor buttressing the testimony of a witness -- a violation of the rules of evidence.
In the same way, reporters should not write as if a characterization offered by source is "the truth."
The reporters' apparent credulousness on the issue of how big a role Page played in the Trump campaign is particularly harmful when this is the very issue the Trump admin. is now trying to propagandize. As even in the caption to one of the photosstates, "The Trump administration is going to great lengths to distance itself from former associates in the face of an F.B.I. investigation into whether there were connections between the Trump campaign and Russia."
It then becomes laughable when they go on to quote Roger Stone. Stone claims Page had "no influence" on the Trump campaign. Wanna buy a bridge?
This paragraph is poorly written: ambiguous at best, more likely biased & credulous. When Messrs. Shane, Mazzetti & Goldman write that Mr. Page's role "appears to have been minimal," they seem to be accepting as FACT the CLAIMS made by the "former campaign officials" they reference two sentences later. They are also, of course, TELLING the reader these claims are fact.
This is like a prosecutor buttressing the testimony of a witness -- a violation of the rules of evidence.
In the same way, reporters should not write as if a characterization offered by source is "the truth."
The reporters' apparent credulousness on the issue of how big a role Page played in the Trump campaign is particularly harmful when this is the very issue the Trump admin. is now trying to propagandize. As even in the caption to one of the photosstates, "The Trump administration is going to great lengths to distance itself from former associates in the face of an F.B.I. investigation into whether there were connections between the Trump campaign and Russia."
It then becomes laughable when they go on to quote Roger Stone. Stone claims Page had "no influence" on the Trump campaign. Wanna buy a bridge?
9
It's not naivety or evil intent that is in evidence here. It can be explained in one word, Hubris. Hubris is more commonly rampant today than ever before.
Hubris is all that he is guilty of. Hubris can become symptomatic and an overwhelming vulnerability. Why else would he be referred to as an idiot by an agent. Even a Fool won't recognize when he is acting foolish.
Hubris is all that he is guilty of. Hubris can become symptomatic and an overwhelming vulnerability. Why else would he be referred to as an idiot by an agent. Even a Fool won't recognize when he is acting foolish.
4
To the reporters: Look into Klimentov. He lived in Silver Spring, Maryland until July 2016. The address where he lived is now being used by another prominent Russian propagandist. He is key to all of this.
11
It is disappointing to me that the NYTimes used the use of opinions from Roger stone, a man also under suspicion of complicit behavior with the Russians as the main support for distancing Carter Page from the Trump campaign. Not a credible source. I expect better from the NYTimes.
15
What other folks connected to the Kremlin should they use,..seems to be an inordinate supply of them of late?
6
I've done a lot of good things in my wife, even successfully run for local office. But I still consider my four year in the Navy to be the most important thing I have ever done. I am troubled by the Navy veterans serving the draft-dodger-in-chief. They lost their way.
20
(I was embarrassed by the mistakes in the original post. I reported it to the Times as vulgar.)
I've done a lot of good things in my life, even successfully running for local office. But I still consider my four years in the Navy to be the most important thing I have ever done. I am troubled by the Navy veterans serving the draft-dodger-in-chief. They lost their way.
I've done a lot of good things in my life, even successfully running for local office. But I still consider my four years in the Navy to be the most important thing I have ever done. I am troubled by the Navy veterans serving the draft-dodger-in-chief. They lost their way.
1
lol. everyone knew what you meant. err, well, maybe not the Russian bots. :)
The former General Counsel of CIA Mr. Rizzo and a former member of the National Security Council both confirmed the FISA warrent as legitimate.
Carter Page, Paul Manafort and Jared Kushner have all been compromised by Russian spies.
Carter Page, Paul Manafort and Jared Kushner have all been compromised by Russian spies.
21
Finally reporting on trump and Russia. Did the NYT go on Spring Break for a month?
How about this. The only above the fold story - until trump is impeached - is Russia - and all of the other reasons he should be impeached.
How about this. The only above the fold story - until trump is impeached - is Russia - and all of the other reasons he should be impeached.
19
Here is an interview from 1985 with a KGB defector who predicts what is unfolding before us: http://bit.ly/2pG70nU
QED: "Trump Aids Russian Disinformation Mission" http://bit.ly/2pFOagu
Twitter chatter from those who seem to be in the know -- and who have been right in the past -- suggest that Page was instrumental in the transaction between Russian intelligence and the Trump campaign to lift sanctions/change the RNC platform in exchange for the former's help in getting Trump elected. QED: Tillerson at State and the Exxon waiver.
In order to further their narrow, unpopular legislative agenda, and/or because of Kompromat, the Republican party is complicit in these nefarious deeds. Mitch McConnell has worked hard to stifle the Trump/Russian plot. His wife gets cabinet post, he gets Gorsuch.
Nunes goes to Ryan before going public with ludicrous attempt to backup Trump's desperate Susan Rice distraction.
Giuliani in it up his eyeballs. Chavez, who had been looking forward to at least four more years of making hay over bogus Hillary scandals, suddenly leaves town instead of doing his job - and his patriotic duty - by looking into the toxic Trump/Russia scandal.
Tell any Fox news viewer that the FBI is investigating Trump/Russia and you will be informed that the FBI is not to be trusted, (neither, of course, is the source of your info - the MSM). Trump has knee-capped the Justice Department w/prosecutor vacancies and stooges in key positions.
SOS! America
QED: "Trump Aids Russian Disinformation Mission" http://bit.ly/2pFOagu
Twitter chatter from those who seem to be in the know -- and who have been right in the past -- suggest that Page was instrumental in the transaction between Russian intelligence and the Trump campaign to lift sanctions/change the RNC platform in exchange for the former's help in getting Trump elected. QED: Tillerson at State and the Exxon waiver.
In order to further their narrow, unpopular legislative agenda, and/or because of Kompromat, the Republican party is complicit in these nefarious deeds. Mitch McConnell has worked hard to stifle the Trump/Russian plot. His wife gets cabinet post, he gets Gorsuch.
Nunes goes to Ryan before going public with ludicrous attempt to backup Trump's desperate Susan Rice distraction.
Giuliani in it up his eyeballs. Chavez, who had been looking forward to at least four more years of making hay over bogus Hillary scandals, suddenly leaves town instead of doing his job - and his patriotic duty - by looking into the toxic Trump/Russia scandal.
Tell any Fox news viewer that the FBI is investigating Trump/Russia and you will be informed that the FBI is not to be trusted, (neither, of course, is the source of your info - the MSM). Trump has knee-capped the Justice Department w/prosecutor vacancies and stooges in key positions.
SOS! America
28
So he had little influence in the Trump campaign, he has little to no influence in Russian business circles/Putin... why is this important? Because he can "possibly" be a spy? The Trump-Russia connection is very disturbing, but this Page guy does not seem to matter at all.
1
Page matters because he has been on the American intelligence radar since 2013. The only FISA warrant issued for a person related to the Trump campaign was for him, and evidently for good reason. This story is far less about innuendo or false links than it is about putting into perspective Page's involvement with the Trump campaign and his ties to Russia. Trump's choice of him as a foreign policy advisor might have been naive, rather than intentional, but it is still a thread that needs thorough investigation. At this point I imagine the Trump administration is seeking a result closer to Iran-Contra (when Pres Reagan was able to deny knowledge) than to Watergate.
3
Maddow listed the following
Jeff Sessions
Jared Kushner
Mike Flynn
Erik Prince
Carter Page
She omitted
Rex Tillerson
Steve Bannon
Paul Manafort
And there may well be more folks who work for Emperor Donnie, or were part of his campaign, who have connections to the Russians.
What a collection of swamp dwellers. How many are traitors?
Jeff Sessions
Jared Kushner
Mike Flynn
Erik Prince
Carter Page
She omitted
Rex Tillerson
Steve Bannon
Paul Manafort
And there may well be more folks who work for Emperor Donnie, or were part of his campaign, who have connections to the Russians.
What a collection of swamp dwellers. How many are traitors?
10
Don't forget ol' Wilbur Ross - possible Russian money laundering. He just looks like a doddering old man...
6
Rachel's list was of people who "forgot" to mention their meetings and/or discussions with Russians and other with ties to Putin until they were revealed by others.
3
How long is the Times going to ignore John Podesta and his brother's business connections to Russia? Or the fact that former President Bill Clinton was paid more then half a million dollars in the form of speaking fees by Russian interests? Oops, I forgot, Dean Baquet, the Editor of the Times said it was the paper's ''duty'' to oppose Mr. Trump. So I guess this paper will ignore Clinton operatives and their shady business dealings.
