Keep in mind, that even if the story of Russian interference were true (so far, no evidence mind you) we do have absolute proof of US interference all over the planet---numerous, pervasive. So it would be just desserts, no? We also have absolute proof of that apartheid state interfering directly in our elections, but somehow that does not threaten our "democracy" (whatever that is in this plutocracy.) When Truman was running for office he needed a train for campaigning and he had no money for one. He got the government of Taiwan to pay for one. But that is not meddling. The rest of the world must be laughing their heads off.
1
Remember the time Trump said Obama was spying on him?
He was right.
The fbi used Carter Page to spy on Trump.
Carter Page was an fbi informant since 2015.
2
Even a Pulitzer Prize can not be substituted for a law degree or fifty years as a law professor at Harvard. Sorry. According to Professor Dershowitz collusion is not a crime; and acting in accordance with his Constitutionally authorized duties is not obstruction of justice.
Mueller's main accomplishment thus far is spending about ten million dollars and coming up empty handed. At least he is keeping shysters out of trouble by sending them after red herrings in DC.
1
Mueller's investigation of Trump and his cronies is like an onion. With the peel of each layer another set of hidden data of dubious legality confronts the Mueller investigation. To start with, many millions of dollars paid by Ukrainian and Russian mobsters, oops, oligarchs, were never accounted for. Shell companies in offshore jurisdictions were established for the single purpose of hiding these payments from the US tax authorities. Records found indicated these payments to be $30 million. This may be just the tip of the iceberg. Whether collusion took place may be extremely difficult to prove. After reading the various articles that have appeared in the media, three issues are immediately obvious. 1. Monafort and Gates never registered as foreign agents. 2. Money Laundering. Millions of dollars of payments to Monfort and Gates were hidden from US tax authorities, and 3. Monafort and Gates were very close to Trump, especially during his campaign for the Presidency. It's hard to believe Monafort, Gates and Trump never discussed the ways and means they could financially benefit from their Ukrainian and Russian contacts. We shall have to wait to see what new information is forthcoming based on the new charges brought against Monafort and Gates and if this info leads Trump into boiling hot water.
13
After Manafort's alleged crimes came to the fore, not only was he allowed to resign, but Trump replaced him with his deputy, Gates.
Similarly with Flynn and Porter, Trump doesn't regret hiring these criminals, continues to speak well of them, and only complains that he had to let them go because their crimes were made public.
Trump is so corrupt and will neglect his duty and break his oath of office to cover every inch of that grotesque behind.
Worst. President. Ever.
9
They say that sunlight is the best disinfectant and bringing all this to light is necessary. But it's going to take an industrial-strength haz mat team to decontaminate and fumigate the White House after this administration is done soiling it to remove the stench of corruption, lies, and treason. Jail time for all of them, Trump included. NO pardons!
12
"How the Russia Inquiry Entangled a Manafort Protégé"
You should start by being more honest. The investigation did not "entangle" him. His criminal activity attracted attention and when the evidence was found he was charged. No one entangled or trapped or otherwise did anything to him, he like all crooks, did it to himself.
5
The indictment comes from The Eastern District of Virginia.
The new Virginia Governor will pardon them both is my guess.
To think that this nation's evangelical Protestants support, protect and defend these thugs. It's the height of hypocrisy.
11
There is nothing there.
Cyprus, Cyprus, Cyprus. Hey, Wilbur, haven't you had something to do with banking in Cyprus? Wilbur, is there anything your not telling us?
10
Is this Mr. Wilbur Ross' Bank of Cyprus?
11
Seriously. The time has come to determine a face-saving excuse for Trump to resign.
Given Trump's belligerent, self-centered, and short-sighted nature, his reaction to Mueller's growing case against him places the entire world in danger. Trump, as we all know, has nuclear weapons at his fingertips -- and a demonstrated lack of impulse control.
We need our best minds to find a way for Trump to bow out gracefully. God knows, he does not deserve it. But it would be the best outcome for all of humanity.
9
Told you many times...Not that you report fake news - but that you omit or (here) spin real news
From NYT
*ttps://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/19/opinion/nashville-mayor-affair.html
Stumbled???
From elsewhere
*ttp://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/22/rising-democratic-star-megan-barry-under-pressure-resign-mayor-nashville-sex-scandal-spins-out-control/
"...In 2017, Barry and Forrest took nine trips alone together outside of Tennessee, all funded by the city’s taxpayers
"...Numerous damaging stories came to light, and three separate investigations...launched
"...Among the new revelations reported
"...Barry’s bodyguard lover, Sgt. Forrest, was paid far more overtime—$173,000 over two and a half years—than any other...officer on the Mayor’s security detail
"...Sgt. Forrest’s daughter, a recent graduate...was hired in Metro Nashville’s Legal Department after a strong recommendation from Mayor Barry for a job that was created specifically for her and for which no other candidates were interviewed
"...In October 2016, Mayor Barry’s Chief Operating Officer...decided to remove authority for approval of Forrest’s travel requests...from... Police Chief Steve Anderson and gave that approval authority to Mayor Barry’s Chief of Staff
"...Investigation says it has obtained nude photos of a woman taken on the phone of former Sgt. Rob Forrest, evidence that investigators believe shows ...Barry engaged in an affair with her former bodyguard while he was on duty
Manafort took Trump in as a client
Trump then bit Manafort with its toxic venom
Manafort asked why--I helped get you elected
Trump said, you knew I was a snake when you took me in.
6
And on top of that, the narrative of Putin and Russia as the "demon du jour" by elements of the Washington establishment (including news media) is contrived, self-serving, and evil. An unaccountable US Govt is a greater threat to the security of the United States than anything Russia does or will do.
Meanwhile, our best friend and ally, Israel, will not stop spying and stealing US secrets. But that's not a problem, is it?
Enjoy your theater, America, it's free of charge and it's spectacular.
1
Trump: “Who? Rick Gates? Never heard of him.” !!
6
I wonder if Ken Burns will do a documentary about how America lost its democracy.
6
I don't know what all the big deal is....
So KGB Vladimir bought himself a U.S. President....
Nothing to see here...
“Everything was done legally and with the approval of our lawyers,”
9
Did Russians have their set of trolls? Sure, I'll bet they did. However, it doesn't absolve the DNC, nor our mass media for what they did, nor does it make Clinton or Trump and their campaigns any less responsible for their own actions.
*Here's a good story to cover, spend more time on how we can get free and fair elections within our democracy and less time speculating about what Russia did or didn't do. Then Russia or any other foreign country will never matter in our elections again.*
Russia didnt lie to the FISA court to illegally spy on a US candidate and President the FBI did.
Russia didnt change the wording of the indictment to help Hillary stay in the race and avoid prison the FBI did
The scary but highly important question is how far and deep have Russian spies and Kremlin operatives infested Donald J. Trump, his orbit and organizations that support him and his political agenda. There's a profoundly dangerous reason why Donald J. Trump has yet to say anything critical of Vladimir V. Putin; most probably because the two are intimately connected at the hip.
6
Isn’t this what mobsters do? No different than the Russian mob except they wear a tie and speak English
8
Gates appears to be sitting fully clothed in a sauna. In the hot seat as it were.
4
Mobutu Sese Seko? Really? An adviser to Mobutu Sese Seko was Trump's campaign official. That speaks volumes. Can we see Trump's tax returns yet? If Manafort is hung up on shady dealings, I can only imagine what the Trump family taxes look like.
5
Nice use of the passive voice, as if Mr. Gates were some unwilling victim carried along by Manafort.
1
This article states that Rick Gates is 45 years old. Was he raised somewhere by wolves? I say this because it means that he is old enough to remember the U.S.S.R. a/k/a the Soviet Union. He is old enough to remember East and West Germany and the Berlin Wall. He is old enough to remember athletes/artists like Mikhail Baryshnikov defecting to escape the Soviet Regime. He is old enough to have heard of the KGB and their ruthless tactics. He is old enough to know that Vladimir Putin was a high ranking KGB officer and that the KGB is now the FSB. The old Soviet State Kremlin might be gone, but the new Oligarch Class Kremlin is just as corrupt. Yet - after all of this - he and Trump's various "associates" have willingly dealt with this regime for personal profit while selling out our country. I am so glad that Mr. Mueller and Mr. Rosenstein are committed to protecting our country from these people who act like traitors.
