This is the Democrat's worst nightmare. They got the special prosecutor. Everyone knows there was no collusion. Trump didn't need Putin to win. He had Hilary. Read "Shattered." In fact the FBI already found someone they know did send leaks to Wikileaks. The Washington Post reported that a DNC worker sent over 44,000 thousand emails and over 17,00 attachments to Wikileaks. HeE would have been a good witness given immunity but he was shot dead on the streets of DC. All we have now ar accusations. Trump should be able to get on with business. Hopefully Mueller will get this done quickly.
"there was no collusion between .....
"I can always speak for myself"
Get ready people. POTUS is about to throw someone under the bus.
"I can always speak for myself"
Get ready people. POTUS is about to throw someone under the bus.
3
The Trump administration is the best 'soap opera' around.....a cross between the 3 stooges, the marx brothers, & laurel and hardy.
2
For the sake of the NYT's and the Democratic Party, he had better be guilty.
4
I'd like to be done with Trump as much as the next guy but this doesn't feel right. Yes, it looks like there is a case to be made for obstruction, but obstruction of what? If no criminal activity pertaining to Trump's Russia connection is found, this whole thing will feed the appetites of the conspiracy theorists on the right like never before. It will backfire in 2018, Trump will emerge stronger than before.
3
Well JD it it'll be good news to you to hear it doesn't matter if he did anything or not if you triedto abstract justiceyou're guilty weather there was a crime or not.
1
My advice to anyone owed money by the Trump group of companies is, 'Do everything you can to ensure you are paid sooner rather than later because 'later' may be too late.'
1
I am not 100% sure of this aroma what is it, "Mr. Mueller is expected to announce his resignation from the law firm WilmerHale. The firm employs lawyers for Mr. Kushner and for Mr. Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort." excerpt from this report.
5
DJT appears to be guilty of at least three impeachable offenses: 1. failure to abide by the Emoluments clause in the Constitution which requires presidents to divest business holdings which could interfere with the office, 2. Communicating with a foreign government before being sworn into office, which is treason, and 3. Obstruction of justice in the apparent Flynn cover-up..
No doubt Congress and DOJ will get to the bottom of these crimes, but not before the country is dragged through months if not years of legal maneuvering, while the more important matters of healthcare, tax reform, infrastructure and foreign policy go unattended.
Thanks to all you uneducated male voters. Look at the mess you've gotten to us into. Your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will be paying the price for your ignorance.
No doubt Congress and DOJ will get to the bottom of these crimes, but not before the country is dragged through months if not years of legal maneuvering, while the more important matters of healthcare, tax reform, infrastructure and foreign policy go unattended.
Thanks to all you uneducated male voters. Look at the mess you've gotten to us into. Your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will be paying the price for your ignorance.
2
Make that uneducated, white, male voters, the Trump base. And now five months into his presidency keep telling us it's the "media's fault."
True, it was the media who last fall gave him some estimated $2 billion worth of free advertising. Today, polls tell us that Trump voters remain favorable 92%. So even with his dreadful, inexperienced, scandal-ridden First 100 Days, these uneducated, white, males will vote for him again in 2020.
But I'd ask, how is DJT doing about bringing coal mining jobs back to W. Virginia, or auto jobs back to Flint? Not so much. And what are the chances of Congress providing the funds to build The Wall. It's been said, "America gets the President it deserves." Well, the uneducated, white males got the president they deserve. My advice, 'stay in school' so you can become an intelligent, educated voter. If not, you'll have to explain to your grandchildren and great grandchildren why you voted way their futures.
True, it was the media who last fall gave him some estimated $2 billion worth of free advertising. Today, polls tell us that Trump voters remain favorable 92%. So even with his dreadful, inexperienced, scandal-ridden First 100 Days, these uneducated, white, males will vote for him again in 2020.
But I'd ask, how is DJT doing about bringing coal mining jobs back to W. Virginia, or auto jobs back to Flint? Not so much. And what are the chances of Congress providing the funds to build The Wall. It's been said, "America gets the President it deserves." Well, the uneducated, white males got the president they deserve. My advice, 'stay in school' so you can become an intelligent, educated voter. If not, you'll have to explain to your grandchildren and great grandchildren why you voted way their futures.
4
hope USA getting great again after choosing to be represented as a bug
Trump is now, in defense of himself, saying "I can always speak for myself". The actual term used is : I can only speak for myself. Of course that carnival barker can "always speak for himself".
5
Carnival barkers can be nice people.
Trump is a carnival barker for the dark force. A villain of folklore proportions. He is truly demented.
Trump is a carnival barker for the dark force. A villain of folklore proportions. He is truly demented.
2
Wait,
The will of the voters- you do know that DJT lost the popular vote, right? There was no demonstrable voter fraud- so forget that argument. And putting a fraud advocate in charge of the Commission investigating voter fraud is not going to change that FACT.
And you are against big government, but you have no problem with government telling individuals what they can and can't do with their bodies?
And I suppose you want to end Medicare for seniors and social security too. Way too much government there. Or are youa "get the government off my back kind of guy", unless it means you lose YOUR benefits?
And you want freedom to carry guns in classrooms, on campuses and in the streets, while many die from gun violence?
We are a nation of laws and someone had to enforce them. And we also need someone to look out for the little guy when extremists and local governments swing too far the other way. That's the way it is supposed to work.
The will of the voters- you do know that DJT lost the popular vote, right? There was no demonstrable voter fraud- so forget that argument. And putting a fraud advocate in charge of the Commission investigating voter fraud is not going to change that FACT.
And you are against big government, but you have no problem with government telling individuals what they can and can't do with their bodies?
And I suppose you want to end Medicare for seniors and social security too. Way too much government there. Or are youa "get the government off my back kind of guy", unless it means you lose YOUR benefits?
And you want freedom to carry guns in classrooms, on campuses and in the streets, while many die from gun violence?
We are a nation of laws and someone had to enforce them. And we also need someone to look out for the little guy when extremists and local governments swing too far the other way. That's the way it is supposed to work.
1
Thanks to the universe for a special counsel we can believe in, a man of integrity.
3
Trump is incompetent at best, corrupt at worst. But we need to be careful what we wish for. The media (and Democrats, and I am a Dem) have been salivating since November for some kind of coup d'etat Watergate style. If there is no fire beneath all this smoke, and no wrongdoing that rises to the level of criminal activity, corruption, or "high crimes," then Trump will be a powerful hero to his base, and will have nothing but contempt for the rules of democracy.
6
Not to worry. The months than I have now has been restrained. It doesn't matter what he says or does now, or how much he is loved by his base, the law is now his judge.
2
What you say doesn't make sense. Trump will always be a hero to his frightened, hateful, and uneducated base. Going after him full force may discredit him with swing voters, and that is what really worries the paid goons here that pose as "concerned" Democrats.
The smirks and grins on the faces of Putin's staff as he was offering a transcript of the Oval Office meeting said it all.
Trump and his WH team are being played for the bunglers they are.
Trump and his WH team are being played for the bunglers they are.
9
Who would know more about a "witch hunt" than America's foremost "birther"?
17
The New York Times has given no space for readers to respond to the crazy notion of collusion with Russia. Detente is certainly better than war, and if you cannot understand that and are feeling warlike, your staff should be the first to go.
2
Detente is certainly much better then war. And losing that archaic USA-Russia antipathy would surely be a good thing. BUT... if you think Putin is going to or did play nice then you are very very naïve or uninformed.
Ask Ukraine, Tchetchenia, Georgia about his "old" methods, and if you would not be so blind you could see hints at his "new" methods in the recent "interferences" (I am being diplomatic here...) in USA and France elections.
Ask Ukraine, Tchetchenia, Georgia about his "old" methods, and if you would not be so blind you could see hints at his "new" methods in the recent "interferences" (I am being diplomatic here...) in USA and France elections.
Your post is right here!! I trust Trump as much as I trust Putin.
5
We could save us all a lot of money and time and demand the release his "legitimate" tax returns.
3
Go team America! Go rule of law! Well done!
5
Durn, now the Republicans in the legislature won't get to participate in the cover up. I know they're disappointed.
I will be surprised if they don't at least try some old Iran Contra tactics though, for example trying to offer immunity to certain witnesses, like they did with Oliver North.
Hopefully the good guys won't let them get away with shenanigans like that.
I will be surprised if they don't at least try some old Iran Contra tactics though, for example trying to offer immunity to certain witnesses, like they did with Oliver North.
Hopefully the good guys won't let them get away with shenanigans like that.
2
If Trump is found guilty, we need to hold new elections. Period.
11
"Special Council divides the country"
Please. You are one of the most divisive presidents to have ever lived. The nerve.
Please. You are one of the most divisive presidents to have ever lived. The nerve.
16
The Justice Department is investigating criminal activity only, and Mueller will undoubtedly do a great job.
However, impeachable wrongdoing may not be criminal. It is therefore critically important that Congress continue hearings, both in public and in private.
However, impeachable wrongdoing may not be criminal. It is therefore critically important that Congress continue hearings, both in public and in private.
1
This special council will divide the country? Couldn't be any worse than the divisiveness Trump has fostered
18
I have no doubt that Donald Trump was told, by one of his multiple Russian liaisons, that DNC servers were hacked and that those emails would be leaked to wiki leaks. i have no doubt he knew the Russians were behind this and that he knew that they were working to help him win the election. He is a traitor to our democracy and our nation.
3
We only rise to the occasion when something goes sour. We praise our system to be the best (and I do not doubt our system as it is measured by the successes). But, in the past the White House scandals mostly dealt with national matters, even the WaterGate and the WhiteWater investigation was national. The AG and the Special Counsel all have dealt with national matters so far and these investigators are not suited to investigate foreign involvement. Since we are not experienced in foreign involvement with the White House, it would better serve the American experience if we were to let the High Court and the Supreme Court take over a decision made at a lower court. This initial case should start with private attorneys and private prosecutors in a normal court of law where deliberations can be made at any level. And to clarify any level I would say if a private business such as a law firm or a private person or a private agent was involved with the White House which then means not exclusvie involvement of government and the politicians at government employee levels and as such the case its investigation will serve without influence or intimidation.
"This is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!"
and ...
"With all of the illegal acts that took place in the Clinton campaign & Obama Administration, there was never a special counsel appointed!"
Having lived through Watergate as an adult in my 30s, I remember that event well. And, to his slight credit, Nixon never seemed to be stirring up seditious support as he went down.
The truculent and arrogant Trump, however, looks like he would be perfectly happy to rouse his ardent and even violent fans to treasonous acts. After all, to Trump his survival is everything and the stability of the country is barely even secondary.
and ...
"With all of the illegal acts that took place in the Clinton campaign & Obama Administration, there was never a special counsel appointed!"
Having lived through Watergate as an adult in my 30s, I remember that event well. And, to his slight credit, Nixon never seemed to be stirring up seditious support as he went down.
The truculent and arrogant Trump, however, looks like he would be perfectly happy to rouse his ardent and even violent fans to treasonous acts. After all, to Trump his survival is everything and the stability of the country is barely even secondary.
21
Mr. Mueller needs to keep foremost in his mind that Lyin' Donald is both a liar and is seriously mentally ill. He needs to discount anything Lyin' Donald or his cronies say about 95% unless proven to be accurate by overwhelming and independent evidence.
7
Rosenstein was forced/threatened to write the memo to Comey.
Maybe firing Comey wasn't such a bright idea?
3
Saudi Arabia will try their best to make Trump look good because of his overlooking of the human rights in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding royal countries. Trump will never talk about the extremist Islamic Wahhabis' view that they have promoted. This has been the biggest cause of ISIS along with the attack on Iraq on wrong pretext. This Wahabi influence in even previously moderate countries like Indonesia will have a long term negative influence in these countries. Trump as a whole has such a narrow vision of the world that he is unfit to be President.
7
Lieberman as FBI director? Wouldn't be more honest and direct to simply hire Netanyahu directly? "Joe" is absolutely not independent; he may even have dual citizenship.
14
We are witnessing the deliberate destruction of a president by entrenched leftist interests, the MSM and the rabid anti-Trump right.
Based on? Leaks, anonymous sources, innuendo. There is no evidence Trump or his team colluded with Russia. Given the rabid hate of the left for Trump, if there had been even the slightest evidence of collusion, it would be out there now. If Comey had anything, he'd be spilling his guts.
I'm all for, however, Mueller investigating the supposed Russian hacking of DNC/Podesta. Why? Because an honest investigation, not one thrown together for political purposes by a president trying to save his legacy, may likely find it impossible to prove the Russians were behind the hacking. Possibly Russian hackers, but the Russian government? Proving that link -- other than saying that nothing happens in Russia without Putin's say so -- won't be easy. I would draw everyone's attention to the fact that it has been stated that we may never know who was behind the "wannacry" virus.
Careful hackers, directed by an entity that didn't want to make itself known, can hide hacking.
But we'll see. I want proof Russia hacked first of all. And not leftist whining, but solid evidence that Trump colluded, if he colluded, which is very unlikely.
And let's not forget where the investigation may lead. HRC and Obama may end up feeling unwanted heat. Maybe Mueller will recommend indicting HRC over those e-mails.
Based on? Leaks, anonymous sources, innuendo. There is no evidence Trump or his team colluded with Russia. Given the rabid hate of the left for Trump, if there had been even the slightest evidence of collusion, it would be out there now. If Comey had anything, he'd be spilling his guts.
I'm all for, however, Mueller investigating the supposed Russian hacking of DNC/Podesta. Why? Because an honest investigation, not one thrown together for political purposes by a president trying to save his legacy, may likely find it impossible to prove the Russians were behind the hacking. Possibly Russian hackers, but the Russian government? Proving that link -- other than saying that nothing happens in Russia without Putin's say so -- won't be easy. I would draw everyone's attention to the fact that it has been stated that we may never know who was behind the "wannacry" virus.
Careful hackers, directed by an entity that didn't want to make itself known, can hide hacking.
But we'll see. I want proof Russia hacked first of all. And not leftist whining, but solid evidence that Trump colluded, if he colluded, which is very unlikely.
And let's not forget where the investigation may lead. HRC and Obama may end up feeling unwanted heat. Maybe Mueller will recommend indicting HRC over those e-mails.
3
"Faith is believing what you know ain't so."
-- Mark Twain
How do you know there is no proof?
Maybe the Tooth Fairy did the hacking.
-- Mark Twain
How do you know there is no proof?
Maybe the Tooth Fairy did the hacking.
3
Try again -- after watching this very organized and methodical statement of events by Adam Schiff -- then tell us if you think there is zero connection between all the players.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPeHywajNjs
"“Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,” " -- Donald J. Trump, July 27, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPeHywajNjs
"“Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,” " -- Donald J. Trump, July 27, 2016
4
Ralphie, a recommendation:
Make two columns. In one write down all the things that Trump has done to wreck his own presidency. Be honest. Things like: "didn't know health care was so complicated." In the other column write down all the things that others did to wreck his presidency. Do NOT include things like, "publicized things that Trump actually said" since saying those things in the first place goes in the Trump column. Which list is longer?
Make two columns. In one write down all the things that Trump has done to wreck his own presidency. Be honest. Things like: "didn't know health care was so complicated." In the other column write down all the things that others did to wreck his presidency. Do NOT include things like, "publicized things that Trump actually said" since saying those things in the first place goes in the Trump column. Which list is longer?
About time. Now we learn that the decision to fire Director Comey was made before the DAG wrote his memo. President Trump calls the appointment of a special 'councel' a witch hunt but admitted in a TV interview that the Russia investigation was his primary reason for firing Comey. And now he says that the investigation is dividing our country. No Mr. President, you divided our country with your divisive rhetoric, your bigoted campaign, your transparent misogyny, your racist sentiments against President Obama that you expressed freely at length and your utter inability to articulate anything that sounds sincere or humble. You went to address a graduating class of the CG and talked about yourself and aired your grievances. You are a very small, insecure and vindictive man. Unfortunately for all us, some of us elected you.
21
Good news of special counsel, though my fear is the massive boost Trump will get if the investigation finds no clear evidence of collusion between his campaign and Russia, and Congress squashes any efforts to pursue potential obstruction of justice route towards impeachment regarding Comey chat about Flynn. Trump has many flaws, and it's painful to see him in the White House. Obstruction of justice, without actually knowing that is unlawful? Likely. To him, that's just business. Collusion? Perhaps not. If not, it's going to be a long, long four years.
6
Trump is a hopeless basket case. It keeps getting worse. If the GOP is smart they will quickly get rid of him, and the voters will have forgotten all about it two years from now. Letting this drag on makes no sense. Removal of Trump will keep the republicans in control.
Do not wait until his utterances are simply met by laughter.
I try not to watch the news about Trump, because it is a waste of time. But events are so bizarre, I am drawn to it anyway.
Do not wait until his utterances are simply met by laughter.
I try not to watch the news about Trump, because it is a waste of time. But events are so bizarre, I am drawn to it anyway.
8
Me too. The last time I witnessed a "freak show" was in 1955 in Mineola Long Island at the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. It's been a long wait for a repeat. We all will be entranced over the next few months.
5
It's being reported in another article in today's NYT that the transition team was informed about the Justice Department's investigation of Flynn on January 4th. He was reportedly fired because he lied to Mike Pence about Flynn's conversations with Kislyak. Since Mike Pence was the head of the transition team, it's next to impossible to believe he didn't already know about Flynn's Russian involvement and his ties to Kislyak.
Given the transcript of conversations that took place between House Republicans before the election that the Washington Post unearthed yesterday, Paul Ryan has some serious explaining to do also.
If both Pence and Ryan are as guilty as the evidence revealed so far makes them seem, we may well get all the way down the line of succession to the President pro tempore of the Senate. Is it possible that Orrin Hatch could be our next President?
Given the transcript of conversations that took place between House Republicans before the election that the Washington Post unearthed yesterday, Paul Ryan has some serious explaining to do also.
If both Pence and Ryan are as guilty as the evidence revealed so far makes them seem, we may well get all the way down the line of succession to the President pro tempore of the Senate. Is it possible that Orrin Hatch could be our next President?
I know that we are all convinced that Trump is a bombastic lightweight - how did we ever elect him? - but we need to be careful. His supporters think the "mainstream media" and American progressives are in fact conducting a witch hunt and we are now staking our claims against Trump on a specific assertion (he colluded with the Russians) that may not be true and even if true may not be provable. Yet, he remains a bombastic cad regardless of that one narrow claim. What if the Russians worked to get him elected without his overt agreement, needless to say encouragement - maybe they just looked and said "Hey, if this guy wins, wow! Good day for Mother Russia, huh!" And maybe they all colluded but are better at it than they've proven to be at anything else and we cannot prove their conspiracy? I remain concerns that Trump is mangling foreign affairs, environmental policies, workplace regulations, education, etc. etc. whether or not we can prove this conspiracy and I am concerned that we'll put "all our eggs in this (special counsel) basket" and the right will feel vindicated. This special counsel has a tall task even if the suspicions are true and we should moderate our fervor.
2
This all would make an excellent Monty Python movie. I wonder if they are watching.
1
One can be assured..Trump will attack Mueller because of his friendship with Comey...making the entire investigation a sense of "personal attacks". This is the mantra of Trump to attack his accusers (Trump learned this from his mentor...Roy Cohen).
Mueller was a young Marine lieutenant fighting in Vietnam while Trump was undergoing "treatment" for bone spur with one of his father's favorite draft dodger doctors. Mueller has more character and leadership than Trump could ever wish for...
And as for Manaford, Page and Flynn plus others who "knew" will eventually be convicted..as such, one or more will point to Trump as he key figure in the Russian controversy. Trump is guilty as charged..and hopefully, the first president to be convicted of criminal activities...or treason!
Mueller was a young Marine lieutenant fighting in Vietnam while Trump was undergoing "treatment" for bone spur with one of his father's favorite draft dodger doctors. Mueller has more character and leadership than Trump could ever wish for...
And as for Manaford, Page and Flynn plus others who "knew" will eventually be convicted..as such, one or more will point to Trump as he key figure in the Russian controversy. Trump is guilty as charged..and hopefully, the first president to be convicted of criminal activities...or treason!
15
Comey asked for more money and he got fired. Now Mueller gets more money and Trunp got more headache. If Trump can't see consequences of his actions, then our problems only started.
6
Donald Trump: "This is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!” Well now that's just an insult to witches...
I'm with Todd Kort and 'Peter,' both NYTimes picks.
Count me as less than thrilled or optimistic with this development, and specifically, Mueller's appointment.
As a 9/11 family member, the memories are still too fresh of a belligerant and not forthcoming Mueller in meetings specifically organized, supposedly, to give families information and answers. Not how it worked.
And with Mueller's law firm involvement and entanglements, connecting to Ivanka T. and Jared Kushner, along with Paul Manafort, really, he's going to be disengaged and fully neutral on that?
And, sorry, he's 73. Why is everyone that is in this administration, or investigating it, an older, white guy in his 70s?
Oh wait, the guy in office can only relate to older, white dudes in their 70s.
And if they're Jeff Sessions, or Joe Lieberman, i.e., short guys, all the better.
(Joe Lieberman, for FBI??? What a ridiculous idea. At 75? C'mon.)
We could use some younger minds and bodies at work for these stressful positions.
So, while I applaud anything that makes DJT and his crew squirm, and I wholly wish to get to the truth of it ALL, am under no illusions this will ultimately do much to accomplish those goals.
Count me as less than thrilled or optimistic with this development, and specifically, Mueller's appointment.
As a 9/11 family member, the memories are still too fresh of a belligerant and not forthcoming Mueller in meetings specifically organized, supposedly, to give families information and answers. Not how it worked.
And with Mueller's law firm involvement and entanglements, connecting to Ivanka T. and Jared Kushner, along with Paul Manafort, really, he's going to be disengaged and fully neutral on that?
And, sorry, he's 73. Why is everyone that is in this administration, or investigating it, an older, white guy in his 70s?
Oh wait, the guy in office can only relate to older, white dudes in their 70s.
And if they're Jeff Sessions, or Joe Lieberman, i.e., short guys, all the better.
(Joe Lieberman, for FBI??? What a ridiculous idea. At 75? C'mon.)
We could use some younger minds and bodies at work for these stressful positions.
So, while I applaud anything that makes DJT and his crew squirm, and I wholly wish to get to the truth of it ALL, am under no illusions this will ultimately do much to accomplish those goals.
11
Did we all miss this part:
Mr. Mueller is expected to announce his resignation from the law firm WilmerHale. The firm employs lawyers for Mr. Kushner and for Mr. Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort.
The entire system is a sham!
Mr. Mueller is expected to announce his resignation from the law firm WilmerHale. The firm employs lawyers for Mr. Kushner and for Mr. Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort.
The entire system is a sham!
14
(Bernie told us so)
3
Petey, like Trump, Bernie says a lot of things.
This idiot wants to play cute with the American public and our system of democracy - the greatest in the world. He wants to flaunt the fact that he won't release his tax returns, he wants to accuse highly ethical and professional journalists of being part of the "fake" media in order to undermine the First Amendment,, and on and on. How cute does all this seem now.? Trump is a disgrace and he deserves everything coming down the track toward him.
12
Sorry, you are not the greatest democracy in the world. Britain and Australia beat you hands down. Your politicians buy their way into office. Political donations are strictly regulated here.
We vote for lower and upper house reps based on local districts. The party or coalition that wins power elects the leaders in the party room. There are mechanisms to force out those who don't do a good job - or they can fall on their swords - or be voted out in caucus (known here as backstabbing).
We also ensure that alL crooked dealers get prosecuted and jailed under ordinary legal apparatus.
I have heard you guys call your democracy the Great Experiment. Our system is based on traditions that go all the way back to Magna Carta. Our constitution is based on Westminster. Our rights of appeal go right up to Star Chamber.
Time to revisit your hypotheses?
We vote for lower and upper house reps based on local districts. The party or coalition that wins power elects the leaders in the party room. There are mechanisms to force out those who don't do a good job - or they can fall on their swords - or be voted out in caucus (known here as backstabbing).
We also ensure that alL crooked dealers get prosecuted and jailed under ordinary legal apparatus.
I have heard you guys call your democracy the Great Experiment. Our system is based on traditions that go all the way back to Magna Carta. Our constitution is based on Westminster. Our rights of appeal go right up to Star Chamber.
Time to revisit your hypotheses?
12
Amy, thank you for speaking so honestly. Very hard to dispute your comments.
1
“This is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!”
Since Hillary, anyway.
Since Hillary, anyway.
20
Since Trump racist birther pursuit of Obama.
Since "Captain Ahab" Ken Star pursuit of Bill Clinton.
Since "Captain Ahab" Ken Star pursuit of Bill Clinton.
2
Is Robert Mueller allowed to see Trump tax returns? If he can't see those tax returns, the investigation will not be complete.
9
If the evidence leads him there he will definitely subpoena them.
6
Several commenters suggest that Mueller should subpoena Trump's tax returns. While I read Rosenstein's letter as granting Mueller sufficient authority to do that -- in certain circumstances -- I see nothing that would require, or even permit, Mueller to release Trump's tax returns to the public. Maybe they'd be leaked, of course, but there would be no authority to release them. I get the impression that many commenters assume that we all get to see whatever Mueller gets to see. Not so.
7
Both the accusers and the accused can't be correct at the same time. The accused claims it is not a debacle, in fact it is nothing more than a witch hunt. The media and others say they have sufficient cause to believe in the wrong doings of the President. If Mueller has more autonomy to conduct the case then the defending Trump team should have enough freedom to bring its conclusions and evidence that nothing derogatory against the US government or the US people was passed on to the Russians. To prove or bring forward that the contact between Trump and Russia was an ongoing business contact and did not involve any favors to Russia or cause for political in-stability to the US government or people. That Trump and its Trump camp did not pass vital information to the Russians, such vital national security information must first be shared with the NATO allies and both the US and NATO agree that such information should also be shared with Russia. Even if NATO was not briefed or taken into consideration still both the House and Senate would be briefed on what was going on with the Russians. To dispell that Trump and Russia did not pair to gather to gain illegal votes for Trump in the election or tampered to reduce votes of Hillary Clinton. Although Bernie Sanders quit the race, but if the Russians were planning to derail Bernie Sanders than that would amount to obstruction of justice as well as the intent and negative planned action is more important than the crime itself.
It would appear that Mr. Muener is respected by both parties but one of the many consequences of Trump and his advisors behaviour is loss of trust.
Is Mr. Muener independent? He was kept on by Obama so it would seem the Democrats must have faith in him. If the findings go against Trump will the full story ever be made known?
For my tuppence worth, I think Trump is as guilty as sin. He said to Putin 'Help me win and I'll see what can be done about those nasty sanctions'.
Obviously Trump should never have got involved in the first place but he's in far too deep now and Putin is far too clever for him. This cannot possibly end well.
Is Mr. Muener independent? He was kept on by Obama so it would seem the Democrats must have faith in him. If the findings go against Trump will the full story ever be made known?
For my tuppence worth, I think Trump is as guilty as sin. He said to Putin 'Help me win and I'll see what can be done about those nasty sanctions'.
Obviously Trump should never have got involved in the first place but he's in far too deep now and Putin is far too clever for him. This cannot possibly end well.
2
Interestingly Mueller shares history with Archibald Cox of Watergate, both graduated from my alma mater St. Paul's School in Concord NH. Both men had/have integrity and respect of their peers and the American people and will/would not let anything stand in the way of getting to the truth. The pursuit of truth and justice got Cox fired and led to the undoing of Nixon's presidency and we will see if history repeats its self for President Trump.
6
What about the part in this article where it states that Mr. Mueller will have to resign from the law firm that serves Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort? Does this not at least warrant an explanation, or reassurance, that he can act impartially despite being payed by Trump's family and associates?
6
Every law firm works for some people Who have committed nefarious crimes, that doesn't make them complicit.
7
Rosenstein's revenge. Trump tries to stick the Comey firing on Rosenstein who then counters by hiring an even better lead investigator as a replacement.
Trump really doesn't think too many steps ahead.
Trump really doesn't think too many steps ahead.
9
To round out one's understanding of the dynamics surrounding the appointment of Mueller, I suggest visiting the Breitbart boards. It's important to listen to Trump's supporters now, just as it was during the election, which most people failed to do, including me. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, a significant percentage of Americans think Trump is getting rail-roaded and the ramifications of that will be scary in my opinion. So for at least a few minutes, take a break from like-minded Times readers and see what's on the other side. Trump supporters are not the enemy. They're Americans who now feel so marginalized that their only recourse might be to head to the streets with pitchforks. We can write off American politicians, but not American citizens.
12
Now here is something Times readers should acquaint themselves with from The Times itself:
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/cash-flowed-to-clinton-foundation-...
Now who was trying to make money off the Russians, Clinton who repeatedly took $250 large from Goldman Sachs for speeches or the guy with plenty of money who really doesn't need anymore?
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/cash-flowed-to-clinton-foundation-...
Now who was trying to make money off the Russians, Clinton who repeatedly took $250 large from Goldman Sachs for speeches or the guy with plenty of money who really doesn't need anymore?
2
First, since he refuses to release his tax returns, you have no idea how much money he has. Is it possible that the main reason he won't is because he doesn't have nearly the amount you think he has and that maybe he's up to his eyeballs in debt to the Russians? Unless we see those returns, we'll never know. We only have his word for it, and we know what that's worth, don't we?
Second, please tell me a time when you've ever heard of a wealthy person saying, "Oh, I have plenty of money. I sure don't need any more!"
Third, Donald Trump is President. Hillary Clinton is a private citizen. I know the fallback excuse of the painfully uninformed is to blame Hillary, but Hillary has nothing to do with this.
Lastly Mike, if you're up for it, please explain to me how it's OK with you that The President of the United States had the head of Russian spy network in the United States at the Oval Office with Russian media present and then proceeded to share highly classified information with everyone in the room. Really Mike, how are you OK with that?
Second, please tell me a time when you've ever heard of a wealthy person saying, "Oh, I have plenty of money. I sure don't need any more!"
Third, Donald Trump is President. Hillary Clinton is a private citizen. I know the fallback excuse of the painfully uninformed is to blame Hillary, but Hillary has nothing to do with this.
Lastly Mike, if you're up for it, please explain to me how it's OK with you that The President of the United States had the head of Russian spy network in the United States at the Oval Office with Russian media present and then proceeded to share highly classified information with everyone in the room. Really Mike, how are you OK with that?
3
you say he has plenty of money, but everything I've seen looks like massive debt, with a voracious appetite for personal cash flow.
and re: goldman sachs, who was it who put their CEO in charge of... oh never mind.
and re: goldman sachs, who was it who put their CEO in charge of... oh never mind.