6
Peter, since neither John Podesta nor his brother were elected president, there is no reason to investigate their business dealings.
9
Bill Clinton is a private citizen who can work where and for whom he wants. He does not possess a security clearance or work for the govt on classified matters. And no one found him colluding with spies on recordings, or with Russians mysteriously paying him more money than anyone else paid him, or talking about using him as a spy against the U.S. Podesta is also a private citizen without a clearance or a sensitive govt job, or being spoken about in recordings of spies. Have you been reading the stories in the media or just hating on Clintons even when they are out of public life?
8
We should be marching for impeachment and/or resignation.
6
Funny these comments. This sudden intense interest in Russia from the same folks that laughed and cheered at the Obama snark that the "...eighties wanted their foreign policy back" speaks volumes about the commenters.
3
So what are the choices:
A. Trump campaign not knowing that tons of it's people are knee-deep in Russian connections?
B. Trump campaign not caring that tons of it's people are knee-deep in Russian connections?
C. Trump campaign purposely using tons of people knee-deep in Russian connections, because those connections were useful?
Take your pick, surely there is a choice consistent with the security of the United States, isn't there?
A. Trump campaign not knowing that tons of it's people are knee-deep in Russian connections?
B. Trump campaign not caring that tons of it's people are knee-deep in Russian connections?
C. Trump campaign purposely using tons of people knee-deep in Russian connections, because those connections were useful?
Take your pick, surely there is a choice consistent with the security of the United States, isn't there?
15
He doesn't pass the smell test, plain and simple.
7
This reads like the long version interview of a suspected murderer's friends, neighbours, and co-workers. "He kept to himself; seemed like a nice guy; always said good morning." Then they find all the bodies in his garage and everyone says "huh, how 'bout that. Would have never pegged him"—which makes him so great of a pick as a treasonous Kremlin lackey.
6
I'd be interested to know if Carter Page has hired a lawyer, and if so who is paying for it. It sounds like his career has been a lot of speculation and there's not a lot of family money behind him, so he might not be sitting on the kind of reserve you need to hire the kind of lawyer you need when you're under FBI investigation.
If he doesn't have a lawyer, and he's under FBI investigation - well, I wouldn't really recommend that. Unless your strategy is to appear so stupid that you couldn't be a part of a crime that required any sort of planning.
If he doesn't have a lawyer, and he's under FBI investigation - well, I wouldn't really recommend that. Unless your strategy is to appear so stupid that you couldn't be a part of a crime that required any sort of planning.
4
Nothing to see here, folks......
Our 'Dear Leader" has called all of this "fake news"....lest the Hoi polloi get wind of how Corrupt trump really is.
Our 'Dear Leader" has called all of this "fake news"....lest the Hoi polloi get wind of how Corrupt trump really is.
4
"Mr. Page's role int he Trump campaign appears to have been minimal." That sentence should have appeared in the first paragraph. I expect more from the New York Times.
Trump doesn't know anything about it.
1
Surprise, Surprise, today, 'Exxon' officially requested 'Rex Tillerson's' State Department 'Lift Sanctions' to save their Half a Trillion $$$$ Russian Oil Investment. Nine days before the 2016 Election, after the FBI officially revealed that Russia was interfering in our Election it's now reported that 'Eric Prince' of Blackwater fame met with a 'Putin' envoy off the Coast of Africa. While Trump and Co. deny he was affiliated with the Campaign he was making multiple forays to Trump Tower. Today, it was reported that Putin himself worked to elect Trump. 'Carter Page', 'Paul Manaford', 'Jeff Sessions', 'Eric Trump', 'Mike Flynn', ALL have Russian Ties.. and the List goes on….My question is, who is this Administration working for.. Russia.. or The United States of America ???
15
All that "fake bnews" about Russia bombing civilians and assisting President Assad in his poison gas attacks is the problem with US-Russia relations. Whether or nto the Russains tired to recruit Carter Page is just a side bar. The real question remains what connection did the minority president and/or his campaign have with Russian hackers and to what extent is the president dependent on the good will of Russian Oligarchs for the continued profitablity of his enterprises. This is a man who built his financial empire on debt[ just wjat and how much does he owe the Russians?
8
I hope you realize that this 45-Russian conspiracy story has the "Vince Foster was murdered by the Clintons" feel to it... lots of books to be written, lots of nut jobs tantalized (present company excluded).
I'm going with Susan Rice's conclusions, after months of pouring through it all she basically said there was nothing there.
I'm going with Susan Rice's conclusions, after months of pouring through it all she basically said there was nothing there.
4
He sounds like a nice misunderstood guy who wandered off the reservation. Like the sergeant who wandered off and was captured by the Taliban. He was accused of being a traitor also.
3
The Trump swamp is stinking of corrupt rot yet the right sees no need to look for fault? Following a seemingly endless parade of investigations into Benghazi which produced absolutely nothing of relevance they are suddenly mute when a plethora of criss crossing paths sets off a myriad of screamingly loud warning alarms. Go figure. It seems that proper decorum is only important when it applies to anyone but them.
10
"No Puppet. No Puppet. You're the Puppet!" -DJT to HRC
Just yesterday we learn that Exxon is trying to get a waiver from Russian sanctions to work with Rosneft.
It all adds up folks. Putin won big league.
Just yesterday we learn that Exxon is trying to get a waiver from Russian sanctions to work with Rosneft.
It all adds up folks. Putin won big league.
16
Julius and Ethel need some company. Quickly.
1
Mr. Page lived in Moscow for three years and, in this article, is endorsed by Roger Stone.
Enough said.
Enough said.
7
Since he fell all over himself trying to volunteer to spy for Russia, his statement that he was "not recruited by Russia" is,I suppose, strictly true.
8
So lack of agreement between between Page's views on Russian/American relations and administration policy is grounds for labeling him in some way to warrant a FISA court order? Go read the history of the Alien and Sedition Acts. This Page warrant crossed the line, in my view as a law professor and student of legal history. Some officials and sources are in very deep on this, as we will likely discover in detail, eventually. Maybe some people at the Times and Post too.
2
Since only one piece of the evidence presented at the FISA court is given in this article how can you know that the request crossed the line?
8
Well even if in my country we have People cheating, avoiding taxes, colluding with another country, when we are suspicious about someone, he got directly triggered by the court
A french president with so many ties with Russia would have been removed right away. It is unbelievable that Trump is still in office.
A french president with so many ties with Russia would have been removed right away. It is unbelievable that Trump is still in office.
10
Still looking for the story here. Carter Page appears to be a a somewhat naive opportunist trying to build some sort of career as a "player" in the Russian/American business world. There have been thousands of young internationally ambitious people trying to do the same thing. That he had a somewhat "loose" link with the Trump campaign does not make him a spy. I traveled to Russia on business several times over the past twenty years and managed to never meet a spy (except for possibly a few of the "key ladies" in various hotels). That he appears to be trying to make something of all of this shows why he has so far been unsuccessful - he is not destined to be a player. Also, real Russian spies are usually smart enough to spot opportunists like Page and avoid paying too much attention to them.
1
Page was one of the Americans identified in a 2014 criminal case accusing 3 Russians of trying to recruit as possibly unwitting sources. Two of the Russians escaped and one was tried and convicted.
2
You don't need to be pro-Russian to conclude that the US involvement in the Maidan revolution in Ukraine was a criminal offense against international law and a disaster for Ukraine. I get the impression that this FBI investigation was more motivated by the prejudices of some FBI officials than by real facts.
I found this article a bit too scathing about Page's foreign policy expertise. A little internet search delivers several articles in respected magazines.
https://www.desmogblog.com/2017/03/30/carter-page-trump-russia-energy-wr...
I found this article a bit too scathing about Page's foreign policy expertise. A little internet search delivers several articles in respected magazines.
https://www.desmogblog.com/2017/03/30/carter-page-trump-russia-energy-wr...
1
While Americans are tweeting and sharing on Facebook, Russia is chugging along trying to influence elections in Europe. They are using the same techniques that they used in our own election and maybe some better ones that they've devised in recent months. Our president is doing his best to deflect attention from what the Russians did and are doing.
If people were able to walk and chew gum, there would be more attention, not just outrage, over the Russian meddling. Vladimir Putin isn't operating based on any interests other than his own and what he perceives as Russian interests. We need to be able to understand that at a more sophisticated level.