12
An excellent concise summary of Gates' ties to Manafort and Trump.
Well done Confessore and Meier.
Gates' close ties to Manafort in both Russia and the USA means that Gates knows a lot. If he sings, Manafort has plenty to worry about.
Trump and his son-in-law: I am not sure if there will be anything to pin on them that will stand up in a court of law- but I am grateful the investigation is trying to collect all of the facts.
3
As far as I can see, there is lots more hard evidence linking Saudi Arabia to 9/11 than there is circumstantial evidence linking Trump to Putin. Funny how neither major party wants to dig too deep into that one.
3
I suspect before Mr. Mueller winds down his investigation we will know a lot more than we wanted to about crooked financial dealings in and out of government. Those tentacles can dig into many dark corners. The irony here is Mr. Trump has done nothing to drain the swamp but it appears Mr. Mueller is draining it for him.
It's unlikely Mr. Trump will thank him but the American people definitely should.
1
"In the spring of 2016, when Mr. Trump found himself outmaneuvered in the arcane battle for Republican convention delegates, he turned to Mr. Manafort. Mr. Gates came along as his deputy — the man behind the man in charge. In a campaign known for its factionalism, Mr. Gates won over colleagues by managing the mundane but essential work of daily operations. He traveled often with Mr. Trump and forged relationships with Reince Priebus, the future chief of staff, and Brad Parscale, the campaign’s digital director."
Not mentioned in this paragraph is the fact that Manafort was DEEPLY ($19 million) in debt at the time when (also not mentioned above) longtime Trump buddy Tom Barrack arranged the meeting for Trump to hire Manafort. And when Manafort later left the campaign, Barrack hired Gates to work with him on Trump inauguration and transition and real estate consulting until the very day Manafort and Gates were first indicted.
Mr. Manafort: I have a message from Robert Mueller. "Don't leave town."
23
Is Rick Gates just another "dirt bag, that one of the old police shows called certain types? When they play for high financial benefits with Russian oligarchs and underworld, those benefits are associated with their burdens. The higher they fly, the harder they fall. And when they do, they deserve everything they receive and more.
17
It's hard to tell whether these men who dealt with Russia and Trump are telling the truth or lying. If they were legitimately working with Russian interests, why were they not registered as foreign agents? Did they immediately move their Russian-sourced money out of these Cyprian shell companies into US accounts? Did they pay taxes on their earnings? If not, why not? If so, they must have proof of payments. As many have said, "follow the money." if these men can't account for this alleged income, why not, and if it doesn't exist, why do documents show it was paid to them and/or how were they paid for their services?
I sincerely hope the official investigations obtain answers to these questions; otherwise, there is certainly reason to wonder about these men's motives and actions.
I sincerely hope the official investigations obtain answers to these questions; otherwise, there is certainly reason to wonder about these men's motives and actions.
6
"If they were legitimately working with Russian interests, why were they not registered as foreign agents?"
Isnt the answer to that really obvious? Not legitimate.
Manafort was all about working in the shadows.
The problem for the investigators is that all arrows point to Manafort but not Trump or his son-in-law -- at least not yet.
1
I was raised to believe that I am lucky to be born in and live in America. That the USA is the greatest country in the world. This Trump business just crushes my soul. I want to live in a country that cares about its ordinary citizens and not just benefit the greedy, gangster oligarchs that infest our politics. Start by overturning Citizens United.
63
Want to live in a civilized country? It’s just to the north - it’s called Canada!
1
As your mother told you: you are known by the company that you keep.
26
Mother also said to learn to flush the Toilet...
1
This may all be true, but I think the FBI is going after much bigger fish. Who were the other 3 people told to preserve documents. Flynn, Kushner and who else? This is going to turn out to be a global money laundering network.
36
I wish Hunter S Thompson was still alive.
20
what administration , what president, this is TRUMP's Mafia , GOP knows it but they do not know how to get rid of him, democrats have no leader no idea so our country is a mess and think must get better or we are going to suffer , how these people thinks they do bussiness with Rusia, the sad part of it Mr.Trump does not need the money but l think this is not all for money but more than that and l will not write because he is still president of America, and sad part there are people still sporting him
3
Just think how many more stooges are out there, uncaught as of now. I do hope the investigators keep turning over the rocks and catch many more of them. Even more, I hope Mr. Mueller will be able to reveal the truth about each and every one of them, and Donald Trump.........
19
nothing under those rocks
To a man, every single one of the people Trump is associated with, from either the campaign or in his administration, has ties to Russia, and not just little rinky dink ties, either. How much more evidence do we need?
17
Mr. Mueller, follow the money.
NY Times, follow the money.
---
- On a related note, what is the source of most of the money that finds it way into dirty geopolitical games across the globe? OIL
- Who is the most significant and reliable consumer of oil in the world? WE AMERICANS ARE.
NY Times, follow the money.
---
- On a related note, what is the source of most of the money that finds it way into dirty geopolitical games across the globe? OIL
- Who is the most significant and reliable consumer of oil in the world? WE AMERICANS ARE.
12
Dear Trump supporters,
Considering the international business and geopolitical dealings of Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates, who are the "coastal globalist elites" now?
Considering the international business and geopolitical dealings of Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates, who are the "coastal globalist elites" now?
26
Looks like the swamp not only wasn't drained but it was filled to overflowing with the raw sewage of political hacks. History will not remember this period in the American experiment kindly. There once were the Know Nothings. These folks should be known as the Do Harms.
14
Gates has a lot of questions to answer, especially involving his and Manafort's actions in Ukraine and with Oleg Deripaska and money laundering in Manhattan to help Firtash, Mogilevich, and Yanukovuch steer illegal money away from the prying eyes of Tymoshenko, who sued Manafort and Gates in response; you can read all about this and how it ties to Trump my my article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/trump-biggest-scandal-us-history-he-tool-...
4
Getting beyond obvious that the Kremlin has penetrated the Executive Branch and likely the Judicial Branch as well.
And with bizarro behavior coming from the likes of Devin Nunes, Ryan, and McConnell, I fear that members of the legislative branch have allso become compromised.
The U.S. is in peril yet no one seems to really care in the Republican party. We're in deep trouble folks.
And with bizarro behavior coming from the likes of Devin Nunes, Ryan, and McConnell, I fear that members of the legislative branch have allso become compromised.
The U.S. is in peril yet no one seems to really care in the Republican party. We're in deep trouble folks.
28
It seems that the USofA publicly is interested in establishing "democracy" around the world. In the other hand these American enterprises are making millions advising those very same places, that are against western democracy, and "transparency" It appears that the Republicans have mastered this art of speaking from both sides of the mouth.
7
Perhaps someone should remind Mr. Gates and others in his area of business of the old saying "a lady's name should appear only twice in the newspaper: once on her wedding day and once in her obituary."
They would have done well to remember that warning and run the other way from the hoopla of the Trump campaign.
Always has it been the same for those who involved in legal, but not-quite-moral dealings, from robber barons, mafia and drug overlords, to modern day wheelers and dealers. The really intelligent ones profit from their actions, but do everything they can to avoid the glare of the press.
For Mr. Gates, Mr. Manafort, and so many others, being involved with the election and administration of Donald Trump has put them on display, inviting scrutiny.
Like the fallen lady of years gone by, these men are finding the glare of notoriety is onerous indeed.
They would have done well to remember that warning and run the other way from the hoopla of the Trump campaign.
Always has it been the same for those who involved in legal, but not-quite-moral dealings, from robber barons, mafia and drug overlords, to modern day wheelers and dealers. The really intelligent ones profit from their actions, but do everything they can to avoid the glare of the press.
For Mr. Gates, Mr. Manafort, and so many others, being involved with the election and administration of Donald Trump has put them on display, inviting scrutiny.
Like the fallen lady of years gone by, these men are finding the glare of notoriety is onerous indeed.
4
Russia has much to teach the US regarding what happens in a falling empire. Wealth tends to gravitate to the very greedy and dangerous, and soon allegiance to the country becomes allegiance to the oligarch with the guns and the judges and the billions.
It is happening in the US, though few will admit it. Look at Congress, we are as divided as the old Soviet Union was as it fell.