3
Remember when President Obama got caught in a private conversation with a hot mic in Seoul, South Korea, telling outgoing Russian president Dmitry Medvedev that Vladimir Putin should give him more "space" and that "[a]fter my election I have more flexibility." Whne this story came out I remember CNN Jake Tapper saying this was a "private conversation" and presidents have broad latitude to move the countries agenda forward, nothing wrong here. Obviously no double standard here.
4
Having learned some hard lessons, perhaps it's time for the "Apprentice" President to declare bankruptcy and move on?
10
To be fair to the President, he never declared in (personal) bankruptcy. He merely ravaged five of his companies and then ushered them into Chapter 11 'bankruptcy', stiffing shareholders, staff, suppliers, contractors, banks and the U.S. taxpayer in the process(es). That's all.
4
may I ask, what are they looking for? I jut don't understand what the investigation is about? i mean that literally. are they just shining a flashlight in a basement hoping to find something (drugs, bodies, stolen auto parts, alien autopsies, whatever that could be incriminating), or do they have some sense of what they want to prove? I've read a few articles about this, but I still have no idea what the inquiry is after.
3
the big issue is centered on Russia's meddling with the election. the outgrowth of that is whether Trump campaign people colluded with Russia—based on comments Trump made during the campaign, evidence of interaction between his campaign people and Russian officials (in both private/business communications and political ones), and the cloudiness surrounding Mike Flynn.
what the investigation is trying to find out is: a) whether such collusion took place and b) if it did, how high up the food chain it went.
the reason the investigation is now becoming more critical is because of the appearance of impropriety/obstruction created by Trump's firing of Comey.
as yet there is no evidence of crime, just the possibility.
what the investigation is trying to find out is: a) whether such collusion took place and b) if it did, how high up the food chain it went.
the reason the investigation is now becoming more critical is because of the appearance of impropriety/obstruction created by Trump's firing of Comey.
as yet there is no evidence of crime, just the possibility.
5
Wow. Everybody knows its about money and whether there is quid pro quo. Trump has created this fiasco by not releasing his full taxes to see with whom and how he's stayed on top with his disastrous record of bankruptcy and cheating subcontractors.
4
He's broken any laws which guy. He's cheated many people. I just told many many lies. He's made one too many enemies.
He's deceitful, and now we're seeing if he's criminal too.
Most people treat their dogs better than he treats other people. He calls him self the greatest when everybody knows he's not even good. He's become a laughing stock.
He's deceitful, and now we're seeing if he's criminal too.
Most people treat their dogs better than he treats other people. He calls him self the greatest when everybody knows he's not even good. He's become a laughing stock.
What scares me the most about Trump is that he has legitimized the rats that infect the Republican Party for so long. Prior to 2017 BT/before Trump, I never would have thought that I would give Lindsey Graham any "eartime". Lately I cheer Graham's opinion regarding Trump and the world situation. And this scares me.
What Trump has successfully done is move the Republican Party to the left. And it scares me. Because I'm no more "conservative" than I was BT . I just don't want to look at Satan's image. I want to be hopeful. I don't want to feel depressed every day due to an incompetent fool making decisions that affect the rest of the world.
What Trump has successfully done is move the Republican Party to the left. And it scares me. Because I'm no more "conservative" than I was BT . I just don't want to look at Satan's image. I want to be hopeful. I don't want to feel depressed every day due to an incompetent fool making decisions that affect the rest of the world.
3
Exactly. This morning I was considering how Trump could create a halo effect for Richard Nixon.
3
Let me get this straight. The thing that scares you about Trump is that he has moved the GOP to the left? This countey is on serious trouble.
1
This sums up the Trump presidency for me in a sentence: "Jared Kushner, who had pushed Mr. Trump to fire Mr. Comey, urged the president to counterattack, according to two senior administration officials."
The idiot son of convicted criminal advices the 45th President,a gangster wannabe, to hinder an FBI investigation, which triggered an independent counsel investigation and then tells him to double-down.
The idiot son of convicted criminal advices the 45th President,a gangster wannabe, to hinder an FBI investigation, which triggered an independent counsel investigation and then tells him to double-down.
26
Trump's reaction to the appointment of Robert Mueller as Special Counsel is to claim that He, Lord Trump, is the victim of a "witch hunt.
So now, at last, we understand the difference between Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Cruz would burn witches at the stake, but Trump wouldn't burn witches because he thinks he is one.
So now, at last, we understand the difference between Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Cruz would burn witches at the stake, but Trump wouldn't burn witches because he thinks he is one.
5
Finally, it appears, Mr. Trump is poised for an ego-shattering experience. If Mr. Mueller can deliver some accountability from the commander-in-chief that, alone, would be astounding. Even more so, if the minority of the American electorate who placed Mr. Trump in power proves willing to finally face some inconvenient truths. No justice, no peace.
5
Everything looks so suspicious, but keep in mind that there is still no leaking of actual evidence of Trump making "deals" with Russians. We need a deep throat. But given the hate he enjoyed from his opponents in the last 100 or so days, I suspect there is little hard evidence to leak or otherwise it should be leaked already. Besides the possibility of actual scandal, Trump is facing a large political problem. He has no true loyal supporter in DC. GOP may actually welcome President Pence more than President Trump. I feel he is like a guy from out of town who is not welcomed by long time local residents in DC. He does not follow the "good old rules" and that alone makes many DC politician uncomfortable.
3
Looks like Jared Kushner has a crack political instinct -- he must be on crack if he's making recommendations like firing Comey would be a good idea.
11
After it was determined that Russia was interfering in our electoral process The Washington Post reports the Trump campaign communicated eighteen times with the Russians. Most communications were characterized as suggesting a better relationship with Russia with Trump as President.
How is communicating with a foreign country in the midst of its attack on the U.S. to suggest better treatment and improved relations if its candidate is elected not a request for the Russians to continue or increase its attack on the communicator's opponent?
How is communicating with a foreign country in the midst of its attack on the U.S. to suggest better treatment and improved relations if its candidate is elected not a request for the Russians to continue or increase its attack on the communicator's opponent?
6
Hush. You're making too much sense.
3
Pence must have known about Flynn told the transition team that Pence took over from Christy. He then claims he knew nothing? And that was the basis of Flynn being fired? Sounds fishy to me.
9
Hmmm. I think I'd start talking to Christy. Maybe Christy was dumped because he gave good advice about Flynn. Advice Trump didn't want to hear.
Rosenstein's revenge. Can't blame him. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Mueller is going to be as hard a case as Comey when it comes to Trump's attempts to manipulate him, futile. It leaves Trump so uncertain and afraid of what is coming next that he's whining and blaming anyone who comes to mind, again. Even when the game gets serious, Trump cannot.
8
Trump isn't smart enough to be afraid or uncertain. That's why he's in this mess. . .already.
3
Ellen, no, that's why we're in this mess. Trump is right in that he will never lose. He'll always be able to rally his true believers no matter what.
Trump, an experienced criminal, ought to get himself an experienced criminal lawyer. He's gonna need one.
12
In a separate article, Trump is complaining that he is the victim of a witch hunt ... Well, if he (or his campaign) have done nothing wrong, what the heck is he worried about?
9
He is such a child. Couldn't he just have stuck to the measured statement he made last night about Mueller's appointment? Why come out ranting and raving again this morning? He just loves to tweet, they say. I add, normal behavior a true twit.
5
Who knew that witches used to work as KGB station chiefs, or that they could be 325 pounds and orange?
We got media cancer eating up the inside of our Country. Swamp elites who join with the Democrats. Trump won't be innocent no matter what Mueller rules and the voters know it. We have gone back to the old days when the town mob's come to a man's home, the mob hates and say your guilty. We don't need no evidence. We got a hangman's noose and a tree right here. Lets string him up. We don't need no court, no evidence.
5
You really should try to pay attention to all of the information that has been available about what this man believes and who he has relationships with and the reasons for those relationships. I feel that you are missing a very big part of the picture.
Mr Trump is and has been an admirer of Mr Putin. There are two things that should be kept in mind. Mr Putin does not believe in the First or the Second Amendments. Free speech is, at best, suppressed in Russia. Some journalists and political opponents have been murdered.
Also. There is no private gun ownership in Russia.
Mr Trump is and has been an admirer of Mr Putin. There are two things that should be kept in mind. Mr Putin does not believe in the First or the Second Amendments. Free speech is, at best, suppressed in Russia. Some journalists and political opponents have been murdered.
Also. There is no private gun ownership in Russia.
2
That is what the investigation is all about, Darrell... To see where the evidence leads... Just what are you afraid of if Trump is innocent? It seems you believe he might not be?
3
Darrell, if you step back and listen to Trump's rants, the guy is a fraud, but maybe just a stupid fraud who toyed with cooperation with the Russians but really didn't do anything impeachable. If Mueller determines there's not enough "there," then I for one will accept Mueller's conclusion and move on. If Mueller determines otherwise, then Trump probably goes. But on one thing we must both try to agree: Someone has to make this determination, and Mueller appears to be the best person to do it.
8
This is a witch hunt as Trump said, but then again Trump is the witch of the hour.
7
Trump claims he's the subject of a "witch hunt". Meanwhile the white house monkeys are looking for ways to fly away.
18
C'mon, America. Concerning our "esteemed" President and his knowledge of political history, especially concerning what he refers to as "witch hunts", a term he has over-used in the past two days: do you suppose he has never heard of, personally or through his staff, about the late Senator Joe McCarthy and the personal 'witch hunts" which occurred way back then? Evidently, today and yesterday are all that matter to Donald Trump, and I am not too sure about "yesterday"........
12
As your statement just proves, America has had a long fascination with hunting witches, with therefore only reinforces Trump's claim, it hardly dismisses it.
2
Name one "right wing" or conservative that was ever a victim of a "witch hunt" in the US.
The question is -when did Comey write his memos....
1
tRump would never face an impeachment trial. Could you imagine this simpleton on the witness stand? He'd perjure himself in his opening statement. He'll be given a resignation deal and pardon by Pence. But at least he'll be gone.
10
I don't want him pardoned. I want him in jail. He must be made an example of.
12
Trump is so ignorant of the democratic process, that in the event of him dying in office, he's left the Presidency to Ivanka and Jared.
12
1. The DNC acts like drunken teenagers, derailing Bernie Sanders and helping Hillary Clinton cheat during the debates.
2. The DNC's drunken teenage antics are revealed publicly.
3. The DNC leadership is still intact save for the resignation of W-S.
4. The rank and file Liberals blame Trump.
Until the DNC is purged of the core leaders who blessed the drunken teenage antics, no investigation is going to resolve anything. So long as Liberals forgive the DNC for acting like drunken teenagers, they should be castigated as the drooling zombies that they are.
2. The DNC's drunken teenage antics are revealed publicly.
3. The DNC leadership is still intact save for the resignation of W-S.
4. The rank and file Liberals blame Trump.
Until the DNC is purged of the core leaders who blessed the drunken teenage antics, no investigation is going to resolve anything. So long as Liberals forgive the DNC for acting like drunken teenagers, they should be castigated as the drooling zombies that they are.
6
I didn't realize that Bernie was a Democrat. It is called the Democratic party. They participated in primaries throughout the country. Hillary was elected in a valid, open process.
Did the DNC promote and assist Hillary. Yes. It's their Party. It's politics.
Was she a flawed candidate. Yes. Was Bernie a flawed candidate. Yes.
Did your failure to acknowledge reality leave us at minimum with conservative supreme court that may last for decades and an incompetent malicious boob in the office.
Hurrah for revolution.
Did the DNC promote and assist Hillary. Yes. It's their Party. It's politics.
Was she a flawed candidate. Yes. Was Bernie a flawed candidate. Yes.
Did your failure to acknowledge reality leave us at minimum with conservative supreme court that may last for decades and an incompetent malicious boob in the office.
Hurrah for revolution.
10
as much as i agree with you about the DNC's shady moves, i have to point out that the DNC is not a government office whose activities are bound by law, beyond the requirement that they not try to steal an election. sure, there are possible ethics violations surrounding the treatment of Sanders vs. Clinton, but these are not issues related to the legitimacy of the election, nor to improper interaction with foreign powers actively meddling in the election.
the big issue of the investigation is Russia's meddling with the election. the outgrowth of that is whether Trump campaign people colluded with Russia—based on comments Trump made during the campaign, evidence of interaction between his campaign people and Russian officials (in both private/business communications and political ones), and the cloudiness surrounding Mike Flynn.
what the investigation is trying to find out is: a) whether such collusion took place and b) if it did, how high up the food chain it went.
the reason the investigation is now becoming more critical is because of the appearance of impropriety/obstruction created by Trump's firing of Comey.
as yet there is no evidence of crime, just the possibility. the investigation will either determine that there were crimes, or that there were not. best wait to see what unfolds.
the big issue of the investigation is Russia's meddling with the election. the outgrowth of that is whether Trump campaign people colluded with Russia—based on comments Trump made during the campaign, evidence of interaction between his campaign people and Russian officials (in both private/business communications and political ones), and the cloudiness surrounding Mike Flynn.
what the investigation is trying to find out is: a) whether such collusion took place and b) if it did, how high up the food chain it went.
the reason the investigation is now becoming more critical is because of the appearance of impropriety/obstruction created by Trump's firing of Comey.
as yet there is no evidence of crime, just the possibility. the investigation will either determine that there were crimes, or that there were not. best wait to see what unfolds.
1
So, let me get this straight; are the Dems drunken teenagers or drooling zombies?
2
Trump and the Republicans in power have not kept us safe from terrorist attacks on the homeland.
Where is the outrage from fox news on the recent terrorist attack?
We were safe under Obama.
Where is the outrage from fox news on the recent terrorist attack?
We were safe under Obama.
13
Two questions:
1. What is the crime that has been committed that warrants an investigation?
2. What is the evidence that would, at the very least, suggest that Mr. Trump is guilty of said crime?
Barring credible answers this appears to be an investigation in search of a crime in order to justify the investigation.
Not a fan of Trump at all, but we really need to stop this nasty habit of proclaiming our leaders and politicians guilty unless proven innocent.
1. What is the crime that has been committed that warrants an investigation?
2. What is the evidence that would, at the very least, suggest that Mr. Trump is guilty of said crime?
Barring credible answers this appears to be an investigation in search of a crime in order to justify the investigation.
Not a fan of Trump at all, but we really need to stop this nasty habit of proclaiming our leaders and politicians guilty unless proven innocent.
5
Flynn's covert activities with foreign governments and having access to our national security secrets anyway for weeks and being hired by Trump anyway is "the very least".
And being warned by an Attorney General who got canned and asking the FBI director to be loyal to Trump and to drop the investigation.
Why is the bar on the ground in your estimation?
And being warned by an Attorney General who got canned and asking the FBI director to be loyal to Trump and to drop the investigation.
Why is the bar on the ground in your estimation?
6
I repeat.... What is the crime that has been committed?
2
the primary investigation is, and has been, centered on Russia's meddling with the election: no issue there. the outgrowth of that is whether Trump campaign people colluded with Russia—based on comments Trump made during the campaign, evidence of interaction between his campaign people and Russian officials (in both private/business communications and political ones), and the cloudiness surrounding Mike Flynn.
what the investigation is trying to find out is: a) whether such collusion took place and b) if it did, how high up the food chain it went.
the reason the investigation is now becoming more critical is because of the appearance of impropriety/obstruction created by Trump's firing of Comey.
all the info is objectively circumstantial, but with the appearance of trouble—and so further investigation is warranted. remember, it's an investigation to discover facts, whatever they may be. as yet there is no evidence of crime, just the possibility. and that's enough to go on. it's important to keep in mind that the beneficiaries of such an investigation are the American people as a whole, not just one side or the other.
what the investigation is trying to find out is: a) whether such collusion took place and b) if it did, how high up the food chain it went.
the reason the investigation is now becoming more critical is because of the appearance of impropriety/obstruction created by Trump's firing of Comey.
all the info is objectively circumstantial, but with the appearance of trouble—and so further investigation is warranted. remember, it's an investigation to discover facts, whatever they may be. as yet there is no evidence of crime, just the possibility. and that's enough to go on. it's important to keep in mind that the beneficiaries of such an investigation are the American people as a whole, not just one side or the other.
The past election is still spilling over on our country's functioning. The candidates accepted the results and I am sure there were quite a few irregularities which would not have changed the results. Russian meddling on the side of Trump in fact would have hurt Trump since the common American is wise enough of the consequences of Russian dictating our government.Mr. Trump is a businessman and is doing the work with few people to move the country forward than all those politicians who only complicate every thing in the name of democracy and get nothing done.Leave this man alone for a while and it is hardly 100 days that so much is being constructed against him. Let the congress open up all such cases of the past also since they have nothing else to do.
2
Yeah, the release of dirt on one's opponent by a third party will hurt you not the opponent... They teach you that at Trump University?
6
The real question is what will Mueller ultimately find and whether the Democrats will be satisfied with what they get. As an independent, I can see the political hatred and tactics against Trump and its eerie similarities to former President Obama. Like the Republican Congress of the last administration, the Democrats now are determined to make Trump a one term president. It's getting harder to distinguish one party from the other
6
Mr. Trump's response to the special counsel is, as always: either claim it's “fake news,” or shift the blame, or change the subject. Let's hope he doesn't choose a go-to-war option.
7
The bottom line here is that if Trump and/or his administration are innocent then he had absolutely nothing to worry about and should be relieved that a Special Counsel has finally been named. The smartest thing Trump can do is to get out of the way and keep off Twitter and let Mr. Mueller do his job.
17
I am so grateful for the appointment of "the investigator of investigators."
DJT has been a nightmare for this country.
DJT has been a nightmare for this country.
10
Mueller must subpoena trump's tax returns to show that he is truly independent.
12
Remember everything Trump says is a projection. When he said "lock her up" he was in reality pleading "lock me up".
There will be evidence of multiple felonies but Pence will pardon him.
This will happen within the next 2 or 3 months.
There will be evidence of multiple felonies but Pence will pardon him.
This will happen within the next 2 or 3 months.
10
Hopefully his taxes will get subpoenaed. Should be fascinating.
7
This is absolutely ridiculous. Not one shred of evidence has been introduced nor any crime cited and yet we are paying for an investigation. Investigate what? This is simply a Democrat fishing expedition intended to delay replacement of Obamacare and tax reform.
It is interesting......and probably predictable,that Trump The Tweeter Twit is still tweeting a lot of out of control messages, even as his staff insists he is calm,cool and collected.You would think that he would now lay off on his attacks.Trump is facing the fact that he is a Failure & that will be interesting to see how he reacts.Will he contemplate resigning?
3
Trump certainly is an international embarrassment. But so is the witch hunt which has made the McCarthyite 1950s seem like a walk in the park. The 50 spies in the State Dept. pale before the daily pronouncements of Russia's utter malevolence. Every story in the NYTs is replete with arrogant dismissive bombast about Trump's catering to the Russians. The cockamamie story of how Trump gave secrets to the Russians, with the caveat that in fact presidents can do that, belligerently would have one think that one can never treat Russia as a legitimate interlocker on any subject. Freidman's idiotic point that letting a Russian photographer into the meeting between Trump and Lavrov was a potential breach of national security is very funny. Trump may not very smart but the relentless barrage of bilge is enough to make one queasy. The NYTs has sold its good name down the river to capsize Trump's presidency.
4
Exchanges of intelligence between allies are made pursuant to treaty. Treaties are international law. The fact that the WH needed to alert NSA and CIA to a code-word breach of that law so they could alert the ally is an admission that DJT broke the law. You are therefore incorrect, except that unless there is some means for collected evidence and testimony to be released to the public in a timely fashion, no DJT supporter will change their mind, no Republican congressman will reject the "national embarrassment," and DJT will remain incumbent.
8
Trump should rot in a federal prison for the rest of his life.
Trump is not legitimate. Nor are his supporters legitimate. They represent nothing less than an attempt to destroy this country by transforming it into a fascist police state. The word "deplorable" is too mild. Those people and their core "values" are beneath contempt.
Trump is not legitimate. Nor are his supporters legitimate. They represent nothing less than an attempt to destroy this country by transforming it into a fascist police state. The word "deplorable" is too mild. Those people and their core "values" are beneath contempt.
12
I think every quote by Trump in any major newspaper should begin, "Uncontrollable Liar Donald Trump Says ...".
27
Pathological liar works, too. But then, most of the world already knows that.
10
(Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who would normally have this authority, properly recused himself in March from the investigation because of his own ties to Russia.)
A shocking parenthesis from today's NY Times editorial. What's shocking is that it's parenthetical.
Oligarchy to oligarchy, Russia to US. Trump's gang, including the waves of venality and corruption emanating throughout the whole cesspool from the blob that's been dropped into the center, will either take over our nation or we will now get rid of them fast.
A shocking parenthesis from today's NY Times editorial. What's shocking is that it's parenthetical.
Oligarchy to oligarchy, Russia to US. Trump's gang, including the waves of venality and corruption emanating throughout the whole cesspool from the blob that's been dropped into the center, will either take over our nation or we will now get rid of them fast.
14
The Left loves Mueller today.
It will be interesting if he comes up with nothing.
It will be interesting if he comes up with nothing.
8
So then they will be even with the outcomes on all the Clinton investigations that came up with nothing.
9
Fine. Maybe he comes up with nothing. What will you do if he comes up with something?
5
I hope that the FBI and Muller do a thorough and complete investigation including subpoenas for any tax returns or financial records they need to make a determination of guilt or innocence .
If Trump is innocent and on the up and up , then why is he calling Flynn and telling him to to "'hang in there "'? It looks like Trump has something to hide and he's hoping that Flynn won't spill the beans.
Nothing would make me happier than to find out the truth , which I think is some nefarious treasonous behavior on the part of Trump , and see Trump put behind bars for being a traitor .
If he was innocent he can just shut his trap but that's not what he's doing. "He thou protesteth too much"'
If Trump is innocent and on the up and up , then why is he calling Flynn and telling him to to "'hang in there "'? It looks like Trump has something to hide and he's hoping that Flynn won't spill the beans.
Nothing would make me happier than to find out the truth , which I think is some nefarious treasonous behavior on the part of Trump , and see Trump put behind bars for being a traitor .
If he was innocent he can just shut his trap but that's not what he's doing. "He thou protesteth too much"'
13
Poor Trump. With all his wealth and power, he still thinks he is the most mistreated President ever. He is unable to appreciate his great good luck.
17
And now, Trump is the victim of fake news driven "witch hunt", just like Nixon, who got "kicked around" by the media.
The term "fake news" is wholly associated with the impression information can create within the receiver. If the news does not fit the mindset of the receiver, especially if the receiver is not willing to accept any alternative other than his own, then that news why - it must be fake.
To Trump and his extremist base, the news drives the witches, which are then obviously fake.
It must be really nice to be 12 again.
The term "fake news" is wholly associated with the impression information can create within the receiver. If the news does not fit the mindset of the receiver, especially if the receiver is not willing to accept any alternative other than his own, then that news why - it must be fake.
To Trump and his extremist base, the news drives the witches, which are then obviously fake.
It must be really nice to be 12 again.
31
You have to admit, it's pretty rich of Donald Trump to whine about a witch hunt after he publicly threatened Comey about "tapes".
Trump is a small time shyster who thinks he is smarter than he is. I love that Comey outsmarted him! I'd love to see what else he has on Trump. It's all fun and games until the proof materializes.
Trump is a small time shyster who thinks he is smarter than he is. I love that Comey outsmarted him! I'd love to see what else he has on Trump. It's all fun and games until the proof materializes.
31
We can only hope that whatever Robert Mueller finds will have some influence on the 84 percent of Republicans who seem determined to follow Trump blindly. We must hope that they learn to at least understand and protect their own self interests more logically and effectively--because so much of the time all of our interests (such as good and affordable health care; a fair system of taxation, etc) are the same.
16
I endorse your hope wish, but I cannot share it for the 84% support he has amongst Republicans is unshakable.
Mr. Trump seeks to emulate Mr. Putin and make our great nation like another Russia, he will now be investigated by the man who will show Mr. Trump and perhaps some of his inner circle, the meaning of truth, justice and the American way.
We await the emergence of the truth about the Trump-Russia connection. Like our national infrastructure, our democracy needs restoration.
We await the emergence of the truth about the Trump-Russia connection. Like our national infrastructure, our democracy needs restoration.
9
"Now when Mueller demands Trump's tax returns, we will finally be getting down to business!"
I read Rosenstein's letter as a broad enough grant of authority that Mueller could demand Trump's tax returns, at least if he finds something suspicious and has reason to believe that Trump's tax returns may shed more light on it. Trump would be between a rock and a hard spot if that happens.
On the other hand, I see nothing in Rosenstein's letter that would warrant Mueller in releasing Trump's tax returns to the public. Nor do I see authority for him to demand Trump's tax returns if he doesn't find something on which Trump's tax returns might shed more light.
In other words, it's possible but far too soon to tell.
All one can say for sure at this point starts with "if:"
If Mueller doesn't find evidence that Trump conspired with the Russians to steal the election from HRC, that will proved that (a) Mueller is stupid; (b) Mueller is Trump's lackey; (c) Trump interfered with Mueller's investigation; and (d) Trump simply hid the collusion from Mueller.
By contrast, if Mueller DOES find evidence that Trump conspired with the Russians to steal the election from HRC, that will prove that (a) Mueller is a genius; (b) Mueller is not Trump's lackey; (c) Trump did not interfere with Mueller's investigation (at least not successfully); and (d) Trump failed to hide the collusion from Mueller.
I read Rosenstein's letter as a broad enough grant of authority that Mueller could demand Trump's tax returns, at least if he finds something suspicious and has reason to believe that Trump's tax returns may shed more light on it. Trump would be between a rock and a hard spot if that happens.
On the other hand, I see nothing in Rosenstein's letter that would warrant Mueller in releasing Trump's tax returns to the public. Nor do I see authority for him to demand Trump's tax returns if he doesn't find something on which Trump's tax returns might shed more light.
In other words, it's possible but far too soon to tell.
All one can say for sure at this point starts with "if:"
If Mueller doesn't find evidence that Trump conspired with the Russians to steal the election from HRC, that will proved that (a) Mueller is stupid; (b) Mueller is Trump's lackey; (c) Trump interfered with Mueller's investigation; and (d) Trump simply hid the collusion from Mueller.
By contrast, if Mueller DOES find evidence that Trump conspired with the Russians to steal the election from HRC, that will prove that (a) Mueller is a genius; (b) Mueller is not Trump's lackey; (c) Trump did not interfere with Mueller's investigation (at least not successfully); and (d) Trump failed to hide the collusion from Mueller.
5
In the Post Script to this DOJ-FBI Kabuki Dance; it would have been interesting to ask Sally Yates why Loretta Lynch didn't recuse herself from the Clinton email investigation after the Phoenix Tarmac Episode and directly named her in charge of the investigation. Shouldn't she have been the ultimate adjudicator of whether there was a prosecutable offense? Instead, Lynch said that the DOJ would abide by the FBI's recommendations and opened the door for Comey to conduct the Press Conference and his subsequent appearance before the Congressional oversight committees. By designating authority to the FBI director, she allowed the "grandstanding" which Rosenstein legitimately found to be out of bounds and inappropriate for an investigative, non-prosecutorial body.
At least now we appear to have a Special Counsel who will not editorialize or communicate with Congress based upon any anticipated or feared political fall-out. I'm not sure it's a fair exchange for the electoral inheritance of the dunce we now call POTUS, but at least the scales of justice are bobbing towards balance again.
At least now we appear to have a Special Counsel who will not editorialize or communicate with Congress based upon any anticipated or feared political fall-out. I'm not sure it's a fair exchange for the electoral inheritance of the dunce we now call POTUS, but at least the scales of justice are bobbing towards balance again.
Robert Mueller worked for firm that represented Ivanka, Kushner and Manafort.
6
Doesn't mean a thing.
1
The reason the pathetic progressive left is so animatedly against the will of the voters is they KNOW the Obama efforts to create an even more powerful federal government free of citizen control are in danger.
It took a huge amount of liberal cash to get the Alinsky disciple into the White House in 2008 & 2012, and those two billion - just counting the legal cash - go up in smoke if the hard-won expansions of gov't Control and Power are done away with by reality's habit of confirming liberty and conservatism. The Left craves Control and Power in all things and always will.
From the explosion of funding for the Ivy League to unquestioned-abortion-all-the-time to DOJ becoming a political clearinghouse for corruption with the red light in the window, EVERY progressive advancement from the terrible Obama years is at risk. The Trump economic boom will be the final rejection of Obama-Clinton big gov't thinking.
That means that the 1200 elective officeholders Obama saw the Dems lost went away for nothing. No wonder the coastal media are going flying-monkeys nuts.
It took a huge amount of liberal cash to get the Alinsky disciple into the White House in 2008 & 2012, and those two billion - just counting the legal cash - go up in smoke if the hard-won expansions of gov't Control and Power are done away with by reality's habit of confirming liberty and conservatism. The Left craves Control and Power in all things and always will.
From the explosion of funding for the Ivy League to unquestioned-abortion-all-the-time to DOJ becoming a political clearinghouse for corruption with the red light in the window, EVERY progressive advancement from the terrible Obama years is at risk. The Trump economic boom will be the final rejection of Obama-Clinton big gov't thinking.
That means that the 1200 elective officeholders Obama saw the Dems lost went away for nothing. No wonder the coastal media are going flying-monkeys nuts.
6
"The reason the pathetic progressive left is so animatedly against the will of the voters is they KNOW the Obama efforts to create an even more powerful federal government free of citizen control are in danger."
Did it occur to you that Obama took action because the Republican state governors, republican controlled legislatures kept acting AGAINST the people's interests and in favor of the rich and white, while the obstructionist Republicans blocked every legislative attempt to help people. Obama had no grand plan to federalize our lives, he was doing what he could to make ALL lives better. If the republicans had cooperated, we wouldn't be in the pickle we're in. How's the stream pollution, strip mined, artic drilled, armed mentally disabled thing working out for you? Any new jobs? Didn't think so.
This guy is a "disaster", and the sooner you wake up and recognize that he is doing nothing and will do noting to help his core constituency, the better for all of us.
Did it occur to you that Obama took action because the Republican state governors, republican controlled legislatures kept acting AGAINST the people's interests and in favor of the rich and white, while the obstructionist Republicans blocked every legislative attempt to help people. Obama had no grand plan to federalize our lives, he was doing what he could to make ALL lives better. If the republicans had cooperated, we wouldn't be in the pickle we're in. How's the stream pollution, strip mined, artic drilled, armed mentally disabled thing working out for you? Any new jobs? Didn't think so.
This guy is a "disaster", and the sooner you wake up and recognize that he is doing nothing and will do noting to help his core constituency, the better for all of us.
21
The will of the voters dictated that Hillary should be president. Did you notice how small the inauguration crowd was? They could've fit in trumps hands.
9
You have a bafflingly strange sense of history, and of the relation between governmental power and left/right politics:
Historically, the left has always been anti-government overreach and actively focused on checking governmental misuses of power. Conservatism has, historically, been about upholding traditional power structures.