I doubt Carter Page is the smoking gun that will reveal collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. I think it's more likely General Flynn is the key, but he seems to have disappeared from the attention and analyses. If the Russians were trying to get the attention of Trump advisers, including Sessions, Kushner and Flynn, what were they trying to accomplish? Even more important, what did they accomplish?
If people were able to walk and chew gum, there would be more attention, not just outrage, over the Russian meddling. Vladimir Putin isn't operating based on any interests other than his own and what he perceives as Russian interests. We need to be able to understand that at a more sophisticated level.
I doubt Carter Page is the smoking gun that will reveal collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. I think it's more likely General Flynn is the key, but he seems to have disappeared from the attention and analyses. If the Russians were trying to get the attention of Trump advisers, including Sessions, Kushner and Flynn, what were they trying to accomplish? Even more important, what did they accomplish?
10
Is this Russian "nothingburger" going to last the entire Trump presidency? Because I am tired of it already.
If you have some news, report it. So far, there has not been a shred of evidence to suggest that anyone connected to Donald Trump did anything wrong with Russia. But there sure have been a lot of articles written. I guess it's an easy way for a reporter to earn their salary.
People talk about the dossier Christopher Steele put together about Trump and Russia as though it may have had some truth in it. It may have had.
But those articles fail to mention that everything of any import that can be checked has proven false. Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen never went to Prague. The web firm in Cyprus named in the dossier has sued Buzzfeed for defamation for printing their name as complicit with Russian spying.
Some say there is plenty of smoke about Russia and Trump so there must be some fire. Not true. Sometimes there is only smoke.
If you have some news, report it. So far, there has not been a shred of evidence to suggest that anyone connected to Donald Trump did anything wrong with Russia. But there sure have been a lot of articles written. I guess it's an easy way for a reporter to earn their salary.
People talk about the dossier Christopher Steele put together about Trump and Russia as though it may have had some truth in it. It may have had.
But those articles fail to mention that everything of any import that can be checked has proven false. Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen never went to Prague. The web firm in Cyprus named in the dossier has sued Buzzfeed for defamation for printing their name as complicit with Russian spying.
Some say there is plenty of smoke about Russia and Trump so there must be some fire. Not true. Sometimes there is only smoke.
4
Is Page being made a scapegoat? Putin is more smart than Trump. Russia influencing the outcome of the US presidential elections - unimaginable a few years back,but now it seems to have become a reality. Russia has taken revenge for the break-up of earlier USSR. Any US citizen going to Russia becoming a suspect? The US attack on Syria is a ploy to deflect attention from Trump's ties with the Russian government,when the election campaign was in full swing. Mr.Page offered himself as an expert on Russia,and he was in limelight. Is this the reason for the investigations on him? The world has truly become a multi-polar world ,with three superpowers,from the earlier sole superpower. This bodes well for world peace. Moscow is trying to regain its place in world politics. New Economic School, Moscow has become a household word now. Trump praising Putin - will it become a subject of study in political science? It should. Universities can award Ph.D. on this subject to those who want to do it.
As a former military officer myself, we were constantly reminded and re-reminded of our vulnerability to recruitment by foreign agents, through befriending, blackmail or a combination of tactics. Carter Page seems to have decided that he was too smart to be turned by the Russians, but along the way he forgot about the entire lecture series on creating "an appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest". So he actually, technically speaking, may never committed any act of espionage -- but he walked, talked an quacked like a duck -- and now doth protests too much when people ask him if he's a duck...
10
It seems that there are quite a few people close to trump who belong in prison rather than the White House. We can only hope the prosecutions come sooner rather then later.
4
~
Meanwhile, nat'l security erodes daily...
A sense of urgency appears lacking
Meanwhile, nat'l security erodes daily...
A sense of urgency appears lacking
6
Sounds to me like the FBI was on a fishing trip and casting a wide net or something else, what does that mean exactly...
1
So much innuendo. So few facts. Let's stipulate that when an administration is looking for Russia experts, many of them will have had contact with Russia. Let's also stipulate that when one does business on o world-wide scale, there will be connections to Russia and Russian businesses. The question is, do the number of these connections exceed those to other major countries? I am certain there are multiple connections to France. Is anyone suspecting that French intelligence services are trying to make spies out of those people? The entire story is built on nothing and truly defies logic. Russia hacked the DNC and gave the info to Wikileaks. Hillary Clinton lost the election because she arrogantly assumed she could not possibly lose. Those are pretty much the facts and the whole story.
4
Your comment is rather disengenuous. The people identified as having questionable contacts with Russia LIED about or Concealed the nature of those contacts when questioned under oath. Page evidently concealed the fact that he was the unidentified recruit in a trial of a subsequently convicted Russian spy. That is why he is important to this investigation. You can't white wash this. Either Trump was duped by a half dozen or more advisers or he was in on the Russian attempts to subvert the election and get sanctions removed.
4
Some lied, some are just being portrayed as lying. But what if they lied simply because Dems were making such a big deal about connections between Trump people--even very peripheral people--and Russia. Then they are guilty of lying, not collusion. And Democrats are guilty of creating a conspiracy theory out of innuendo with no supporting facts.
Historically, spies and traitors have not always been bright people. They are easily duped by foreign agents who are in contrast very bright with a determination to explore and exploit weaknesses. Every man or woman like Page and Manafort is a candidate whether they realize it or not. Their complicity isn't necessarily tied to their intent. The fact that they were approachable and allowed themselves to be used is their badge of guilt.
3
The question remains: "What did President Obama know, and when did he know it?"
This is no different than Water Gate. Using a dupe like Carter Page as an excuse to spy on your political opponent is still wrong any way you want to look at it.
This is no different than Water Gate. Using a dupe like Carter Page as an excuse to spy on your political opponent is still wrong any way you want to look at it.
2
He sounds like another very bright, aggressive and greedy entrepreneur who was out to make money and saw a pile of business awaiting the first takers in Moscow. Like Manafort - or Trump - he shows no concern for, nor awareness of, the tactics of potential business partners ( as in killing off enemies, and operating on graft). I don't know whether that is naive or just a single minded pursuit of his own interests. It was naive of the Trumpies to consider him as an advisor, but he seemed a good fit...
28
It is hard to tease out evil intent from naivety sometimes. Do Page, Trump etc., want "good" relations with Russia because they believe that they, unlike previous administrations and, indeed, much of the country, believe that they can make friends? Is Trump feeling a simpatico with a "strongman" because he admires such traits and sees himself in the same way? Might Page be used by the Russians though he is more naïve than complicit? Certainly the last has happened throughout history.
As to friends swearing to what kind of person he is, Mark Twain famously said, "Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side that he never shows to anybody." We can think we know who another person fully is, but life is full of surprises.
As to friends swearing to what kind of person he is, Mark Twain famously said, "Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side that he never shows to anybody." We can think we know who another person fully is, but life is full of surprises.
26
Ann Marie Hislop.........would the term Machiavellian help you describe Mr Page as well as quite a few other Trump apointees and hangers on!
1
So, anyone want to take bets on Tillerson, Friend of the Soviet Union, is going to get sanctions lifted on Rosneft-Exxon oil project?
Maddow was quite scathing about it today in the opening minutes here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN9e_r3cjac
(includes a lovely interview with Elizabeth Warren as well)
Maddow was quite scathing about it today in the opening minutes here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN9e_r3cjac
(includes a lovely interview with Elizabeth Warren as well)
80
I forgot, all those bombs away are meant to make us stop paying attention.
45
S Maddow omitted Paul Manafort and STEVE Bannon from her list of TrumpBots with Russian connections.
She did list Jeff Sessions, Carter Page, Jared Kushner, Mike Flynn, and Erik Prince.
There may be more of these traitors.
What a collection of swamp dwellers.
She did list Jeff Sessions, Carter Page, Jared Kushner, Mike Flynn, and Erik Prince.
There may be more of these traitors.
What a collection of swamp dwellers.
2
I forgot that Rachel forgot
Rex Tillerson
Paul Manafort
Steve Bannon
all of whom have at least some Russian connections.
Rex Tillerson
Paul Manafort
Steve Bannon
all of whom have at least some Russian connections.