Personally, I think the American oligarchs, like Knight or Trump aren't a good substitute for the constitution, but I am old, and I remember when the Republican Party stood for something rather than..."steal from the poor and grovel before the rich".
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
It is happening in the US, though few will admit it. Look at Congress, we are as divided as the old Soviet Union was as it fell.
Personally, I think the American oligarchs, like Knight or Trump aren't a good substitute for the constitution, but I am old, and I remember when the Republican Party stood for something rather than..."steal from the poor and grovel before the rich".
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
53
Tad Devine, the article neglects to point out, was also lured back from former Soviet satellites to the revolution at home, just not in the Republican primary. Devine's mission was to manage Bernie Sanders' campaign to divide the left.
In our zeal to investigate foreign misinformation links to '16 candidacies let's not forget they never actually expected to elect Trump OR Sanders. Their aim was divide and conquer: depress turnout, deny Hillary a mandate and hand her an even more fractured, angry country consumed by infighting who'd ignore foreign intrigue.
Devine "worked with Davis Manafort on the Ukraine campaigns," admitting "the real money" they got was in creating shell companies to buy media or drug companies in Russia and Eastern Europe, with money funneled indirectly from Putin through Russian or Cypriot banks to other shell corporations. That's what he calls political consultancy?
This is the same Tad Devine who advised Sanders to raise the specter of speeches to a U.S. bank as "disqualifying" for the presidency. "Breaking up the banks" here would benefit banks over there… Just spent eight years fighting for a health care bill? Dig that ditch over again.
Devine quit after Yanukovych jailed a former rival, but he was fine with the rest. How deep were the grassroots of that campaign, I wonder…all the way to China, the saying went—or today Russia?
Mike Bloomberg said he didn't run because his obit would be "the guy that gave us Donald Trump." No, that's another guy.
In our zeal to investigate foreign misinformation links to '16 candidacies let's not forget they never actually expected to elect Trump OR Sanders. Their aim was divide and conquer: depress turnout, deny Hillary a mandate and hand her an even more fractured, angry country consumed by infighting who'd ignore foreign intrigue.
Devine "worked with Davis Manafort on the Ukraine campaigns," admitting "the real money" they got was in creating shell companies to buy media or drug companies in Russia and Eastern Europe, with money funneled indirectly from Putin through Russian or Cypriot banks to other shell corporations. That's what he calls political consultancy?
This is the same Tad Devine who advised Sanders to raise the specter of speeches to a U.S. bank as "disqualifying" for the presidency. "Breaking up the banks" here would benefit banks over there… Just spent eight years fighting for a health care bill? Dig that ditch over again.
Devine quit after Yanukovych jailed a former rival, but he was fine with the rest. How deep were the grassroots of that campaign, I wonder…all the way to China, the saying went—or today Russia?
Mike Bloomberg said he didn't run because his obit would be "the guy that gave us Donald Trump." No, that's another guy.
24
Why are any USA citizens involved in any kind of relationships - business or otherwise - with Russians? How does one become an agent of Russian interests in the United States and not be subject to scrutiny?
Given current facts about Russian interference in USA politics, the hint of connection to Russian interests is just about treasonous from my point of view. Just so amazing how my conservative fellow citizens don't see that problem at all?
Given current facts about Russian interference in USA politics, the hint of connection to Russian interests is just about treasonous from my point of view. Just so amazing how my conservative fellow citizens don't see that problem at all?
46
Thanks for this article. Very disturbing. A lot if tentacles from Russia. This was an eye-opener: Manafort's and Gates' partner in their Eastern European business, Davis, left the firm to manage McCain's 2008 campaign. The notorious "unsubstantiated" dossier that appeared post-election revealed a multi-year Russian effort to cultivate a relationship with Trump.
24
"In April, amid new questions about Russian interference in the 2016 election, he was abruptly forced out of a lobbying group formed to advance President Trump’s agenda"
Trump can be a buffoon in politics, but he, his son-in-law as well as Ivanka know about (sleazy) business...
Trump can be a buffoon in politics, but he, his son-in-law as well as Ivanka know about (sleazy) business...
8
The Russia investigation is just a stooge to detract the attention from the ugly laws that Trump is introducing. By focusing all their attention on Russia the Democrats are basically saying that they are in bed with the banksters and billionaires and don't mind Trump's legislation in their favor.
And when there are elections again they will use the Russia investigation as to fool the voters who hate Trump for his policies.
And when there are elections again they will use the Russia investigation as to fool the voters who hate Trump for his policies.
1
"The Russia investigation is just a stooge to detract the attention from the ugly laws that Trump is introducing"
Which laws are those? I ask because under the US Constitution, the President does not have the ability to "introduce laws."
Thanks NYT for making the effort to expose this. Long live the fourth estate.
35
Have a look online at the article in the Hungarian Free Press, "The Budapest Bridge: Hungary’s Role in the Collusion Between the Trump Campaign and the Russian Secret Service," April 13, 2017 by Dr. András Göllner. It includes details about Manafort. The essay is the first installment of a three part series in HFP. What a tangled international web people everywhere are caught in. Follow the money!
9
I'm shocked at the number of NYT readers just now coming to realize that maybe there is something to this "Russia thing." All you had to do was read one or two books written ABOUT Trump instead of all the books ghostwritten BY Trump. Trump's father schooled him in the old mafia ways, and Donald took it to new levels in his psychotic obsession to prove himself to dear old Dad.
30
Citizens United opened the spigot to a host of corporations as well as unknown donors from who knows where into the American election system. Huge sums of money funneled through "nonprofits" that don't require disclosures is tainting state and federal elections. Wonder why the Republicans took control of so many state legislatures in a few years?
Hillary Clinton campaigned against Citizens United and talked about new appointees to the Supreme Court that would overturn that decision.
Wonder why Mitch McConnell thwarted Obama's selection of a replacement to Scalia? Wonder why the Republican leadership ignores Trump's incompetence and authoritarianism?
They're all beholding to their donors, and recent evidence suggests those donors don't live in the U.S.
Hillary Clinton campaigned against Citizens United and talked about new appointees to the Supreme Court that would overturn that decision.
Wonder why Mitch McConnell thwarted Obama's selection of a replacement to Scalia? Wonder why the Republican leadership ignores Trump's incompetence and authoritarianism?
They're all beholding to their donors, and recent evidence suggests those donors don't live in the U.S.
42
The future is not in plastics, it's government! His cabinet is a testament to greed and how the "big government" they decry in public is what will make them even richer in the future. There is nothing more predictable than GOP hypocrisy.
2
Ted Devine, mentioned here as working with Manafort in Ukraine, was key on Bernie Sanders campaign.
11
Do you suppose that Mr. Gates is just the tip of a very, very large iceberg of similar stooges and yes-men involved in the Russian matter?
18
Money is transitory, history is forever.
These men who have sold their souls and their country piecemeal to the highest bidders clearly care not that history will write their names with the blackest of ink accompanied by the the harshest of words, or that they have dishonored and shamed their family name for all time.
In contrast, history will reward Robert Mueller with riches of a kind these men will never see. He will be deservedly hailed as the ethical and honorable sentry who stood watch to prevent the demise of our proud democracy.
As the investigation begins to unmask the breathtakingly horrifying scope and consequences of the actions of these corrupt men, it becomes clear that our nation can be saved only by an individual whose backbone and decency dwarf these men's cynical self-interest and their worship of amassed wealth.
Patriots of all political persuasions must stand together in condemning the traitorous actions of these despicable men.
I commend the Washington Post for its courageous, in-depth reporting on this issue. The First Amendment lives and keeps us safe.
These men who have sold their souls and their country piecemeal to the highest bidders clearly care not that history will write their names with the blackest of ink accompanied by the the harshest of words, or that they have dishonored and shamed their family name for all time.
In contrast, history will reward Robert Mueller with riches of a kind these men will never see. He will be deservedly hailed as the ethical and honorable sentry who stood watch to prevent the demise of our proud democracy.
As the investigation begins to unmask the breathtakingly horrifying scope and consequences of the actions of these corrupt men, it becomes clear that our nation can be saved only by an individual whose backbone and decency dwarf these men's cynical self-interest and their worship of amassed wealth.