That said, I will agree that the left has, lately, gotten a little too cozy with the military-industrial complex that they fought against for 50 years—probably hoping to make some progress by going in the back door. But you need to do a little history check to make sure you don't ever confuse the kind of stuff were seeing now with left-leaning politics. Part of this confusion is purposely sowed by the right, and you would do well to question that end of the politicial spectrum as critically as you're questioning the left.
Read Machiavelli.
Historically, the left has always been anti-government overreach and actively focused on checking governmental misuses of power. Conservatism has, historically, been about upholding traditional power structures.
That said, I will agree that the left has, lately, gotten a little too cozy with the military-industrial complex that they fought against for 50 years—probably hoping to make some progress by going in the back door. But you need to do a little history check to make sure you don't ever confuse the kind of stuff were seeing now with left-leaning politics. Part of this confusion is purposely sowed by the right, and you would do well to question that end of the politicial spectrum as critically as you're questioning the left.
Read Machiavelli.
1
Trump is like (a) bad company, his equity is dropping further every day. I wouldn't be surprised if Ryan and McConnell decide to take their losses soon rather than to keep being associated with Trump's incompetence knowing the 2018 election campaigns are starting soon. I have no doubt Mueller will come up with more material, but there really is already enough for an obstruction case today. The next few weeks will be very interesting.
5
Has anyone mentioned this yet? Robert Mueller is a law partner at a practice that represents Ivanka and Jared.
8
Renee,
Yes. He was. He has resigned.
Yes. He was. He has resigned.
1
Trump complains that he is the 'victim'. Trump says that he is the focus of the biggest witch hunt for a politician ever. With Trump it is always "the biggest! the greatest! the most magnificent!". It seems only fitting that he be the focus of the biggest investigation, the biggest prosecution, and "the biggest witch hunt" ever. After all, he is by far the most inept, the most incompetent, the most venal, the most self-service, and the most corrupt person to ever serve as president. With all these superlatives to define him, what is one more? I can only hope that the outcome with Trump will be the shortest term ever.
9
Trump is starting to recognize that his being President is not a lark. The problem for him is that he cannot just sign irresponsible executive orders and cruise to a family golf club every weekend. There is no depth to his approach of a lazy man administration. I am surprised that the responsible people in his government have not started bailing out of their positions. Trump muddies everything he touches. He must be replaced just because of his overwhelming ignorance about his position as POTUS. If he does not resign, then he will go down in flames as a pariah.
13
So why is DJT going to the Middle East? I thought that Jared was in charge of ME peace talks?
(Let that sink in for a while.)
And to think, millions voted FOR the person in this ruptured WH.
This election will make for a great lessons learned session!
(Let that sink in for a while.)
And to think, millions voted FOR the person in this ruptured WH.
This election will make for a great lessons learned session!
9
What did Republicans learn from GWB? Republicans don't learn that's the problem. They have the same mental affliction that Donald Trump has. It's like they're all the missing link.
5
If Donny did nothing wrong, why not shut up and move on?
7
Once a boa constrictor starts swallowing on its tail, about how long before it gets back to its own head? We shall soon find out.
5
"There was no collusion between my campaign and any foreign entity"
Guess he tied up all the loose ends...
Guess he tied up all the loose ends...
3
This will be good for Americans regardless of the outcome.
If Mueller finds Trump colluded with the Russians to steal the election from HRC, we'll get rid of Trump, and should. (Though Mike Pence would then become President, which may not be what HRC supporters would like.)
If Mueller instead finds no evidence that Trump colluded with the Russians to steal the election from HRC, we can move on.
Actually, not. If Mueller finds nothing, one or more of four things (as in: "all 4") will happen:
1. Mueller will be portrayed as an idiot.
2. Trump will be said to have interfered with Mueller's investigation.
3. Trump will be said to have hidden the collusion from Mueller.
4. If (as I expect) Mueller finds something questionable about some campaign subordinate, that campaign subordinate will be elevated to a status he or she never actually had -- campaign manager, perhaps! -- and Trump will be said to have talked with that campaign subordinate at least 12 times a day, sometimes 26.
Despite the near-inevitability of these four Plan Bs, it would have been even worse with Comey. If he'd reported "no evidence" of collusion, Democrats would have made all four arguments above and tossed in a few more.
Besides, Mueller might find evidence to support the "collusion" allegations. I doubt that, but it's possible. If he does, Trump will be toast, and should be.
If Mueller finds Trump colluded with the Russians to steal the election from HRC, we'll get rid of Trump, and should. (Though Mike Pence would then become President, which may not be what HRC supporters would like.)
If Mueller instead finds no evidence that Trump colluded with the Russians to steal the election from HRC, we can move on.
Actually, not. If Mueller finds nothing, one or more of four things (as in: "all 4") will happen:
1. Mueller will be portrayed as an idiot.
2. Trump will be said to have interfered with Mueller's investigation.
3. Trump will be said to have hidden the collusion from Mueller.
4. If (as I expect) Mueller finds something questionable about some campaign subordinate, that campaign subordinate will be elevated to a status he or she never actually had -- campaign manager, perhaps! -- and Trump will be said to have talked with that campaign subordinate at least 12 times a day, sometimes 26.
Despite the near-inevitability of these four Plan Bs, it would have been even worse with Comey. If he'd reported "no evidence" of collusion, Democrats would have made all four arguments above and tossed in a few more.
Besides, Mueller might find evidence to support the "collusion" allegations. I doubt that, but it's possible. If he does, Trump will be toast, and should be.
2
So we know who Trump will start ridiculing next. Perhaps he can ruin another happy commencement with his tales of poor old me. He has no couth.
We are already seeing China's glee and swift action to take advantage of the weakening US gov that is resulting from the liberal's attack on the current Washington administration.
What is the liberal's desired end result - impeach President Trump and put Clinton in office which would cause instant civil war?
NY Times - step up and publish the desired end results and the outcome for the US.....
What is the liberal's desired end result - impeach President Trump and put Clinton in office which would cause instant civil war?
NY Times - step up and publish the desired end results and the outcome for the US.....
I have to laugh reading the comments about how the Democrats will be "finished" when it comes out that there is nothing on Trump. Really? Like the horrible things that happened to Republicans after all the investigations on Hillary Clinton came to nothing?
This is nothing but projection. Trump is president because the math worked out for him that night. He did not receive the popular vote and given the people who regret their votes (yes, there are some, just not the majority), regret not voting at all, are upset about health care and how he plans to handle other issues, and changing demographics, it is far more likely that it is the Republican party that is finished.
But we will see when the Republicans in Congress pass their agenda favoring the 1%, won't we?
This is nothing but projection. Trump is president because the math worked out for him that night. He did not receive the popular vote and given the people who regret their votes (yes, there are some, just not the majority), regret not voting at all, are upset about health care and how he plans to handle other issues, and changing demographics, it is far more likely that it is the Republican party that is finished.
But we will see when the Republicans in Congress pass their agenda favoring the 1%, won't we?
14
As long as Mueller comes to the right, er, Left conclusion, there won't be rioting in the streets...
4
I don't understand the reluctance to grant Mr. Mueller a fireproof status. I expect Mr. Trump will fire Mueller first chance he gets.
Firing people is what the Donald does!
I'll believe they are getting serious only if and when Mueller gets this status.
Otherwise business as usual.
Firing people is what the Donald does!
I'll believe they are getting serious only if and when Mueller gets this status.
Otherwise business as usual.
1
The son in law said to fight back. Just stop, please.
I smell the Staff covering for Trump's inability to construct a single articulate sentence. I assume the NYT has it "more right":
"Dictated by the president" or "Drafted by others?
CNN:
"As I have stated many times, a thorough investigation will confirm what we already know -- there was no collusion between my campaign and any foreign entity," Trump declared in a crisp, 57-word statement released 80 minutes after news emerged of the Justice Department's decision, which aides say he dictated from the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.
NYT:
After a brief discussion, however, calmer heads prevailed, and Mr. Trump’s staff huddled over a computer just outside the Oval Office to draft the statement that was ultimately released, asserting the president’s innocence and determination to move on.
"Dictated by the president" or "Drafted by others?
CNN:
"As I have stated many times, a thorough investigation will confirm what we already know -- there was no collusion between my campaign and any foreign entity," Trump declared in a crisp, 57-word statement released 80 minutes after news emerged of the Justice Department's decision, which aides say he dictated from the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.
NYT:
After a brief discussion, however, calmer heads prevailed, and Mr. Trump’s staff huddled over a computer just outside the Oval Office to draft the statement that was ultimately released, asserting the president’s innocence and determination to move on.
6
That thought occurred to me too:
"If he is giving Trump this kind of damaging advice, isn't it also possible that Mr. Kushner could be the White House leaker?"
Whether or not Kushner is the leaker, it shouldn't be hard to identify the leaker. The Times claims it heard about the acrimony from a "senior administration official." That official must have either participated in the meeting or have been in the next room and listening carefully through the closed door.
"If he is giving Trump this kind of damaging advice, isn't it also possible that Mr. Kushner could be the White House leaker?"
Whether or not Kushner is the leaker, it shouldn't be hard to identify the leaker. The Times claims it heard about the acrimony from a "senior administration official." That official must have either participated in the meeting or have been in the next room and listening carefully through the closed door.
It is impressive what a wide range of political observers from the left to the right see Mr. Mueller as a fair and very competent choice. We are blessed to have someone who can command such broad approval.
3
"Mr. Trump reacted calmly but defiantly, according to two people familiar with the situation, saying he wanted to “fight back.”
Right now we are in the information gathering stage. If Mr Trump is innocent, wouldn't he want the facts proving his innocence to be revealed as soon as possible?. Just a few days ago, he even stated something to that effect . So my question is....what are you "fighting" Mr. Trump?
Right now we are in the information gathering stage. If Mr Trump is innocent, wouldn't he want the facts proving his innocence to be revealed as soon as possible?. Just a few days ago, he even stated something to that effect . So my question is....what are you "fighting" Mr. Trump?
4
On Thursday, Spicer tells us that Trump wants to get the bottom of this. But yesterday Trump also provided a clue in his commencement speech that he would not sit quietly and accept the investigation. Today, Trump once again tweets throwing Sean under the bus once again. It was all so predictable.
I have never trusted Kushner and I am now more suspicious. Jared is nursing a grudge given the prosecution and imprisonment of his father. I have no idea if this investigation will yield a blazing fire. But there is no doubt a dense smoke circulating within the White House and seeping from every window for all to see. This entire family is highly suspect. Integrity has never been a part of their vocabulary and never will be. We must find a way to exit them.
I have never trusted Kushner and I am now more suspicious. Jared is nursing a grudge given the prosecution and imprisonment of his father. I have no idea if this investigation will yield a blazing fire. But there is no doubt a dense smoke circulating within the White House and seeping from every window for all to see. This entire family is highly suspect. Integrity has never been a part of their vocabulary and never will be. We must find a way to exit them.
6
Putin payments to Trump through purchase of grossly overpriced Trump properties? Noticed that one came up recently just after the Comey firing and Lavrov visit to the Oval Office (and before the special prosecutor).
Just wondering......
Just wondering......
6
Agreed:
"Following the course of action recommended by Kushner will absolutely be the end of Trump's presidency..."
If Trump interferes with Mueller's investigation -- including heel-dragging on any request for more resources -- Trump will be toast. Needless to say, the same will be true if he fires Mueller or terminates or trims the investigation. Frankly, I find it difficult to believe that Kushner advised otherwise. Most Americans don't expect Mueller will come up with anything on Trump, but we'd like to hear -- one way or the other -- from somebody perceived as independent. Trump himself obviously doesn't fit that description, and the Democrats insisted for months that Comes was tainted. Trump could and should have handled the firing of Comey better, but the key fact is that Comey had to go; HRC probably would have terminated him even sooner.
"Following the course of action recommended by Kushner will absolutely be the end of Trump's presidency..."
If Trump interferes with Mueller's investigation -- including heel-dragging on any request for more resources -- Trump will be toast. Needless to say, the same will be true if he fires Mueller or terminates or trims the investigation. Frankly, I find it difficult to believe that Kushner advised otherwise. Most Americans don't expect Mueller will come up with anything on Trump, but we'd like to hear -- one way or the other -- from somebody perceived as independent. Trump himself obviously doesn't fit that description, and the Democrats insisted for months that Comes was tainted. Trump could and should have handled the firing of Comey better, but the key fact is that Comey had to go; HRC probably would have terminated him even sooner.
2
The question is - when did Comey actually write his memos???
Do you really think the GOP will go down a road that will affect their self-interest? They have just gotten started in undoing and making up for the last 8 years: repeal Obamacare, pass that juicy tax plan, undo regulations that protect the public from unscrupulous businesses, to name a few. They cannot afford to disappoint the lobbyists. Without a smoking gun, impeachment is just a pipe dream. What should concern Americans more is that many of his supporters are perfectly OK with Trump firing Comey and think the Russian investigation is a hoax or see nothing wrong with it.
4
Why is no one asking the most obvious question? Why doesn't Trump simply release his Tax Returns and put an end to all of this obfuscation? If Trump insists the investigation is a "witch-hunt" the release of his Tax Returns today would put an end to the investigation...or, the end of Trump's presidency.
5
Let's see if Mr. Mueller finds this:
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/cash-flowed-to-clinton-foundation-...
It seems to me that the Clintons had much more to do with Russia and much more to gain than Trump ever did, like he needs the money, and that Trump inadvertently stepped into this hornets nest.
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/cash-flowed-to-clinton-foundation-...
It seems to me that the Clintons had much more to do with Russia and much more to gain than Trump ever did, like he needs the money, and that Trump inadvertently stepped into this hornets nest.
Whether this investigation unearths anything is to be seen, but it has made very plain that Trump is unfit to lead anything as big as a country and particularly not a democratic country.
Trump's problem is that he has yet to grasp that the US is not his own private business. He sees nothing wrong with the way he behaves, nothing wrong with playing people off against each other, nothing wrong with passing secrets to one 'competitors' advantage, nothing wrong with playing autocratic king of all he surveys, nothing wrong with lying, deception, manipulation and humiliation - unfortunately thoroughly acceptable business practices. This is apparent by the way he behaves and in what he says and it appears to be the same for a frightening number of his acolytes.
Trump's problem is that he has yet to grasp that the US is not his own private business. He sees nothing wrong with the way he behaves, nothing wrong with playing people off against each other, nothing wrong with passing secrets to one 'competitors' advantage, nothing wrong with playing autocratic king of all he surveys, nothing wrong with lying, deception, manipulation and humiliation - unfortunately thoroughly acceptable business practices. This is apparent by the way he behaves and in what he says and it appears to be the same for a frightening number of his acolytes.
7
If Mueller does not indite anyone the left will go ballistic and denounce Mueller as a traitor to his country.
9
It would be nice if BOTH sides could acknowledge that everyone on the other side does not fit into the box of stereotypes that is imagined.
Please, can we stop screaming and insulting each other (I'm talking to some of you left-leaning commenters here), and instead find where we have common ground? Let's model what we want our representatives to do....work together for the good of EVERYONE in our country.
Please, can we stop screaming and insulting each other (I'm talking to some of you left-leaning commenters here), and instead find where we have common ground? Let's model what we want our representatives to do....work together for the good of EVERYONE in our country.
1
The only actual crime that has been committed was by Democrat office-holders or ''permanent state'' employees who unmasked Flynn and apparently others. That is good for ten years a pop, Dr. Susan Rice, ICYMI.
4
If Mueller does indict the right will go ballistic and denounce Mueller as a traitor to his country.
6
Trump is right that there is a witch hunt. He's the witch!
9
Now when Mueller demands Trump's tax returns, we will finally be getting down to business!
6
At last we have a hero in the fight to save the Republic: Rod J Rosenstein. Let's hope for others to follow in his path.
just yesterday, the Times was falling over itself to tell us DAG nominee Rod J Rosenstein was independent
Today, it is Mueller
Forgive me if I am skeptical
Today, it is Mueller
Forgive me if I am skeptical
3
Mueller is a yuge victory for DJT. FBI works in secret and releases nothing unless there is a prosecution, & only after months or years. D-Welle interviewed most of Nashville TN and found everyone supporting DJT, because there is no reason to believe otherwise. No one would remember Nixon, deep throat, Wa Post, or tapes except for one thing – hearings. No one remembers Cox. Everyone remembers Sam Ervin, Howard Baker, and Fred Thompson. W/out them, -gate would not be a dictionary suffix. The American people understood Watergate together because of these giants and daily hearings preempting soap operas. Here, everything is sealed and silent in perpetuity. Its been a year and we still don’t have the Flynn-Kislyak transcript. These are not quality people. There is only one thing we know for sure. After DJT’s second term, some idiot Dem Senator will say: “if this gets any more serious, we’ll serve a subpoena.” They say it every day, but do nothing except watch one successful obstruction of justice after another.
3
I am hopeful for the first time since Trump's election that the (r)ight -- as opposed to The Right -- thing will finally be done and the two parties of our great nation will do our bidding fairly and share with all of us the truth and help us heal and move forward, whatever the findings.
5
I nominate Glenn Greenwald to lead this investigation. Of course, we'd then get to the bottom of this vast criminal enterprise, and that can't be allowed to happen.
2
Glenn Greenwald is of the opinion that this is much ado about not very much. While he agrees that Trump is dangerously incompetent he also believes that this is just so much Russia bashing a la Cold War. So, he's not up for this. I tend to agree.
2
Glenn has changed his tune substantially since the Comey firing. He is adamant it should be independently investigated, which is certainly not going to happen under a career Republican like Mueller.
The Russia investigation, as it is being conducted, is mostly a distraction. The US government has been meddling in elections for decades. Nothing new. What is new is a president closely associated with international crime syndicates involved in money laundering, drug running, prostitution, blood diamonds and extreme human rights violations. That is where the investigation should focus.
3
Where on earth to find any evidence upon which to base your crazy claims? If it's there, please set it out for us. Not just rumors, unsubstantiated tidbits from unnamed "sources," or partisan propagated myths but *evidence* -- the kind of proof our system demands... We'll wait for it...
6
Watch the Dutch documentary by Zembla on Trump's criminal associates. Excellent investigative reporting. It's all over the internet. Known criminal thugs, some of them wanted by interpol, are the people financing projects like Trump's SOHO properties. He has been asked about these associations in videotaped interviews. See for yourself.
Mueller has seen better days.
Get back into the fight?
You ever see the movie Tombstone. Some of us actually leave.
There is a bigger fight than Trump.
And my group will be bringing more than Hell.
Get back into the fight?
You ever see the movie Tombstone. Some of us actually leave.
There is a bigger fight than Trump.
And my group will be bringing more than Hell.
It has become evident that few in government do anything to serve the commonwealth and uphold truth without a money or power interest. Mueller as a "former" might have experience, but it should be considered in the same token that his appointment already smacks of bias.
3
We are constantly finding out things about our president that are startling. The most recent attribute that has been uncovered is his extensive knowledge of world history. No one knew, but now we know. We can proceed from here with considerable "surety" that his extensive grasp of the past and his detailed knowledge of historical figures gives him a unique ability to put his own situation in proper perspective. When comes such another?
3
Mueller is a Reagan appointee and US Marine. There's no way I'm going to trust such a person.
Trump's associations include high ranking members of not only the Russian but also Chinese and Israeli mafia, (including conflict diamond czar Lev Leviev). A thorough investigation would bring down a sizable assortment of the wealthiest and most corrupt people on earth. (Kushner is up to his eyeballs in all of this.)
Trump's associations include high ranking members of not only the Russian but also Chinese and Israeli mafia, (including conflict diamond czar Lev Leviev). A thorough investigation would bring down a sizable assortment of the wealthiest and most corrupt people on earth. (Kushner is up to his eyeballs in all of this.)
5
Mueller is beyond reproach. Just stop.
4
Exactly what they said about Comey.
And just because he's straight, doesn't mean he can't get played, or his technology compromised.
And just because he's straight, doesn't mean he can't get played, or his technology compromised.
My understanding is that Mr. Rosenstein serves as Acting Attorney General only as it regards the "Russia question" because Attorney General Sessions has recused himself from matters related to the "Russia question." Is that correct?
Also, many news sources refer to Mr. Mueller's appointment as that of Special Prosecutor. My reading of Mr. Rosenstein's letter is that Mr. Mueller was appointed as Special Counsel to investigate. Only if the investigation finds what may be violations of federal law does Mr. Mueller's appointment rise to that of Special Prosecutor. Is that correct?
My concern is that the unwarranted use of the term prosecutor in headlines and lead paragraphs is prejudicial and fuels some peoples' belief that the media is out to get Mr. Trump.
Also, many news sources refer to Mr. Mueller's appointment as that of Special Prosecutor. My reading of Mr. Rosenstein's letter is that Mr. Mueller was appointed as Special Counsel to investigate. Only if the investigation finds what may be violations of federal law does Mr. Mueller's appointment rise to that of Special Prosecutor. Is that correct?
My concern is that the unwarranted use of the term prosecutor in headlines and lead paragraphs is prejudicial and fuels some peoples' belief that the media is out to get Mr. Trump.
3
What is it your confused about? Mueller is special counsel and as such has been given a full armamentarium of powers, much broader than he would have were he acting as FBI director since he possesses not only investigative authority but prosecutorial power as well...
5
All this fuss about alleged Russian interference in our government. Here is a question:
When Netanyahu arrived in US, on March 2nd 2015, for the purpose of elbowing his way into the US Congress, where he made a speech attacking President Obama's Iran policies, was that foreign interference in the U.S. government?
Maybe we need a special prosecutor to look into that, and find out which of our politicians facilitated that? Was there any money involved?
My point is, that witch hunts tend to grind to a halt after a while, because they open the door for all kinds of people to be attacked.
This investigation is not going to knock out Trump, - all of his accusers are way to vulnerable to be able to pull off an impeachment.
Not to mention, that knocking our Trump would give us Pence, and knocking Pence out, would give us Orrin Hatch.
All this showboating by the Democrats will amount to nothing - we will still be stuck with Trump.
When Netanyahu arrived in US, on March 2nd 2015, for the purpose of elbowing his way into the US Congress, where he made a speech attacking President Obama's Iran policies, was that foreign interference in the U.S. government?
Maybe we need a special prosecutor to look into that, and find out which of our politicians facilitated that? Was there any money involved?
My point is, that witch hunts tend to grind to a halt after a while, because they open the door for all kinds of people to be attacked.
This investigation is not going to knock out Trump, - all of his accusers are way to vulnerable to be able to pull off an impeachment.
Not to mention, that knocking our Trump would give us Pence, and knocking Pence out, would give us Orrin Hatch.
All this showboating by the Democrats will amount to nothing - we will still be stuck with Trump.
3
Let's remember something about impeachment. A crime does not have to be committed.
Impeachment can be a used for political malpractice, not just criminal wrongdoing.
Impeachment can be a used for political malpractice, not just criminal wrongdoing.
5
Not now or never our President!
1
Trump will be President for eight years. This is a shallow pothole in the road. Republicans are in charge and they are without principle,courage or care for the USA. All they want to do is cut taxes for the rich. The judicial branch is dominated by Republicans,not by people that believe in rule of law. That will get worse.The voters that vote or are allowed to vote will continue to support Republicans. State governments will also continue to be dominated by Republicans that have the same personal views as their national colleagues.
1
The only problem with a special investigator is that much of the testimony and investigation will not be done in private.
My hope is that, whatever his findings, Mueller makes a public report. My guess is that he will a lot of evidence of incompetence and...well, stupidity -- but not enough to bring criminal charges. (One can well imagine that what Comey said about Clinton last summer may well apply to Trump -- reckless but not criminal.)
Should that happen, we need to be able to render a political judgement on the Trump administration (as people did with respect to Clinton during the election.
Additionally, my hope is that a way can be found to allow public testimony, before the Senate committee (although a special, bipartisan investigation would be better) of people such as James Comey. We deserve to know what our government is doing.
My hope is that, whatever his findings, Mueller makes a public report. My guess is that he will a lot of evidence of incompetence and...well, stupidity -- but not enough to bring criminal charges. (One can well imagine that what Comey said about Clinton last summer may well apply to Trump -- reckless but not criminal.)
Should that happen, we need to be able to render a political judgement on the Trump administration (as people did with respect to Clinton during the election.
Additionally, my hope is that a way can be found to allow public testimony, before the Senate committee (although a special, bipartisan investigation would be better) of people such as James Comey. We deserve to know what our government is doing.
I really don't understand why folks in the GOP are saying "there is no evidence of collusion" as if that's enough to vindicate Trump. There was no evidence of Al Capone's evil deeds either. With Trump, where there is smoke there's probably a volcano.
What has not been suggested in the gossip mill is as important as what has been leaked. For example not leaked is any concrete information suggesting that Flynn has committed anything criminal after months and months of investigation. No concrete evidence of Trump or any in his administration colluding in any way with Russia. If concrete evidence existed it surly would be leaked by the same folk who leaked gossip harmful to Trump and his administration.
On the other hand perhaps evidence suggesting innocence has been leaked, just not reported on?
On the other hand perhaps evidence suggesting innocence has been leaked, just not reported on?
6
This still does not rule out the fact that Trump is incompetent and incapable of performing the job of President.
4
Finally signs that there still are a few law-abiding lawmakers in Washington (Rosenstein et al). Humanity is not all lost!
1
This is a good beginning to an independent investigation. Donald, who anyone watching must admit is incompetent to govern, brought this on himself. He is destroying his own reputation among his supporters, who wanted jobs, lower health care costs, immigration reform and better national security. Instead, they are getting no leadership, betrayal of promises, promises to defund public education, harm to the environment, and ridiculous tweets that often sound deranged. To those of us who have lived long enough to have a broader view of recent history, this is and will likely remain a disappointing period of lost opportunity and diminished leadership in a world that seems to be moving into chaos.
9
Another one with a history of taking notes after a conversation.
Trump, it is not looking good.
Trump, it is not looking good.
3
Felix Sater. Tevfik Arif. Alexander Mashkevich. Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov. All known, high-level Russian mafiosi and all closely linked to Donald Trump.
If we had a functioning justice system, Trump would have been put away for life years ago.
If we had a functioning justice system, Trump would have been put away for life years ago.
5
This inquiry is going to be so great! It'll be so great that it will prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was a big lie! They were out to get me, and it's so unfair! This inquiry will prove just what a great president I am!
2
It's been reported that Kushner pushed for Trump to fire Comey and also that he should fight the Special Counsel investigation. If he is giving Trump this kind of damaging advice, isn't it also possible that Mr. Kushner could be the White House leaker? Following the course of action recommended by Kushner will absolutely be the end of Trump's presidency, which, of course, is great news for many folks out there.
4
According to an article in today's Washington Times, many intelligence officials consider President Trump's disclosure of "highly sensitive" information much to do about nothing. I agree. Thank you.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/17/donald-trumps-intelligen...
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/17/donald-trumps-intelligen...
6
If Mr. Trump leaked one message, who knows how many others he will leak!
4
Correct me if I'm wrong. Ultimately, Mueller would still answer to Jeff Sessions.
Congress should still appoint a special prosecutor.
Congress should still appoint a special prosecutor.
3
No. Sessions has recused himself from the Russia investigations and did not even know of the appointment of Director Mueller until after the appointment was made and signed.
Based on info available about this matter looks like after Mueller the responsibility flows to deputy AG Rosenstein.
Looks like DJT messed with the wrong guy!
Based on info available about this matter looks like after Mueller the responsibility flows to deputy AG Rosenstein.
Looks like DJT messed with the wrong guy!
5
I hope Trump spends his entire term as a witch hunted. I hope he tweets, rants, and tirades for the next 3 1/2 years about trivial man-child like topics. I hope he destroys any remaining credibility of the GOP by 2018/2020. I hope.
10
Mueller will be doing such a good job he will be fired by Trump before the end of the summer. Then it will be followed by impeachment.
3
"Uncharacteristically noncombative" because Trump actually welcomes the end. He wants nothing more than to get out of this job, resign and go live the rest of his days in luxury somewhere he can boss people around without any pesky rules and prosecutors getting in his way.
Trump will resign before the investigation gets very far along, and he will complain loudly about how unfairly he's been treated and about how true Americans have been shafted. His fan base will become very upset and probably dangerous, and he will keep egging them on. Trump will continue to be a disaster long after he is out of office.
This latest episode of government dysfunction should make us think about the advantages of a parliamentary form of democratic government whereby the populace can immediately have the opportunity to choose a new governing authority.
12
Yes, this guy is a intelligence community heavyweight.
But I have not gotten over with how Trump eliminated Comey.
No wonder the ghost writer of "the art of the deal" thinks in Trump's playing book he is going to eliminate anyone in his way.
Comey is in Trump's way, so he eliminated him like a Russian KGB.
Let his servant hand him a termination letter.
Then calls him names on TV "Showboat" and "Grandstander."
Needless to say, he forgets Comey, the director, represents FBI. By treating Comey in the fashion he did, he showed his disrespect to FBI. Also, he doesn't preserve a public servant's dignity.
In fact, Comey's well-liked and well-respected law enforcement professional having a clean and superb record in public service.
But I have not gotten over with how Trump eliminated Comey.
No wonder the ghost writer of "the art of the deal" thinks in Trump's playing book he is going to eliminate anyone in his way.
Comey is in Trump's way, so he eliminated him like a Russian KGB.
Let his servant hand him a termination letter.
Then calls him names on TV "Showboat" and "Grandstander."
Needless to say, he forgets Comey, the director, represents FBI. By treating Comey in the fashion he did, he showed his disrespect to FBI. Also, he doesn't preserve a public servant's dignity.
In fact, Comey's well-liked and well-respected law enforcement professional having a clean and superb record in public service.
7
No surprise Jared Kushner "urged the president to counterattack, inasmuch as he has in all probability been as enmeshed in the Russian adventure as his father-in-law. What remains to be seen, during Mueller's investigation, is to what extent the Trump businesses were involved. In the meantime, Trump will most likely continue to self-immolate, through his tweets and intemperate comments.
8
To all you Times readers and other Clinton voters:
Sorry to tell you, but all of this is all going to amount to nothing. The net effect of all this foolishness is that the Democrats are going to do themselves great harm and doom any chance of making up ground in 2018.
Have an awesome day.
Sorry to tell you, but all of this is all going to amount to nothing. The net effect of all this foolishness is that the Democrats are going to do themselves great harm and doom any chance of making up ground in 2018.
Have an awesome day.
8
Nobody in the general public knows how the investigation will proceed or what it will discover. It's foolish to predict that it will harm the Democrats, when the opposite may well be true if evidence supports obstruction of justice and the scandal of Trump's minions colluding with the Russians. If that occurs the GOP might lose congress for a generation. Wait and see.