3
Bless his heart, Putin has done more to vet Trump, staff, cabinet members than the Republican Senate! 1-Sessions, Gen Flynn lie under oath about Russian contacts; 2-US intel agencies confirm Russian dossier elements; 3-Trump staff Carter Page, Roger Stone, son-in-law Kushner, Trump's attorney continuous Russian contacts; 4-The Curious World of Donald Trump’s Private Russian Connections, The American Interest reports long ties; 5-Trump Server Communicating With Russia?- Slate Mag; 6-Putin stakes Exxon Chief-State head Rex Tillerson; 7-Wikileaks publishes Dem-hacked info to harm election; 8-Russian-paid bloggers release millions of fake news bots dissing Clinton; 9-17 US intel agencies report US election hacked; 10-Trump insults, U.S. allies, defends Putin; 11-Wilber Ross' Bank of Cypress tied to Putin ally Viktor Vekselberg, former vice-chair Vladimir Strzhalkovsky a former KGB agent; 12-Trump lawyer shows up at the WH with a Ukraine peace plan; 13-Trump campaign mgr Manafort, paid $12+m to lobby for Russian-backed former Ukraine pres Yanukovych--changes Repub platform; 14-Trump reverses US steel pledge for Keystone, directly benefiting Russian oligarch close to Putin; 15-Trump Soho project litigation + the Trump Baku Tower deal reveal Russian allied oligarchs' investments, ties to Russian mafia; 16-Trump consults Murdoch on SEC pick who will oversee Murdoch’s FOX news purchase, Murdoch muzzles WSJ reporters; 16-Rep Nunes squeals, Chavetz stays mum along with ALL Republicans.
344
You forgot Erik Prince (DeVos brother. Blackwater founder, war profiteer and abuser).
176
And we don't even have the tax returns. Yet.
10
Think Trump's tax returns contain "deals" with Russian interests? I sure do. What else is he hiding?
11
Let me get this straight:
Republicans investigated Hillary Clinton and her role in Benghazi 7 times over 2 years, spent $7million and issued an 800 page report saying Clinton basically had done nothing wrong.
Now, we have a drip, drip, drip of possible Russian interference in our election process, ad nauseam praise of Putin by Trump, weird, secret meetings between the Russians and Sessions, Kushner, Manafort, Page, etc., and no outrage from the Republicans.
Whatthe?!?
Republicans investigated Hillary Clinton and her role in Benghazi 7 times over 2 years, spent $7million and issued an 800 page report saying Clinton basically had done nothing wrong.
Now, we have a drip, drip, drip of possible Russian interference in our election process, ad nauseam praise of Putin by Trump, weird, secret meetings between the Russians and Sessions, Kushner, Manafort, Page, etc., and no outrage from the Republicans.
Whatthe?!?
784
It's almost as if they had political motives.
6
They are still talking about her emails.
6
It is now quite evident that having a grasp on power means more to most Republicans than their long-faked love of country and patriotism. They've very easily cast all of that aside to shield their tax-dodging, secretive, slightly unhinged and clearly low character leader from any sunlight.
11
The NYT seems to be treading pretty lightly here, careful to say there doesn't appear to be much connection between Page and Trump. I for one am hoping for more damning evidence, and soon.
What still seems odd is that the Obama administration knew about a lot of the possible collusion between these shmoes and Russia for years - why wasn't it brought up before? I don't get that one.
What still seems odd is that the Obama administration knew about a lot of the possible collusion between these shmoes and Russia for years - why wasn't it brought up before? I don't get that one.
42
1. Nobody thought that Trump could win the election
2. For 8 years, Obama faced nothing but disrespect and obstruction from the GOP. Given the witch-hunt against Clinton, can you imagine what would have resulted from any public acknowledgement of an FBI investigation into a GOP presidential candidate/nominee?
2. For 8 years, Obama faced nothing but disrespect and obstruction from the GOP. Given the witch-hunt against Clinton, can you imagine what would have resulted from any public acknowledgement of an FBI investigation into a GOP presidential candidate/nominee?
5
Then read your own first paragraph again: "there doesn't seem to be much connection between Page and Trump." If, after all this time, even the NYTimes is suggesting that, you're going to be waiting for a lot longer for damming evidence. Sorry.
1
Obama, Comey, the Intelligence Community at large... nobody went public because nobody thought Trump would actually win. He's the ultimate black swan; possibly the final one, too.
1
Trump needed to win five states as his only path to victory and he managed to somehow do exactly that while losing the popular vote. No outside help? Ok, let's say I buy that: He's the better candidate, the right party at the right time for the mood of the country. Fine. Then why has everything else since his election from Flynn to Spicer, to not being able to pass health care reform with a majority, a tax plan about to crash and burn and flip flop foreign policy been nothing but blunders? Maybe he needs outside help! Calling Dr Bombay!!
38
Love the Bewitched reference!
1
This story has to come together soon.
We know for a fact that Russian agents were trying to recruit Carter Page. A self promoter who may think he is smarter than he actually is. We know he was working as an agent of influence to give a talk that parroted the Russian perspective. We know that he came out of nowhere to become the foreign policy advisor to Trump.
We know that Paul Manafort was an undeclared agent of several foreign governments including Russia before he also came out of nowhere and joined the Trump campaign.
We know that General Flynn was paid by the Russians and violated military policy by accepting these payments without authorization. Then he lied about it.
We know that Jared Kushner met with Russian officials but deliberately did not declare those meetings on his security clearance form. And did not admit them until forced to do so.
We know that Ivanka Trump is best buddies with Putin's new girlfriend. A girlfriend he apparently started dating in June of 2016.
We know that the Russians tried quite hard to have conversations with Jeff Sessions who then lied about those conversations until he was forced to admit them.
We have substantial information that Trump turned to foreign investors for loans and some of those foreign investors are likely Russian.
We know that Trump bought a house from a Russian at a very good price and then immediately sold it for much more. Is that all?
We know for a fact that Russian agents were trying to recruit Carter Page. A self promoter who may think he is smarter than he actually is. We know he was working as an agent of influence to give a talk that parroted the Russian perspective. We know that he came out of nowhere to become the foreign policy advisor to Trump.
We know that Paul Manafort was an undeclared agent of several foreign governments including Russia before he also came out of nowhere and joined the Trump campaign.
We know that General Flynn was paid by the Russians and violated military policy by accepting these payments without authorization. Then he lied about it.
We know that Jared Kushner met with Russian officials but deliberately did not declare those meetings on his security clearance form. And did not admit them until forced to do so.
We know that Ivanka Trump is best buddies with Putin's new girlfriend. A girlfriend he apparently started dating in June of 2016.
We know that the Russians tried quite hard to have conversations with Jeff Sessions who then lied about those conversations until he was forced to admit them.
We have substantial information that Trump turned to foreign investors for loans and some of those foreign investors are likely Russian.
We know that Trump bought a house from a Russian at a very good price and then immediately sold it for much more. Is that all?
321
No, that's not even close to all of what we already know. For starters, how about Wilbur Ross (chosen to be Commerce Secretary by Trump, why?) just happening to have been vice chair, along with a Putin crony, of the Bank of Cyprus, a grain silo for illicit oligarch Russian cash, and through which traitor Manafort's dark money flowed.
9
no there's more.
https://patribotics.blog/
people keep calling this journalist a conspiracy theorist but then her "theories" keep getting confirmed by mainstream sources like the Guardian and The NY TImes. Hmmmm.
https://patribotics.blog/
people keep calling this journalist a conspiracy theorist but then her "theories" keep getting confirmed by mainstream sources like the Guardian and The NY TImes. Hmmmm.
3
You omitted key facts relating to the likely quid pro quo between Trump & Putin that basically exchanged Ukraine for help winning the election.
- Flynn also talked to the Russians about sanctions (the sanctions the Obama administration had imposed on Russia for trying to swing the election in Trump's favor), & lied about that.
- During the Republican National Convention, a nifty dance among Russians, pro-Russia Ukrainians & Trump campaign officials led to a sealed envelope containing a "alternative" peace plan for Russia & Ukraine being hand-delivered to Flynn. The "envelope" started with Andrii Artemenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker who hoped to promote a pro-Russian opposition to the current (anti-Russian) government in Ukraine. (Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort, shaped the political strategy for this opposition movement.) the envelope moved thru a meeting among (1) Artemenko, (2) Felix Sater, a Russian-American former Trump Organization employee & twice convicted felon with Mafia links, & (3) Michael Cohen, Trump's personal lawyer, who has a Ukrainian wife & has done business in Ukraine. Sater gave the envelope to Cohen who hand-delivered it to Flynn. It was still w/Flynn when Flynn was forced to resign.
- Also during the Republican National Convention, the Trump campaign official J.D. Gordon asked the GOP to soften one & only one platform plank: arming Ukraine in its struggle against Russia after Russia invaded Crimea and had installed a puppet government.