Patriots of all political persuasions must stand together in condemning the traitorous actions of these despicable men.
I commend the Washington Post for its courageous, in-depth reporting on this issue. The First Amendment lives and keeps us safe.
22
Obviously, I meant to refer to the NY Times, but the comment applies to both excellent newspapers
2
Please add an "s" to "underscore" in the paragraph following the headline. This fine piece of journalism deserves the right verb tense since it may signal a watershed moment in world history.
7
This is the kind of in depth article that the news media should have done before the election.
The Heads of the Intelligence Community have said and continue to say in the various Committee hearings is that Russia plays the long game and cultivates people over the long term.
This story highlights this strategy:
Wealthy friend of Putin, Deripaska, works over the years with influential political operatives, investing in their venture capital funds, introducing them to business opportunities and paying significant consulting fees. Of course, these political operatives are friendly and sympathetic to Russia. Of course, they think we should improve relations with Russia. After all, who has signed their pay checks?
I have no sympathy for Rick Gates. he has made a lot of money and has lived the high life in the Dismal Swamp. If you swim with alligators, sometimes you get bitten.
The frightening thing here is that this influence-peddling all may be legal. After all, Gates said his lawyers approved everything. But legal is not the same as ok. At a minimum, Congress needs to address these issues. Trump certainly won't.
At times like these, I am comforted by the fact that Al Capone was imprisoned for tax evasion.
The Heads of the Intelligence Community have said and continue to say in the various Committee hearings is that Russia plays the long game and cultivates people over the long term.
This story highlights this strategy:
Wealthy friend of Putin, Deripaska, works over the years with influential political operatives, investing in their venture capital funds, introducing them to business opportunities and paying significant consulting fees. Of course, these political operatives are friendly and sympathetic to Russia. Of course, they think we should improve relations with Russia. After all, who has signed their pay checks?
I have no sympathy for Rick Gates. he has made a lot of money and has lived the high life in the Dismal Swamp. If you swim with alligators, sometimes you get bitten.
The frightening thing here is that this influence-peddling all may be legal. After all, Gates said his lawyers approved everything. But legal is not the same as ok. At a minimum, Congress needs to address these issues. Trump certainly won't.
At times like these, I am comforted by the fact that Al Capone was imprisoned for tax evasion.
31
Nonsense.
This is all hearsay, innuendo and extrapolation.
Just because something is written well, with good grammar and structured paragraphs, doesn't mean it is true.
This is all hearsay, innuendo and extrapolation.
Just because something is written well, with good grammar and structured paragraphs, doesn't mean it is true.
1
This article and all of the details brings to light many of the rumors that Donald Trump has been fraternizing with and profiting from the Russian mob for decades.
This unsavory crew got itself elected by making campaign promises it knew it couldn't keep and managing to convince a core base of unemployed and desperate workers to elect the biggest con man in the history of man.
Yes the Russian hacking and possible campaign collusion with Russia is a scandal.
But the bigger scandal is how easy it was for a con man with a long history of financial corruption getting elected to the highest office in the land on the basis of bigotry, lies, and impossible promises.
We are at the tip of the iceberg of a constitutional crisis. Truth will out, one way or another. Follow the money, which leads to Banks in Cyprus and Germany.
The Russian investigation is going to be bigger than than Watergate because it is the first time financial cavorting with America's biggest adversary is destroying democracy.
This unsavory crew got itself elected by making campaign promises it knew it couldn't keep and managing to convince a core base of unemployed and desperate workers to elect the biggest con man in the history of man.
Yes the Russian hacking and possible campaign collusion with Russia is a scandal.
But the bigger scandal is how easy it was for a con man with a long history of financial corruption getting elected to the highest office in the land on the basis of bigotry, lies, and impossible promises.
We are at the tip of the iceberg of a constitutional crisis. Truth will out, one way or another. Follow the money, which leads to Banks in Cyprus and Germany.
The Russian investigation is going to be bigger than than Watergate because it is the first time financial cavorting with America's biggest adversary is destroying democracy.
125
I am curious about russian crime organizations in the US and if they have ties, as the mafia did (does?) to things like construction and casinos etc. here? There is certainly a shadowy underside to both the construction and gambling business that anyone in Trump and Kushner's fields must be aware of. It surprises me that no one is looking into that. I am also surprised that no one in the news ever seems to mention an obvious link between Trump and former Soviet block countries, namely his wives. Not that any of that is necessarily significant, but as long as people are cooking up conspiracy theories they might as well throw everything into the pot?
38
For the longest time I've wondered why so many businessmen have been so eager to get into politics, especially when none of these men seem to have the ability to abide by the law or understand the concept of public service.
An article like this, however, again makes me realize how much money businessmen can make in politics, and how their meddling can influence the ways that laws are written and passed to benefit themselves, their businesses, or their clients' businesses.
Their desire to be in politics has nothing to do with serving the people and everything to do with serving themselves.
I am wondering when voters are going to wake up to these scams and see how they are being hoodwinked and sold down the river by white-collar criminals.
An article like this, however, again makes me realize how much money businessmen can make in politics, and how their meddling can influence the ways that laws are written and passed to benefit themselves, their businesses, or their clients' businesses.
Their desire to be in politics has nothing to do with serving the people and everything to do with serving themselves.
I am wondering when voters are going to wake up to these scams and see how they are being hoodwinked and sold down the river by white-collar criminals.
106
The problem is that many Americans are not reading articles like this, they really are not interested, and they really don't care. So much for the perils of democracy. Consider how many dedicated supporters -- even in the Congress -- that Trump has. After the last election, I've lost faith in what Jefferson referred to as the collective wisdom of the people.
12
What a crew. I think we are onto something very big now.
29
Whether they find collusion in the 2016 election, the investigators are almost certain to happen upon the financial connections between Trump & Co. I real estate developer (or several of them) who declares bankruptcy will need private capital. And where does one turn? To money laundered overseas, excess payments for normal transactions, all the items that mark our new Gilded Age.
46
There's no other explanation for about 25 separate instances of contact during the campaign between Trump's team and Russians. Same with Kushner wanting to communicate with Russia using a Russian diplomatic facility. Or Roger Stone privately tweeting with both WikiLeaks and with Guccifer 2.0.
9
Maybe you hadn't noticed, but interest rates are just now starting to come out of an extended, all time low, and real estate has been on a multi-year tear. So if you think that real estate developers, even those with prior bankruptcies, can only obtain new capital by going overseas and seeking laundered money, you are greatly mistaken. Now don't get me wrong - I hate Trump - but I did want to correct the premise of your comment.
Trump's connection to Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates was a really easy way for the Russians to donate to Trump's campaign. In return for certain favours?
Mr. Mueller needs to keep on digging.
Mr. Mueller needs to keep on digging.
49
Let get this straight. Former Russian Ukraine operative, Mr. Tad Devine was not a Democratic Party Political Consultant. He was Bernie Sanders campaign advisor. Bernie Sanders received Russian money for his campaign through Mr. Tad Devine. Bernie Sanders voted against the recent Russian Sanctions Bill in the Senate. Tell me why did Senator Sanders vote in support of Russia? Remember Bernie Sanders himself said he was not a member of the Democratic Party. Get your facts straight New York Times. There was collusion big time with Russia involving the Trump, Jill Stein and perhaps Bernie Sanders. They are all crooks in my opinion. God Save us all from this menace.
12
Did your local Dollar Store have a sale on Tin Hats?! LOL!
There is no comparison, no equivalence at all between the deep network of ties, collisions, financial, and political investments that link Trump, Inc. and Russia and anything one associate of Stein or Sanders did briefly decades ago!
Keep your eyes on the actual travesty -- and save the "they're all crooks" meme for the crowd in power!
There is no comparison, no equivalence at all between the deep network of ties, collisions, financial, and political investments that link Trump, Inc. and Russia and anything one associate of Stein or Sanders did briefly decades ago!
Keep your eyes on the actual travesty -- and save the "they're all crooks" meme for the crowd in power!
3
Very simple, RML, get the press to dig into any Russian connections from ANYONE else. Why do we talk much personally until there is reliable information in front of us? Mr Mueller has much on his plate with Mr Trump, I expect. As an American long resident in Europe, I know the Russians are very generous with German & Austrian politicians, at least. It's in the general press over here all the time. Guess the experienced Europeans just expect it.