2
James I suppose you were absent when Trump relentlessly harassed Obama, day and night, on the birther issue. It went on for years and years, so much noise, not amounting to anything but pain in the neck. I have to wear a cervical collar because of it. (sarcasm)
4
Really? If there's nothing there, then why fire Comey? Why tell him to let the Flynn debacle go? If you have nothing to hide, then you sit tight and ride it out, continuing to do your job.
If you're not guilty, why act like you are? -- thegamesmenplay.com
If you're not guilty, why act like you are? -- thegamesmenplay.com
2
It's an investigation Donny, you don't fight back, you cooperate unless of course you are hiding something.
14
FINALLY, a grown-up has entered the room. Enough with Trump's drama and obfuscation. It took Watergate years to come to light. It's taken mere months for Trump to unravel. We're on the road to impeachment, folks.
11
Kudos to Rosenstein for doing the right thing regarding the investigation into Trump's (and all of his close associates in the government's) suspicious activity with Russia, by appointing Robert Mueller as special counsel . The American people must be informed as to his underlying reasons for this unusual alliance with everything Russian. As has been said..."follow the $$$". Personal gain is likely a very serious factor. Opening the door for the Russian government to enter into our politics is anti-American and undoubtedly has criminal implications for many involved. MUCH gratitude to our free press (which they have tried to squelch ), our news media, and all the true patriots ( including Robert Mueller) who have stepped up to protect our system of governing. It is time for all who see this for what it really is...including our Republicans in Congress...to come forward.
6
Onto the most serious issue of the day for our Commander in Chief:
Now that Mar-a-Lago is closed for the season, where in holy heck will Trump being playing golf ???
Now that Mar-a-Lago is closed for the season, where in holy heck will Trump being playing golf ???
7
Maybe he'll make a putt-putt course on the White House lawn?
Fortunately, your article accepts readers' comments, whereas the Editorial "The Investigator America Needs" strangely does not.
Perhaps what US needs is a law or even a Constitutional Amendment making the position of a Special Investigator or Counsel [to whomever or whatever] permanently enshrined in law. Such a position would be a good deterrent to the politicians prone to hanky-panky, sticking their hand in the public feeding trough, and Burrian dreams so dangerous to the Union.
Perhaps what US needs is a law or even a Constitutional Amendment making the position of a Special Investigator or Counsel [to whomever or whatever] permanently enshrined in law. Such a position would be a good deterrent to the politicians prone to hanky-panky, sticking their hand in the public feeding trough, and Burrian dreams so dangerous to the Union.
"Meddling"? What a soft-pedal, understatement. Disappointed.
2
Lincoln said, "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Once again our country is at a crossroads and we the people are waiting for justice to be served with baited breath. Democracy is bigger than one man and I would hope there are still men with morals and integrity that won't let Trump be the beginning of the end for our country!
And in the meantime "we the people" are trapped under the oppressive weight of a government that is failing us. On the corner of my street people are dying of heroin overdoses while corrupt local officials launder money. Homes are in foreclosure. Students working toward a better life for themselves and others are trapped under Sallie Mae's predatory loans. Our pleas fall on deaf ears while the super rich make business deals to serve their interests. Mr. Trump knows nothing about the people he claims to represent. Eventually the same people that propped you up will pull you under. You are not above the law Mr. Trump!
And in the meantime "we the people" are trapped under the oppressive weight of a government that is failing us. On the corner of my street people are dying of heroin overdoses while corrupt local officials launder money. Homes are in foreclosure. Students working toward a better life for themselves and others are trapped under Sallie Mae's predatory loans. Our pleas fall on deaf ears while the super rich make business deals to serve their interests. Mr. Trump knows nothing about the people he claims to represent. Eventually the same people that propped you up will pull you under. You are not above the law Mr. Trump!
9
FYI that isn't a verbatim quote from Lincoln. It's a modern English paraphrasing of a part of one of his speeches.
1
Of course, Lincoln was another Republican president who was despised by many, so much so that states left the Union within months of him taking office.. Yes, he was probably our most devisive president, now considered by most to be our greatest(Oh, you mean ya'll thought Lincoln was greatly revered during his presidency? On the contrary, he was widely reviled).
4
Given the extreme seriousness of the current situation, has anybody with a half a brain considered that a Presidential visit to the highly-charged and politically sensitive Middle East might not be such a good idea right now?
He could tell them he's washing his hair or something like that - they'd buy it.
He could tell them he's washing his hair or something like that - they'd buy it.
10
Magically, Republicans are reaching across the aisle to learn more from Comey. Why are we seeing this sudden embrace? The breathalyzer numbers don't look good. Republicans have been driving drunk for too long.
6
Trump may have been "uncharacteristically noncombative" last night, but this morning he was twitter tweaking about witchhunts. Doesn't sound like he (or Jared) really want to get to the bottom of it.
8
Some open thoughts.
When Trump had the Russian ambassador in his oval office...then kicked out everyone except the Russian ambassador and the TAS (Russian) Photographer (wink, wink. Oh sure, he wasn't Russian intelligence). How much of the Oval office or any other part of the White House was bugged?
Paul Ryan is in 3rd line for the Presidency. All of Ryan's actions and choices are setting up Trump for a minimum of impeachment. What actions would Ryan have in mind for Pence? Is Ryan actually attempting to become President by eliminating...eliminating his predecessors? Does anyone think Ryan has this in him?
When Trump had the Russian ambassador in his oval office...then kicked out everyone except the Russian ambassador and the TAS (Russian) Photographer (wink, wink. Oh sure, he wasn't Russian intelligence). How much of the Oval office or any other part of the White House was bugged?
Paul Ryan is in 3rd line for the Presidency. All of Ryan's actions and choices are setting up Trump for a minimum of impeachment. What actions would Ryan have in mind for Pence? Is Ryan actually attempting to become President by eliminating...eliminating his predecessors? Does anyone think Ryan has this in him?
9
I want Mueller to do two major things in addition to the collusion: get Trump's full taxes for the past 20 years, and also investigate the massive conflicts of interest he has vis a vis the Emoluments clause of the constitution.
14
If they prove the Trump campaign encouraged and used Russian interference in the election, can we retroactively get Clinton in office? Why Pence if there was treason and election tampering used to get him in office?
9
That would actually be the only fair thing to do.
1
Well at least we know we can trust what this commission comes up with.
I mean both the Warren Commission and the 9/11 Commission did not lie to us, right?
I mean both the Warren Commission and the 9/11 Commission did not lie to us, right?
5
The attack on the function of democracy in the US, which seems to be cheerled by the NYTs, will certainly result in many levels of destruction. But for the Times there is no blow too low, no yellow-journalism to which it will not stoop as it riles up the reading masses, in significant part unfairly and deviously, to channel hatred to an elected president.
True, you will likely get your way, and you will succeed, but you will also pave the way for further assaults on the democratic system insofar as you will have contributed 'bigly' to the break-down of that system when an election did not go your way.
You have shown me that there are many people --- intelligent, educated, and well-placed within institutions --- who will sell themselves out in a rush to pander to social hysteria. And no one carrying this out seems to have any consciousness at all just how destructive their activity is. Their arrogance is over the top.
True, you will likely get your way, and you will succeed, but you will also pave the way for further assaults on the democratic system insofar as you will have contributed 'bigly' to the break-down of that system when an election did not go your way.
You have shown me that there are many people --- intelligent, educated, and well-placed within institutions --- who will sell themselves out in a rush to pander to social hysteria. And no one carrying this out seems to have any consciousness at all just how destructive their activity is. Their arrogance is over the top.
6
I can conclude only one thing: you did not watch the Comey hearings. If you had, your mind would be spinning because lots was brought up there that is provable and concerning.
I know it's hard to believe this happened. I know it's difficult to imagine a compromised President empowered to that office through the subterfuge and sabotage of a foreign power. But if you open up your eyes, and read a little about how the Kremlin has successfully done this before, you will recognize a pattern. I only know it and believe it because it happened in my country of origin and also thanks with a little help from Russia.
There is collusion. There is obstruction of justice. Russia is not our friend. These are irrefutable facts. How illegal and impeachable is the only thing that remains to be seen.
In the meantime, take some cold comfort that it will be a President Pence or Ryan that comes behind him. That give me nightmares, but it should allay your fears of a so-called coup.
I know it's hard to believe this happened. I know it's difficult to imagine a compromised President empowered to that office through the subterfuge and sabotage of a foreign power. But if you open up your eyes, and read a little about how the Kremlin has successfully done this before, you will recognize a pattern. I only know it and believe it because it happened in my country of origin and also thanks with a little help from Russia.
There is collusion. There is obstruction of justice. Russia is not our friend. These are irrefutable facts. How illegal and impeachable is the only thing that remains to be seen.
In the meantime, take some cold comfort that it will be a President Pence or Ryan that comes behind him. That give me nightmares, but it should allay your fears of a so-called coup.
5
The Times uncovers corruption and you blame them for the criminal actions of others!? I'm so grateful for every journalist that doesn't cower or shy away from the truth. The free press is the first and last check on democracy.
5
If Trump really is innocent, this will be the best thing for him. I doubt there will be leaks about this investigation because those involved will feel secure that justice will be done. All Trump has to do is cooperate and stay out of the way.
10
Perhaps Trump will resign when the going gets too tough? If he does resign he will figure out a way to make himself a hero.
11
I fully expect him to resign, perhaps citing the strain on his family and the witch hunt making it impossible for Congress to deliver on his promises to the American people. He can then scurry back to his gilded tower like the little cockroach he is.
2
OK now the Mueller appointment is done. Good choice. But the key for the President now is to name a FBI director who on the surface would be independent and acceptable to congress but one whom he could influence. The President can't stop Mueller but he can influence the speed and quality of his review through the power of the new FBI director. Mueller will undoubtedly use the existing FBI agents on the Russian probe but the FBI director controls manpower. For instance, lets assume the new FBI director says he wants to increase manpower for a new counter terrorism investigation unrelated to the Russia thing. He would have the ability to shift manpower away or withhold manpower from the Russian inquiry. The process would be subtle and would include budget allocations as well. Quality resources are never abundant. Also, wouldn't the AG, who appears to be making the FBI recommendation to the president, be able to approve manpower and budget requests outside of Mueller's remit therefore have indirect influence over Mueller's investigation?
I think this palace intrigue is far from over.
I think this palace intrigue is far from over.
5
What would it even mean for trump to "counterattack"? This is what his supposedly level headed son in law suggested?
8
I'm not happy with this at all. The possibility of direct, provable collusion between trump and Putin has always been near zero. If anything, we can all see that it would have taken the Russians about a microsecond to realize that Trump is an unreliable co-conspirator. So, Trump will come out of this vindicated based on the "no collusion" low bar that he is desperately trying to set now. And that's exactly why the Republicans agreed to this.
Much like both extreme right wing fascist and extreme left wing "anti-fascist" movements in europe have been played by the Russians for short term political advantage, the Russians put resources into "if not defeating, then at least smearing" Hillary. Trump has been the beneficiary of this on the back of his unexpected win. And, while it seems likely that Trump indeed has had more business interests in Russia than he let on, there never had to be explicit collusion and evidence of this won't be found. Trump will come out of this vindicated and stronger.
Anybody who thinks this is special prosecutor is good news hasn't been paying attention.
Much like both extreme right wing fascist and extreme left wing "anti-fascist" movements in europe have been played by the Russians for short term political advantage, the Russians put resources into "if not defeating, then at least smearing" Hillary. Trump has been the beneficiary of this on the back of his unexpected win. And, while it seems likely that Trump indeed has had more business interests in Russia than he let on, there never had to be explicit collusion and evidence of this won't be found. Trump will come out of this vindicated and stronger.
Anybody who thinks this is special prosecutor is good news hasn't been paying attention.
10
Ultimately Trump's fate will in every but the smoking gun scenario be decided by the Republicans. If or when the leadership agrees they want to get rid of Trump there is already enough evidence for a solid obstruction of Justice case today. It's not a coincidence a special prosecutor was appointed after Trump's confidential information farce, which shows he's increasingly becoming a liability for the GOP's reputation, voter tally and agenda. I suspect Ryan and McConnell have (behind closed doors) already decided it's better to take their losses now rather than risk losing both majorities in 2018 due to taking ever more damage.
A Hillary Clinton supporter writes:
"The single thought that I can't get out of my head tonight begins with 'Be careful what you wish for'."
Exactly right.
Either (1) Mueller finds incriminating evidence, in which case Trump will be replaced by President Mike Pence; or (2) Mueller won't, in which case Trump will end up smelling like a rose and this "Russian collusion" issue will soon be dead and buried.
Either outcome is bad for HRC supporters. Much better to keep things going along as they've been going: Unsupported allegations of Trump/Russia collusion to steal the election from HRC, with Trump unable to "prove a negative." Looks like this might get resolved one way or another.
"The single thought that I can't get out of my head tonight begins with 'Be careful what you wish for'."
Exactly right.
Either (1) Mueller finds incriminating evidence, in which case Trump will be replaced by President Mike Pence; or (2) Mueller won't, in which case Trump will end up smelling like a rose and this "Russian collusion" issue will soon be dead and buried.
Either outcome is bad for HRC supporters. Much better to keep things going along as they've been going: Unsupported allegations of Trump/Russia collusion to steal the election from HRC, with Trump unable to "prove a negative." Looks like this might get resolved one way or another.
6
I don't agree.
First of all, we should stop defining ourselves as HRC supporters. Or liberals. Or conservatives. We are Americans, first and foremost. The rest are sub-labels.
To that end, a stable President Pence is a better option than a crazy President Trump. The end result is not just to have our agenda passed; the end result is to have stability, first and foremost, and to keep the Russians out of our domestic and foreign affairs.
As a democrat it is my hope that is resolved quickly. That the bad guys go to jail. That Pence takes office with an eye towards uniting and not further dividing. Going after LGBTQ or women's rights, while palatable today in this climate of hate, may not be the wisest choices in a post Trump presidency. Are my hopes realistic? Some, perhaps. Maybe not. But that is what we should wish for.....
First of all, we should stop defining ourselves as HRC supporters. Or liberals. Or conservatives. We are Americans, first and foremost. The rest are sub-labels.
To that end, a stable President Pence is a better option than a crazy President Trump. The end result is not just to have our agenda passed; the end result is to have stability, first and foremost, and to keep the Russians out of our domestic and foreign affairs.
As a democrat it is my hope that is resolved quickly. That the bad guys go to jail. That Pence takes office with an eye towards uniting and not further dividing. Going after LGBTQ or women's rights, while palatable today in this climate of hate, may not be the wisest choices in a post Trump presidency. Are my hopes realistic? Some, perhaps. Maybe not. But that is what we should wish for.....
If the Russians interfered with our election, we should have an open, public discussion of how it was done and how to stop it. I understand that the FBI investigation will not do this, and perhaps won't even produce a summary report.
4
Probably President Trump will a good lawyer.
Johnnie Cochran comes to mind.
Johnnie Cochran comes to mind.
Trump calls himself the victim of a witch hunt? Isn't this the party that almost always blames the victim for their own ills? Been shot? Must have been in the wrong neighborhood. Been raped? Must have been the clothes. Been accused of colluding with the Russians to get elected President of the United States? Must have been the Clintons and the Obamas.
Thank you Mr. Rosenstein! You are a man of integrity and you are doing nothing less than helping to save our democracy and our Constitution. I had my first good night sleep since November 8th, thanks to the appointment of Robert Mueller. Let Mr. Mueller find the truth and let King Donald fall from his imaginary throne. Long live our Democracy and our precious institutions!
Instead of being more like Regan when he faced investigations, and offering to cooperate fully, Trump doubles down on hateful and demeaning attacks on those sources that communicate his ignorance & arrogant dealings. Fortunately, the press is protected by free speech.
There's a saying, "people don't change, they just become more of who they are." And sadly, this is who Trump has always been.
My greatest surprise: those who voted for him thinking he would change & bring change. As Scooby would say: "Rut, row."
There's a saying, "people don't change, they just become more of who they are." And sadly, this is who Trump has always been.
My greatest surprise: those who voted for him thinking he would change & bring change. As Scooby would say: "Rut, row."
5
Picked The right man for the job,if Trump is innocent I can feel alright because Mueller is a good man who will call a fair game.Thank God they didn't appoint someone like Louie Freech or some other hack.
4
I am starting to believe in karma again after not believing in it when Karl Rove was VP.
3
Karl Rove never was VP. He was Senior Advisor and Assistant to "W". The Kushner of his day.
My hat off to Mr. Robert Mueller who, after a life spent serving the country, at the age of 72 takes on a role that offers very little personal reward and immense amounts of stress in the interest of public service. That is a true hero right there.
7
Probably so:
"If there is a 'there' there, Mueller will find it."
Trump's firing of Comey was poorly handled and poorly timed, but Comey did have to go. His findings would have been challenged by one side or the other, and Democrats had been calling for his resignation for months.
Mueller's findings probably will be respected.
"If there is a 'there' there, Mueller will find it."
Trump's firing of Comey was poorly handled and poorly timed, but Comey did have to go. His findings would have been challenged by one side or the other, and Democrats had been calling for his resignation for months.
Mueller's findings probably will be respected.
7
Just like anyone starting a new job President Trump needs time to get used to his new surroundings and his new responsibilities.
His background is Manhattan real estate, which is a cutthroat business. He is used to aggressively tackling his competitors in the New York and US markets and he is used to thinking in terms of winners and losers.
He needs time to adjust to working with Congress and government departments. He has no experience in governing. He has not been the governor of any state as many presidents as diverse as Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were.
However he was elected by the American people under the rules set out by the writers of the US constitution, the same rules that would have applied to Secretary Clinton if she had won. He deserves better treatment than what he is presently receiving.
His background is Manhattan real estate, which is a cutthroat business. He is used to aggressively tackling his competitors in the New York and US markets and he is used to thinking in terms of winners and losers.
He needs time to adjust to working with Congress and government departments. He has no experience in governing. He has not been the governor of any state as many presidents as diverse as Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were.
However he was elected by the American people under the rules set out by the writers of the US constitution, the same rules that would have applied to Secretary Clinton if she had won. He deserves better treatment than what he is presently receiving.
5
No experience (and lack of decency) is why most people didn't vote for him. He doesn't get to use that as his excuse for being such a disaster in office.
5
9/11 cover-up. Called in the elite boss level. Trump is toast.
3
Trump is already complaining about the special counsel appointment. I just do not get why anyone would elect a person with this sort of personality. He talks tough, but is thin-skinned. Mr. Trump we are tired of the whining. Just get back to golfing.
2
What about Trump's baseless allegations against Obama about wire-tapping? Have the White House / FBI / CIA / Congress found any evidence to back Trump's accusation. Its been about two months ago and no evidence to back Trump's accusation from the Republicans. Its a very BIG accusation, that Trump seems to think will just disappear. He really needs to be impeached as soon as possible. The scandals are becoming so numerous its becoming a joke on the US, how will it be 200 days from now?!!!
2
Dear President WHINER,
Please don't start thumb-sucking in public.
Please don't start thumb-sucking in public.
7
Trump's keynote address to USCG Academy grads was more a "me note" address*, since it was all about him and his feelings of being persecuted. (*MSNBC)
The President is NOT above the law: nor are any US generals.....so watch out
.....when valor is combined with the impeccable ethics of the Marine oath....
which is what comprises former FBI Director Mueller.....there will be justice
then not only we will see a restoration in the faith of our rule of law....but
the integrity of the same oath in our FBI....which insist upon these combined virtues valor and fidelity to our United States of America....will continue.
Thank you Rod Rosenstein.....good for you !!!!
.....when valor is combined with the impeccable ethics of the Marine oath....
which is what comprises former FBI Director Mueller.....there will be justice
then not only we will see a restoration in the faith of our rule of law....but
the integrity of the same oath in our FBI....which insist upon these combined virtues valor and fidelity to our United States of America....will continue.
Thank you Rod Rosenstein.....good for you !!!!
6
if Trump is exonerated, they'll need a newer, bigger Air Force One to accommodate his ego...if he's canned, President Pence will have 2-3 years of experience to tout during the 2020 campaign... either way, the probe is the Democrat's "greatest own goal ever" (even worse than Rachel Maddow's exposure of Trump's innocuous 2005 tax return)
6
"Mr. Mueller is expected to announce his resignation from the law firm WilmerHale. The firm employs lawyers for Mr. Kushner and for Mr. Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort."
He needs to be questioned on his connections to the Trump/Kushner files at WH
He needs to be questioned on his connections to the Trump/Kushner files at WH
2
And so it begins. The Democrats will not rest until Trump is hounded from office. Their hatred for all things and people who reflect values other than their own is all consuming. Democrats know only one way, and it is to divide America on class and racial lines to their own benefit. Look at how that has worked out for our country. More hatred for those who succeed financially, more racial animosity, more crime, more poverty, more drug abuse, more illegal immigration, and more class warfare. It is Democrat legislation and policies which have created the mess that is America today. Now they will bring Trump down because their anointed candidate legitimately lost the election and they refuse to accept that fact. Be careful what you wish for, and how you manipulate the system to achieve your goals. It will come back to haunt you.
7
o happy day! The Times' campaign for war with Russia is heating up.
1
I am guardedly optimistic that this is the right man for the job.
However, will he have ALL of the tools to properly do an adequate job ?
However, will he have ALL of the tools to properly do an adequate job ?
3
Getting Trump out will be the right thing. However, Pence would be his replacement and Pence is a scary guy who seams to think that the world is still existing in the early twentieth century. So getting rid of trump will not buy us much.
2
And what makes you think that Pence would skate through this process unscathed?
People were warned about this presidency bringing a Constitutional crisis, and the distinct possibility of a Paul Ryan presidency is another indicator of this.
People were warned about this presidency bringing a Constitutional crisis, and the distinct possibility of a Paul Ryan presidency is another indicator of this.
3
Pence is a nobody from nowhere and will not be able to lead the country.
Trump has his personality-cult following and once he's gone, Pence will forever be a lame duck because he has no following, except his wife, "mom."
Trump has his personality-cult following and once he's gone, Pence will forever be a lame duck because he has no following, except his wife, "mom."
1
It's a GREAT DAY for democracy in America and the world.
A huge thanks to the press, including New York Times, Washington Post, Bloomberg News, Reuters News Service, The Atlantic Magazine, New York Magazine, Buss Feed and all the publications that are relentlessly following this corrupt administration.
A hugs shout-out to Ms. Rachel Maddow of MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show (nightly at 6 pm EST) for taking the media lead and coordinating news coverage so we can get a full picture of what is happening.
This corrupt administration and their operatives in OUR U.S. Senate, House, Supreme Court and government positions throughout America.
WE THE PEOP0LE WILL NOT ALLOW THIS TO STAND.
Not Now. Not Ever.
A huge thanks to the press, including New York Times, Washington Post, Bloomberg News, Reuters News Service, The Atlantic Magazine, New York Magazine, Buss Feed and all the publications that are relentlessly following this corrupt administration.
A hugs shout-out to Ms. Rachel Maddow of MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show (nightly at 6 pm EST) for taking the media lead and coordinating news coverage so we can get a full picture of what is happening.
This corrupt administration and their operatives in OUR U.S. Senate, House, Supreme Court and government positions throughout America.
WE THE PEOP0LE WILL NOT ALLOW THIS TO STAND.
Not Now. Not Ever.
6
Can you please enlighten all of us how Bernie is involved in all of this and how do you consider him a traitor to the country because of your perceived involvement. Thanks in advance, we all need to be informed.
1
President Trump's Presidency, reminds me of the movie MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON. The movie suggested D.C. political corruption 78 years ago. Specifically, Mr. Smith portrayed the innocent,patriot newcomer to D.C., who after arriving in D.C., was " disemboweled " by the press and the evil, entrenched D.C. establishment. The evil, entrenched, D.C. establishment can not survive without controlling the press and broadcast airwaves. President Trump needs to be like Mr. Smith fight for what is right and just.
4
Spoiler alert - an outline of the upcoming report from Mr. Mueller:
1) Investigations confirm serious vulnerabilities in our national election and media systems to Russian interference, which were exploited by Russia in the 2017 presidential election.
2) These activities continue, and actions are needed to shore up vulnerabilities and counteract hostile acts of interference.
3) Members of the Trump campaign had communications with Russian officials which demonstrated poor judgment in failing to recognize the potential for those communications to be used to undermine confidence in the democratic process.
4) There is no evidence that Trump, or members of the Trump campaign team, willfully colluded with Russian officials for the purpose of undermining the integrity of the democratic election process.
5) While conflicting accounts of the dismissal of FBI Director James Comey have emerged from the White House, a failure to present a coherent narrative does not itself constitute a prosecutable offense.
6) Notwithstanding indications that President Trump has viewed the investigations into alleged collusion between his campaign and Russia to be "fake news" and a waste of time, and has made this position known to US officials, including in the FBI, no action by President Trump can be said to constitute a directive or exertion of improper influence amounting, legally, to an obstruction of justice.
Do you feel better now?
1) Investigations confirm serious vulnerabilities in our national election and media systems to Russian interference, which were exploited by Russia in the 2017 presidential election.
2) These activities continue, and actions are needed to shore up vulnerabilities and counteract hostile acts of interference.
3) Members of the Trump campaign had communications with Russian officials which demonstrated poor judgment in failing to recognize the potential for those communications to be used to undermine confidence in the democratic process.
4) There is no evidence that Trump, or members of the Trump campaign team, willfully colluded with Russian officials for the purpose of undermining the integrity of the democratic election process.
5) While conflicting accounts of the dismissal of FBI Director James Comey have emerged from the White House, a failure to present a coherent narrative does not itself constitute a prosecutable offense.
6) Notwithstanding indications that President Trump has viewed the investigations into alleged collusion between his campaign and Russia to be "fake news" and a waste of time, and has made this position known to US officials, including in the FBI, no action by President Trump can be said to constitute a directive or exertion of improper influence amounting, legally, to an obstruction of justice.
Do you feel better now?
9
I wonder whether Jeff Sessions will be prosecuted by Mr. Mueller for lying to congress. That is a crime know as contempt as far as I know, but seems to have been swept under the rug after Sessions' dishonesty was discovered following his appointment to the highest law enforcement official in the US.
4
Mr. Mueller, a man of high morals and great character. Can you imagine what this paper and other MSM outlets will do to him if he doesn't come back with some serious dirt on the POTUS?
5
Whatever comes to bear, I do not want Trump to be impeached. I would prefer
to have an inept Republican President that can't move the GOP agenda effectively. If Pence were made President, he would be capable and effective. I do not want a capable and effective evangelical Republican as President!
to have an inept Republican President that can't move the GOP agenda effectively. If Pence were made President, he would be capable and effective. I do not want a capable and effective evangelical Republican as President!
Orange man. Pointy hat. Riding on a broom. Looks like the hunt is successful.
3
I suppose The Trump-Russia Story makes The Trump University Story the second biggest witch hunt in history.
7
Some witches are dangerous and deserve to be hunted. Trump "University" was a scam that Trump sold his name to. Looks like he sold his name to the Republicans as well and his so-called presidency is just another scam to get tax relief for the rich and advantages for the Trump brand, without any other benefit for the American people. Again, some witches should be hunted and Trump is the wicked witch of the North-East.
What is most alarming is how Ivanka Trump is benefitting financially from her association with the president.
"Ivanka Trump won Chinese trademarks the same day she dined with China's president" (latimes)
Her husband Kushner, is in charge of the middle east peace and has direct ties with Israel / Zionism / Orthodox Judaism .. one should have a person who is partial, NOT KUSHNER. Its going to hurt the States relationship with the area very badly.
The NYTimes keeps mentioning the Russian revelation scandals and Comey. But Nepotism and Trump's business associations directly benefiting from his president position, is also just as worrying. Its something one expects from an African dictator, not a US president.
"Ivanka Trump won Chinese trademarks the same day she dined with China's president" (latimes)
Her husband Kushner, is in charge of the middle east peace and has direct ties with Israel / Zionism / Orthodox Judaism .. one should have a person who is partial, NOT KUSHNER. Its going to hurt the States relationship with the area very badly.
The NYTimes keeps mentioning the Russian revelation scandals and Comey. But Nepotism and Trump's business associations directly benefiting from his president position, is also just as worrying. Its something one expects from an African dictator, not a US president.
8
The fact remains that the entire Republican Party is culpable taking America down this sordid road. The party should be disbanded.
8
You mean they should be "de-Ba'athified"? Look how well that turned out the last time.
This week's developments thankfully will distract Trump from pursuing his legislative agenda at least through the mid-term primaries. With any luck Trump will lose his Senate and House majorities next year, and with them his ability to do anything but bang out 140 characters of outrage in the dead of night.
1
Reality check amazing how public can be dramatized by simple acts like hiring an firing if really happen at all. Our government should be doing there job an do something about drugs killing our children in streets from imported herion from mexico. Apparently more concern about them selves.
1
There is "supply and demand" and no one forces Americans to buy "Mexican " heroin; besides if it were decriminalized and regulated, it wouldn't be as dangerous as street drugs. Trump is using Mexico as a scapegoat and you've bought into it big time.
Nice work by Trump. Look where his shoddy treatment of Rosenstein got him, embarrassing a guy like that with his long record of integrity...now he has a boy scout in Mueller pursuing him, there's really no way Trump can bully him.
This looks to be a long investigation, light on leaks. It appears doubtful that Trump will last long enough in office before the inquiry concludes. He's already seething on Twitter, including a spelling error that might be excused if he was a 7th grader. And as the country has witnessed up-close, whenever Trump is angry he creates even more negative chaos.
The appointment of Mueller is great for the country, we all need the truth to surface, and the print media can't do it on their own.
But America is on edge, what crazy thing will Trump do now, now that he's cornered?
This looks to be a long investigation, light on leaks. It appears doubtful that Trump will last long enough in office before the inquiry concludes. He's already seething on Twitter, including a spelling error that might be excused if he was a 7th grader. And as the country has witnessed up-close, whenever Trump is angry he creates even more negative chaos.
The appointment of Mueller is great for the country, we all need the truth to surface, and the print media can't do it on their own.
But America is on edge, what crazy thing will Trump do now, now that he's cornered?
2
I want the investigation to focus on how Russia influenced the election, as what tools were used, I.e. Online, print, what outlets were their main focus. I want to know what arguments they originated and how these were spread. I also want to know what monies were involved, how they were distributed and to whom. I want to know how the Trump campaign knew Russian influence was important to Trump's victory. What other dark money was involved is also a question I want answered - as American corporations and private individuals. Of course I am concerned about Trump, but he doesn't seem to understand how destructive he is. Someone out there understands and values the chaos he is creating. Does the Republican far right really understands what it means to tear down our institutions? What or who brought about this idea and how was it financed? Trump is just an egotistical and rather simplistic pawn happily driven to play his part.