- Flynn also talked to the Russians about sanctions (the sanctions the Obama administration had imposed on Russia for trying to swing the election in Trump's favor), & lied about that.
- During the Republican National Convention, a nifty dance among Russians, pro-Russia Ukrainians & Trump campaign officials led to a sealed envelope containing a "alternative" peace plan for Russia & Ukraine being hand-delivered to Flynn. The "envelope" started with Andrii Artemenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker who hoped to promote a pro-Russian opposition to the current (anti-Russian) government in Ukraine. (Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort, shaped the political strategy for this opposition movement.) the envelope moved thru a meeting among (1) Artemenko, (2) Felix Sater, a Russian-American former Trump Organization employee & twice convicted felon with Mafia links, & (3) Michael Cohen, Trump's personal lawyer, who has a Ukrainian wife & has done business in Ukraine. Sater gave the envelope to Cohen who hand-delivered it to Flynn. It was still w/Flynn when Flynn was forced to resign.
- Also during the Republican National Convention, the Trump campaign official J.D. Gordon asked the GOP to soften one & only one platform plank: arming Ukraine in its struggle against Russia after Russia invaded Crimea and had installed a puppet government.
8
The smell of corruption hangs heavy in the air around and in the White House. The President, Donald Trump, is incompetent and woefully unprepared to execute the duties of knowledgeable and sane leadership that this country deserves and demands from its Presidents.
With less than one hundred days in office, Mr. Trump's presidency is already plagued with controversies of alleged illegal dealings with foreign powers and questionable ethics and constitutional abuses. His Cabinet choices have been less than stellar, with questionable choices.
His total lack of any coherent and competent ability to perform the duties of Commander in Chief of the armed forces has put this country and the world in harms way.
He has surrounded himself with advisors of questionable background. Their goals and objectives are, at a minimum, perceived, by some, as less than honest.
Donald Trump has already proven, through thoughts and actions that he is totally unfit and incapable of governing. He is a detriment and a liability to the people. His tenure in office, will hopefully, be brief and short lived.
With less than one hundred days in office, Mr. Trump's presidency is already plagued with controversies of alleged illegal dealings with foreign powers and questionable ethics and constitutional abuses. His Cabinet choices have been less than stellar, with questionable choices.
His total lack of any coherent and competent ability to perform the duties of Commander in Chief of the armed forces has put this country and the world in harms way.
He has surrounded himself with advisors of questionable background. Their goals and objectives are, at a minimum, perceived, by some, as less than honest.
Donald Trump has already proven, through thoughts and actions that he is totally unfit and incapable of governing. He is a detriment and a liability to the people. His tenure in office, will hopefully, be brief and short lived.
151
Less than honest? You are far too kind. How about dangerously destructive and stupid?
1
Yes, incompetence is in vogue at WH central. Unfortunately, he will be replaced by Pence (who is quietly waiting in the wings) Pence is the true Manchurian candidate. The ultra right wing, driven by mindless, unquestionable faith in "God", where control of the masses (thru destruction of education and health policies) is the ultimate goal. This may be worse than than simpleton Trump who just wants to be liked by all and make money.
3
Please heal quickly and let's move on. Nothing to see here except this too long phase of mourning and chasing red herring. We are becoming the laughing stock of the rest of the world. Seriously.
1
What this means is that we citizens better get ready for another Trump twitter storm. Every time Trump or Trump people get caught with connections to Russia, Trump publishes lies on Twitter like "Obama tapped my wires", or "3 million illegals voted for Hillary", etc.
The real story is the Russian oligarch purchase of $100 mill worth of condos from Trump, the Russian oligarch loans used to bulld Trump Tower in Toronto. etc.
If Trump releases his taxes, they may contain real clues as to who funded Trump construction projects around the world.
I find it laugh out loud funny when Sean Spicer says Paul Manafort Trump's campaign manager had a limited role in Trump's campaign. It's like saying Melania has a limited role in her marriage to Trump because she has chosen to stay with her son in NY until the school year ends. Crazy use of words by Trump apologists.
The real story is the Russian oligarch purchase of $100 mill worth of condos from Trump, the Russian oligarch loans used to bulld Trump Tower in Toronto. etc.
If Trump releases his taxes, they may contain real clues as to who funded Trump construction projects around the world.
I find it laugh out loud funny when Sean Spicer says Paul Manafort Trump's campaign manager had a limited role in Trump's campaign. It's like saying Melania has a limited role in her marriage to Trump because she has chosen to stay with her son in NY until the school year ends. Crazy use of words by Trump apologists.
210
There is evidence of collusion according the brits. Why is this evidence being suppressed and who is powerful enough to do that? Someone above the president. Just like the Panama papers. Lot's of juicy evidence but the information is controlled and suppressed.
71
How are you aware of this?
1
But the Brits said they would NEVER participate in meddling in our affairs.
1
Did Mr. Trump collect the pool the frequent flyer miles, so hey could be used by another "Special Advisor" on that buys "Red Ete" flight. Perhaps, Donald, ever the negotiator, worked a special deal for multiple "Comrades", goi9ngm over on the same flight.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
2
Sacrifice of country for personal gain is called treason. Period. Thank you trump for showing how shallow so many in this country have become, especially those that surround you. You seem to be a magnet for malfeasance and treachery. At least, like drug dens, we know where all of you hang out.
106
Rice the link; Obama the recipient; and Hillary in the loop. Ipso facto NSC. Who goes to Leavenworth first?
9
Was Obama running last year?
18
"Who goes to Leavenworth first?" Trump, who colluded with the Russians for the next big oil deal and more.
6
Deborah M. Tennessee -
Was Obama running last year?
=
Clinton was running as Onama's 3rd term. O-3 lost.
Was Obama running last year?
=
Clinton was running as Onama's 3rd term. O-3 lost.
Somehow, the various Clinton tentacles have reached into tsar-land much more, with less 'outing,' unless we are due some indictments very soon.
The Red Menace, seems quite ephemeral, but keep on trying, as you NYT did during the election, MISS the big stories
No the Rus did not hijack the election, if their tool was social media trolls, rather feeble, so maybe Putin is not so scary, over here anyway
Mr trump was, on his own, quite a formidable social media warrior, and may have elected himself via social media
SO the big social media face-off Trump v Putin - "who tweeted it better"
The Red Menace, seems quite ephemeral, but keep on trying, as you NYT did during the election, MISS the big stories
No the Rus did not hijack the election, if their tool was social media trolls, rather feeble, so maybe Putin is not so scary, over here anyway
Mr trump was, on his own, quite a formidable social media warrior, and may have elected himself via social media
SO the big social media face-off Trump v Putin - "who tweeted it better"
5
"Formidable social media warrior"? Really? That said, your English is much better than my Russian, which, weak as it presently is, still makes spotting Russian trolls much easier.
6
"Mr. Guerin said. 'I get a bit offended when I read reports of people calling him an ‘idiot.’”"
He's an idiot.
He's an idiot.
64
To all the "fake evidence" true believers who think Russian intervention is, as Carter Page asserts, a Clinton/Obama plot, consider that Page shows up in the trial record of a convicted Russian spy, working for a Russian bank, evidently part of a scheme which also involved Russian agents working under diplomatic cover, to recruit Page.
Moreover, we just learned that Paige was the subject of a FAISA warrant authorizing the FBI to monitor him. That means a Federal judge found probable cause to investigate.. This leaves a question, when Russia's spooks made nice nice to Page, did he report the contacts to the FBI?
I ask this as a guy whose lunch with a Soviet bloc spy in 1961 was notified in advance to the FBI, which surveilled the meeting.
Moreover, we just learned that Paige was the subject of a FAISA warrant authorizing the FBI to monitor him. That means a Federal judge found probable cause to investigate.. This leaves a question, when Russia's spooks made nice nice to Page, did he report the contacts to the FBI?
I ask this as a guy whose lunch with a Soviet bloc spy in 1961 was notified in advance to the FBI, which surveilled the meeting.
47
Geez, a FAISA judge virtually never turns down a warrant. It's laughable how those on the Left are clinging to that as if it's evidence of a crime.
How do you report a Russian spook to the FBI if you are not aware they are a Russian spook? Do they have "Russian Spook" written on their forehead? Or just a name tag that says "Russian Spook"?
Trump profited from stolen property. If he participated in the theft or not he is guilty of aiding and abetting the Russians.