2
and yet you never answered the question: Why did Bernie Sanders vote against the Russia sanctions?
"Totally ridiculous!" Then why are all of these swindlers trying to hide their Russia connections and funding?
43
Sooner or later, one of these guys is going to crack and tell the truth.
Amoral swamp creatures exchanging fleas and who knows what else. Keep digging NYT!
53
I am so very very grateful for a Free Press and the NY Times and Washington Post for unearthing what could have easily just died on the vine.
Sure it's only mid June, but six months of this sleaze ball in office has been so painful. If only a Special Counsel would have been appointed last summer to prevent this train wreck.
Gives us hope that things are now progressing and so quickly. I hope and pray that the investigation doesn't take two years.
Praying that it is over with soon.
For the good of the country and the WORLD.
Sure it's only mid June, but six months of this sleaze ball in office has been so painful. If only a Special Counsel would have been appointed last summer to prevent this train wreck.
Gives us hope that things are now progressing and so quickly. I hope and pray that the investigation doesn't take two years.
Praying that it is over with soon.
For the good of the country and the WORLD.
92
I guess the only way out for all these traitors is get a Pardon from Trump, otherwise they dont need to bring tooth brush the feds have them at the prison
15
Oh. Now I get it.
Trump voters believed that he was loaded with money and could pay for his own campaign. They also believed that he couldn't be corrupted because, after all, he was loaded with money.
Trump couldn't pay for his campaign, and the Russians (via Manafort) stepped in and said, "No problem. You run your campaign, and we'll take care of the money. And the election."
Now Trump owes the Russians big time. He never says a bad thing about any of them while his surrogates meet with their Russian contacts in dark hallways and behind potted palms to see what is needed to pay them back.
In the meantime, Trump meets with Russian senior officials in the White House and they all have a good laugh at our expense.
This is despicable, and SO not funny.
Trump voters believed that he was loaded with money and could pay for his own campaign. They also believed that he couldn't be corrupted because, after all, he was loaded with money.
Trump couldn't pay for his campaign, and the Russians (via Manafort) stepped in and said, "No problem. You run your campaign, and we'll take care of the money. And the election."
Now Trump owes the Russians big time. He never says a bad thing about any of them while his surrogates meet with their Russian contacts in dark hallways and behind potted palms to see what is needed to pay them back.
In the meantime, Trump meets with Russian senior officials in the White House and they all have a good laugh at our expense.
This is despicable, and SO not funny.
191
It's going to be one, big Schadenfreude Festival for months and years to come.
I have not one tiny, itty-bitty shred of sympathy for any of these people who thought they could skate on just the right edge of catastrophe and make a fortune doing it until, of course, they couldn't.
I have not one tiny, itty-bitty shred of sympathy for any of these people who thought they could skate on just the right edge of catastrophe and make a fortune doing it until, of course, they couldn't.
1
Really? These clowns think that there is any such thing as a clean Russian? The entire country is a criminal enterprise.
47
With all the citizen-paid psychophants -- I mean, cabinet --
gathered around around the Lord Julius Christ, at the Lord's Celebration of Self-Adulation over the last weekend. did He inform His followers when we might expect His Blessed Transfiguration?
gathered around around the Lord Julius Christ, at the Lord's Celebration of Self-Adulation over the last weekend. did He inform His followers when we might expect His Blessed Transfiguration?
26
Manafort has been selling his access to American pols for over 20 years. He has promoted dictators rapists and leaders who kill their own people. His role in Ukraine and influence in the gov there turning on protesters and killing over 100 is well known. His own daughter said the money the family has is blood money and boy is she right. Manafort is what happens when a man only cares about the money he can make and loses his own soul while doing it....
81
Trump likes swamps... as long as it's his swamp.
32
"The firm specialized in running Republican campaigns and then lobbying the politicians they had helped elect."
Donald Trump was correct on one point: Washington, D.C. is a Swamp. The problem is he brought his own swamp and the stench is just as odorous.
Donald Trump was correct on one point: Washington, D.C. is a Swamp. The problem is he brought his own swamp and the stench is just as odorous.
42
Ahhhh, poor Mr. Gates. Guess he hitched his horse to the wrong wagon. Boo Hoo.
20
If it walks like a duck and squawks like a duck, it's probably a duck.
14
Good god!! There was no "uranium deal". They don't have it stored in their bank vault
9
I'm in my eighties, sober, never been sued or arrested, honorably discharged from the US Army, just an ordinary boring guy who never went near any political swamp. THANK GOD!
All I have to do is sit and wait for the characters in this play tweet themselves into more trouble and hope I'm alive when it happens. You cannot make this stuff up! This is "the show of shows."
All I have to do is sit and wait for the characters in this play tweet themselves into more trouble and hope I'm alive when it happens. You cannot make this stuff up! This is "the show of shows."
69
Trump and his dirty crew have an excuse for everything...nothing, absolutely nothing is their fault. They have no shame but tons of greed. Pathetic.
38
There is a strong whiff of the contrition of the caught.
Even Manafort's daughter was horrified by what her father was up to: http://www.businessinsider.com/paul-manafort-daughter-text-messages-ukra...
Even Manafort's daughter was horrified by what her father was up to: http://www.businessinsider.com/paul-manafort-daughter-text-messages-ukra...
13
What a dirty, ugly mess America finds itself in.
25
What memo?
Has all the hallmarks of a fake news story.
Has all the hallmarks of a fake news story.
3
Power and corruption. What a fake concept.
2
Lordy, lordy, as soon as I hear 'shell companies' I think tax evasion, money laundering and shady deals.
1
So what did those Russians and Ukraines get for all the money they gave to Manafort and his cohorts. Remember that Manafort was the campaign manager for Trumps campaign and then was ousted. I wonder what the real reason was for his ousting- Russian connection? And Gates an other cronies of Trump already are building money for the next election, perhaps they can just ask the Russians and have the money deposited in Cyprus. We already see the Russian people protesting all the corruption in their country, when will it begin here?
13
Yes--Manafort was ousted days after the secret ledger showing $12m in secret payments from Russians came out. Then the media immediately forgot all about the shady Russian connection to Trump and focused on Clinton's emails instead. Thanks for Trump, news media!
2
Thanks. I'd like an investigation to include not merely collusion to win an election, but instead collusion to challenge a Clinton victory. Colluding to challenge is easier, makes sense of unexploited hacks, and fits the Russian project to confuse and undermine democracies.
13
Damon Winter's photo of Mr. Gates backed into a dark corner is a nice bit of editorializing. What's the back story on the pose? Didn't Mr. Gates realize how this would look?
6
I gotta figure several hundred million dollars were laundered through Cyprus, the Caymans, wherever, and that the Russians funded Trump's campaign. Didn't that little gaggle of Republican congress members, including Ryan, say as much? Surprise here tho - McCain; he must have been into the Russians big-time in '08 when he went up against Obama. Anyhow, Trump never, ever spent a dime of his own money on anything; why would have ever start? Trump has been blackmailed; the only reason he's still in the Whitehouse is because he's a dead man walking. Trump will hang on for dear life because there's a big 'ol Russian target on his back, if he leaves.
18
Know the character of a person by the company he/she keeps. If one wants to be known as a person of sterling qualities, erudition, and integrity, he/she must move within a circle of honorable people with similar character.
That's all there is, folks.....easy and gratifying.
A person of good character can discern others' motives and finds it easy and refreshing to say, "We have a deal, here," or "I am not willing to do business with you; it involves actions that violate my principles."
What's so difficult about standing on one's own two feet, head and shoulders above the swamp critters?
That's all there is, folks.....easy and gratifying.
A person of good character can discern others' motives and finds it easy and refreshing to say, "We have a deal, here," or "I am not willing to do business with you; it involves actions that violate my principles."
What's so difficult about standing on one's own two feet, head and shoulders above the swamp critters?
6
The never enough crowd. Never enough money. Never enough stuff. Never enough power.
14
It's still the same old story. Follow the money.
Why was it that Gates et al. did not turn their persuasive talents to doing something good for their country.
Makes me sick.