1
You will receive answers to none of your questions. The only thing Mueller is charged to do is finding out if there is a prosecutable offense that can reasonably be won in a court of law. That's it.
You'll hear none of the evidence, nor learn much of what he found out unless there is a prosecutable offense. Even then, it will only turn up in court if Trump is actually impeached because of it. This isn't an investigative journalism piece, nor an exercise in gossip mongering. Neither will Mueller make the same mistake Comey did and litigate it in front of the press at a briefing.
I"m afraid many will be disappointed.
You'll hear none of the evidence, nor learn much of what he found out unless there is a prosecutable offense. Even then, it will only turn up in court if Trump is actually impeached because of it. This isn't an investigative journalism piece, nor an exercise in gossip mongering. Neither will Mueller make the same mistake Comey did and litigate it in front of the press at a briefing.
I"m afraid many will be disappointed.
2
"What does Flynn have on Trump?"
Probably nothing, or Trump wouldn't be encouraging Flynn to cooperate fully with the investigators.
That said, I've been surprised that Trump says negative things about those he fires -- Flynn and Comey, in particular. Usually when someone is fired, the ex-employer says nothing, or blandly thanks the ex-employee for his service and wishes him well in his new endeavors.
Not Trump. If Flynn (or Comey) does have some dirt on Trump, Trump's negative comments will make it more likely that Flynn (or Comey) retaliates by disclosing it.
Who knows, though? Maybe Trump says negative things about Flynn and Comey because he's confident they have nothing bad to say about him. That wouldn't justify his boorish behavior toward them, but it may mean he's got nothing to hide.
Probably nothing, or Trump wouldn't be encouraging Flynn to cooperate fully with the investigators.
That said, I've been surprised that Trump says negative things about those he fires -- Flynn and Comey, in particular. Usually when someone is fired, the ex-employer says nothing, or blandly thanks the ex-employee for his service and wishes him well in his new endeavors.
Not Trump. If Flynn (or Comey) does have some dirt on Trump, Trump's negative comments will make it more likely that Flynn (or Comey) retaliates by disclosing it.
Who knows, though? Maybe Trump says negative things about Flynn and Comey because he's confident they have nothing bad to say about him. That wouldn't justify his boorish behavior toward them, but it may mean he's got nothing to hide.
NOW we'll have the Saturday night massacre. Someone will be told to fire him, they will refuse and resign, the next guy will refuse and resign, then some sleaze just like Bork will say no problem. The only good thing you can say about Nixon is he was smarter than Trump.
2
Checkmate ....Trump.....and ....Putin........!!!!
The Marines have landed....Semper Fi.....Bob Mueller.....
Sharpen your pencils Editors in every worthwhile "rag" in our good old USA !!!
The Marines have landed....Semper Fi.....Bob Mueller.....
Sharpen your pencils Editors in every worthwhile "rag" in our good old USA !!!
The NYT and all the media,who helped elect Trump by not covering or exposing the REAL ISSUES in the last election........can make up for it,by making sure Special Prosecutor Mueller inclusively follows every illicit money trail and the individuals who funneled it, to Trumps election and organizations .............and expose every maneuver by Trump and his cronies outside and in government positions ..................as they all, now silently ,chant BUILD THAT WALL against the investigation and eventual prosecution of Don the Con!
2
Funny, how the GOP who almost all were against appointing a special prosecutor have now spun this into a welcome relief. These folks in the GOP will spin anything and everything to new heights, all so that they can appear like honest folks when in reality they are thinking only about keeping their job in the coming elections. People see them for what they are...useless, to be voted out office.
3
You say it's hailed by both parties. Is this selective journalism? I've heard the minority House leader is not happy. If that's true, why wouldn't you say that?
2
You heard.........source?
In a statement, Mr. Trump said, “As I have stated many times, a thorough investigation will confirm what we already know — there was no collusion between my campaign and any foreign entity. I look forward to this matter concluding quickly. In the meantime, I will never stop fighting for the people and the issues that matter most to the future of our country.”
Which people matter most to the future of our country Mr. Trump, besides you and your family of course?
Which people matter most to the future of our country Mr. Trump, besides you and your family of course?
4
Trump should have said this months ago instead of attacking the "fake press" and crying into his (fake) beer and tweeting like a fake bird. By now, things would all be quiet.
Trump may need to go, but with the people he's put in major cabinet positions who oppose the very premise of the cabinets they now lead, with Mr. Pence as a potential successor to Trump, with Mr. Sessions taking us back to the early 20th century in the Dept. of Justice, etc., we are in real trouble. It will take more than getting rid of Trump to dig us out of this pit. While I'm retired and probably won't live to see the pit filled in, my concerns are for our children and grandchildren. Very sad!
7
NYTimes...."All the Rumours about Trump, that's Fit to Print"......
nothing else matters.
nothing else matters.
4
I see danger for Trump critics in BOTH types of comments on Mueller:
1. Those who criticize Mueller may regret dumping on him if he finds evidence that Trump colluded with Russia to steal the election from HRC.
2. By contrast, those who heap praise on Mueller may regret doing so if he turns up nothing.
Timing is important here: Don't dump on Mueller until you're pretty sure he won't support your allegations, and don't praise Mueller until you're pretty sure he will. Hedge your bets as long as you can -- remember, that's Plan A. Plan B is to dump on Mueller if he disagrees with you and to praise him if he agrees with you, but Plan B doesn't start until you know how that "if" turns out.
1. Those who criticize Mueller may regret dumping on him if he finds evidence that Trump colluded with Russia to steal the election from HRC.
2. By contrast, those who heap praise on Mueller may regret doing so if he turns up nothing.
Timing is important here: Don't dump on Mueller until you're pretty sure he won't support your allegations, and don't praise Mueller until you're pretty sure he will. Hedge your bets as long as you can -- remember, that's Plan A. Plan B is to dump on Mueller if he disagrees with you and to praise him if he agrees with you, but Plan B doesn't start until you know how that "if" turns out.
Why is Mr. Mueller' s brief limited only to that which "directly" arises out of the special counsel's investigation into Trump/Russia connections? Wasn't Bill Clinton's impeachment based on information that grew indirectly out of the Whitewater investigation? If Mr. Mueller is indeed so constrained, can he at a later date request the DOJ broaden his authority?
2
"Wasn't Bill Clinton's impeachment based on information that grew indirectly out of the Whitewater investigation?"
No. Bill Clinton was impeached for lying to Congress under oath about his affair with Monica Lewinsky.
No. Bill Clinton was impeached for lying to Congress under oath about his affair with Monica Lewinsky.
What I observe is a phenomenon of PsyOps that I find truly disturbing.....
Flash Mobs.
In the case of "news", its Flash Mobs manipulated by Intel Agencies to promote a political agenda.
The internet, untaxed, unregulated.....has become a way of amplifying emotional responses that quickly develop into real-life physical mobs intent on achieving a goal that is not consiously understood by any individual in the mob.....but is readily understood by the indivduals that manipulated the internet.
Tweets. Facebook posts. Youtube uploads. SnapChat. etc...........
The flash mob phenomenon has been capitalized on by a diverse group of political agendas........
Cops shooting unarmed "black men" carefully filmed and posted in the right places .... produces violent riots....anarchists? russians?
Tweets and Instagrams in arab countries produces "Arab Spring".....a CIA experiment?
Ukranian elections and riots? CIA again?
Syrian uprisings?
Trump's rumoured associations with Russians? DNC operatives?
The Press Corps complete blindness to actual world events while focussing on insignifigant political rumours?
ITs all flash mob psyops..........
The end of the Republic.
Flash Mobs.
In the case of "news", its Flash Mobs manipulated by Intel Agencies to promote a political agenda.
The internet, untaxed, unregulated.....has become a way of amplifying emotional responses that quickly develop into real-life physical mobs intent on achieving a goal that is not consiously understood by any individual in the mob.....but is readily understood by the indivduals that manipulated the internet.
Tweets. Facebook posts. Youtube uploads. SnapChat. etc...........
The flash mob phenomenon has been capitalized on by a diverse group of political agendas........
Cops shooting unarmed "black men" carefully filmed and posted in the right places .... produces violent riots....anarchists? russians?
Tweets and Instagrams in arab countries produces "Arab Spring".....a CIA experiment?
Ukranian elections and riots? CIA again?
Syrian uprisings?
Trump's rumoured associations with Russians? DNC operatives?
The Press Corps complete blindness to actual world events while focussing on insignifigant political rumours?
ITs all flash mob psyops..........
The end of the Republic.
Trump is certainly going down. But Pence should be impeached also. He's been a brown nose and an enabler for the biggest lying president in United States history. And he lied about Flynn lying to him. Has anyone ever seen any documentation that Flynn lied to him? Of course not. Pence lied. He already knew.
9
Pence is nobody from nowhere and he and his wife, "mom" will be no more than footnotes in the history of this farcical presidency.
1
This may all turn out just fine for DJT. In fact, if there was any sort of collusion he may very well have been clueless about it. But he is still emotionally and intellectually unfit for the office of President. His address in CT yesterday displayed a whiny, self-pitying, bitter, unstatesmanlike and weak side that only confirms the fact that he is in way over his head. What did he think? That he was going to be installed on the throne in the Oval Office and bark commands at his acolytes and pass sweeping laws with a mere wave of his scepter? A few lessons in civics and basic US government should have opened his eyes to reality. But this swamp-draining, deal-making, big-thinking outsider is simply out of his element and serves only as a magnet for chaos. Perhaps there is a graceful way he can abdicate and return to private life. Soon.
3
Why do I have a really bad feeling about this? While I don't see how we as a nation could proceed without this appointment, I just learned that Mr. Mueller's law firm is representing Paul Manafort. I know he has resigned from the firm, but this piece of news is not good. Whose side will he be on? Given the sad state of affairs in Washington with incredible partisan maneuvers, I would not put any conspiracy out of consideration.
The Democrats need to stop the Clinton focus on Trump. Time to be proactive with policy and agenda. Stop talking about Trump he does that every day anyway.
Start now every day, every day putting out the Democratic vision for how America can be, how government should work, what shared goals for our country all people should embrace. Let Trump do whatever. Focus on what a democratic health care plan would be, explain how it would work, how much it might cost and the benefits for all Americans.
For now, leave the drip drip drip of possible infractions gather into a puddle. No need to scream with each new infraction found. Democrats can jump into the puddle and create a splash at the right time. For now get out there and let America know you are there.
The Democrats need to stop the Clinton focus on Trump. Time to be proactive with policy and agenda. Stop talking about Trump he does that every day anyway.
Start now every day, every day putting out the Democratic vision for how America can be, how government should work, what shared goals for our country all people should embrace. Let Trump do whatever. Focus on what a democratic health care plan would be, explain how it would work, how much it might cost and the benefits for all Americans.
For now, leave the drip drip drip of possible infractions gather into a puddle. No need to scream with each new infraction found. Democrats can jump into the puddle and create a splash at the right time. For now get out there and let America know you are there.
4
That's an excellent plan. We need more positive vibes in our country and in the world. Bless you for saying so in such an articulate way.
I don't personally know a single person in any of this, never even heard of most of them until this past year. I've had to form my opinions on what I read and what I see. I've had to do a lot of guesswork and what I hope is informed critiquing. At some point I have to decide whom I'll trust to give me the truth, knowing that there will almost always be room for doubt. Frankly, my conclusion is that there has been something, Something, there. I don't know what it is. I only have a gut feeling and my own opinion, combined with hours of reading and watching news and commentary.
My hope in this appointment of Robert Mueller is that the account of his credentials is credible. But what I really, really want is that at the end of all this, whatever it shows, we can all refrain from continuing to waste time playing "I won and you lost." Or, "See, See, I was right and you were wrong." What I hope we can all be able to celebrate is that our American system still works, at a time when it has been put to an overwhelming challenge. I hope we can stand up to the rest of the world, much of which has either been laughing at us or shaking their heads in disbelief at the chaos that they see, and say proudly, We have our problems--some of which are huge--but our way of ordering how we deal with them WORKS!
My hope in this appointment of Robert Mueller is that the account of his credentials is credible. But what I really, really want is that at the end of all this, whatever it shows, we can all refrain from continuing to waste time playing "I won and you lost." Or, "See, See, I was right and you were wrong." What I hope we can all be able to celebrate is that our American system still works, at a time when it has been put to an overwhelming challenge. I hope we can stand up to the rest of the world, much of which has either been laughing at us or shaking their heads in disbelief at the chaos that they see, and say proudly, We have our problems--some of which are huge--but our way of ordering how we deal with them WORKS!
1
Trump finally bit off more than he could chew.
Mueller is no day at the beach to put it mildly.
If there is a "there" there, Mueller will find it.
And talk about salvaging a reputation at the last possible moment, Rosenstein went from an all time goat to somewhat of a hero in a nanosecond.
I wonder if Trump will order Sessions to "unrecuse" himself, fire Mueller and then stop the investigation?
Stay tuned, this ain't over by a long shot.
Mueller is no day at the beach to put it mildly.
If there is a "there" there, Mueller will find it.
And talk about salvaging a reputation at the last possible moment, Rosenstein went from an all time goat to somewhat of a hero in a nanosecond.
I wonder if Trump will order Sessions to "unrecuse" himself, fire Mueller and then stop the investigation?
Stay tuned, this ain't over by a long shot.
1
Mueller as Special Counsel is an encouraging development, or it would be if Trump were a mentally healthy person. But he is not. Just ask Tony Schwartz, the ghostwriter of "The Art of the Deal."
Trump is haunting America; he is an irrational specter that hangs over democracy, a shape-shifting projector of his own evil. There SHOULD be a witch hunt.
Trump is haunting America; he is an irrational specter that hangs over democracy, a shape-shifting projector of his own evil. There SHOULD be a witch hunt.
1
I hope nobody is expecting Mueller to be able to do anything even if he finds wrongdoing on the part of the president or his staff. Please remember, he was appointed by Rosenstein. This is the Rosenstein who is probably directly or indirectly responsible for the firing of James Comey, since he is the one who ran as fast as he could to Trump when he found out that Comey had requested additional funds and resources for the Russia connection investigation. So he has set it up so that even if Mueller should find anything illegal or egregious in his pursuit of the investigation he has to report everything to Rosenstein, who then has the option of burying it somewhere where nobody will know about it. I wish the media would spend some time elaborating that fact so that people won't get their hopes up that anything will come of this change.
Mr. Mueller has assembled a panel of Special Investigation experts to counsel him and to "bring him up to speed" on the current state of affairs in Washington.
Trey Gowdy will be playing his unique banjo piece suiting on the rocker on the front po'ch.
Darrell Issa is expected to address the assembly, and to admonish Mr. Mueller to "Move away from the automobile!!"
Trey Gowdy will be playing his unique banjo piece suiting on the rocker on the front po'ch.
Darrell Issa is expected to address the assembly, and to admonish Mr. Mueller to "Move away from the automobile!!"
1
Can there be more damning proof that our political class is a collection of opportunists who will bring the Republic to the edge of a constitutional crisis for their political profit?
I thought that one of the things we supposedly learned from the bitter experience of past "special prosecutors" is: DON'T DO IT. But here we are going down the same road again. Notably, the New York Times has flipped over special prosecutors, just as it flipped over filibustering judicial appointments, once again putting political profit ahead of principle.
Even more obscene, some grown ups have actually been suggesting that Washington stage a coup d'état in the disguise of the 25th Amendment which provides for succession when a President is incapacitated. Even suggesting taking us down that road to possible civil war is a monstrous crime against our democracy.
All this turmoil for what? The Acting Head of the FBI has said that the firing of Comey has not affected the FBI's investigation. Congress is conducting its own investigations. And investigate what? There is no smoking gun. Just a few wisps of smoke. This is a crisis manufactured for partisan political gain. (No, I did not vote for Trump).
Let me name names. Sen. Chuck Schumer threatened to hold up the confirmation of Comey's successor until he got a special prosecutor. Unbelievable! He would have put the FBI's investigation at risk, all to get a tool to paralyze a Washington controlled by the other party!
I thought that one of the things we supposedly learned from the bitter experience of past "special prosecutors" is: DON'T DO IT. But here we are going down the same road again. Notably, the New York Times has flipped over special prosecutors, just as it flipped over filibustering judicial appointments, once again putting political profit ahead of principle.
Even more obscene, some grown ups have actually been suggesting that Washington stage a coup d'état in the disguise of the 25th Amendment which provides for succession when a President is incapacitated. Even suggesting taking us down that road to possible civil war is a monstrous crime against our democracy.
All this turmoil for what? The Acting Head of the FBI has said that the firing of Comey has not affected the FBI's investigation. Congress is conducting its own investigations. And investigate what? There is no smoking gun. Just a few wisps of smoke. This is a crisis manufactured for partisan political gain. (No, I did not vote for Trump).
Let me name names. Sen. Chuck Schumer threatened to hold up the confirmation of Comey's successor until he got a special prosecutor. Unbelievable! He would have put the FBI's investigation at risk, all to get a tool to paralyze a Washington controlled by the other party!
1
Even if no collusion is found in tampering with the election, they still need to investigate Trump's taxes for possible conflicts of interests with Russian investors in his properties, etc. This is just the beginning.
6
Finally, we have an experienced adult to assess whether our disruptive president is corrupt or merely has attention deficit disorder.
2
I am far more concerned that Russia's meddling has damaged the integrity of our election system than whether there was collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. It should have been more concerning to our elected officials who should have been pursuing the facts as soon as the meddling came to light. Unfortunately the "Everest of Ego" can see it only as a slight to his political genius and those who control congress see it only as a road block to their (ruinous) agenda.
I'm afraid the special counsel will focus on prosecutable crime and leave millions of citizens in doubt about the most precious of our democratic institutions.
I'm afraid the special counsel will focus on prosecutable crime and leave millions of citizens in doubt about the most precious of our democratic institutions.
1
What integrity are you talking about? Special interests and SuperPacs have been buying our votes for years now. Give kids matches and they burn the house down. Give impressionable voters the right and they do the same. It's not rocket science the Russians were conducting here. Stuffing ballot boxes was so yesterday.
1
Comments on Mueller seem to be of two conflicting types:
1. Mueller is a highly capable and independent guy -- it's about time!
2. Mueller has shown himself to be deeply flawed. (The example usually given is his failure to find a link between the 9/11 hijackers and the Saudi intelligence services, despite the commenter's insistence that such a link was obvious.)
To those Mueller critics in Category 2:
Remember, timing is important here. If Mueller turns up some evidence of Trump/Russia collusion to steal the election from HRC, you'll want to say Mueller is the best thing since slice bread (i.e. a Category 1 kind of guy). Don't dump on him too soon -- that's part of Plan B, not Plan A.
1. Mueller is a highly capable and independent guy -- it's about time!
2. Mueller has shown himself to be deeply flawed. (The example usually given is his failure to find a link between the 9/11 hijackers and the Saudi intelligence services, despite the commenter's insistence that such a link was obvious.)
To those Mueller critics in Category 2:
Remember, timing is important here. If Mueller turns up some evidence of Trump/Russia collusion to steal the election from HRC, you'll want to say Mueller is the best thing since slice bread (i.e. a Category 1 kind of guy). Don't dump on him too soon -- that's part of Plan B, not Plan A.
1
Reading between the lines here a little....
But it seems to me what you are suggesting is purely political and not terribly interested in 'truth.'
Hail the guy a hero if he finds prosecutable crimes. Dump on him as a rank amateur if he doesn't. But leave the door open so that you can do either.
In other words, the truth really doesn't matter - just that Mueller confirms my already confirmed position.
But it seems to me what you are suggesting is purely political and not terribly interested in 'truth.'
Hail the guy a hero if he finds prosecutable crimes. Dump on him as a rank amateur if he doesn't. But leave the door open so that you can do either.
In other words, the truth really doesn't matter - just that Mueller confirms my already confirmed position.
1
This only seems to indicate that whoever comes after Trump will invariably have to be the consummate political insider in order to survive in that environment. I'm sure that's exactly what the Framers intended, only they just wouldn't come right out and say so in plain English. No doubt they had their lawyers concoct the language for them into something that only looked pleasing to the eye, much the same way a celebrity chef can pass off a stale piece of bread as gourmet with proper plate presentation. Talk about ultimate scams. They make Trump look like a rank amateur.
What does Flynn have on Trump? One has to wonder has this general became so powerful.
The rightwing media's dangerous peddling of outlandish conspiracy theories for the sake of clicks and viewers is downright irresponsible but unfortunately legal.
They are playing right into Putin's hands with their hate-mongering!
They are playing right into Putin's hands with their hate-mongering!
1
At last, a brief order in Washington.
If Trump conspired with Putin himself personally and directly to deny Hillary the presidency, had he acknowledged the fact, he would be in clover right now and Mueller would still be retired. As detestable as Putin is, Russia is not America's enemy and America is not at war. No treason! Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Reagan, and Carter, to name just the latest, all "conspired" with low-life autocrats when they saw it as in their own or the nation's best interest. There is no law against enlisting the aid of other nations' leaders to win an election. I didn't vote for the Trumpet, thank God, but I did feel denying Hillary the presidency to which she manifestly thought she was entitled, was a noble thing to do--politically speaking that is, wherein nothing is truly noble.
They NYT should end its campaign to impeach Trump. The Grey Lady's reputation for integrity has been trashed in that cause. Whatever Trump has done wrong, I doubt Republicans will allow him to be impeached. And even if he is impeached, the nation may well be torn asunder by devoted constituents who wont accept that outcome.
Read the history of causes of the Civil War. Bitter divide between Americans then and now, the inflamatory rhetoric on both sides of the divides, are eeriely alike. This account puts a great deal of the blame for the Civil War on inflammatory rhetoric by newspaper North and South, inciting irrepressible anger. The NYT is doing just that now. http://www.historynet.com/causes-of-the-civil-wa
They NYT should end its campaign to impeach Trump. The Grey Lady's reputation for integrity has been trashed in that cause. Whatever Trump has done wrong, I doubt Republicans will allow him to be impeached. And even if he is impeached, the nation may well be torn asunder by devoted constituents who wont accept that outcome.
Read the history of causes of the Civil War. Bitter divide between Americans then and now, the inflamatory rhetoric on both sides of the divides, are eeriely alike. This account puts a great deal of the blame for the Civil War on inflammatory rhetoric by newspaper North and South, inciting irrepressible anger. The NYT is doing just that now. http://www.historynet.com/causes-of-the-civil-wa
Now, perhaps, the congressional chickens will come home to roost.
1
Trump is already disparaging the validity of the Special Counsel by calling it a witch hunt. If Mueller does indeed find against Trump and his associates, there will be no acceptance by this Administration of any culpability. It will then be up to Congress and hopefully the Republicans' spines would have grown back by then.
2
The initial, and most pressing, stage of this investigation should be rather brief and focused: Did Trump engage in obstruction of justice, based on his request to FBI Dir. Comey concerning the latter's investigation of Flynn?
That aspect should include examining the roles of Pence, Rosenstein and especially Sessions, (and possibly others) in the firing of Dir. Comey.
The next step should focus on the recent revelation of comments made by Rep. McCarthy (GOP house majority leader) expressing the view that Putin was "paying" Trump, and Speaker Ryan's response to, essentially, "shut up". This may have been speculation, sarcasm etc. by McCarthy - but, maybe not. He should be asked, under oath, about the basis for the statement. Ryan should also be questioned as to his response.
The above will lay the groundwork for an overall investigation into possible collusion between Trump, his campaign and the Russians. This will, of course, be the lengthier part of the investigation, and it may well drag on for quite awhile. But, hopefully, by then the culprits on the American side would have been impeached, resigned or indicted, and the immediate danger to our democracy would have passed.
That aspect should include examining the roles of Pence, Rosenstein and especially Sessions, (and possibly others) in the firing of Dir. Comey.
The next step should focus on the recent revelation of comments made by Rep. McCarthy (GOP house majority leader) expressing the view that Putin was "paying" Trump, and Speaker Ryan's response to, essentially, "shut up". This may have been speculation, sarcasm etc. by McCarthy - but, maybe not. He should be asked, under oath, about the basis for the statement. Ryan should also be questioned as to his response.
The above will lay the groundwork for an overall investigation into possible collusion between Trump, his campaign and the Russians. This will, of course, be the lengthier part of the investigation, and it may well drag on for quite awhile. But, hopefully, by then the culprits on the American side would have been impeached, resigned or indicted, and the immediate danger to our democracy would have passed.
7
Will Mueller be provided with a budget and enough people to get the job done? When Comey asked for more people and money to expand the investigation he got fired.
5
I hope Trump does NOT get impeached, at least not for something with debatable twistable ambiguity like Russians hearing secrets from him. His supporters, with help from the usual story tellers like Fox & Breitbart will cause them all to double down on their pain and anger. "This was Hillary's doing!" or something equally skewed. Some actually smart manipulative creature will then seize the opportunity to ride to their rescue, and they will be even bigger, more righteous victims than the first time around.
Impeachment needs to be for something so egregious no one can defend it, like finding him in the middle of the night playing croquet with baby heads on the WH lawn. Sorry to be gross, but I truly cannot figure out where the line to be crossed is, except terrifying things like WWIII or dropping an atomic bomb on North Korea. No, the latter will have plenty of defenders...
Oh hell, I give up trying to figure out where the bedrock is that we can all agree to stand upon. It's what got us into this mess in the first place, the erosion of what used to be somewhat shared principles. We can't debate and strive for some sort of consensus if we don't have an anchored point of reference to start from!
Aside: I do find it ironic that conservatives, who often criticize "secular humanism" for seemingly conditional ethics, now seem to be willing to let slide, rather grossly at times, violations of their firmly held beliefs. Well, firmly stated anyway.
Impeachment needs to be for something so egregious no one can defend it, like finding him in the middle of the night playing croquet with baby heads on the WH lawn. Sorry to be gross, but I truly cannot figure out where the line to be crossed is, except terrifying things like WWIII or dropping an atomic bomb on North Korea. No, the latter will have plenty of defenders...
Oh hell, I give up trying to figure out where the bedrock is that we can all agree to stand upon. It's what got us into this mess in the first place, the erosion of what used to be somewhat shared principles. We can't debate and strive for some sort of consensus if we don't have an anchored point of reference to start from!
Aside: I do find it ironic that conservatives, who often criticize "secular humanism" for seemingly conditional ethics, now seem to be willing to let slide, rather grossly at times, violations of their firmly held beliefs. Well, firmly stated anyway.
4
Man-child, meet adult.
4
A special investigation into the meddling of the Russian government into our election is the only way to get all the facts. Mr. Robert Mueller is the best man to take charge of this due to his stellar reputation as a man of the highest integrity. He is a no-nonsense kind of fellow who will get to the bottom of what actually occurred. We must know the truth so that our country can take care of the business that President Trump was elected to do such as tax reform and healthcare. The cloud of secrecy must be lifted and we must know what happened if anything. I am sure President Trump is innocent and will be vindicated. Of course, his detractors will never stop mistrusting him and despising him but he must continue being our president.
3
I welcome this investigation as it just may turn up nothing. This will put this matter to rest and let Mr. Trump to go ahead with his mission that we voted for.
4
So far the mission that most people voted for has fallen by the wayside as Trump's policies intended primarily to benefit himself and his rich cronies are given priority. I'm thankful that he is unable to keep his mouth shut, which results in him incriminating himself.
3
Sorry, but this *is* what you voted for, and if you didn't know that, then you were an uninformed voter.
So many comments written about this article start with "what if...". The fear of making things worse is palpable. But, we are in a mess and it will take courage and tenacity to get out of it. Trump will fight and use his typical diversionary tactics to do so. But this is the first step and although it may be messy, it is necessary.
3
We are in the fourth month of this chaos of a presidency. It seems Trump has an unlimited ability to continue making a mess of our government and country. The appointment of Mr. Mueller is an encouraging event, but it seems before you know it we will need special counsels and prosecutors every where in Washington as shady dealings are revealed cascade out of control.
This is the result of electing a man who never had respect for the law or courts and is trying to shaft the country like he shafted his customers and business associates.
This is the result of electing a man who never had respect for the law or courts and is trying to shaft the country like he shafted his customers and business associates.
I notice Rod Rosenstein signed the order as "Acting attorney general" instead of deputy a.g. maybe on account of Sessions recusal on the Russia-Trump investigation, as only the A.G. can appoint a special investigator.
The first step, of course, will not be interviewing Flynn, Comey, Rosenstein, or anyone in Trump's transition team. It will be serving a subpoena on Donald Trump himself, who has every indication of being the fraud, the liar, the justice-obstructor he appears to be.
So we can get on with the business of impeaching him. Enough is enough - America has already wasted too much time, money, and attention on our Petulant-Child-In-Chief.
So we can get on with the business of impeaching him. Enough is enough - America has already wasted too much time, money, and attention on our Petulant-Child-In-Chief.
3
Hum..."The firm (Mr. Mueller's law firm) employs lawyers for Mr. Kushner and for Mr. Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort". Six degrees of seperation? The plot thickens.
5
Buried in the article is that Mueller's law firm represents Kushner and Manafort. That should be the headline! He is already compromised. It is the proverbial Fox guarding the hen house. I am appalled.
9
... especially Manafort since there have been am issuance of subpoena
Mueller seems a good choice, yes, but I can't help but notice, right next to this article, on this page, you print an editorial by John Yoo of the infamous "torture is fine" memo who, instead of being reviled for his permanent putrification of global civilization, is normalized by the likes of Berkeley and your publication. Yoo throws fear into me. Here the celebrated torture enthusiast hopes the latest crisis will be more like Iran Contra than Watergate; Trump will simply "clean house" and thrive like the senile Reagan.
For my money and soul, Iran Contra was ineffably more nefarious than Watergate, the beginning of justice's subversion.. Selling weapons illegally to Iran and carrying on a secret war in a neighboring country—how can that compare with a ham-handed break in with flashlights?
Donald claims no politician has ever been more mistreated by the press. At least he's being criticized for collusion and intelligence of all kinds rather than a lie over a dress stain. All the invidious billionaire-soon-to-be-trillionaire corporate elites will learn from this is to better control the press. Already at MSNBC Andrew Lack is purging progressive voices. Last Sunday even that fossil Pat Buchanan was trotted out. The country's most popular politician, Bernie Sanders, is rarely seen, while the largest on-line news show does not exist on cable news. There's a reason Yoo's editorials are on your pages and never Cenk Ugyur's.
Open the Yoo up for comments. See what you get.
For my money and soul, Iran Contra was ineffably more nefarious than Watergate, the beginning of justice's subversion.. Selling weapons illegally to Iran and carrying on a secret war in a neighboring country—how can that compare with a ham-handed break in with flashlights?