37
The devious concealment which infests every demeanor of Carter Page's posture,is the same 'wink,wink profile associated with the trump administration.It's almost as if these trump 'associates are offended by the idea that they're expected to be truthful.That is not the 'world from which they have emerged.To them,the Truth,is a commodity,whose utilization is subjective and usually secondary.'Tricky Dick Nixon(r.i.p.)had similar episodes of caustic contempt,when he appeared on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In and issued the declarative 'I'm Not a Crook vindication...I see 'Watergate 2.0 coming this summer and fall.It is an appointment with destiny no American can afford to miss.
42
Their passing acquaintance with patriotism bothers me more.
23
Remember your headline shortly before the election: "Investigating Donald Trump, F.B.I. Sees No Clear Link to Russia"? Remember how old stories about Clinton's emails were so much more important? I hope you finally focus your attention seriously on this real threat to our nation. The evidence of Russian influence/manipulation of this administration is overwhelming. You have the resources and stature to expose it. Do it.
199
I think when you have a presidential candidate inviting a hostile foreign power to intervene in our elections (the video is there for everyone to see), and then they do (all our intelligence agencies agree on this beyond any doubt), well, we have enough evidence to proceed with impeachment. There is no more legal "finesse" needed on this issue.
We also need to know why Comey and the FBI kept all this under wraps before the election, knowing about Trump affiliated connections, at many levels, with Russia in summer of 2016 (and, actually, way before given his business ties). At the same time, Hilary's emails, which as predicted turned out to be a nothing issue (on a par with Obama's birth certificate), were such a big deal to Comey that he needed to drop a bomb and renew interest in this fake issue a week before the election??? C'mon.
So the charge against Trump, before the people, if not yet the courts, is treason with the FBI abetting/concealing evidence? And we have no formal investigation going on? Sounds like how government worked under Franco, Pinochet, the Soviets, Putin, the Argentine generals and so on.
Ya know, aren't we're better than this?
My guess is that in time it will be Trump, Comey, Chaffetz, Nunez, Sessions, Bannon, Tillerson and Ryan, and those who've funded them, needing sanctuary cities, perhaps Moscow.
We also need to know why Comey and the FBI kept all this under wraps before the election, knowing about Trump affiliated connections, at many levels, with Russia in summer of 2016 (and, actually, way before given his business ties). At the same time, Hilary's emails, which as predicted turned out to be a nothing issue (on a par with Obama's birth certificate), were such a big deal to Comey that he needed to drop a bomb and renew interest in this fake issue a week before the election??? C'mon.
So the charge against Trump, before the people, if not yet the courts, is treason with the FBI abetting/concealing evidence? And we have no formal investigation going on? Sounds like how government worked under Franco, Pinochet, the Soviets, Putin, the Argentine generals and so on.
Ya know, aren't we're better than this?
My guess is that in time it will be Trump, Comey, Chaffetz, Nunez, Sessions, Bannon, Tillerson and Ryan, and those who've funded them, needing sanctuary cities, perhaps Moscow.
170
Would love for those folks to find sanctuary in some Russian outpost especially given their aid in our recent election: Hackers steal damaging emails from senior Democrats. Then stories based on this hacked information appear on Twitter and Facebook, posted by thousands of automated "bots", then on Russia's English-language outlets, RT and Sputnik, then right-wing US "news" sites such as Infowars, Breitbart, FOX News, and finally the mainstream media. Russia then downloads the online voter rolls for political advertising "micro-targeting" using email, Facebook and Twitter messages tailored precisely for individual voters. Too many ties and Trump continues to hurl accusations and bombast, hoping to avoid being outed. Exhibit Z: Trump Russia dossier key claim “verified”
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39435786
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39435786
11
Stephen, yes, aren't we better than this? This Trump circus is not only embarrassing, it's so dangerous. And the Republicans just continue to go along....What are they sacred of? If we could get to the bottom that, we'd have a better picture, too. Counting on Adam Schiff.
MIMA
MIMA
1
So sad, what's happened to fellow Americans, just because one group lost an election that comes round every four years.
So, still wondering why James Comey didn't mention this 6 days before the election? Double standard much? Afraid of your rank and file misogynist gang, much?
139
agree
1
Comey sold out long ago.
You would do well to research more as to why Comey had to announce the Clinton emails found on Anthony Wiener's laptop.
I will give you a hint-- it involves more rightwing treachery and threats to go public about those newly recovered emails if the FBI did not do it first. FAUX Noise breaking the story would have been a lot more skewed than the FBI doing it.
I will give you a hint-- it involves more rightwing treachery and threats to go public about those newly recovered emails if the FBI did not do it first. FAUX Noise breaking the story would have been a lot more skewed than the FBI doing it.
3
So, Trump never even met the guy according to your own story. So, where is the story?
9
How many of the plumbers did Nixon meet? That is a not the standard to look for.
51
Al Capone's deeds were done by operatives once-removed from his top capo. Did that make him innocent?
2
No trump never knew or barely knew any of them ,did he?
This seems like a warning to all of us. The big government is watching. This is pathetic. I am not a carter page or trump apologist. But I think, this gives everyone a chill. This sounds and smells like a watergate
8
The "big government" you should be worried about is Russia.
36
Trump is in debt to Russian creditors up to his eyeballs, and he and everyone around him who knows this has one, oddly benign view of Russia and Putin.
EVERYONE ELSE in his administration doesn't know this, and is Tough on Russia!
Any Questions? Pretty Obvious what's going on!
EVERYONE ELSE in his administration doesn't know this, and is Tough on Russia!
Any Questions? Pretty Obvious what's going on!
121
Greed, duplicity and stupidity permeate this administration. May the professionals - mindful of how Trump has denigrated them and their vital work - keep digging and uncover the whole sordid treasonous tale.
91
This investigation is pathetic. So now the Times is left with ... an ex-junior banker whom no one in Moscow can even recall, who has never had access to any secrets or ever had any influence at all in Washington, let alone over the Trump campaign, let alone over Trump?
The Times' editors need to stop embarrassing themselves.
Get this straight: Trump and his people are not foreign agents. There is zero evidence that he or they are puppets of Putin.
Russia did not "hack the election" - Hilary lost it, through her own arrogance and incompetence.
Please stop with these moronic insinuations, lies and fairytales.
The Times' editors need to stop embarrassing themselves.
Get this straight: Trump and his people are not foreign agents. There is zero evidence that he or they are puppets of Putin.
Russia did not "hack the election" - Hilary lost it, through her own arrogance and incompetence.
Please stop with these moronic insinuations, lies and fairytales.
10
How's the weather in Russia today, comrade?
36
You must be deliberately ignoring much of what has come out. Either this is the most fluke-ish and unfortunate series of circumstances and events surround Trump/Russia, or there is something there. Because it's becoming increasingly implausible that his campaign and Russia didn't coordinate during the cycle. And the white house isn't helping with its actions and contradictory statements, even Nixon's lawyer said they're in total cover up mode.
56
Well, excepting Paul Manafort, Trump's one-time campaign manager, who had to retroactively register as a foreign agent. And Michael Flynn, who also had to retroactively register as a foreign agent, after he was forced to resign as National Security Adviser for lying about his multiple conversations with the Russian Ambassador to the U.S.
If you don't count these two, then you're right about how there weren't any foreign agents on Trump's team.
At least as of today, only these two foreign agents. That we know of. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
If you don't count these two, then you're right about how there weren't any foreign agents on Trump's team.
At least as of today, only these two foreign agents. That we know of. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
20
As founder of the family Speculators Club, here's one:
The men in black are too close to the truth about the Trump-Putin polka so to deflect the suspicion elsewhere, Trump said, "We gotta pretend to create a really BAD situation so we will look REALLY MAD at each other. No one will ever guess!"
The men in black are too close to the truth about the Trump-Putin polka so to deflect the suspicion elsewhere, Trump said, "We gotta pretend to create a really BAD situation so we will look REALLY MAD at each other. No one will ever guess!"
32
...and thus began WWIII.
1
I have a feeling that Carter Page will ultimately be proven to be just as shallow, opportunistic and greedy as he appears to be. He's probably just smart enough to have an unreasonably high opinion of his own abilities, and thought he could make a lot of easy money from Gazprom by sucking up to Putin and touting the Russian political line.
Just another case-study in how hubris and arrogance can make anyone stupid.
Just another case-study in how hubris and arrogance can make anyone stupid.
50
Carter Page seems to have gotten caught up in conversations with Russian operatives who probably were testing him for any value. Page may have been trying to ingratiate himself to the Russians with either incomplete or misinformation. That may have alerted the FBI investigators to other conversations between the same Russian operatives and different Trump campaign advisors. I believe Page was out of his element and only continued to make a self important fool of himself with all his incomprehensible TV appearances. If anything he has probably alerted the FBI to other more important and damaging conversations.
