This and all other the similar meetings ("collusions") strike at the heart of our elections and, thus, of our democracy. Petitioning senators is one avenue we all have to discover and, if needed, to act on the facts. Please call your two senators (Congressional switchboard: 202-224-3121) You'll be asked your ZIP code and be routed to your senators. A congressional aide will answer and record your concerns and pass them on. It takes 5 minutes. Be polite and request their complete support for a full, open, bi-partisan, and immediate hearing into the alleged Russian influences. Even Mr. Trump should welcome inquiries (if he’s innocent of collusion). State your case clearly. You are an American and are concerned about our democracy. (If a young person answers the phone, you could say that it's their future and your grandchildren's you’re concerned about.) This is a national crisis. The time to act is now.
26
If this is not proof that the highest office in the nation has been co-opted in a direct act of war by Russia, I don't know what is. They clearly hacked the election. They clearly have been deep in the Trump campaign. They clearly are using at minimum former Russian intelligence operators in a conspiracy with the Trump campaign. And each of the Trump team not only met them, but did so with the enthusiastic understanding that what was about to transpire was somehing to hide and lie about.
I repeat, we have been co-opted, and we have Putin's puppet and a complicit support staff in the highest office in the nation and world.
And this traitor and his traitorous and treasonous family have access to all military, intelligence and government monetary resources - as clear, primary actors in this attack on the Unites States of America. And he has the nuclear codes.
Let that sink in. We must end this coup immediately for the sake of the nation, democracy, the world and the future of humanity.
I repeat, we have been co-opted, and we have Putin's puppet and a complicit support staff in the highest office in the nation and world.
And this traitor and his traitorous and treasonous family have access to all military, intelligence and government monetary resources - as clear, primary actors in this attack on the Unites States of America. And he has the nuclear codes.
Let that sink in. We must end this coup immediately for the sake of the nation, democracy, the world and the future of humanity.
27
The corrupting power of lobbyists are now as normal as washing your hair ; they should not be allowed to influence our politicians , but the most heinous is allowing other counties to lobby in this country, this goes for naturalized citizens , and one who happens to have worked for the K.G.B. There is something rotten in Washington , not Denmark !
13
In my opinion this media campaign about non justiciable events is mainly aimed at Europeans. It is supposed to make them believe that it is not an American but a half-Russian president that is declaring war on them. For now I am talking about an economic war. It is a genius
2
If you are caught in a raid of a "house of ill-repute", neither the judge or your wife will believe that "nothing happened", even if it didn't.
19
The Trump campaign could have hired Rinat Akhmetshin to work as an opposition researcher for the campaign nwithout breaking any laws. He is a U.S. citizen. The Trump campaign also could have recruited Natalia Veselnitskaya as a volunteer campaign worker without breaking any laws. Foreign nationals are permitted to do volunteer work on U.S. political campaigns even if they don't have green cards. Thousands of foreign nationals enrolled on the DACA program did volunteer work for the Clinton campaign. Like the Clinton campaign volunteers, Veselnitskaya could have legally stuffed envelopes, organized rallies, conducted voter registration drives and given campaign speeches. She could also have legally prepared press releases detailing the contents of the incriminating documents she purported handed to Donald Trump Jr.
2
I think the wooden horse is full of Trojan soldiers.
Why does no-one want to admit what is now so obvious. The Russians have infiltrated the White House. Is there no-one in Congress who actually thinks this matters?
Why does no-one want to admit what is now so obvious. The Russians have infiltrated the White House. Is there no-one in Congress who actually thinks this matters?
21
Is this really new? Didn't Trump brag in one (or more?) of his campaign speeches that the Russians had hacked the Dems and invited them to do more of it?
And of course Trump began his campaign with a speech in front of hired actors expressing the worst sort of hatred towards "Mexicans" (with no qualification!) calling them "criminals and rapists". That was the point when the media should have dropped him but instead gave him enormous exposure.
And then ultimately we got Trump because so many people didn't vote......