Donald claims no politician has ever been more mistreated by the press. At least he's being criticized for collusion and intelligence of all kinds rather than a lie over a dress stain. All the invidious billionaire-soon-to-be-trillionaire corporate elites will learn from this is to better control the press. Already at MSNBC Andrew Lack is purging progressive voices. Last Sunday even that fossil Pat Buchanan was trotted out. The country's most popular politician, Bernie Sanders, is rarely seen, while the largest on-line news show does not exist on cable news. There's a reason Yoo's editorials are on your pages and never Cenk Ugyur's.
Open the Yoo up for comments. See what you get.
2
There's something about having a special prosecutor looking into Trump, after he so vehemently promised to have a special prosecutor go after Hilary during the election, that makes be indescribably happy.
5
"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
-- Thomas Jefferson
-- Thomas Jefferson
7
Both the left and the right thought that Mr. Comey was a 'man of integrity' as well.....until his conclusions didn't fall in line with their respective positions.
The same will happen here. Mueller is a man of integrity.....until his conclusions don't agree with 'mine'. Unfortunately, that is the way of politics today. The Times would do well to revisit all the glowing comments about Mueller AFTER he's concluded his work and encourage some accountability.
The same will happen here. Mueller is a man of integrity.....until his conclusions don't agree with 'mine'. Unfortunately, that is the way of politics today. The Times would do well to revisit all the glowing comments about Mueller AFTER he's concluded his work and encourage some accountability.
2
During the presidential campaign, we heard endless calls at Trump rallies to "LOCK HER UP", "LOCK HER UP", and from the president himself in one of the debates "YOU WOULD BE IN JAIL".
Now the shoe is on the other foot, the tables have turned, what's good for the goose is good for the gander (add endless metaphors) -- so, now, LOCK HIM UP!
Now the shoe is on the other foot, the tables have turned, what's good for the goose is good for the gander (add endless metaphors) -- so, now, LOCK HIM UP!
6
Excellent!!! Now that the NYT and rest of our biased media effectively have had a gag order served on them, maybe we can get back to work. There's a lot going on the world, it would be nice to be presented with some news. There's a lot in Trump's agenda to move our country forward, maybe now we can get the adults in the room and have some decent discussion.
You wanted it, you got it! - Now shut up!
You wanted it, you got it! - Now shut up!
I sincerely hope that the liberals would accept the investigative findings by Mr Mueller. But that's like wishing a guard dog to stop attacking. So glad president Trump is not perturbed. I wish him a successful foreign trip. May he make America great again in the eyes of our allies and bring fear to our enemies.
3
You mean like when the GOP-led House "accepted" the findings of the first Benghazi investigations? Or the second? Or the third? Or the fourth? We can keep going here.
What about health care, jobs, infrastructure, one in five children living in poverty? I really don't care about Russia, emails, etc. This seems like misdirection to me.
1
Two factions of the establishment elite(where party affiliations are just names for chess pieces) ,played for power and control of the public purse.........the,no holds barred, populist campaign was a circus of placards ,slogans ,and empty promises..........happily multiplied and headlined, daily, through free media propaganda..........THE REAL ISSUES which decide the direction of Americas constitutional democracy and economic well being of American citizens were not covered or discussed i.e.....the economically destructive gap between rich and poor,the corrupting influence of corporations on government( Citizens United decision.....corporations are people and corporate money is free speech),the use of American military power and public funds to sustain US multinational corporate profit and viability.....instead of rebuilding Americas crumbling infrastructure , education system,and protecting the peoples environment and health.
Trumps anti-life destructive presidency and policies were funded by the the flood of money from national and international donors seeking favors and patronage.
Unfortunately for Trump,his grandiose ideas of political dictatorship ignored the constitutional and ethical parameters that hold all public servants accountable............the special prosecutor will hopefully expose the corrupt national and international money trail and somewhat diminish institutionalized opportunistic corruption in politics......slowly, but goodbye Donald et al !
Trumps anti-life destructive presidency and policies were funded by the the flood of money from national and international donors seeking favors and patronage.
Unfortunately for Trump,his grandiose ideas of political dictatorship ignored the constitutional and ethical parameters that hold all public servants accountable............the special prosecutor will hopefully expose the corrupt national and international money trail and somewhat diminish institutionalized opportunistic corruption in politics......slowly, but goodbye Donald et al !
2
And what happens if Trump just fires Mueller (after probably firing Rosenstein first)?
1
"Now, Donald, repeat after me: Counsel. C-O-U-N-S-E-L. Counsel."
The Times will allow any inartful foolishness to appear in Comments as long as it deprecates our President.
1
Oh, I don't know...I think a lot of this deprecation is rather artful. Tic tac?
the first paragraph needs to have an "alleged" before Russian meddling.
2
Looking like the Repububs are ready to dump the comb over.
Do not get too happy anti drumpsters. Donnie done, who comes in Michael Pence, a sane right wing religious zealot.
Happy to get rid of The Wackadoodle comb over, but note you get a very sane religious Christian sharia law president.
I am willing to go there as Donald T is scary scary stuff, but understand the trade off folks.
Logical that pubs move now. Trade up from their side for sure.
Ciao
Do not get too happy anti drumpsters. Donnie done, who comes in Michael Pence, a sane right wing religious zealot.
Happy to get rid of The Wackadoodle comb over, but note you get a very sane religious Christian sharia law president.
I am willing to go there as Donald T is scary scary stuff, but understand the trade off folks.
Logical that pubs move now. Trade up from their side for sure.
Ciao
4
If Pence were a true follower of Jesus, I would rejoice if he applied Chrisrian principles to government, such as feeding the hungry, doing for the least of these, blessed are the meek and the peace-makers. I am praying that his love of Jesus will overcome his love of power. Just as I pray for Trump to reverse his hard-hearted ways. (I pray for Hillary and Bernie and Paul Ryan, etc., too.)
Actual political victims in 2017: Immigrabts. LGBTQ. Minorities. Women.
Not a victim: Orange colored blowhard masquerading as President and being held accountable for his own actions.
Not a victim: Orange colored blowhard masquerading as President and being held accountable for his own actions.
2
Personally I am so over Russia, Russia, Russia if it wasn't so pathetic it would be laughable. The extremes the left and the new world order will go to is not becoming legendary. Just because your lousy Candidate Clinton lost and by the way Clinton had real ties with Russia... Get over it already. You lost. Clinton lost. The DNC lost all houses of government. Your all losers. Now stop crying about Russia. The leaks that happened were done by a DNC insider Seth Rich who was murdered!! Wikileaks has had a perfect record never lying and Julian Assange said it was not Russia I believe him more that our government which is so corrupted from within.
1
but...but...pizza-gate!
He didn't release tax documents.
So, conflicts of interest unknown.
He claims trivial Russian ties.
Both his sons quoted otherwise.
Intelligence reveals Russia hacks.
He disputes this.
FBI investigates collusion.
He fires FBI director.
FBI heroic when dogging Hillary.
FBI shameful when dogging Him.
He said director disliked by FBI.
FBI replacement says not true.
He gives Russia Israeli info.
Russia supports Israeli enemy.
Press is ok when grilling Hillary.
Otherwise, Enemies of the People.
Impeach.
So, conflicts of interest unknown.
He claims trivial Russian ties.
Both his sons quoted otherwise.
Intelligence reveals Russia hacks.
He disputes this.
FBI investigates collusion.
He fires FBI director.
FBI heroic when dogging Hillary.
FBI shameful when dogging Him.
He said director disliked by FBI.
FBI replacement says not true.
He gives Russia Israeli info.
Russia supports Israeli enemy.
Press is ok when grilling Hillary.
Otherwise, Enemies of the People.
Impeach.
1
How ironic! Putin sends America a gift, a Trojan horse named Donald, and like a fool, we welcome it.
1
Good. He doesn't deserve to be FBI officer because he owe me $1600 for FBI job scam in January 2009. What a crook. He worked with Mary Collins, Barbara Thomas and Rita Cuscavage.
Ta da! This is not a drill.
2
"Robert Mueller, Former F.B.I. Director, Is Named Special Counsel for Russia Investigation " AMEN !!
1
There is a God.
Will the NYT now stop serving all the conjecture and speculation it can find to print?
Will Congress and Senate move on to the people's business instead of investigating each other party's personnel?
Will Congress and Senate move on to the people's business instead of investigating each other party's personnel?
It never ceases to amaze me when I read the ridiculous uneducated comments from Trump sycophants posting here. Comments about the cost of all of these investigations re Trump and yet these people had no problem about the cost of the multiple investigations of Benghazi which found nothing. And the posts calling the NY Times fake news. No wonder we currently have an idiot in the WH.
6
If Trump so much as twitches and looks at Bob Mueller during this investigation phase, then lock him up and lose the keys. And put all those lying Republicans who take superficial oaths to uphold the decency and dignity of public office behind bars, starting with Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. The collective theatrics of the GOP has set the Republic back by decades if not more.
3
I'm delighted with this choice. I would never have believed that a trump appointee would do the right thing, in spite of his previous reputation . Now, start digging! While you're at it, find out what pense knew, and when did he know it.
4
The political theater has become an unbearable distraction from the real business of Government.
Palace Intrigue.
Rumour mongering.
Political revenge.
None of this means a hill of beans.
But the entrenched bureaucracy needs to distract the citizens from the real issues.
Palace Intrigue.
Rumour mongering.
Political revenge.
None of this means a hill of beans.
But the entrenched bureaucracy needs to distract the citizens from the real issues.
2
It was always just a matter of how bad a Trump presidency would be. As I'm sure the investigation will bare out, Trump has exceeded most expectations in just a few months.
1
I think it's time that we all step back and let Mueller get to work. The Trump administration will implode, sooner rather than later.
1
Are we to believe that Rosenstein made this decision entirely on his own, without discussing it at all with the AG or anyone else in the executive branch? I don't buy that. Which would mean that Trump knew this was coming and approved of it. Which would mean that at least in his mind, there are no crimes to prosecute. Which, if proven true, would mean that there will be no joy in Mudville when Mueller strikes out. Which would be, to coin a phrase, sad.
1
If Mueller wants to get to the bottom of this in a timely matter (not over an 18-24 month period), then he should find a way to have the "President" hand over his tax returns. From there, it will be easier to assemble some critical pieces of this unfortunate puzzle that is threatening the integrity of our democracy.
3
One word: Subpoena. If Trump refuses to comply, I would think it's contempt or obstruction. Either way, Don is over a barrel here. It will be most interesting to see how (and how long) this plays out.
Do you think Rosenstein truly acted independently or is this a minor concession to the masses? An attempt to calm the waters and buy some time. Remember, Trump apparently made Flynn a sacrificial lamb in the hopes l'affaire russe would all go away. We learned this only yesterday. A special council is definitely needed and Muller is a good choice. All the same, I'm not sure Rosenstein is yet redeemed. You can almost hear the digital and mental paper shredders churning in the White House as we speak.
Finally a good move. Hopefully we'll get to the bottom of this investigation and move on.
Finally! I'll be following closely. It's my understanding that a Special Counsel does not have the same powers as a Special Prosecutor? More on this please. Of course the man-child answers with tweets. Will someone take that phone away from him, please! Does he even know how serious this is?
Thank you, Mr. Rosenstein, for listening to the people of the United States, the majority of whom are deeply concerned about the sanity and criminality of our president.
1
"...Mr. Mueller, a former federal prosecutor with an unblemished reputation"
Isn't that what they said about Kenneth Starr? I find it hard to trust any republican operative to do the right thing after that farcical experience.
Isn't that what they said about Kenneth Starr? I find it hard to trust any republican operative to do the right thing after that farcical experience.
Procedurally he is still under the thumb of the attorney general's office who is under the emolumentor thumb. Will his review look at Trump's financial ties to Russia and Putin's millions? If not, why bother? That's where the real influence is coming from.
I think this is a good thing. The right seems to be happy about it. The left seems to be happy. Let's get this thing done.
1
Amongst his real estate empire, Trump will soon be able to count Mar-a-Lockup. Maybe he can get the bars painted gold. That thing on his head will have to go lest it hide contraband...
3
Kudus to Rosenstein. Took courage to do this to his boss.
Liberals are wishing for a Trump impeachment.
As the curse goes, "May you get what you wish for."
President Pence will be twice as effective and much more conservative.
What? Get rid of both of Trump and Pence?
No problem. President Ryan is ready to lead.
The Republicans are holding all the aces.
As the curse goes, "May you get what you wish for."
President Pence will be twice as effective and much more conservative.
What? Get rid of both of Trump and Pence?
No problem. President Ryan is ready to lead.
The Republicans are holding all the aces.
3
I don't like Pence, but at least he would quietly go about his business of enacting bad policy that Democrats can have a chance to overturn in a few years. With Trump, I fear everyday that he'll do something irrational that can't be turned back and put in a box. The man is unfit, dangerous, and he's actively trying to destroy our institutions for his own gain. It's time to bring in someone with an ounce of civility and decorum - even if that's Pence or Ryan - so we can get back on the road to healing this nation.
No. That would be two aces and a joker. The joker has no place in this game.
What a relief to have Robert Mueller as Special Prosecutor into Trump & Russia connections.
But - realize - Trump, as President has the authority to FIRE Mueller.
Also - let's all hope Mueller's investigation isn't as long as Iran Contra investigation which went on for years - and - Oli North with others were given immunity - and/ or pardoned.
But - realize - Trump, as President has the authority to FIRE Mueller.
Also - let's all hope Mueller's investigation isn't as long as Iran Contra investigation which went on for years - and - Oli North with others were given immunity - and/ or pardoned.
Yes, just as Nixon had the authority to fire Archibald Cox. Look how that turned out.
Now Trump has called himself the victim of the biggest witch hunt in history, and yesterday at the coast guard commencement claimed that no president has been so mistreated .... It's amazing how quickly a bully flips over into a cry baby ... My hunch is that the repubs will not impeach, as it could take a few years, and the 25th amendment is a long shot ... Trump will resign, and continue his plan to host a tv show which was so rudely interrupted by the last 100 or so days after his unexpected election to be president of the U.S.
2
Oh my, hope this calms things down. I need to have my passport renewed, and whol knows if it will ever happen. . .
Well this is going to make the 2018 elections a little bit more fun.
1
This is the best news I've heard since Election night!
1
Incredible story breaking now in WaPo that on June 16 last year, GOP Congressmen sat in a meeting discussing Trump and the Russians and Rep. Kevin McCarthy said he believes that Putin pays off Trump and Calif. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. He added "I swear to God." The meeting was taped and other people present included Paul Ryan, Steve Scalise and Patrick McHenry. Ryan quickly shut down the discussion and demanded a vow that no one present would ever reveal the discussion about Putin paying Trump outside the room because the GOP House is 'family.' The WaPo reporter claims to have heard the tape of this meeting.
Paul Ryan is, along with Mitch McConnell, the most reprehensible person in Washington, who will stoop to doing or covering up anything to stay in power.
Paul Ryan is, along with Mitch McConnell, the most reprehensible person in Washington, who will stoop to doing or covering up anything to stay in power.
6
Yes, the most reprehensible Washington office holder.
This is now old news after the Times found out Trump knew about Flynn and his dealing with Turkey before Trump was sworn into office.
Trump is indeed now cornered and we have a terrified, rabid man sitting in the Oval Office ready to lash out and perhaps ready to take the ship, our country, down with him.
Maybe our military should keep that nuclear football far, far away from this dangerous man, our POTUS.
Trump is indeed now cornered and we have a terrified, rabid man sitting in the Oval Office ready to lash out and perhaps ready to take the ship, our country, down with him.
Maybe our military should keep that nuclear football far, far away from this dangerous man, our POTUS.
3
But, Trump can fire Mueller at his pleasure! In fact, Trump can fire Trump. Now that's interesting.
Really, where are we?
Really, where are we?
DJT calls this a witch hunt and again he is the innocent victim.
From inauguration crowd sizes to the recent whining at a USCG commencement it is always about him. It is never about others or the truth. Just donald! Only donald!
So he thinks this is a witch hunt..... if he wants to now consider himself a witch than so be it, but one thing is clear- the law is on the way!
From inauguration crowd sizes to the recent whining at a USCG commencement it is always about him. It is never about others or the truth. Just donald! Only donald!
So he thinks this is a witch hunt..... if he wants to now consider himself a witch than so be it, but one thing is clear- the law is on the way!
1
Cue the lobbing of missiles and deployment of ships towards N Korea, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, or (insert country name here).
It seems that paragraph (c) of Rosestein's letter authorizes the "Special Counsel" to "prosecute" if he finds any crime committed. This paragraph tells me that he is authorized to act also as "Special Prosecutor" if he deems a crime is committed! That means no further need for appointment of a Special Prosecutor any longer. If so, this is a good news because there will be no unnecessary delays.....
2
Sounds great. Except for the fact that his law firm represents Trumps son and Paul Manafort! Help me understand how this is OK....
Get to work, request lots of resources, all the information and keep going until you get to the bottom of this with Russian oligarchs exposed, Trump telling Flynn all kinds of illegal stuff, etc etc.
Apparently, Trump may fire Mueller anytime he wants. If he doesn't, then he'll resign when the heat gets too hot. Pence will pardon him, even if it turns out he worked with Russian agents. Ahhhh, the sacred 'Rule of Law,' with its broad applicability to almost every American, except a few of course. Then there's this, taken from the NYT masthead above this story: "Trump Team Knew Flynn Was Under Investigation Before He Came to White House." How obvious. Didn't Don promise he conduct 'extreme vetting?' This crew commandeering our White House induces far more than mild nausea.
As promised, Trump is creating lots of jobs! Criminal defense attorneys.
White House: Gulp.
1
Here's a new thought we should all be chanting with gusto: "Lock him up!"
You folks at the NY Times, Washington Post, et al are doing a fabulous job, thank you.
Maybe Tom Hanks will send you espresso machines.
Maybe Tom Hanks will send you espresso machines.
1
If Trump was smart...I know, that's a stretch...he would say something less combative like this: "I welcome this investigation which I'm sure will put these unfounded allegations to rest once and for all." Then he should shut up. But, that's not his style. You simply don't question him. And if you do, you set him off in the manner we've seen here, thereby loosening a few additional screws and casting furtherl doubt on his emotional make-up and his competence as a leader.
What a great country. Let The Man do his job. If there is a case to be made then Mueller will make it. In any outcome, the truth will out. No stone will be left unturned and no fact or lie will remain hidden.
Good call, Mr Rosenstein. Mr Mueller is, by all accounts, honest and indefatigable. Here's wishing him every success.
Too listen to people who obstructed Obama from day one talk about Trump no t being given a chance is very funny. Remember also Tom Delay promising to impeach Bill Clinto for anything he could think of in 93.
2
Anyone who think this will be a smooth and unencumbered investigation don't know Trump. He will jab. He will feint. He will obfuscate. He will refuse to turn over material. Try to intimidate witnesses. Finally when it becomes obvious he will lose he'll resign, loudly claiming to have been wronged. Book it Dano!
1
So true. He will quit. No doubt whatsoever. But I don't know whether this will help or hurt my IRA portfolio. Anyone have some advise?
Flynn and Matafort probably curse the day they met Trump...
Mr Mueller, don't fall for the trick of swearing allegiance to Herr Trump.
okay so there is no longer an independent counsel, but only a special prosecutor who is appointed by Rosenstein, who was a political appointee of Trump's. He works under Rosentstein and Trump...LOL.
After listening to Trump's big mouth for over two years -- every day -- every day --- the con-man has the audacity to say he's been mistreated and that "there is no collusion." A man never to be believed -- never.
1
It's pronounced Kay-Roe. Not Care-0h.
The appointment is a good decision. Perhaps we will get answers, good or bad, once and for all. I read another article in which Trump refers to this as a witch hunt, and refers to the clintons and obamas.
Trump really needs to learn how to shut his big mouth.
Trump really needs to learn how to shut his big mouth.
Robert Mueller is an excellent choice. Qualified, media averse, fact-driven. All law, no ego. The strong appointment, however, does not atone for the Deputy AG's role in the Comey firing. The DAG could have allowed the IG to do his job, finish the Comey inquiry, and prepare a real legal and factual accounting of Comey's conduct in the HRC matter. Instead, Rosenstein prepared a pathetic political memo providing a pretext for the Comey firing. The DAG's memo was not marked "confidential" -- it was on letterhead and initialed, and Rosenstein must have known that his memo would be used by DJT to justify his false story about the rationale for the dismissal. And Rosenstein could have exhibited an ounce of decency by calling Comey to inform him of the termination decision, rather than allowing a DJT security guy to hand deliver the letter to the JEH Building.
The ubiquity of unnamed sources is damaging the credibility of the media. Why is the first thing I read in the morning, the private conversation had in the Oval Office?
Obama had the well oiled ($$$$) Clinton Machine behind him as soon as he made Hillary Secretary of State. Trump is being pushed over the cliff by the same Machine.
And now we have the reemergence of Hillary beating her drum and the blossoming of the well oiled ($$$$) Obama dynamic duo.
We are the losers as a country when there is such venom in the air and in the press. The 50% of the population who support Trump are being ill served and the Democratic Process ignored.
Obama had the well oiled ($$$$) Clinton Machine behind him as soon as he made Hillary Secretary of State. Trump is being pushed over the cliff by the same Machine.
And now we have the reemergence of Hillary beating her drum and the blossoming of the well oiled ($$$$) Obama dynamic duo.
We are the losers as a country when there is such venom in the air and in the press. The 50% of the population who support Trump are being ill served and the Democratic Process ignored.
1
Trump's approval rating is in the 30s and he lost the popular vote.
The democrats spent the night on their knees praying. The FBI has been looking at all of this for ten months and nothing. We know it's nothing because otherwise we would have read about it, what with all the leaks. The senate investigation has reportedly said they see light at the end of the tunnel and nothing has been found.
WHEN nothing is found the DNC should be forced to pay for all of this nonsense.
Now, what I think might happen is something like this. Nothing illegal was ever found related to Whitewater and the Clinton's...remember the their land deal...but the investigation did find a blue-stained dress. So, while I do believe this Russia stuff is all democrats crying because they can't accept defeat...what ELSE will the investigation turn up under Trump's rug (no reference to his hairpiece.)
WHEN nothing is found the DNC should be forced to pay for all of this nonsense.
Now, what I think might happen is something like this. Nothing illegal was ever found related to Whitewater and the Clinton's...remember the their land deal...but the investigation did find a blue-stained dress. So, while I do believe this Russia stuff is all democrats crying because they can't accept defeat...what ELSE will the investigation turn up under Trump's rug (no reference to his hairpiece.)
"WHEN nothing is found the DNC should be forced to pay for all of this nonsense."
Right after the tax-payers are repaid the salaries of every single GOP congressperson who wasted valuable time and resources voting dozens of times to overturn the ACA, or for the millions spent re-investigating Benghazi, over and over again.
Nixon was not brought to impeachment for burglary; he was brought down by his and his administration's effort to obstruct justice. It's never "the crime", it's the cover-up, and this one is going to be a doozy.
Right after the tax-payers are repaid the salaries of every single GOP congressperson who wasted valuable time and resources voting dozens of times to overturn the ACA, or for the millions spent re-investigating Benghazi, over and over again.
Nixon was not brought to impeachment for burglary; he was brought down by his and his administration's effort to obstruct justice. It's never "the crime", it's the cover-up, and this one is going to be a doozy.
1
"Why do [you] think Republicans and Trump have been avoiding this outcome for months?"
The Democrats have tried to avoid this outcome too. Trump's firing of Comey was clumsy and poorly timed, no question, but Democrats have been insisting for months that Comey must go, and it's all but certain they wouldn't have accepted any Comey findings other than "Trump did it."
Now they're stuck (or blessed) with Mueller. If he finds collusion, the Democrats will be thrilled and nearly all Americans will accept that (I certainly will). If Mueller doesn't find collusion, early all Americans will accept that too, though some Trump critics will just shift to Plan B: Insist that Trump simply hid the collusion, or interfered with Mueller, or that Mueller is an idiot.
The Democrats have tried to avoid this outcome too. Trump's firing of Comey was clumsy and poorly timed, no question, but Democrats have been insisting for months that Comey must go, and it's all but certain they wouldn't have accepted any Comey findings other than "Trump did it."
Now they're stuck (or blessed) with Mueller. If he finds collusion, the Democrats will be thrilled and nearly all Americans will accept that (I certainly will). If Mueller doesn't find collusion, early all Americans will accept that too, though some Trump critics will just shift to Plan B: Insist that Trump simply hid the collusion, or interfered with Mueller, or that Mueller is an idiot.
Mueller is a Republican and therefore totally unreliable. We already know that Trump has close business ties with leading Russian mobsters. They financed his Trump SOHO property. It's not in dispute.
One brief comment: let's string this thing out as long as we can, certainly until the 2018 campaign is well underway.
1
Was hopink for Moose and Squirrel.
Great! Will Trump fire Rosenstein now?
1
I expect a thorough investigation will reveal Trump has been laundering money for Russians through his Trump-branded developments, possibly through Wilbur Ross's Cyprus bank. A bonus finding would show that the impetus for the hiring of Flynn and Manafort was Putin.
Clever to blame Comey's firing on Rosenstein, wasn't it?
Clever to blame Comey's firing on Rosenstein, wasn't it?
They are not going to investigate Trump's money laundering for the Russian mob, only his collusion with election tampering, which they probably can't prove. We've been through a variant of this 1000 times. The criminal kingpins are never forced to face the music. They are too big to jail.
Trump is telling the truth that he didn’t have any collusion with the Russians, however, it was Flynn & Manafort that did, with his blessing.The God Father never does the killing, his Gang does the dirty work.
3
How do you know?
1
LZM,
My good sense & what I read in the Times tells me.
My good sense & what I read in the Times tells me.
1
With Respect for Mueller I still want a special Prosecutor. We just have no idea what Dump Trump will do or the racist Sessions.
I have actually been able to sleep through the last few nights. The news was so disturbing, I found it difficult to relax enough. The reason for the change is that I think America, sane America that is, has finally woken and is beginning to come to grips that this is a disgrace, at the very least. I also feel as if there are still a few solidly decent people in our government, who understand that they are public servants, not in office to enrich themselves from the public trough, whose souls are still intact. It is a great embarrassment as we face the rest of the world but maybe, just maybe, this will finally do one more thing, which is badly needed in this country. Maybe we will stop seeing ourselves and our nation as superior to others. That is the basis of this immigration hate, is it not> We don't fear those different than us, we fear that we are not actually superior and must erase all semblance of that reality. That sense of omnipotence also breeds the inability to see and empathize with others suffering.
In any event, what I am trying to say is lets not do this to ourselves again. IN a few months, I will have lived through two presidential scandals, which amounted to a constitutional crisis in my lifetime, which is far too many. For bleeps sake, stop this America.
In any event, what I am trying to say is lets not do this to ourselves again. IN a few months, I will have lived through two presidential scandals, which amounted to a constitutional crisis in my lifetime, which is far too many. For bleeps sake, stop this America.
1
"Obi-wan Rosenstein, you're my only hope," my NYT comment after the Corey firing, and the Trump interview with NBC. Glad to see The Force is still at work. Mueller now inherits the Yoda cape.
Nice to read that Rosenstein has a brain, and integrity. Mueller is someone I've always respected as an American.
Which way the wind blows Rosenstein? Otherwise known as "two face?"
Trump pushes: Rosenstein drafts a memo for firing Comey.
The world ridicules Rosenstein's "integrity:" he appoints Mueller.
Well? Thank God for Meuller at least. And what about Rosenstein? The Maya Angelou thing, right? "When someone shows you their true colors, believe them!"
Trump pushes: Rosenstein drafts a memo for firing Comey.
The world ridicules Rosenstein's "integrity:" he appoints Mueller.
Well? Thank God for Meuller at least. And what about Rosenstein? The Maya Angelou thing, right? "When someone shows you their true colors, believe them!"
1
We couldn’t ask for a better independent prosecutor than Mueller.Rod Rosenstien crossed up the Trump regime, to make up for his collusion with the Trump gang, if nothing else the continued investigation, will not only indict Flynn,but sully Trump & his associates.Unfortunately,this will not be a victory for the Democrats, as those that voted for Trump will not desert him, as they rather vote for the Devil than a Liberal.
2
The Trumpian Republicans in congress must be hating life now.
Finally someone with integrity and constitution in mind instead of a Heritage Foundation "Trump will get us what we want" game plan to reimagine a white-dream America that can no longer exist.
Finally someone with integrity and constitution in mind instead of a Heritage Foundation "Trump will get us what we want" game plan to reimagine a white-dream America that can no longer exist.
Will Trump's "election" to the presidency be a phyrric victory if it consigns him and his family historically to a group including Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr?
1
Will the USA experience a Reichstag Fire event?
1
I'm up to 4 showers a day!! Sheesh.....
2
Dear FPOTUS (Fake POTUS): It's not a witch hunt when you stir your caldron so brashly that everyone can simply see the witch.
2
I think it is time for "let's make a deal"> The Donnie can keep his job but Sessions, Devos, Mnuchin and the EPA dolt are fired and replaced by qualified folks. Pence is sent on a permanent road trip, Donnie releases his taxes, his family leaves any government posts --and oh yeah tRump puts all assets in a blind trust---oh i forgot immigration so kelly really needs to go.
OK I know wont happen but the world would be a better place!
OK I know wont happen but the world would be a better place!
1
"But, the President can still fire [Mueller]...However... it would provide a viable basis for impeachment."
Yep.
If Trump fires Mueller, or interferes with his investigation, Trump will be impeached (or resign). Then we'll have President Mike Pence -- be careful what you wish for, Democrats.
But if Trump doesn't fire Mueller, or interfere, then it will all depend on whether Mueller finds evidence of a Trump/Russia collusion to steal the election from HRC.
According to this article, Trump initially was combative, insisting an investigation is a waste of time and taxpayer money because he's innocent. Maybe he's innocent (I suspect he his); maybe not. Either way, he's dead wrong if he thinks the American people don't want to have some independent investigator answer that question.
Comey wasn't the right one to do that. Trump's firing process was ham-handed and was probably done for selfish reasons, but getting rid of Comey was the right thing to do, at least if nothing turns up to support the "collusion" allegations. If Comey had continued and reached that conclusion, Democrats wouldn't have accepted it. If Mueller reaches that conclusion, Democrats may have no choice.
Unless, of course, Democrats argue that Trump simply hid the collusion from Mueller, or that Trump interfered with Mueller, or that Mueller is an idiot. If Mueller doesn't find any evidence of collusion, I expect that the Democrats will make all three arguments.
Yep.
If Trump fires Mueller, or interferes with his investigation, Trump will be impeached (or resign). Then we'll have President Mike Pence -- be careful what you wish for, Democrats.
But if Trump doesn't fire Mueller, or interfere, then it will all depend on whether Mueller finds evidence of a Trump/Russia collusion to steal the election from HRC.