47
Dear FBI,
Please hurry. The country is in real trouble.
Sincerely,
The American People
Please hurry. The country is in real trouble.
Sincerely,
The American People
566
Exhibit A: Plenty to support that Mr. Page was a liaison between the Trump campaign and Russian officials during the campaign. In Moscow in July, Page and his associates were offered the brokerage of a 19% stake in Russia's state oil company in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions on Russia. Go figure! http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39435786
Russian contacts timeline: http://www.businessinsider.com/updated-trump-russia-election-timeline-fb...
My favorite: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/russian-organized-crim...
And there's more: White House accused of blocking information on bank's Trump-Russia links - theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/27/commerce-nominee-wilbur-ross-bank-of...
the-american-interest.com/2016/12/19/the-curious-world-of-donald-trumps-...
Then there's the boring Manafort who's pulled down tens of millions from the Russians over a decade plus.
Russian contacts timeline: http://www.businessinsider.com/updated-trump-russia-election-timeline-fb...
My favorite: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/russian-organized-crim...
And there's more: White House accused of blocking information on bank's Trump-Russia links - theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/27/commerce-nominee-wilbur-ross-bank-of...
the-american-interest.com/2016/12/19/the-curious-world-of-donald-trumps-...
Then there's the boring Manafort who's pulled down tens of millions from the Russians over a decade plus.
11
Dear FBI,
Seconded. Americans deserve better.
Sincerely,
Everyone Else on the Planet
Seconded. Americans deserve better.
Sincerely,
Everyone Else on the Planet
5
I , for one, do not want the FBI to hurry. I want a complete, thorough, in depth, unimpeachable report so no one is left out. Do it right.
In Spanish they have a saying: "Dime con quien andas y te diré quién eres." Roughly translated it means "Tell me who you hang out with, and I'll tell you who you are."
Carter Page was hanging out with Russians, or so say the Feds. It looks like he might be cozy with one or more of them. Add to that the tenuous ties to the Trump campaign, and it begins to look bad. I smell a rat.
Keep digging, NY Times. Either we'll all be relieved that there's nothing there, or we'll all feel better when we know the truth.
Carter Page was hanging out with Russians, or so say the Feds. It looks like he might be cozy with one or more of them. Add to that the tenuous ties to the Trump campaign, and it begins to look bad. I smell a rat.
Keep digging, NY Times. Either we'll all be relieved that there's nothing there, or we'll all feel better when we know the truth.
58
Say what! Doesn't Page, Flynn, Manafort, as well as Trump's initial adulation of Putin and congratulatory message to Erdogan say something like treason (see High Crimes and Misdemeanors)?
29
Carter Page as a credible foreign policy adviser to candidate Trump?! The same Trump who knew not of Putin's involvement in Crimea. The same Trump who thought that he and Putin would work together against ISIS, as if Russia were an ally waiting to be found.
Whatever counseling Page offered Trump was clearly nominal. The sketchy connections to Russia from Trump's associates, however, are real and should frighten anyone who believes in American integrity.
Whatever counseling Page offered Trump was clearly nominal. The sketchy connections to Russia from Trump's associates, however, are real and should frighten anyone who believes in American integrity.
15
Too bad the FBI's not as good at nabbing terrotists as they are a Russian spies. Then we could care less about ISIS. Their priorities haven't changed in 50 years, regardless of what they really are.
1
Everything is starting to piece together and collusion is the only outcome that explains it. The more I read about and listen to Page, the more it is evident that not only would he serve as a perfect link to connect the Trump campaign and Russia, but that he himself would be eager to fill that role. Clearly a social-climbing narcissist with confused national identity (check out his Russia speeches). Also, don't assume Sam Clovis sought out Mr. Page. The other way around sounds more likely, and has been reported in the past (see below).
9/26 Politico article about Page: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/09/the-mystery-of-trumps-man...
This is getting real.
9/26 Politico article about Page: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/09/the-mystery-of-trumps-man...
This is getting real.
28
The Russian involvement in the election has been known since at least last summer. President Obama demanded a complete report of what was known before he left office. The FBI, CIA and DNI all provided what was known from surveillance, such as is reported here, from all sources. It confirmed Russian involvement i hacking Democrats and Hillary Clinton and revealed not a scintilla of evidence of collusion by Trump. No matter how much the anti-Trump multitudes may wish it there has not been and will not be evidence that collusion occurred and impeachment is a dream. Chances for election reversals for Trump in 2018 and 2020 are another matter.
2
Alexis Rodzianko, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, said in an interview. “They’ve never heard of him.”
Now, would you like some more vodka, perhaps?
It appears Carter Page has perfected the cypher routine. His left hand is on a need to know basis with his right hand. He leaves his colleagues, supposed friends, business associates, secret service handlers, media types and political hangers-on in the dark because that's what he does for a living. He could be Oswald before Nov 22, or he could just be another guy looking for his main chance and in the meantime pulling strings wherever strings are there to be pulled.
Now, would you like some more vodka, perhaps?
It appears Carter Page has perfected the cypher routine. His left hand is on a need to know basis with his right hand. He leaves his colleagues, supposed friends, business associates, secret service handlers, media types and political hangers-on in the dark because that's what he does for a living. He could be Oswald before Nov 22, or he could just be another guy looking for his main chance and in the meantime pulling strings wherever strings are there to be pulled.
9
We know the government has enough information proving trump campaigns treasonous ties with Russia. Only this time the GOP remembers how Nixon went down from Watergate and how that played out for the party and will do everything it can to protect their "interest".
It's the free press like the NYTimes and Washington Post that will need to keep digging to expose THE TRUTH AND FACTS to the public, despite the GOP cover--up. THE WORLD IS WATCHING AND WAITING.
It's the free press like the NYTimes and Washington Post that will need to keep digging to expose THE TRUTH AND FACTS to the public, despite the GOP cover--up. THE WORLD IS WATCHING AND WAITING.
252
There certainly is more to surface; hopefully before the year's end. i think someone is going to spend time behind bars for DT. This investigation must continue.
32
In spite of the lack of publicly available evidence to the contrary, Mr. Page simply doesn't pass the smell test. This man seems oblivious to the Cold War and conflicting world views of the US and Russia. Any close association with Russia is certainly likely to be suspect, and any intelligent person with such ties should know that. If he were truly innocent of any wrongdoing why wouldn't he just ignore questions about his Russian dealings rather than agree to public interviews and speeches in which he carries on Trump-like rants about "fake narratives" and "swirling" lies. Behavior like that makes people believe the "lies" and dig deeper.
40
Another "catalyst" was that questionable dossier. The entire investigation of the Trump team is starting to smell fishy.
Yes, there are "connections" that are worthy of investigation, but how the information was handled (ex., shared and with whom) and the basis on which some of investigation seems to have been based (ex., questionable dossier claims) are starting to appear quite dodgy.
Yes, there are "connections" that are worthy of investigation, but how the information was handled (ex., shared and with whom) and the basis on which some of investigation seems to have been based (ex., questionable dossier claims) are starting to appear quite dodgy.
4
They've lied or misled about these connections every step of the way. I suggest you do some further research because the what has been corroborated vs. what Trump officials have said from the outright have rarely been the same. And in order for the dossier to be used to obtain a FISA warrant, the officials referenced in the original FISA story said there would've had to been sufficient evidence to back up some of the claims. You should do some additional research, the stuff gets weird.
24
Page's defense mechanisms are so extreme.
Everything he says about himself is likely the opposite.
He strikes me as a grandiose narcissist.
Everything he says about himself is likely the opposite.
He strikes me as a grandiose narcissist.
31
All the Russia connections will ultimately add up to a conclusion Trump wants hidden.
Intelligence agents and journalists, please don't be cowed! You are our best hope.
Intelligence agents and journalists, please don't be cowed! You are our best hope.
385
What it means to have Russian contacts:
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/02/what-does-it-m...
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/02/what-does-it-m...
2
A Trip to Moscow Put a Trump Adviser on the F.B.I.’s Radar .. and Gave Obama an Excuse to Wiretap Trump.
There, fixed the lead for you. You are welcome.
There, fixed the lead for you. You are welcome.
8
Obama isn't president any more, get over it.
6
Right, because if we've learned anything it's that the FBI loved Obama and would do whatever he asked.
15
Talk about questionable "connections." Chuck Grassley is looking into why the FBI would pay someone to investigate Trump who was already being paid by democratic operatives to do opposition research on Trump*.