Why was it that Gates et al. did not turn their persuasive talents to doing something good for their country.
Makes me sick.
14
Good. they deserve a thorough shaking.
3
"If you lie down with dogs, you wind up with fleas."
7
The scary thing about these, seemingly frequently occurring, kinds of stories coming out of the Trump campaign is that they are very consistent: if one "drains the swamp" of career professionals who actually know how to do the real work of the Executive Branch (regardless of political "side"), one is left digging folks like these out of the little pockets of foul-smelling muck out on the fringes.
Thanks to the NY Times and others, the harsh light of scrutiny has this group scurrying back into the darkness - even if they are whining about the injustice of it, all the way there.
Thanks to the NY Times and others, the harsh light of scrutiny has this group scurrying back into the darkness - even if they are whining about the injustice of it, all the way there.
16
I want to thank the investigative reporters who relentlessly pursue this horrific state of affairs. Keep up the great work!
50
Dealing in the millions of dollars with Eastern European oligarchs ought to be sufficient indication of danger to pretty much anyone.
14
The NYTimes has previously reported on one reason Manafort won entry into the Trump campaign: he was willing to work for free. Manafort wrote to Trump saying, “I am not looking for a paid job." -- https://nyti.ms/2nW8iK6.
This latest article does not mention whether or not Gates emulated his "mentor" to point of being unpaid. What it does strongly suggest, however, is that irrespective of compensation, both Manafort and Gates were making a long-term investment from which they expected to reap handsome rewards. Apparently, this is business as usual. Were it not for questions over Russia, Gates would now frequent the West Wing. Gates claims to have done nothing wrong, but if this is what passes for integrity in the Trump White House, I can scarcely imagine the revelations yet to come from the multiple ongoing investigations.
This latest article does not mention whether or not Gates emulated his "mentor" to point of being unpaid. What it does strongly suggest, however, is that irrespective of compensation, both Manafort and Gates were making a long-term investment from which they expected to reap handsome rewards. Apparently, this is business as usual. Were it not for questions over Russia, Gates would now frequent the West Wing. Gates claims to have done nothing wrong, but if this is what passes for integrity in the Trump White House, I can scarcely imagine the revelations yet to come from the multiple ongoing investigations.
21
If only Congress would really fund IRS, then, perhaps much of this would have been discovered and the culprits already under prosecution.
16
Annona,Ibelieve you are right on the IRS,this needs more attention.Thank You
1
Aside from their potential or alleged collusion with Russia in last election what is mind boggling is how these people can so easily influence elections in far away countries like Ukraine. Don't these countries have any laws regarding foreign interference in their election?
5
Just follow the money and you will find a huge laundry list, Trump et al.
8
Money trumps ethics, honesty, and other societal concerns. These men have wasted their talent seeking wealth for it's own sake.
5
At the very least the Trump Administration failed to carry out due diligence in checking the background and the Russian entanglements of several of the advisers he surrounded himself with.
48
Or maybe it did and liked what it saw.
4
And how many innocent dolphins get caught in the huge nets of industrial-sized trawlers every day too. This investigation gets any bigger we'll all be swimming for or lives. After all, any of us who voted could be construed as having a part in an election that brought us Trump.
11
Is voting illegal?
Yeah and White Water was a confined and fair investigation and I am sure you had no problems with it. Poor little Republicans everybody is picking on them with this witch hunt.
13
But everyone who voted for Trump knew it was really a vote for Russia. The next is and should be exactly that big.
4
I believe most Americans are decent and would find the activities of Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates distasteful, dishonorable and even un-American.
Manfort and Gates helped Russia ally Yanukovych in Ukraine--who was helping Russia invade that country. They probably receiving millions of dollars in off-the-books cash from pro-Russian Ukrainians. They worked for corrupt Russian oligarchs (many have ties to organized crime), all friends of Mr. Putin, who have stolen vast sums from the Russian people. They lobbied in America on behalf of brutal autocrats and dictators. They never registered as agents of foreign countries--though that is required by law.
Manfort and Gates helped Russia ally Yanukovych in Ukraine--who was helping Russia invade that country. They probably receiving millions of dollars in off-the-books cash from pro-Russian Ukrainians. They worked for corrupt Russian oligarchs (many have ties to organized crime), all friends of Mr. Putin, who have stolen vast sums from the Russian people. They lobbied in America on behalf of brutal autocrats and dictators. They never registered as agents of foreign countries--though that is required by law.
179
The problem is, while that was going on, nobody took Trump's candidacy seriously in part precisely because of that, and instead focused on all the things that were imperfect about Hillary Clinton. Trump and Sanders both got so much coverage for the very fact that they weren't expected to win but wow, look how crazy this election is…and they underestimated how much the crazy would depress turnout and how many people would gravitate to the crazy. It normalized the crazy.
It was someone not unlike Donald Trump who said there's no such thing as bad publicity.
The former Davis Manafort employee who managed Bernie Sanders' campaign, Tad Devine, shifted the repulsion from Trump and Russian, Ukrainian and Cypriot banks onto Hillary Clinton and U.S. banks, and shifted just enough tens of thousands of voters in places like Michigan and Wisconsin and Pennsylvania off the idea that Hillary was better than Trump. To be sure, Hillary Clinton won three million more votes than Trump, just not in the swing states that voted for Bernie Sanders in the primary.
Trump promised he would "drain the swamp," he just didn't specify he meant from there to here, and with the same personnel.
It was someone not unlike Donald Trump who said there's no such thing as bad publicity.
The former Davis Manafort employee who managed Bernie Sanders' campaign, Tad Devine, shifted the repulsion from Trump and Russian, Ukrainian and Cypriot banks onto Hillary Clinton and U.S. banks, and shifted just enough tens of thousands of voters in places like Michigan and Wisconsin and Pennsylvania off the idea that Hillary was better than Trump. To be sure, Hillary Clinton won three million more votes than Trump, just not in the swing states that voted for Bernie Sanders in the primary.
Trump promised he would "drain the swamp," he just didn't specify he meant from there to here, and with the same personnel.
5
From Trump, and Sessions on down not one of these people has the slightest interest in the fact that Russians corrupted our election.
This is all we need to know, the bloody details will drip out over time. Informed intelligent people cannot escape what is clear as day.
Readers may be interested in viewing the online edition of Charlie Rose's interview with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, and Dan Balz of the Washington Post.
This is all we need to know, the bloody details will drip out over time. Informed intelligent people cannot escape what is clear as day.
Readers may be interested in viewing the online edition of Charlie Rose's interview with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, and Dan Balz of the Washington Post.
108
These guys have no morals whatsoever. I'd have more respect for them if they dealt drugs to children.
54
These people make me seriously ill. They are a disgrace. All of them.
1
“Everybody has tried to take these instances of anyone in the Trump orbit doing something in Russia, and then fast-forwarding however many years, and then saying it is evidence of collusion with Russia on the election.”
This guy just worked with a campaign in which anything in Clinton's orbit touching on Goldman Sachs/e-mails/foundations/you-fill-in-the-bank was evidence of corruption, rape, murder, and child molestation. And now he complains? This hardball political operative who's probably gone elbows and kneecaps with some of the most dangerous operators in Eastern Europe is shocked that Washington is so rough on him?
This guy just worked with a campaign in which anything in Clinton's orbit touching on Goldman Sachs/e-mails/foundations/you-fill-in-the-bank was evidence of corruption, rape, murder, and child molestation. And now he complains? This hardball political operative who's probably gone elbows and kneecaps with some of the most dangerous operators in Eastern Europe is shocked that Washington is so rough on him?
130
Hers an idea, Times:
For every article on these sleazy folk, associated with Trump and Putin (why is this always the crime nexus?), please send some reporters out to do a story on hard-working, Honorable Americans, holding normal jobs - who are not at all worried about being swept up in a burgeoning investigation. People we can admire. Normal unsung, law-abiding citizens.
Why? Because we need it! We need some to rejoice in some normality. To remember all those who've done special today. And nothing nefarious!
For every article on these sleazy folk, associated with Trump and Putin (why is this always the crime nexus?), please send some reporters out to do a story on hard-working, Honorable Americans, holding normal jobs - who are not at all worried about being swept up in a burgeoning investigation. People we can admire. Normal unsung, law-abiding citizens.