According to this article, Trump initially was combative, insisting an investigation is a waste of time and taxpayer money because he's innocent. Maybe he's innocent (I suspect he his); maybe not. Either way, he's dead wrong if he thinks the American people don't want to have some independent investigator answer that question.
Comey wasn't the right one to do that. Trump's firing process was ham-handed and was probably done for selfish reasons, but getting rid of Comey was the right thing to do, at least if nothing turns up to support the "collusion" allegations. If Comey had continued and reached that conclusion, Democrats wouldn't have accepted it. If Mueller reaches that conclusion, Democrats may have no choice.
Unless, of course, Democrats argue that Trump simply hid the collusion from Mueller, or that Trump interfered with Mueller, or that Mueller is an idiot. If Mueller doesn't find any evidence of collusion, I expect that the Democrats will make all three arguments.
All Mr. Mueller has to do is ask the Dutch journalist for all of his information which he has obtained for this 2 part docuemntary, which I'm more than sure he would turn over. Watch the 2 parts of this video and see what you think. Even the right wing can't deny this.
http://www.rawstory.com/2017/05/watch-explosive-dutch-documentary-says-t...
Like always, follow the money!
http://www.rawstory.com/2017/05/watch-explosive-dutch-documentary-says-t...
Like always, follow the money!
1
So this Mr. Mueller works/worked for a law firm that has connections with Mr. Kushner and Mr. Manafort?
You bet, no "bias" with this guy.
Images of a fox and a henhouse just swirl through my head!
You bet, no "bias" with this guy.
Images of a fox and a henhouse just swirl through my head!
How can we even begin to trust the impartiality of this investigation headed by a lawyer from a firm that works for Kushner and Manafort?
Rosenstein will have figured out that making this appointment has made him practically unfireable from his position. Job security gives him the ability to stand up to Sessions, when he wants to. Nice play!
1
The sooner this is over, the better. Predictions: collusion will not be discovered. But all the Trump people who spoke to Russians were doing advance work at the direction of Donald Trump. Once caught, Trump's modus operandi is denial. That's why he held onto Flynn that long.
So what was the purpose of all this advanced chit chat with Russia? If Trump could get Putin to join the fight against ISIS, it would be a major feather in his cap. I believe Trump was possessed with doing a reset, if you will, with Russia. Hence, he never bad mouthed Putin. He ignored everything bad that Russia did so he could be perceived as the one who harnessed this powerful despot.
All this done under the auspices of "keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."
It's essential to remember that Trump is driven by ego. He wants to be seen as the all powerful person on the world stage.
So what was the purpose of all this advanced chit chat with Russia? If Trump could get Putin to join the fight against ISIS, it would be a major feather in his cap. I believe Trump was possessed with doing a reset, if you will, with Russia. Hence, he never bad mouthed Putin. He ignored everything bad that Russia did so he could be perceived as the one who harnessed this powerful despot.
All this done under the auspices of "keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."
It's essential to remember that Trump is driven by ego. He wants to be seen as the all powerful person on the world stage.
2
Bravo to Rod Rosenstein.
He has redeem himself after being a patsy for the Liar=in-chief.
Another con job by the traitor-in-chief.
He has redeem himself after being a patsy for the Liar=in-chief.
Another con job by the traitor-in-chief.
1
It has been undeservedly fortunate for America that Sessions recused himself, leaving Rosenstein in charge.
2
Poor Trump. Being sandwiched between the Pope and Mueller is no picknick.
He may ask the pilots of Air Force One to "circle around a bit".
We have moved massively along the "Impeachment" curve over the last week. The normalization of the word is critical on the path to the end of the Trump presidency.
There is, however, an equally...or perhaps more...important word that will both advance and mark our progrees along that curve: "RESIGNATION."
Resignation, even more than impeachment, is the word that when uttered on Capitol Hill will signal that we are truly approaching the end game, that the Republicans are thinking about self-preservation without Trump instead of self-preservation with him.
Resignation is the much more likely end...even with Trump. Yes, Trump is a stubborn, belligerent fighter, but those nearest to him will ultimately implore him to resign. For his businesses, for his family and even for himself it is the right end. In resigning he keeps control, he shows leadership, he averts the even greater humiliation of exiting at the tip of an enormous American boot. it also allows for a much greater input into how and why he was forced out of office, it cuts short the death-by-a-1000-cuts investigation, probably averts the possibility of a criminal prosecution, permits him to preach his shallow, martyr's narratative and allows him to keep a shred of self respect. It is a DEAL.
The "I" word is essential to the critical mass of Trump's removal, it is the stick. It is the carrot, however, that will push trump onto that last helicopter ride and into the history books. It is the "R" word.
Trump: RESIGN.
There is, however, an equally...or perhaps more...important word that will both advance and mark our progrees along that curve: "RESIGNATION."
Resignation, even more than impeachment, is the word that when uttered on Capitol Hill will signal that we are truly approaching the end game, that the Republicans are thinking about self-preservation without Trump instead of self-preservation with him.
Resignation is the much more likely end...even with Trump. Yes, Trump is a stubborn, belligerent fighter, but those nearest to him will ultimately implore him to resign. For his businesses, for his family and even for himself it is the right end. In resigning he keeps control, he shows leadership, he averts the even greater humiliation of exiting at the tip of an enormous American boot. it also allows for a much greater input into how and why he was forced out of office, it cuts short the death-by-a-1000-cuts investigation, probably averts the possibility of a criminal prosecution, permits him to preach his shallow, martyr's narratative and allows him to keep a shred of self respect. It is a DEAL.
The "I" word is essential to the critical mass of Trump's removal, it is the stick. It is the carrot, however, that will push trump onto that last helicopter ride and into the history books. It is the "R" word.
Trump: RESIGN.
3
I am going to bed tonight for the first time in a long time feeling like an adult will be in charge of our country. Thank you Mr. Rosenstein.
The best (political) news I've seen since Nov. 8; tonight I can go to sleep without having to take a Xanax.
2
We live in interesting times when anything is possible and the current US adminstation seems more like a political thriller on Netflix...
Glad to see Mueller has been named but it all seems to be part of a much bigger story that is being played out...
So as a conspiracy theory what about Trump being the Trojan horse to get a far right extremist into the White House ie Mike Pence? If Pence had gone head to head with Clinton it would of been more difficult...
Would make sense that the GOP knowing that if they gave Trump enough enough rope he would hang himself thus moving the VP up to the position of POTUS.
Mike Pence, compared to Trump, may be seen as a 'safer pair of hands' but he is just as dangerous to world peace and US civil liberties, if not more so as he is much more calculating and has very deep radical support...
Glad to see Mueller has been named but it all seems to be part of a much bigger story that is being played out...
So as a conspiracy theory what about Trump being the Trojan horse to get a far right extremist into the White House ie Mike Pence? If Pence had gone head to head with Clinton it would of been more difficult...
Would make sense that the GOP knowing that if they gave Trump enough enough rope he would hang himself thus moving the VP up to the position of POTUS.
Mike Pence, compared to Trump, may be seen as a 'safer pair of hands' but he is just as dangerous to world peace and US civil liberties, if not more so as he is much more calculating and has very deep radical support...
2
Mike a Pence is licking his chops round about now. And honestly, I think as a country we will fare way worse under him. I actually prefer this mania and distraction that is not allowing for much progress on the horrid agenda of pillage from the tight wing.
2
Uh yeah, this is pretty much the last guy you want peering into your shenanigans with a giant microscope.
Someone might wanna force Trump into a chair and try to get him to grasp the fact that things for him just got all kinds of serious, and not in a good way.
Bigly.
Someone might wanna force Trump into a chair and try to get him to grasp the fact that things for him just got all kinds of serious, and not in a good way.
Bigly.
Wouldn't have been great to have such a faboulous person, Princeton graduate no less, leading investigations in Ferguson or into Sandra Bland's death?
3
Yeah...everyone wants the well-educated Ivy League guy when it suits their particular agenda ...at all other times the best and the brightest are targeted as the hateful privileged elites . Aren't these the disgusting over-privileged successful people who have an unfair advantage over the Average Joe ?
Le by
While Mueller may have a great record, he is currently working at a law firm that does work for Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort?
1
Finally they're taking it seriously. It's about time. I hope the new counsel has a hazmat suit.
1
I am going to take comfort that we live in a society where the President may have zero clue who William T. Santiago is, or is worth, we have a deep bench filled with people who do.
But as in that great movie, A Few Good Men, it ultimately was not Jessup's fault. It was, imho, those who enabled him.
Take note, Republicans.
But as in that great movie, A Few Good Men, it ultimately was not Jessup's fault. It was, imho, those who enabled him.
Take note, Republicans.
1
Oorah!
Mr. Mueller is an excellent choice. He's a man of unquestionable integrity. He has dedicated his life to serving our country as a Marine (he was awarded a Bronze Star), a member of the Department of Justice and FBI. If anyone can wade through Trump's swamp to find answers, it is Robert Mueller.
Mr. Mueller is an excellent choice. He's a man of unquestionable integrity. He has dedicated his life to serving our country as a Marine (he was awarded a Bronze Star), a member of the Department of Justice and FBI. If anyone can wade through Trump's swamp to find answers, it is Robert Mueller.
2
Who is Mueller naming as his food taster? Not sure how one can tell what plutonium tastes like...
1
Every time Trump tweets out his inane comments, he reminds me of a guilty man.
1
Let’s Revisit All Those Times Trump Surrogates Said You Can’t Elect Someone Under FBI Investigation [HP]
There was a lot of consensus opinion-having that merely being the subject of an FBI probe was a disqualification for serving as the leader of the free world.
Jeb Bush: “…she’s under investigation by the FBI. Just pause and think about that…that’s a pretty uncommon thing for a presidential candidate. And each and every week it just seems like there’s more information.”…
RUBIO: Can this country afford to have a president under investigation by the FBI? Think of the trauma that would do to this country. [Think of the trauma for the people? Really?]
Gov. Mike Huckabee: TV news devotes 4x more time to Trump controversies than Hillary’s. Gee, you’d think the guy was under an FBI investigation! [Now his IS]
David Scavino Jr.: Running for #POTUS with an FBI investigation. Who else could run for #POTUS w/ such a scandal? Nobody…[no truer words ever spoken]
Sean Spicer: @AriMelber not if @HillaryClinton becomes nominee - probably tough to get excited aboutt someone under FBI investigation [Sean, is that you?]
Kellyanne Conway: Most honest people I know are not under FBI investigation, let alone two. [I mean, how well do you know someone you lie daily for]
Reince Priebus: Dem voters forced to make an impossible choice between 1 candidate facing FBI investigation & another that’s a self-proclaimed socialist…[aaannd tada]
Own…be the words. Trump, staff, jail, treason
There was a lot of consensus opinion-having that merely being the subject of an FBI probe was a disqualification for serving as the leader of the free world.
Jeb Bush: “…she’s under investigation by the FBI. Just pause and think about that…that’s a pretty uncommon thing for a presidential candidate. And each and every week it just seems like there’s more information.”…
RUBIO: Can this country afford to have a president under investigation by the FBI? Think of the trauma that would do to this country. [Think of the trauma for the people? Really?]
Gov. Mike Huckabee: TV news devotes 4x more time to Trump controversies than Hillary’s. Gee, you’d think the guy was under an FBI investigation! [Now his IS]
David Scavino Jr.: Running for #POTUS with an FBI investigation. Who else could run for #POTUS w/ such a scandal? Nobody…[no truer words ever spoken]
Sean Spicer: @AriMelber not if @HillaryClinton becomes nominee - probably tough to get excited aboutt someone under FBI investigation [Sean, is that you?]
Kellyanne Conway: Most honest people I know are not under FBI investigation, let alone two. [I mean, how well do you know someone you lie daily for]
Reince Priebus: Dem voters forced to make an impossible choice between 1 candidate facing FBI investigation & another that’s a self-proclaimed socialist…[aaannd tada]
Own…be the words. Trump, staff, jail, treason
7
With Bob Mueller now in charge, be assured things will proceed with methodical prudence and fortitude and due diligence. Mueller ran a tight ship at the Bureau and will do so as Special Counsel. He knows the ropes intimately, as well as the men and women at the Bureau. Most importantly, he knows former Director James Comey very well.
Not that their friendship will skew this investigation favoring Comey, Mueller would not allow that to happen. What it instinctively will do is answer many questions for Mueller, particularly when it comes to accessing to whom he places greater faith and credibility in. Between these two men, the preponderance of evidence and character is predisposed to favor Comey. On that accord, there is no doubt. Comey possesses the qualities one looks for in calculating who holds the winning hand in this match-up. When it comes down to the bottom line in deciding which of these men is the truth teller and which one is the congenital liar, there will be no doubt.
DD
Manhattan
Not that their friendship will skew this investigation favoring Comey, Mueller would not allow that to happen. What it instinctively will do is answer many questions for Mueller, particularly when it comes to accessing to whom he places greater faith and credibility in. Between these two men, the preponderance of evidence and character is predisposed to favor Comey. On that accord, there is no doubt. Comey possesses the qualities one looks for in calculating who holds the winning hand in this match-up. When it comes down to the bottom line in deciding which of these men is the truth teller and which one is the congenital liar, there will be no doubt.
DD
Manhattan
4
Pence led the transition team. He knew about Flynn early on.
3
“Mr. Mueller is expected to announce his resignation from the law firm WilmerHale. The firm employs lawyers for Mr. Kushner and for Mr. Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort.“
??? manafort is one of the two in the center of the Investition!?
??? manafort is one of the two in the center of the Investition!?
1
Great! Now he can add this rightaway to his "to do" list, as reported right now by the WP:
"“There’s two people I think Putin pays: Rohrabacher and Trump,” McCarthy (R-Calif.) said, according to a recording of the June 15, 2016, exchange, which was listened to and verified by The Washington Post. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher is a Californian Republican known in Congress as a fervent defender of Putin and Russia.
House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) immediately interjected, stopping the conversation from further exploring McCarthy’s assertion, and swore the Republicans present to secrecy."
At least we know now why the republicans are so reluctant to proceed on anything, and having Nunes as informer in chief transmit intel about the state of the investigation to the WH at night.....
"“There’s two people I think Putin pays: Rohrabacher and Trump,” McCarthy (R-Calif.) said, according to a recording of the June 15, 2016, exchange, which was listened to and verified by The Washington Post. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher is a Californian Republican known in Congress as a fervent defender of Putin and Russia.
House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) immediately interjected, stopping the conversation from further exploring McCarthy’s assertion, and swore the Republicans present to secrecy."
At least we know now why the republicans are so reluctant to proceed on anything, and having Nunes as informer in chief transmit intel about the state of the investigation to the WH at night.....
4
In my honest opinion, if Trump and his people are found to be guilty, then all of them should go. Especially Pence, Bannon, Stephen Miller, the Kushners , Sessions and Kellyanne Conway.
Let us also not forget all those other dirty dealers in the back who were brought in by Trump and the ones who were already there like Paul Ryan and McConnell.
Sure, you could get rid of Trump but ultimately, unless you get rid of the rest as well, it will still be a government with the same agenda, doing things the same way with slight differences.
Let us also not forget all those other dirty dealers in the back who were brought in by Trump and the ones who were already there like Paul Ryan and McConnell.
Sure, you could get rid of Trump but ultimately, unless you get rid of the rest as well, it will still be a government with the same agenda, doing things the same way with slight differences.
2
Taking bets on how soon we'll see the first Trump Tweet trashing Mueller.
2
Trust America!
Mr. Mueller will get to the bottom of this fiasco. Who do we have in the wings to take on the next one?
Mr. Mueller will get to the bottom of this fiasco. Who do we have in the wings to take on the next one?
1
I am afraid he'll fire Mueller, or Rosenstein. He didn't push back right away, but you know how Trump can't sustain a position or attitude for long. My hope is that if indeed there was collusion, there is enough momentum now for justice to be served. Flynn will flip, or the mother of all leaks is imminent, and there's no way DT will be able to get ahead of ihe inevitable.
3
We don't know what will come of this - but Trump with his arrogance and disrespect for the truth, has brought this investigation on. In a speech to the Coast Guard he complained that no president has been treated as poorly by the press. Whether that be true - Trump has opened the flood gates for hatred & ugly - angry public discourse & behavior... he has only himself to blame for the consequences.
He clearly believes that he can behave as President in the same way he did on a tv show or with his own private business. The naming of Mueller as Special Prosecutor is the most reassuring news I have read in quite some time. It is time that as president of our United States D. Trump understand that he must behave within the counties laws & not his own personal impulses. Americans have the right to know to what degree Trump is tied to Russia.
He clearly believes that he can behave as President in the same way he did on a tv show or with his own private business. The naming of Mueller as Special Prosecutor is the most reassuring news I have read in quite some time. It is time that as president of our United States D. Trump understand that he must behave within the counties laws & not his own personal impulses. Americans have the right to know to what degree Trump is tied to Russia.
1
Trump's situation is untenable at this point. His two questions should be:
1) How do I exit?
2) How soon?
1) How do I exit?
2) How soon?
2
..."In the meantime, I will never stop fighting for the people and the issues that matter most to the future of our country." HA! What has he done for the people? He has reduced taxes for rich people. wants to get rid of Obamacare, wants to get rid of social services. He serves himself. It is scary. I hope they find him guilty and get him out of office. I hope Mueller is a good man and will do the right thing. We are running out of good men in high places.
3
Will this investigation reach Bill Clinton's obvious attempt to obstruct justice by secretly meeting AG Lynch?
Trumps is unfit and should be impeached as such, but doing so will not restore confidence in a Justice Department so clearly corrupt.
Indeed, isn't it likely that Savior Comey drafted a series of memos to himself expressing his horror that Lynch was part of such a flaminly illegal transaction ?
Our democracy depends upon confidence of all sides in our Justice System. If only Trump is caught and the Clinton's escape unscathed -- as usual-- the Red State anger will only increase.
Which is what the Russians want: a divided, distrustful America.
Trumps is unfit and should be impeached as such, but doing so will not restore confidence in a Justice Department so clearly corrupt.
Indeed, isn't it likely that Savior Comey drafted a series of memos to himself expressing his horror that Lynch was part of such a flaminly illegal transaction ?
Our democracy depends upon confidence of all sides in our Justice System. If only Trump is caught and the Clinton's escape unscathed -- as usual-- the Red State anger will only increase.
Which is what the Russians want: a divided, distrustful America.
2
I predict precisely the opposite:
"The Republican leaders will put every road block on the way of Mr.Mueller."
I predict Republicans will steer very clear of Mueller. If any pressure is placed on him, it will be pressure to finish, but any such pressure will include a suggestion that he ask for more resources.
Quotations like this tell me that Trump's critics won't accept a "no evidence" finding from Mueller. If he finds collusion, great; if not, there must be some explanation other than "no collusion." Either Trump hid his conclusion, or he or the Republican Party interfered (see quotation above), or Mueller is an idiot -- or all three.
"The Republican leaders will put every road block on the way of Mr.Mueller."
I predict Republicans will steer very clear of Mueller. If any pressure is placed on him, it will be pressure to finish, but any such pressure will include a suggestion that he ask for more resources.
Quotations like this tell me that Trump's critics won't accept a "no evidence" finding from Mueller. If he finds collusion, great; if not, there must be some explanation other than "no collusion." Either Trump hid his conclusion, or he or the Republican Party interfered (see quotation above), or Mueller is an idiot -- or all three.
I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but isn't this same Robert Mueller who was appointed director exactly 5 days before 9/11 and during his tenure he couldn't find any collusion between the terrorists & members of the Saudi intelligence services no matter how many things were pointing in that direction? We had to wait 10 more years & for retired senator Bob Graham to tell us what Mueller already knew & suspected but never told us? If you think this guy is impartial then I got a bridge to sell you in downtown Brooklyn.
1
I can answer this:
"Recall that Trump funded a LOT of his campaign. Where did this money come from?"
A Russian bank, but some oligarch buddy of Putin supplied the "loan" funds. Assad kicked in some of the money; Iran too. Turns out that Julian Assange and Edward Snowden drafted the "loan" documents, which were tossed in a sewer right after they were signed. Investigators learned that Moammar Qaddafi and the Ayatollah Khomeini once had part-time jobs at this "bank," mostly getting coffee, cleaning up conference rooms after meetings, and copying documents. Even Benito Mussolini worked there for a summer during college, and the bank was founded by distant ancestors of -- you guessed it! -- Adolf Hitler (with Lenin's grandfather as a minority investor).
Seems OK to me -- what do you think?
"Recall that Trump funded a LOT of his campaign. Where did this money come from?"
A Russian bank, but some oligarch buddy of Putin supplied the "loan" funds. Assad kicked in some of the money; Iran too. Turns out that Julian Assange and Edward Snowden drafted the "loan" documents, which were tossed in a sewer right after they were signed. Investigators learned that Moammar Qaddafi and the Ayatollah Khomeini once had part-time jobs at this "bank," mostly getting coffee, cleaning up conference rooms after meetings, and copying documents. Even Benito Mussolini worked there for a summer during college, and the bank was founded by distant ancestors of -- you guessed it! -- Adolf Hitler (with Lenin's grandfather as a minority investor).
Seems OK to me -- what do you think?
Rosenstein strikes back for being "thrumped", I.e., integrity of another besmirched for marginal advantage of exactly one news cycle. 'Bout time. It will make visits to congress so much easier. As the say, "time to lawyer up". What happens when they reveal that trump committed treason? Will the chorus change to "lock him up"? Just as important is what do do about our really crazy "friends" in the Republican Party. Is it finally time to recognize that they do not agree that we are all in this together. They have knowingly participated in the cover-up to pursue their radical white Christian supremacist agenda. They chose to ride Trump's immoral idiocy and now his treason to wield power in favor of their patron 1%. I guess that is the family secret, eh Don Ryan. If after all we have seen and re-learned about the complexity of the world we live in and the problems that beg to be addressed in the past 120 days, if you continue to cast your vote for these people you are the problem.
2
Many voted"for"Trump as they were really votong "against" Clinton. It was choice that caused much national consternation.
Mueller has the impeccable credentials, character, and experience that will unearth all facts and allegations.
Trump et al are going to lose sleep, and no bravado or Tweets are going to save their sinking ship. Lies are over. Putin will dance in the streets.
This will be a test of resolve, whether our system can tolerate and then recover from the insults that it is facing, and will face in the future.
Mueller has the impeccable credentials, character, and experience that will unearth all facts and allegations.
Trump et al are going to lose sleep, and no bravado or Tweets are going to save their sinking ship. Lies are over. Putin will dance in the streets.
This will be a test of resolve, whether our system can tolerate and then recover from the insults that it is facing, and will face in the future.
This is the beginning of the end of our national nightmare... Thank you Mr Rosenstein for doing the right thing for your country.
1
This will be the beginning of the end of a demagogue - I hope. I'm still reeling from that speech in New London, Ct. Wow. If the speech were extended by one sentence I would expect Trump would have been escorted out in a white jacket. Balloon busting insanity. I guess he is like Nixon. I hope to hear Trump soon make the following announcement. "You don't have Donald Trump to kick around any more.
1
I think there are a few things that is going to come out from this investigation and disclosures in dealing with Russia, and especially Mike Flynn, one being that it is going to show how incompetent Donald Trump has been in allowing this guy who was doubling dealing with foreign entities at the expense of our own foreign policy, and two Mike Pence as either being totally incompetent and blatantly lying to the media throughout this past 110 days.
2
Meuller Sheuller, Trump will fire him before He gets back from his trip.
I expect no less from the king of mischief and mayhem, the superstar of reality TV. master of trump university, and the best man in the world, Mr, President, Mr. Donald "three card Monty"
TRRRUMP!!
I expect no less from the king of mischief and mayhem, the superstar of reality TV. master of trump university, and the best man in the world, Mr, President, Mr. Donald "three card Monty"
TRRRUMP!!
1
Bob Mueller is the perfect person for this job. Absolutely perfect. It will take him and his team a couple months to set up properly. He will be afforded the time, money and power to see this operation through. The guilty should be very worried.
Make no mistake: It is going to rain indictments very shortly.
Make no mistake: It is going to rain indictments very shortly.
"Mr. Mueller’s appointment was hailed by Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill, who view him as one of the most credible law enforcement officials in the country." What?? Really??
After all we've seen with Trump, why in the world would we believe that Mueller will provide a fair and non biased Investigation? After-all, when push comes to shove, he is answerable to the Justice Department which means Jeff Sessions. He's also a Bush man, my god...how fast we forget.
Apparently, Trump will be totally exonerated, Sessions will keep his post, Flynn will take the fall and the Democrats have been told to fall into line or else. To think otherwise is incredibly foolish.
Goodbye constitutional republic, hello autocracy!!
After all we've seen with Trump, why in the world would we believe that Mueller will provide a fair and non biased Investigation? After-all, when push comes to shove, he is answerable to the Justice Department which means Jeff Sessions. He's also a Bush man, my god...how fast we forget.
Apparently, Trump will be totally exonerated, Sessions will keep his post, Flynn will take the fall and the Democrats have been told to fall into line or else. To think otherwise is incredibly foolish.
Goodbye constitutional republic, hello autocracy!!
Witch hunt? Nonsense! There are reasons Flynn seeks immunity. There are reasons Trump pressured Comey to drop the FBI investigation of Flynn. Flynn will drop a dime. Trump should do some time. Lock him up!
2
Sic 'em Special Council Meuller..
1) Flynn/Turkey..
Turkey wants two huge things from the US. First they want us to throw the Kurds under the bus..Kurds threaten the very existence of Turkey in its present form.
Turkey wants Fethullah Gülen a powerful Turkihs Cleric hiding in Pennsylvania.
Gulan has millions of followers around the muslim world, and is perceived as a threat to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan grip on power.
2) Trump.Tillerson(Exxon)/Putin:: Look folks, the sanctions on Russia cost Putin HUGE HUGE petro dollars, the kind of dollar amounts ment to choke an entire country. Those same sanctions cost Exxon (Tillerson) fantastic amounts of money. Trump is the facilitator here. Throw in some petty money laundering through bogus real estate schemes for good measure..
and here we have the whats going on. That's why Russia went crazy getting Trump elected..Remember when Trump was campaigning and so innocently saying "wouldn't it be nice to get along with Russia ?" I almost fell for it, yea, why not, I thought like a jerk, in retrospect, it all comes out as a big fat scam
to get those choking sanctions off Russia's neck.....
Ahaaaa, The kind of wealth dreams are made of, or perhaps nightmares in this case..
1) Flynn/Turkey..
Turkey wants two huge things from the US. First they want us to throw the Kurds under the bus..Kurds threaten the very existence of Turkey in its present form.
Turkey wants Fethullah Gülen a powerful Turkihs Cleric hiding in Pennsylvania.
Gulan has millions of followers around the muslim world, and is perceived as a threat to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan grip on power.
2) Trump.Tillerson(Exxon)/Putin:: Look folks, the sanctions on Russia cost Putin HUGE HUGE petro dollars, the kind of dollar amounts ment to choke an entire country. Those same sanctions cost Exxon (Tillerson) fantastic amounts of money. Trump is the facilitator here. Throw in some petty money laundering through bogus real estate schemes for good measure..
and here we have the whats going on. That's why Russia went crazy getting Trump elected..Remember when Trump was campaigning and so innocently saying "wouldn't it be nice to get along with Russia ?" I almost fell for it, yea, why not, I thought like a jerk, in retrospect, it all comes out as a big fat scam
to get those choking sanctions off Russia's neck.....
Ahaaaa, The kind of wealth dreams are made of, or perhaps nightmares in this case..
Trump can fire whomever he wants from the executive branch. It's part of his prerogative as the head of the executive branch.
I find it astonishing that Trump supporters still claim all of this is driven by the Democrats unwilling to accept the results of the election. In the face of the facts it's shocking that Republicans (or those Republucans who are Trump supporters) want to continue to refuse to put aside their partisan zealotry for the benefit of the truth.
It's simple. Those people care more about their imaginary grievances than they do about the good of the country.
The problem is, there are as yet no "facts" whatsoever, just pure partisan speculation.
To Ken from VT
There are, in fact, actual facts at this point.
There are, in fact, actual facts at this point.
As long as it doesn't drag out eight years and cost the taxpayers 80 million dollars like the Walsh investigation. Of course, Democrats love to spend our money on stupid stuff.
1
Republicans like to spend money on war and Trump family travel.
1
So funny. I remember when Nixon moved mountains to get rid of counsel Archibald Cox -- who had no "street" in him so far as I could see -- and wound up with pit bull Leon Jaworski. Trump is gonna miss Comey.
Unlike Nixon, Trump couldn't win at poker if his life depended on it.
1
"Will he become my new best friend?" Trump asked of Putin in a tweet wondering whether Putin would attend the 2013 Miss Universe pageant Trump brought to Moscow. [CNN]
“There’s two people I think Putin pays: Rohrabacher and Trump,” McCarthy (R-Calif.)
“There’s two people I think Putin pays: Rohrabacher and Trump,” McCarthy (R-Calif.)
1
Mr. Mueller seems to be a great choice. I hope the administration stays out of hjs way and allows him to do the job. The president has far too much arbitrary power that can make his work difficult. Good luck Mr. Mueller.
2
donald and the republican party sound like the SNL couple " The Whiner's"
2
I did not think that former FBI Director Mueller did a thorough job in the BCCI investigation while acting as Assistant Attorney General. He left too many stones unturned and it looked like damage control. For his efforts he was promoted to FBI Director.
I see the investigation being dragged out while the Repubicans try to implement their grueling agenda.
I see the investigation being dragged out while the Repubicans try to implement their grueling agenda.
Now Trump is complaining of a witch hunt.
Well, yeah.
Trump appears to be an actual witch at the head of a coven. And now there's an authorized and licensed hunter.
Tallyho.
Well, yeah.
Trump appears to be an actual witch at the head of a coven. And now there's an authorized and licensed hunter.
Tallyho.
4
And that's what we are talking about. Mueller is not known to mince words, but is stated to call a spade a spade. In essence, he is the real deal, and not like the phony-baloney we have in the WH. BTW, it may not be a rocket science to figure out that the WH needs a ''bug guy'' to fumigate the area, forthwith, and . Mueller seems to be the man. But, if DJT attempts to fire Mueller, like Archibald Cox was fired by Nixon, during the Watergate hearings, it might be construed as another nail in DJT's political coffin.
One can not help turning wistful, when the name ''Mueller'' suddenly gets announced, and one is forced to also become nostalgic about Obama's and the Bushes' days. Man, those were a few good men, and very decent ones at that! Look at what we have now. Many of his henchmen are generating just a few muted and craven responses.
After the due process of delving deeper into the Russian quagmire, DJT has gotten himself into, it could be a breath of fresh air, and a sigh of relief, if justice is delivered in a stern, but fair, manner. One can only hope.