It certainly doesn't look good considering that research would become the basis for spying on Trump's campaign team, and the resulting intelligence would then be leaked.
*******
*"FBI Plan to Pay Ex-Spy for Trump Intel during Campaign Sparks Questions of Obama Admin’s Use of Federal Authorities for Political Gain",
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/fbi-plan-pay-ex-spy-t...’s
It certainly doesn't look good considering that research would become the basis for spying on Trump's campaign team, and the resulting intelligence would then be leaked.
*******
*"FBI Plan to Pay Ex-Spy for Trump Intel during Campaign Sparks Questions of Obama Admin’s Use of Federal Authorities for Political Gain",
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/fbi-plan-pay-ex-spy-t...’s
3
Check out his denial on PBS of even being in Russia last summer....
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/former-trump-adviser-says-no-russian-meet...
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/former-trump-adviser-says-no-russian-meet...
50
wow. There he is doing the work of Putin.
1
Another money sniffing wanna be, doesn't care who it comes from, Trump, ok, Russia, ok too. Just like Trump.
30
Carter might think about going back to Russia to escape conviction. Oh wait that won't happen because Donnie will just change some law or policy to rescue his B- buddy. Good luck regular non- hating Americans.
4
I saw him on PBS Newshour and he really came across as unprofessional and a jerk.
39
Just another wannabe. Despite himself, he has certainly made an impression in Washington.
11
Me thinks we protest too much; i.e., "a ton of false evidence."
17
You're using "protest too much" incorrectly.
Google it.
Google it.
14
At what point will an independent investigator be appointed? There seems to be too many Russian threads leading back to the Trump campaign.
470
One of the Russian thin threads is, himself, in charge of making that appointment, isn't he? The decision rests with the Attorney General, Jefferson Beauregard Sessions from Alabama, doesn't it? Unless Trump himself would appoint a Special Prosecutor, and that seems unlikely in this the greatest marketing campaign ever for Trump, Inc. called "The Presidency."
1
Believe me, it's all just one big coincidence, these seeming Russian connections to my associates. That, and a liberal plot concocted by Obama and Lying Hillary to discredit my presidency. Yes, they plotted the Russian angle against me before I was elected. Believe me, the election was rigged by Democrats to make it appear that I was pro-Russian, that my associates were compromised by Russians, were paid by Russians, met with Russians, conspired with Russians and actually loved Putin and hoped to benefit from his arctic oil venture. Who would believe that?
100
Good old Donald Trump - never on the right Page at the right time.
(Pun intended). Or is it always on the wrong Page at the wrong time?
One day he's best pals with this person, the next day that one. He has no ability to stand on his own two feet because he has no idea of what he's doing. He's so busy proving (mostly to himself because no one else believes it) how smart he is or how wonderful he is, that he totally loses any track of reality or reasoning. Then on to the next Monday-Friday White House experience. Chapter after chapter.
Yet another investigation. No wonder the man runs to Mar-a-Lago every chance he gets. If it was only a permanent departure. Maybe it will be.
(Pun intended). Or is it always on the wrong Page at the wrong time?
One day he's best pals with this person, the next day that one. He has no ability to stand on his own two feet because he has no idea of what he's doing. He's so busy proving (mostly to himself because no one else believes it) how smart he is or how wonderful he is, that he totally loses any track of reality or reasoning. Then on to the next Monday-Friday White House experience. Chapter after chapter.
Yet another investigation. No wonder the man runs to Mar-a-Lago every chance he gets. If it was only a permanent departure. Maybe it will be.
120
When can we expect the public testimony? In the absence of tax, and other business information that might indicate the relative importance of Russia to the President's businesses, and sourcing of debt are equity. Seems like Americans should know a lot more about the relationship between the current administration and one of America's long standing foes, to see if the President's interests differ from America's public interest.
199
It seems that Carter Page has done nothing wrong, despite all the not-so-sly insinuations. Page was simply doing legal business in Russia. The worse thing he is said to have done is to criticize aspects of US foreign policy.
7
The evidence provided for the FISA warrant would certainly disagree with your comments.
Do you really think it's a coincidence that Michael Flynn, Eric Prince, Paul Manafort, Carter Page, Jeff Sessions, Jared Kushner, and Rex Tillerson had previously unknown connections to Russia?
Do you really think it's a coincidence that Michael Flynn, Eric Prince, Paul Manafort, Carter Page, Jeff Sessions, Jared Kushner, and Rex Tillerson had previously unknown connections to Russia?
143
You certainly are naive considering the evidence we've seen so far. Where were you when the FBI said the election was tampered with by the Russians?
7
Carter Page has to be the stupidest smart person on the planet. For the love of god, stop doing interviews!
48
Helpful article.
My takeaway - not much to see here with this guy. Maybe b/c of biz etc he thought Russia was a BRICS country dev't opportunity, went with "fake it til you make it" strategy. He hoped this would launch him, as it has some other marginal figures, but not really so.
Definitely not in the realm of Louise Mensch level influence. Her latest fan-fiction here: https://twitter.com/LouiseMensch/status/853729191136817153
My takeaway - not much to see here with this guy. Maybe b/c of biz etc he thought Russia was a BRICS country dev't opportunity, went with "fake it til you make it" strategy. He hoped this would launch him, as it has some other marginal figures, but not really so.
Definitely not in the realm of Louise Mensch level influence. Her latest fan-fiction here: https://twitter.com/LouiseMensch/status/853729191136817153
3
Do you not understand what level of evidence is required to obtain a FISA warrant?
Do you not realize that Carter Page was active at the GOP convention in removing a statement on Ukraine from the GOP platform?
The FBI taped two Russian spies in NYC discussing Carter Page and that he was providing a document (not identified in the transcript).
This is only info that is public.
Carter Page will likely end up in prison.
Do you not realize that Carter Page was active at the GOP convention in removing a statement on Ukraine from the GOP platform?
The FBI taped two Russian spies in NYC discussing Carter Page and that he was providing a document (not identified in the transcript).
This is only info that is public.
Carter Page will likely end up in prison.
44
"Carter Page will likely end up in prison." One can only hope and it had better not be a Club Fed.
ENOUGH of the "radar," reported links, and vague FBI activities!
WHEN will all this evidence be used in a FORMAL INVESTIGATION and impeachment?
Isn't colluding with a hostile foreign power treason, and also something that ALL people in the USA should care about?
WHEN will all this evidence be used in a FORMAL INVESTIGATION and impeachment?
Isn't colluding with a hostile foreign power treason, and also something that ALL people in the USA should care about?
586
Right. If they have been investigating since last June- don't you think Obama would have been touting the evidence from the rafters??
The Russians have had more colluding with the Clinton and gang than ANY evidence with Trump. Yeah, I'm all for a formal investigation but it won't be of Trump.
Get over it.
The Russians have had more colluding with the Clinton and gang than ANY evidence with Trump. Yeah, I'm all for a formal investigation but it won't be of Trump.
Get over it.
11
why is the investigation still going on then, B.M.H? The evidence is growing every week.
11
"Get over" what?
Blatant election-tampering? Obvious collusion with a (hostile) foreign power?
An election-tallying system that's extremely vulnerable to hacking? One would think that EVERYONE would care about a buggy voting system?
Blatant election-tampering? Obvious collusion with a (hostile) foreign power?
An election-tallying system that's extremely vulnerable to hacking? One would think that EVERYONE would care about a buggy voting system?
26
Remember that Paul Manafort was Trump's campaign chairman for many months -- at one point Newt Gingrich said that the Trump campaign would not have done as well as it had without Manafort -- but then when Manafort's Putin connections became better known, everybody in Trump's circles denied that Manafort had much to do with the campaign.
A crucial fact missing from this report is that Page sought and received the Trump campaign's greenlight for Page's July trip to Moscow.
Page often was interviewed by Putin's state media on T.V. and they called Page a foreign policy advisor for Donald Trump.
After U.S. intelligence agencies briefed Senator Harry Reid on Trump-Putin connections, Reid wrote a letter to Comey asking him to investigate, among other things whether "a Trump advisor (Page) who has been highly critical of U.S. and European economic sanctions on Russia, and who has conflicts of interest due to investments in Russian energy conglomerate Gazprom, met with high-ranking sanctioned individuals while in Moscow in July of 2016, well after Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee.”
Also we must note how bizarre (not to say, unacceptable) it is that both Trump and Carter Page, in the lead-up to the election said that Putin was a better leader than President Obama.