Why? Because we need it! We need some to rejoice in some normality. To remember all those who've done special today. And nothing nefarious!
63
MoSt people are hard working decent people. Dosent matter if you are gop,dem, trump, Bernie or hillary. We have to learn to agree to do disagree.
4
Or at the very least find some honest politicians who are seriously wrking to make things better in their districts, and who put country first over party or money.
10
This presidency, no matter how it ends, will cast a very, very long, dark shadow on the history of this country. How did we ever get here, and, more importantly, how do we move forward? We, as a nation, are being dragged ever-deeper through the mud and scum of the so-called "swamp" that rather than being drained gets larger and more fetid every day.
155
LoisA, how did we ever get here?
Well, in the end, it was the archaic structure known as the Electoral College -- formulated by white, slave-owning landowners to avoid the democratic influence of the hoi polloi -- that allowed the minority vote tally from flyover parts of this country to trump (pun, not intended) the national majority vote. (Others mights say it was Hillary's neglect of these areas of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania that clinched the deal.)
Well, in the end, it was the archaic structure known as the Electoral College -- formulated by white, slave-owning landowners to avoid the democratic influence of the hoi polloi -- that allowed the minority vote tally from flyover parts of this country to trump (pun, not intended) the national majority vote. (Others mights say it was Hillary's neglect of these areas of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania that clinched the deal.)
3
Everyday since Trump appeared on the golden escalator at Trump Tower I have felt my stomach tighten at any mention of him, his deplorable words and deeds. He and his family, his unqualified Cabinet, and the cowardly GOP are tearing apart the very foundation of our country.
The dark and seedy facts are coming to light, and they are sickening! Thank God for the hard-working reporters at the NYTimes and the Washington Post and Special Counsel Bob Mueller.
The dark and seedy facts are coming to light, and they are sickening! Thank God for the hard-working reporters at the NYTimes and the Washington Post and Special Counsel Bob Mueller.
4
I guess what this article is trying to say is that these guys worked and scraped for years to earn less than 10% of what the Clintons made just off the uranium deal.
4
don't make it right or o.k.!
11
You sound just my mother during the Nixon fiasco. The Democrats did similar things, so it is OK..
6
"Guess what this article is trying to say is that these guys worked and scraped for years to earn less than 10% of what the Clintons made just off the uranium deal."
Still focused on Mrs. Clinton, are you? Don't worry, she lost the Electoral College. If I were you, I'd worry about the sleazy New Yorker who lost the popular vote with the help of thugs who learned their trade in what used to be called the Soviet Union. And who's making money by borrowing from Russian oligarchs and possibly laundering a little too.
Still focused on Mrs. Clinton, are you? Don't worry, she lost the Electoral College. If I were you, I'd worry about the sleazy New Yorker who lost the popular vote with the help of thugs who learned their trade in what used to be called the Soviet Union. And who's making money by borrowing from Russian oligarchs and possibly laundering a little too.
8
Please get money out of politics and get ethics in politics. Trump should be making the whole nation feel filthy.
168
Unfortunately, in this nation half-populated by deplorables, a person of integrity who is forthright and presents a real plan in the language of the people (not political rhetoric that runs in circles) is not electable.
4
I look at Trump and I need to shower.
22
"Money is the mother's milk of politics".
-- Jesse Unruh, Speaker of the California State Assembly
Why you can't "get money out of politics".
As for "get ethics in politics", the ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus wrote: "Alexander the Great, poisoned and wretchedly dying, prostrate on his bed, groaned then took off his gold signet ring and handed it to his faithful servant Perdiccas. It was only then that one of his many generals standing beside his bier found the courage to ask the king the question on everyone's mind at that moment. "Sire", he said, "to whom do you leave the empire?".
Alexander, now breathing heavily, initially didn't respond. But then he found the strength to open his eyes and raise up his head a few moments. Staring at them, his lips curled and he spit out, "To the strongest".
-- Jesse Unruh, Speaker of the California State Assembly
Why you can't "get money out of politics".
As for "get ethics in politics", the ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus wrote: "Alexander the Great, poisoned and wretchedly dying, prostrate on his bed, groaned then took off his gold signet ring and handed it to his faithful servant Perdiccas. It was only then that one of his many generals standing beside his bier found the courage to ask the king the question on everyone's mind at that moment. "Sire", he said, "to whom do you leave the empire?".
Alexander, now breathing heavily, initially didn't respond. But then he found the strength to open his eyes and raise up his head a few moments. Staring at them, his lips curled and he spit out, "To the strongest".
2
all the associates from Trump (and himself too) have mingled with Russia to get access to easy capital that isn't available in the US from reputable banks.....
Between sanctions and other restrictions, these dealings (including with China) will come back and hurt them as the Russian are leveraging this influence into the political process/election.... Just plain Naive!!!
Between sanctions and other restrictions, these dealings (including with China) will come back and hurt them as the Russian are leveraging this influence into the political process/election.... Just plain Naive!!!
45
The simple-yet-profound adage; We're known by the company we keep- is true. Why so many in the Trump Orbit are surprised to be caught in the Spider's Web, is an amazing feat of self denial and delusion.
76
Off-shore bank accounts in Cyprus, tax evasion, and Russian bankers/spys. A pretty toxic mix that can lead to criminal penalties and prison. I wonder if evidence of tax evasion is the compromising material that the Russians reputedly have on Trump?
93
Matti, if you'll pardon the pun, I think a proper term for what you refer to as a "toxic mix" would, indeed, be "witches' brew." (You know, as in "Fire burn, and cauldron bubble!" Macbeth, IV, i.) Trump's reference to these investigations as a "witch hunt" may be much more on the mark than he would have ever imagined!
3
But how can any of this be? I thought the whole story was made up. "A WITCH HUNT," if we are to believe our President.
29
Thing is- if by "witch" you mean someone (gender-nonspecific) who has sold their soul to the devil for power (figuratively), then yes, there are witches, and yes this is a witch hunt.
7
The linked story from May 25, 2008 together with this story reveal, in part, the plumbing of the murky swamps in which politicians and lobbyists swim. Is MCCain's hosting of a dinner with oligarch Derpaska in 2008 similar to Sessions' dinners in 2016?
Which came first the ties of Manafort and Gates to Russia or their ties to Trump? Which came first, the Trump's ties to Manafort and Gates or Trump's "Let's be friends with Russia" policy? Does correlation mean causation?
No wonder this investigation will take some time.
Too bad Trump really didn't care about draining the swamp, because it sorely needs it.
Which came first the ties of Manafort and Gates to Russia or their ties to Trump? Which came first, the Trump's ties to Manafort and Gates or Trump's "Let's be friends with Russia" policy? Does correlation mean causation?
No wonder this investigation will take some time.
Too bad Trump really didn't care about draining the swamp, because it sorely needs it.
29
Perhaps Trump will wind up being the dirty scummy plug which, once yanked out, will help drain the swamp. It long proceeded him but he may ironically help others clean it up. We need a Teddy Roosevelt leading a new Progressive Party.
6
And ultimately, the problem for all concerned is simply that it's Russia. That brings out bipartisanism in this country. Congress as a whole recently overwhelming voted for more sanctions against Russia. it's the reason getting caught up in the huge investigative machinery into all matters Russian will bring many people to justice eventually. And, this investigation could go on for many years, going every which way. At the federal level, it's what happens,
14
I've read the article. If I had a paper copy of it, I'd go through it and highlight all the red flags that stood out for me. The warning signs. The unsavory things like "shell companies" and connections to Putin. "Cyprus banks." Connections to Trump.
"We thought we had a good business model," we're told... one of them described as a 45 year old "protégée."
I'm sorry, so much of this just doesn't pass the smell test.
I'm so glad my son, who just turned 48, is NOT a protégée - associated with Putin, Trump, shell companies, Cyprus banks - caught up in a growing high profile investigation which is likely to take down all opportunities of people, who are now claiming; "We thought we had a good business model."
Red flags! Warning signs. Wanting to associate with shady characters, because it was gonna bring shady business opportunities. And now ... they're whining about potential consequences, ruined careers, huge legal bills.
When a simple yellow highlighter would clearly have told me to stay the heck away from this. To be content, in fact really happy earning less money doing honorable work with honorable people.