One can not help turning wistful, when the name ''Mueller'' suddenly gets announced, and one is forced to also become nostalgic about Obama's and the Bushes' days. Man, those were a few good men, and very decent ones at that! Look at what we have now. Many of his henchmen are generating just a few muted and craven responses.
After the due process of delving deeper into the Russian quagmire, DJT has gotten himself into, it could be a breath of fresh air, and a sigh of relief, if justice is delivered in a stern, but fair, manner. One can only hope.
1
Thank you Mr. Rosenstein. I was one of the thousands who applauded the New York Times editorial board when they beseeched you to appoint a Special Council. But you did better than I could have ever dreamed. By appointing Mr. Mueller, you have brought in a gentleman who thoroughly understands the magnitude and severity of his mission. God bless you.
4
To quote Churchill, "Now this is not the end, it's not even the beginning of the end, it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.
For decades, Donald Trump litigated against the little guy and routinely won because he understood that the side with the most resources generally prevails.
Good luck with the special counsel Donald, the US government has nearly infinite resources.
You are now the outgunned little guy. Enjoy sharing the experience you imposed on so many others.
Justice is not always kind.
Good luck with the special counsel Donald, the US government has nearly infinite resources.
You are now the outgunned little guy. Enjoy sharing the experience you imposed on so many others.
Justice is not always kind.
2
I am quite sure that there is a Russian resident in Cap D'Antibes or Cap Ferrat that has plenty of incriminating information on Donald Trump. That person or persons are merely holding out for the highest bidder.
1
How long do you think it will take before we hear reports that Mr. Trump has made an anti-semitic slur about Mr. Rosenstein? The over-under is 48 hours.
2
Hmm, how come you didn't connect the dots between the tens of millions Russian oligarchs gave to the Clinton Foundation?
What happened to the dots between the Podesta Group Inc and John Podesta's 30 million dollar consulting contract with some shady Russians?
Oh, and here's another couple of dots for you. See if you can connect them!
Crowd: Trump endangered the country by leaking classified info to Russia.
Same Crowd: Thank god Chelsea Manning is finally free, and can we let Snowden come home now?
What happened to the dots between the Podesta Group Inc and John Podesta's 30 million dollar consulting contract with some shady Russians?
Oh, and here's another couple of dots for you. See if you can connect them!
Crowd: Trump endangered the country by leaking classified info to Russia.
Same Crowd: Thank god Chelsea Manning is finally free, and can we let Snowden come home now?
The last person the press went this far out of their way to call universally respected, independent, and willing to stand up to the White House was Jim Comey.
And hearing them trot out the same old Ashcroft hospital myth that got us into this mess in the first place makes me mildly nauseous.
Listen, I get it that the press can't say a former FBI director is anything short of perfect, but they are really laying on thick this time.
It's at the "Saddam has WMD" level of overkill right now, which is not very assuring.
And hearing them trot out the same old Ashcroft hospital myth that got us into this mess in the first place makes me mildly nauseous.
Listen, I get it that the press can't say a former FBI director is anything short of perfect, but they are really laying on thick this time.
It's at the "Saddam has WMD" level of overkill right now, which is not very assuring.
1
American media has become a Political Partisan Cancer. It is the very reason Trump became President. Now it seems trying to cure the cancer is going to kill the Country.
1
Wrong. Trump became President because too few people are watching and paying attention to the news and believed his fantastical wall of lies and overlooked his very obvious flaws as they overlook the same flaws in themselves.
1
So let me get this right; Comey waits until May to leak a memo he wrote back in February to the NYT purporting obstruction of justice by the president? Is Comey familiar with the DOJ? Why didn't he go to them with this info in the first place? Could it be, that Comey is just as incompetent? Why is everyone siding now with this clown who has done nothing but damage to the democratic process dating back to last summer???
1
A. there's no evidence to suggest that Comey was the one to "leak" his memo nor any reporting that he was the source.
B. the stated reason for him not taking this up more aggressively was to not interfere with the ongoing Russia investigations. And who exactly was he supposed to take this to at DOJ? Sessions, der Donaldt's fanboy AG? Rosenstein who wrote the memo justifying his removal? He documented it (apparently along with a lot of other things related to his dealings with der Donaldt) and added it into the official FBI record. He understood what he was doing, which is more than we can say for this "President".
B. the stated reason for him not taking this up more aggressively was to not interfere with the ongoing Russia investigations. And who exactly was he supposed to take this to at DOJ? Sessions, der Donaldt's fanboy AG? Rosenstein who wrote the memo justifying his removal? He documented it (apparently along with a lot of other things related to his dealings with der Donaldt) and added it into the official FBI record. He understood what he was doing, which is more than we can say for this "President".
Thankfully not all the FBI ex-directors are busy writing memos for political purpouses revealed way long after they did happened and only after he was fired.
1
But can Mueller acquire Trump's income tax statements?
3
the IRS has them already and if there were anything wrong, it would have been leaked because of the Swamp's hatred for Trump. I don't care about tax returns because they show nothing of interest. These are personal returns, not corporate returns, a fact over the head of most liberals. Do you buy stock by examining a company's tax returns? If you do, you know nothing about the finances of the company because a financial statement shows assets, not tax returns. Trump files full financial statements with the election commission, and they are public. You people are clueless and actually believe the fabrications of the NYT without verification. I expect a full apology from the NYT after this vendetta is over.
Three points in response to Houston James. 1) If there is nothing of interest in Trump's IRS statements, he would have released them already. 2) More can be gleaned than direct financial information from them. 3) Both parties claim to want the public's trust right now - won't get it without seeing the forms.
1
Robert Mueller will get the job done, thankfully. America will finally benefit from Trump's reluctance (or inability) to think three steps ahead.
I'm not sure why the Democrats are cheering now.
The "Trump Russian" connection is clearly ginned up by the Democrats to explain away their election loss. It's more likely the Special Consul will reopen the Democrats e-mail issue which could easily expose Hillary to serious legal issues.
Stopping Trumps agenda seems attractive until you realize it will also stop any progress on the ACA. I wouldn't expect there to be any extra funds to keep insurance companies afloat. Rates will zoom, insurers will flee, and the ACA will be in full melt-down during the 2018 election. No movement on taxes won't make people happy either.
With the Special Consul in place, discussion of past issues will go silent as everyone lawyers up and has "no comment."
Comey let Hillary off - I doubt the Special Consul will.
The "Trump Russian" connection is clearly ginned up by the Democrats to explain away their election loss. It's more likely the Special Consul will reopen the Democrats e-mail issue which could easily expose Hillary to serious legal issues.
Stopping Trumps agenda seems attractive until you realize it will also stop any progress on the ACA. I wouldn't expect there to be any extra funds to keep insurance companies afloat. Rates will zoom, insurers will flee, and the ACA will be in full melt-down during the 2018 election. No movement on taxes won't make people happy either.
With the Special Consul in place, discussion of past issues will go silent as everyone lawyers up and has "no comment."
Comey let Hillary off - I doubt the Special Consul will.
1
It's "Counsel," not "Consul," and investigating Clinton will not be in his purview.
More alt-right fantasy fiction?
Where are the congressional investigating committees? Why is Chaffetz quitting instead of going after his favorite whipping girl? Where's Issa? Where's the newest wonderboy, Trey Gowdy? Why aren't they on their 88th investigation into Benghazi? Why is your AG letting you down by not going after Hillary?
Maybe because there's no "there" there, just like the sex-trafficking ring run out of a pizza parlor.
Personally, I wouldn't mind if Mrs. Clinton would just go away like Dukakis and Kerry had the good sense to do, or find something else to do like Al Gore, but as your fearless leader keeps proving on a daily basis, being stupid is not a crime and if she was "guilty" of anything, it was simply stupidity. And Comey certainly did *not* let her off on that count.
Where are the congressional investigating committees? Why is Chaffetz quitting instead of going after his favorite whipping girl? Where's Issa? Where's the newest wonderboy, Trey Gowdy? Why aren't they on their 88th investigation into Benghazi? Why is your AG letting you down by not going after Hillary?
Maybe because there's no "there" there, just like the sex-trafficking ring run out of a pizza parlor.
Personally, I wouldn't mind if Mrs. Clinton would just go away like Dukakis and Kerry had the good sense to do, or find something else to do like Al Gore, but as your fearless leader keeps proving on a daily basis, being stupid is not a crime and if she was "guilty" of anything, it was simply stupidity. And Comey certainly did *not* let her off on that count.
“This is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!” tweeted the man who said that his investigators in Hawaii couldn’t believe what they were finding.
Karma police coming after you, Mr. Trump!
Karma police coming after you, Mr. Trump!
1
Trump is already attempting to meddle in the investigation, saying that he hopes it can be concluded "quickly." He will of course be ignored, because the investigation will take as long as it takes. But Trump just can't resist trying to reach foregone conclusions. If he could somehow rush it to the ending, with no evidence of wrong-doing, he would be able to say it's all a matter of the past. Thank God we live in a country with laws that protect us from a megalomaniacal autocrat like him. I too can't wait for this to be concluded "quickly," Mr. Trump. Your days are numbered.
America needs a Special President along with a Special Attorney General and a Special F.B.I. Director.
America needs a Special House of Representatives and a Special Senate.
America needs a Special Supreme Court.
America needs a Special House of Representatives and a Special Senate.
America needs a Special Supreme Court.
4
It's all about the taxes now. Who is going to get to his taxes? None of this can be solved without those in hand. And, no, the missing tax puzzle will not go away on its own.
Maybe Trump will just quit. He'll still be able to say he WAS president -- just like "Veep's" Selina Meyer...........
The whiner-in-chief will doubtless continue whining about his unfair treatment by the press, as he did at the Coast Guard Academy, but the end of his presidency is in sight. Mueller is a bulldog, the FBI will provide everything he needs, Rosenstein will never agree to fire him no matter how much pressure he gets from Sessions or Trump and our democracy will be saved. Just in time -- hopefully Trump will be gone before our enemies take advantage of his incompetence, and before all our allies desert us. Still more hopefully. all the so-called Republicans in Congress and the White House who enabled him and repeated his lies will go down with him. I have nothing against principled conservatives like George Will but great contempt for those who put party before country.
1
Message to trump and his Sycophants:
You can lie, you can wheedle, you can try to change the subject. But you can *not* stop this investigation of your illegal collusion with RUSSIA to get trump Installed as president, on Putin's orders.
You can lie, you can wheedle, you can try to change the subject. But you can *not* stop this investigation of your illegal collusion with RUSSIA to get trump Installed as president, on Putin's orders.
I think it's time we all step back and let Mueller do his job, and let the Trump administration implode under its own culpability.
My sources tell me Mueller will have the latitude to also explore the uranium sale by the Obama admin and the paid speeches by Bill and Hillary Clinton in Russia as well as the Podesta connections. As much as the public wants to explore and expose the Trump connections there may be much discovered about the Clintons. Mueller will have the power to get not only all of Comeys "notes" on his Trump meeting, he can also explore Comeys noted on the Loretta Lynch's meeting on the tarmac to determine if Russia was mentioned. This is going to explode way beyond the expected.
1
Trump tweeted this morning, "this is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history."
No, Mr. President, this is the single greatest witch hunt BY a politician in American history."
Joe McCarthy pales in comparison to your assault on the free press, our democratic institutions and the American people.
No, Mr. President, this is the single greatest witch hunt BY a politician in American history."
Joe McCarthy pales in comparison to your assault on the free press, our democratic institutions and the American people.
1
Anybody seen Steve Bannon?
Hiding in the bushes with Spicer after seeing his plans to "deconstruct the administrative state" come crashing down with his stooge in the White House.
What a great conclusion for the Trump camp. Considering that the left has decided to use a campaign of total fabrication, with the cooperation of the left press, to continually float out totally unsubstantiated rumors about this issue, this was one way to shut it all down.
I mean, how many unconfirmed “sources” can you possibly refer to without ever naming names and still be taken seriously? It was plain to see that the left’s justification for this strategy was that since they felt Trump did it during the campaign, they could now do it too. Who cares about honesty anymore, when Integrity is optional.
I don’t think that Mueller will implicate Trump without hard facts and I for one am anxious to see the evidence. Sorry left, but it could be months or even years before anything is even mentioned again about this. Now what are they going to talk about?
I mean, how many unconfirmed “sources” can you possibly refer to without ever naming names and still be taken seriously? It was plain to see that the left’s justification for this strategy was that since they felt Trump did it during the campaign, they could now do it too. Who cares about honesty anymore, when Integrity is optional.
I don’t think that Mueller will implicate Trump without hard facts and I for one am anxious to see the evidence. Sorry left, but it could be months or even years before anything is even mentioned again about this. Now what are they going to talk about?
1
Morpheus: "He is the one."
Take your time, Mr. Mueller, as we may only get one shot at this. But take the shot.
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Years Mueller will spend on the Russia thing. Finally coming up with Trump and associates and the Russian oligarchy had lots of corrupt , shady deals. No, the Russians didn't hack the election. So far nothing illegal. And Trump rules on. Dems go to sleep.
Memo to Dems : put plan b in effect. See if you can take the house and senate in 2018
In the interim come up with a strategy to win over out of work folks, and stop working with Wall Street .
Memo to Dems : put plan b in effect. See if you can take the house and senate in 2018
In the interim come up with a strategy to win over out of work folks, and stop working with Wall Street .
3
Appointing Mueller as Special Counsel is a brilliant and badly needed move.
1
The entire line of succession to the Presidency needs to be investigated for what they knew, and when they knew it. We The People need to be assured that another traitor doesn't become President when Trump is FIRED!
3
I cannot understand why, in our political system, the entire "ruling party" is not also disqualified to serve out the President's term. Just as we are required to vote for the President and his VP in a block, why does the VP become President? If the VP is a shadow President whose ideology and acquiescence to the President is basically a requirement, why does he (or any Republican counterpart) continue as the standard bearer for our country after this "gang" has destroyed its own administration. Obviously these are all rhetorical questions despite how illogical and damaging this system proves to be. In England, France and many other democracies, this government crafted by this administration would all be gone. Pence is going to step into Trump's office. Ryan will continue to grin from ear to ear. So Trump is out? So what? The entire country should get a new chance to determine who they trust. Or at least our representatives should determine if the ruling fiefdom deserves to keep its extraordinary power (which it utilized in an appalling, shaemeslessly self-serving manner). What's the net gain for us? No man is an island, even Trump. Why doesn't his entire swamp get drained with him?
4
We’re still waiting for Trump's Tax Returns - let NYT and the rest of the media focus on that. To paraphrase Trump - please hack the so-called President's tax returns please, in order to get real clarity about him. Focus, focus!!!
1
Great guy, but the PR blitz portraying him as Clark Kent here on Earth is a little much.
2
If we can bring back Mueller, why don't we bring back Obama?
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Robert Mueller is a veteran of the FBI, and clearly understands what can be prosecuted, and what can't. So what if he comes back in a few months and says there's nothing there? A lot of folks are fantasizing that there are calls between Trump and Putin, but that seems unlikely. Even if Flynn discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador, he wasn't in office yet, and anyway, that conversation is completely legal. I'm glad Rosenstein took this step, if just to lower the noise on this.
Special Counsel to The Donald: "you're fired"!
1
What a spectacle at just how fast the so-called “successful businessman” in the oval office is proving unfit for the job, and how spineless and feckless a group of cowards McConnell, Ryan and the rest of the GOP are in coming to terms with this reality. It’s a shameful national embarrassment.
2
That was quick. I didn't know that fascists appointed independent counsels.
Can you imagine if he also starts looking deeply at the Seth Rich murder and his email leaks?
Robert Mueller could become DNC enemy number one very soon.
Can you imagine if he also starts looking deeply at the Seth Rich murder and his email leaks?
Robert Mueller could become DNC enemy number one very soon.
Isn't there a contract for this job?
How can we, the American people, be assured that Mr. Mueller is not a stooge of the left? Thank you.
Isn't anyone bothered that he is a registered Republican?
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A new broom sweeps clean.....and I am ....all in with Mueller....Semper Fi !!!
God help this country if Mueller doesn't find any obvious Russian collusion with Trump. Trump's vengeance for his perceived persecution will be of biblical proportions.
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Fire the apprentice president!
I keep reading about a "written statement" from donald trump (not the tweet) but I cannot find the actual unedited written statement. Can someone please post a link to the actual written statement not the editted version?
1
I understand Mr. Mueller has a very clean record and is highly respected. But perhaps I am not clear why a person who works for the law firm that provides lawyers to Kushner and Manafort is a 'good' choice as a special prosecutor to investigate Trump's Russian connection. Although, he will be resigning from his position, his law firm still defends individuals who may be a party to the activities he will be investigating. I, personally, am not comfortable with this degree of association and would have preferred that the individual appointed would have zero associations, direct or otherwise, with anyone associated with Trump. Isn't there anyone any where in DC who has genuinely clean hands ? I suppose in the end it doesn't really matter, as Trump is likely to 'fire' him within the next 30 days..... authoritarian ego maniacs rarely change their spots. I hope Congress has their next move ready.... they'll need it sooner then later
2
Finally, there will be an adult in the room.
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Not to throw cold water on people's sense that Trump will be caught and punished for his crimes and although I am also relieved to have a reputable special prosecutor get appointed, I think we should remind ourselves that Mueller has only the ability to present the facts as he sees them but has no power to prosecute the President. That is left in the hands of a very controllable Justice Department which will look for any excuse not to bring charges. I'd also like to remind readers that Trump is the son of a master manipulator who knew how to precisely skirt laws without breaking them and I have every reason to believe that his son learned these lessons well and stayed one step away from overt criminal conduct. This is lesson one in the NYC landlord handbook. I think that Trump is a childish incompetent fool but I also predict that he will not be brought down by a criminal investigation.
1
The Special Counsel does have the authority to prosecute any and all crimes he chooses. That's one of the reasons for procuring him. What may happen, however, is that he could come to his conclusions and choose to turn it over to Congress to handle.
Can't wait for "Grandstanding, Showboating" testimony!
If, as some are saying, Michael Flynn was acting on behalf of Donald Trump, the whole administration goes down.
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I am worried that Mueller may actually be found 'mysteriously dead' if he gets too close.
We're not that far away from a banana republic.
We're not that far away from a banana republic.
1
Whoa! I can believe this only deserved a passing paragraph.
"Mr. Mueller is expected to announce his resignation from the law firm WilmerHale. The firm employs lawyers for Mr. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort."
"Mr. Mueller is expected to announce his resignation from the law firm WilmerHale. The firm employs lawyers for Mr. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort."
1
The best news so far in this sea of red herring and bogeymen – the Russia, Putin, Russia our enemy crescendo - when it all boils down to the inability of millions on the losing side to come to terms with their loss, in an event that comes round every four years. Mueller should be given a time limit to finish his work – one month, max. it’s doable if he cuts through the smokescreens and subterfuges in congress and senate, fanned in by an increasingly partisan MSM. Sadly.
Yes, Trump is, and will never be, the POTUS we’ve been accustomed to in decades. Rumsfeld said you go to war with the army you have. Trump is the POTUS we have. Not the best we could’ve had but not the worst we’ve ever had - if you’ve read some history. Personally, I judge him by the appointments he’s made to key positions. Tillerson, McMaster, Halley, Pompeo/Haspel – these are no pushovers. He seems to enjoy it even when they contradict him and he can't control them. This is not the mark of a megalomaniac. Best of all, he got Justice Gorsuch onto the Supreme Court, tilting it to where it belongs ie, the place where the vast majority of Americans are and not the narrow strata of elites to which I belong. As for Comey, who forgot he’s a civil servant and not a prima donna on stage, he should have been sacked on day one.
Yes, Trump is, and will never be, the POTUS we’ve been accustomed to in decades. Rumsfeld said you go to war with the army you have. Trump is the POTUS we have. Not the best we could’ve had but not the worst we’ve ever had - if you’ve read some history. Personally, I judge him by the appointments he’s made to key positions. Tillerson, McMaster, Halley, Pompeo/Haspel – these are no pushovers. He seems to enjoy it even when they contradict him and he can't control them. This is not the mark of a megalomaniac. Best of all, he got Justice Gorsuch onto the Supreme Court, tilting it to where it belongs ie, the place where the vast majority of Americans are and not the narrow strata of elites to which I belong. As for Comey, who forgot he’s a civil servant and not a prima donna on stage, he should have been sacked on day one.
Keep the pressure on this phony Administration just like you did with the Pentagon Papers and Watergate. Get to the truth.
It's not about the facts, Trump wouldn't be POTUS if facts mattered, it's about America's appetite for lies.
We believe in necessary lies and convenient truth.
We believe in necessary lies and convenient truth.
1
See? Was that so difficult? I feel like Mom/Dad just got home.
Donald Trump must hate Robert Mueller with every fiber of his being.
Mr. Mueller has the universal respect and admiration that Donald has always craved for himself, and which has eluded him even as he occupies the highest office in the land.
Mr. Mueller has the universal respect and admiration that Donald has always craved for himself, and which has eluded him even as he occupies the highest office in the land.
Mueller is a superb nonpartisan choice to investigate Trump and his campaign's collusion with Russian meddling in our election. Let's hope he can get to the bottom of this.
"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
-- Thomas Jefferson
-- Thomas Jefferson
Trump made it obvious that his tax returns were the key to his con game. Now subpoenas of them seem inevitable. Once part of the record, they are likely to lead into the murky vortex of relationships that drive the Trump behemoth, an alternative deep state that may shake even the most stalwart loyalists out of their deep state of denial. Once lying in the vessel of Mueller's investigation, leaks will doom the behemoth's House of Cards. Even the most outlandish plot of 24 with its levels of master-minding doesn't match the sinister layers of power waiting to be eviscerated... Never before did the precept "Follow the Money" seem as doctrinal as here.
Trump will be vindicated. But it will not matters. The haters at the NY Times will not cease until a democrat is back in office. They have no shame. They have no decency. The bitter angry leftists in the press endanger us all by revealing national security secrets, sources and methods, that undermine our country at home and abroad. The people these stories will eventually expose will most likely be captured, tortured and executed because of this. But the NY Times and their ilk could not care less because for them country means nothing. It's all about politics and their radical agendas.
Well, I see President Trump has done more to discredit, humiliate and embarrass himself than all the bitter angry leftist and the unfair press!
He has cause himself so many self-inflicted wounds: he stands at the top of the list for demeaning his Presidency.
Revealing national security secrets...uhm. Your fierce allegiance to this disastrous President who has jeopardized our country's alliances and relationships with his undisciplined and uninformed behavior (and remarks) was not caused by anybody but himself and his ill-equipped advisors whose were, in fact, just awful at learning how to
manage Washington and world politics from their under-prepared seat of their pants
He has cause himself so many self-inflicted wounds: he stands at the top of the list for demeaning his Presidency.
Revealing national security secrets...uhm. Your fierce allegiance to this disastrous President who has jeopardized our country's alliances and relationships with his undisciplined and uninformed behavior (and remarks) was not caused by anybody but himself and his ill-equipped advisors whose were, in fact, just awful at learning how to
manage Washington and world politics from their under-prepared seat of their pants
Mueller should be investigating the CIA criminals who brought us the Bush-Cheney war that lit the Middle East on fire and now want to bring down Trump because they can't let go of what Ames did to the "agency". After that, Mueller needs to concentrate on Susan Rice and Obama's use of the NSA for Hillary. So much to do, so little time--four years.
The fiction goes on and will till the CIA-NSA stops feeding the swamp media Poison Trees like the WP and NYT with bogus rabbit trail maps. So it goes.
The fiction goes on and will till the CIA-NSA stops feeding the swamp media Poison Trees like the WP and NYT with bogus rabbit trail maps. So it goes.
Democrats have gone all in on this one, much like Republicans went all in with HRC's investigation. If the special counsel can't find anything then Trump might walk away from all this victorious and will most certainly win 2020. It seems unlikely given his lashing on twitter and contradictory statements from the White House, but media underestimated the man once before and they most certainly have it in them to do it again.
Don't you worry, Mr. "President", you may always fire him as you please. In fact, why don't you fire everyone in the U.S. government so you can save America alone?
We need to know:
* Did team Trump know that Hillary Clinton was rigging the election whilst she was rigging it or after?
* When did team Trump team speak with a Russian(s). Was it before the Russians gave information to Wikileaks that showed how the Clinton campaign was rigging the election or after?
* When did team Trump become aware that Clinton campaign managers were using Gmail (rather than DNC or campaign email) to hide their scheme to rig the election?
* Did team Trump know that the Russians guessed Podesta's Gmail password was "password"?
* Did team Trump know that Anthony Weiner, not a government employee, a person with zero security clearance, had access to top secret messages on the laptop he was using to solicit sex from minors?
* Did team Trump learn from the Russians that the "hacked" emails contained information about donations to the Clinton Global initiative from foreign governments, solicited from Clinton while she was secretary of state, in exchange for political favors, before or after they gave that information to Wikileaks?
We gotta get to the bottom of this scandal. How dare those Trump people attempt to expose how Hillary Clinton was rigging the election. That's not fair!
These Trump guys are going down!
* Did team Trump know that Hillary Clinton was rigging the election whilst she was rigging it or after?
* When did team Trump team speak with a Russian(s). Was it before the Russians gave information to Wikileaks that showed how the Clinton campaign was rigging the election or after?
* When did team Trump become aware that Clinton campaign managers were using Gmail (rather than DNC or campaign email) to hide their scheme to rig the election?
* Did team Trump know that the Russians guessed Podesta's Gmail password was "password"?
* Did team Trump know that Anthony Weiner, not a government employee, a person with zero security clearance, had access to top secret messages on the laptop he was using to solicit sex from minors?
* Did team Trump learn from the Russians that the "hacked" emails contained information about donations to the Clinton Global initiative from foreign governments, solicited from Clinton while she was secretary of state, in exchange for political favors, before or after they gave that information to Wikileaks?
We gotta get to the bottom of this scandal. How dare those Trump people attempt to expose how Hillary Clinton was rigging the election. That's not fair!
These Trump guys are going down!
The vendetta against Trump and the American people by the liberal press is going to be exposed for the fraud it really is. I expect the NYT to have an apology headline when Mueller determines that this Russia collusion charge was a political fabrication meant to damage the president and that they were part of the vendetta. We have just assured Trump's re-election in 2020 because the truth will be revealed and the NYT will not be able to dispute it.
Abe Vigoda? Wait i thought...never mind.
You bet.... Trump has now regretted firing Comey. This is going where he never imagined in his wildest dreams. There's a huge difference between ripping small people off in business and firing the FBI director during a critical investigation.
6
Even if Trump gets cleared, he will not learn. It is inevitable that his fake presidency will be engulfed in scandal.
Why don't we make this quick and just appoint Robert Mueller as "Acting President" (yeah, yeah...throw a lesson in the Constitution at me, but it would be a tremendous help for America)
Great, at some point the country deserves some actual proof,if there was real collusion, then let's have that discussion...right now, there is a version which stars Bernie Sanders supporter.. Seth Rich. You know the guy killed, then robbed, except they left his money in his wallet, but found 44k DNC emails were mailed to Wikileaks.
Does the country realize, this speculation source was coming from a guy Putin basically ran out of the country. It is like asking Carlos Marcello to investigate RFK...my lord have standards dropped.
I have no idea what is going on, but you can see that Trump went after Bezos, and Bezos bought the Post and went after Trump. Trump went after Mexico, guess who saved the NYT times.
Does the country realize, this speculation source was coming from a guy Putin basically ran out of the country. It is like asking Carlos Marcello to investigate RFK...my lord have standards dropped.
I have no idea what is going on, but you can see that Trump went after Bezos, and Bezos bought the Post and went after Trump. Trump went after Mexico, guess who saved the NYT times.
1. Michael Flynn is clearly guilty.
- His attorney offered his testimony in exchange for immunity.
- He took money from the Russians for a speech while on the Trump campaign.
- He's even more guilty regarding Turkey.
2. Donald Trump wants to protect Flynn.
- He asked Comey to go easy on him.
- He delayed firing him, until he had no choice.
3. Donald Trump is guilty by association.
- Mr. Trump is not loyal to anyone.
- He will throw anyone under the bus, to save himself.
- Ergo, Mr. Flynn must know something damaging about Mr. Trump.
- His attorney offered his testimony in exchange for immunity.
- He took money from the Russians for a speech while on the Trump campaign.
- He's even more guilty regarding Turkey.
2. Donald Trump wants to protect Flynn.
- He asked Comey to go easy on him.
- He delayed firing him, until he had no choice.
3. Donald Trump is guilty by association.
- Mr. Trump is not loyal to anyone.
- He will throw anyone under the bus, to save himself.
- Ergo, Mr. Flynn must know something damaging about Mr. Trump.
1
The firing of James Comey was tantamount to Trump pulling the pin on a hand grenade, then throwing the pin while holding on to the armed device.
As long a Comey was FBI Director he was bound by all of the constraints and dictates of the office to include strict confidentiality. He now becomes mostly unfettered to expose Trump’s efforts to inappropriately influence the FBI Russia investigation.
Muelller as Special Council with a single focus and full prosecutorial authority represents a far greater threat to the President or his henchmen.
Hopefully no stone will be left unturned.
As long a Comey was FBI Director he was bound by all of the constraints and dictates of the office to include strict confidentiality. He now becomes mostly unfettered to expose Trump’s efforts to inappropriately influence the FBI Russia investigation.
Muelller as Special Council with a single focus and full prosecutorial authority represents a far greater threat to the President or his henchmen.
Hopefully no stone will be left unturned.
What happens if Mueller doesn't find anything? I pity the Dems if he doesn't.
Follow the money, Mr Mueller, follow the money! Words of wisdom from my 95 year old Bubbe.
Back when he was elected I bet he wouldn't last longer than six months in office. Looks like that might not be too far off.
We, Russians, unfortunately, know very well what witch-hunt means "thanks" to Stalin ruiling. Observing for what is going on in the USA with hunting "russians" witch, it seems that the USA become more and more Stalin-like USSR.The politically unstable USA are the the big threat for the whole world. The USA can't put things in order in their own home, how can USA pretend to be world leader?
Nothing against Mueller personally, but if I were looking at a map of the country and deciding where to find the Special Counsel, one of the very first places I'd put a Red "X" over would be Manafort and Trump's very own law firm.
4
I guess it doesn't matter that the agency he is retiring from has Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort for clients. More old boy connectedness.
1
I'm a little disappointed: I'd like to see a special commission, just like 9/11's.
1
Instead, the FBI is looking into "possible collusion" between "members of the Trump campaign" and "efforts to influence the US election." That is an extraordinarily difficult case to make—one that will focus primarily on scape-goat underlings and is set up to fail by design.
If they want to convict Trump of very serious criminal activity and send him to prison, they have more than enough info to do so. This is a performance, whose primary goal is to attempt to restore faith in US systems. It's not hard to see through it. They even installed a Republican to oversee the whole affair. That lacks any credibility whatsoever.