I'm very sorry, folks, but I have little sympathy for this 45 year old "protégée," looking at a world of hurt, given all the evidence kindly provided by the dogged reporter. Who, I assume, is doing honorable work, with honorable people. And not worried at all about being swept up in the dragnet of the century.
"We thought we had a good business model," we're told... one of them described as a 45 year old "protégée."
I'm sorry, so much of this just doesn't pass the smell test.
I'm so glad my son, who just turned 48, is NOT a protégée - associated with Putin, Trump, shell companies, Cyprus banks - caught up in a growing high profile investigation which is likely to take down all opportunities of people, who are now claiming; "We thought we had a good business model."
Red flags! Warning signs. Wanting to associate with shady characters, because it was gonna bring shady business opportunities. And now ... they're whining about potential consequences, ruined careers, huge legal bills.
When a simple yellow highlighter would clearly have told me to stay the heck away from this. To be content, in fact really happy earning less money doing honorable work with honorable people.
I'm very sorry, folks, but I have little sympathy for this 45 year old "protégée," looking at a world of hurt, given all the evidence kindly provided by the dogged reporter. Who, I assume, is doing honorable work, with honorable people. And not worried at all about being swept up in the dragnet of the century.
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Dogged, honorable reporters (plural), even better!
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Where are Woodward and Bernstein now that we need them --- again.
Follow the money!
Follow the money!
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Woodward and Bernstein did a great job in their time, but the Washington Post reporters responsible for this investigative article are certainly their worthy successors and, I believe, equals.
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Katherine, is "this" not about the NYT's article?! BOTH the WaPo and the NYT have been doing a great job unearthing the backdrop of sleaze and "foreign" influence that is emerging from closer looks at the Trump campaign and administration, but this latest expose is from the Times.
1
Cyprus, Cyprus, Cyprus will replace Ohio, Ohio, Ohio. Cyprus is the swamp for American tax evaders and Russians. At least one cabinet member owned some Cyprus offshore bank and at least one son-in-law does business there. Offshore Cyprus banks connect way too many people in this administration.
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“Everything was done legally and with the approval of our lawyers,” Mr. Gates said.
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And Trump's very own attorney just hired an attorney for himself. Was he one of those lawyers?
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And Trump's very own attorney just hired an attorney for himself. Was he one of those lawyers?
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Since when does the approval of lawyers make anything legal (let alone ethical).
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When the lawyers have to hire their own lawyers, there's no longer any question, the ship is sinking. Even Daniel (the original) Webster couldn't extract Trump from this liaison with Lucifer. On the positive side, with all these bad actors on a chain gang, our infrastructure could get fixed in a heartbeat. Shakin' the bush, boss!
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Sleezy and greedy are Trump’s fleas from the “swamp.” They were helping the bad guys in Ukraine while the Obama Administration was trying to promote democracy.
And this gem, paraphrased: “Black, Manafort, Stone, Kelly, a high-powered Washington consulting firm, specialized in running Republican campaigns and then lobbying the politicians they had helped elect.”
Let’s just say that in the U.S., they were making millions promoting bad politicians to the naïve and then making millions promoting bad ideas to the politicians.
And this gem, paraphrased: “Black, Manafort, Stone, Kelly, a high-powered Washington consulting firm, specialized in running Republican campaigns and then lobbying the politicians they had helped elect.”
Let’s just say that in the U.S., they were making millions promoting bad politicians to the naïve and then making millions promoting bad ideas to the politicians.
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And somewhere in this period, these elected Republicans started praising Vladimir Putin on Fox News. Coincidence, or the Russians getting what they'd paid Manafort et al for?
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It would be too much to hope that this is the beginning of the end of these purely greed-driven “business” dealings. Dealings with regimes that not only oppress their citizens, but also abuse their power to enrich all those at the top while keeping everyone else impoverished and powerless.
However, it sure is nice to see these “businessmen” scurrying under the investigative sunlight.
Here’s hoping it will have long-lasting cleansing effects.
However, it sure is nice to see these “businessmen” scurrying under the investigative sunlight.
Here’s hoping it will have long-lasting cleansing effects.
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It´s not surprising that the Trump Campaign was using Shell Companies in Cypress,set up by Mr. Deripaska, who is part of Russian President Putin´s inner circle. This may indicate how money was transferred and subsequently laundered to Trump´s campaign for their collusion in the 2016 Presidential Elections.
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Thanks NYT for the work you are doing.
Continue following the money....
Continue following the money....
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After reading this I feel like I need to take a shower. How many Americans - of either party - understand how our public representatives interact with private businessmen? Can Trump voters relate to the activities of these "consultants" and lobbyists? Teachers, cops, nurses, and construction workers dignify our nation just by going to work. This underbelly of dark money and influence shames us all. Maybe Trump will benefit the nation by exposing the fact that American democracy isn't all that different from a criminal cartel.
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You're so right!
Right now I wish the Times had a wonderful article up about "teachers, cops, buses, construction workers" etc. who lead decent, honorable lives, paying their taxes and who can go home tonight, knowing they have served society and earned our trust and thanks.
Right now I wish the Times had a wonderful article up about "teachers, cops, buses, construction workers" etc. who lead decent, honorable lives, paying their taxes and who can go home tonight, knowing they have served society and earned our trust and thanks.
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Some of them voted for Trump.
5
The people who run the country have never been that different from a criminal cartel, whether you're talking about the oligarchs of the 18th century (cotton, molasses, and slaves), the 19th century (oil barons and railroad men), or the 20th century (anyone related to the Orange One).
Recently I read how the high-toned Brooks Bros. clothiers got its start selling shoddy uniforms to the armies of the Civil War. It's a rare fortune that doesn't have a crime built into its background.
Recently I read how the high-toned Brooks Bros. clothiers got its start selling shoddy uniforms to the armies of the Civil War. It's a rare fortune that doesn't have a crime built into its background.
8
Doesn't it make your stomach lurch to realize, again and again, that Donald Trump's associates are thugs? That they are unsavory creatures who deal with Russian oligarchs and subversive Eastern European entities? Or sycophants impressed with vulgar glitz?
And that he is our president?
If our xenophobic conservatives here in America had given Trump's pals a second look, they would have run away screaming. No American bank will lend him money. His closest companions are Putin's henchmen. Crikey.
And that he is our president?
If our xenophobic conservatives here in America had given Trump's pals a second look, they would have run away screaming. No American bank will lend him money. His closest companions are Putin's henchmen. Crikey.
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I am reminded that Nixon was a friend of mobster Bebe Rebozo while in the White House.
20
That is some impressive swamp-draining you've been doing there, Mr. Trump!
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You lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas. I hope this guy spends every dime he has on legal fees defending himself in this investigation.
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Maggie, the occasional flea infestation my dog had was a small price to pay for his unwavering loyalty, devotion and unconditional love. How could you compare members of the Trump coven of venal men and women to dogs?
We feed our dogs twice a day and give them an occasional treat and they love us; our tax money feeds these carcinogens, and what do we get in return but cancer invading our body politic. If only the worst was an occasional flea infestation.
We feed our dogs twice a day and give them an occasional treat and they love us; our tax money feeds these carcinogens, and what do we get in return but cancer invading our body politic. If only the worst was an occasional flea infestation.
13
Hiring his own lawyer was a smart move for Pence. Hiring 3 would be smarter at this point.
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And Mr. Pence's benefactors, the brothers Koch, might be able to help him with exPenses.
Not really funny, I know.
Not really funny, I know.
10
If Pence or Ryan get to be president, Charles Koch will be running everything.
People just have no idea what they did in voting for Trump.
People just have no idea what they did in voting for Trump.
15
They're going to be busy representing each other at this rate.
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Manafort and Gates and members of the Trump campaign wouldn't be under investigation if Hillary Clinton had won the election.
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Right. Because they would be private citizens, not an inner circle of associates close to our president. It seems like you don't see the difference.
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Are you also suggesting the Fed. would have ignored questions raised about Trump's tax evasion if it hadn't become a public issue after his election ?
20
And if HRC were Mme. President right now then I wouldn't keep waking up in the middle of the night, checking the news and wondering if the world is still the same place it was when I went to bed. What's your point?
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