I'm of course horrified at the Russian interference in our elections but we have to acknowledge they had lots of help from people who claimed there was no difference between Hillary Clinton and Trump.... :-(
And of course Trump began his campaign with a speech in front of hired actors expressing the worst sort of hatred towards "Mexicans" (with no qualification!) calling them "criminals and rapists". That was the point when the media should have dropped him but instead gave him enormous exposure.
And then ultimately we got Trump because so many people didn't vote......
I'm of course horrified at the Russian interference in our elections but we have to acknowledge they had lots of help from people who claimed there was no difference between Hillary Clinton and Trump.... :-(
11
Trump Jr., Kushner, Manafort, Russian attorney Veselnitskaya, lobbyist/intelligence, translator -- This is beyond nauseating. The Trump campaign welcomed the possibility of Russian collusion with open arms, despite the criminal action of conspiracy to damage the U.S. election, and then lie, lie, lie, and lie including on official security documents and by Trump himself (as usual). Kushner and Ivanka have high security clearances, despite all the lies.
Thank goodness for Mr. Mueller and his investigators. The Republicans are basically the party of Russia now, and should just go over to Moscow en masse where they can all stay in Trump Hotel chains. A nepotism of traitors all interested in money. The White House is going to need to be fumigated after this family of grifters is removed.
Thank goodness for Mr. Mueller and his investigators. The Republicans are basically the party of Russia now, and should just go over to Moscow en masse where they can all stay in Trump Hotel chains. A nepotism of traitors all interested in money. The White House is going to need to be fumigated after this family of grifters is removed.
15
Dear NYT,
I realize that all the drip drip of revelations makes for gripping journalism. I know I'm having a difficult time not being drawn in and distracted from my daily obligations with each new story about the possible collusion. It's incredible that the position of the US presidency could seem so besmirched.
However, I am getting very concerned that this kind of wagging tongue coverage could whip back and bite the Democrats at the 2018 elections if there is no Oz at the end of this yellow brick road. It could come off looking like a press generated Much ado about nothing situation if Mueller finds nothing to file charges on.
I still feel a bit burned by the complacency that was built up around a "for certain" Clinton victory last year by the NYT reporting. I, for one, would appreciate it if you slowed down the insinuations until the FBI comes out with something solid to report. I feel like the reporting, though great, is getting ahead of the story.
It won't help us to just vent on these pages when the next election cycle comes around. Also this kind of coverage seems to motivate the Trump base not shake it.
Thanks in advance for your consideration.
I realize that all the drip drip of revelations makes for gripping journalism. I know I'm having a difficult time not being drawn in and distracted from my daily obligations with each new story about the possible collusion. It's incredible that the position of the US presidency could seem so besmirched.
However, I am getting very concerned that this kind of wagging tongue coverage could whip back and bite the Democrats at the 2018 elections if there is no Oz at the end of this yellow brick road. It could come off looking like a press generated Much ado about nothing situation if Mueller finds nothing to file charges on.
I still feel a bit burned by the complacency that was built up around a "for certain" Clinton victory last year by the NYT reporting. I, for one, would appreciate it if you slowed down the insinuations until the FBI comes out with something solid to report. I feel like the reporting, though great, is getting ahead of the story.
It won't help us to just vent on these pages when the next election cycle comes around. Also this kind of coverage seems to motivate the Trump base not shake it.
Thanks in advance for your consideration.
10
My guess: Liberal operatives (paging David Korn) set this sting in motion after Trump "jokingly" asks Russia to provide HRC's missing emails. The Russian lawyer, who is looking to get into good graces with Democrats (who are expected to easily win the election), is enlisted. This involves arranging for special favors from the Attorney General. The lawyer's job is to pass to DJT Jr. some weak and made-up evidence of HRC misbehavior supposedly provided by the Russian government. The objective is to get the Trump campaign to use this false evidence and be exposed for colluding with the Russian government. When Trumps don't use the evidence, the plan falls apart...until now.
4
There are two parts of this story that will keep it alive:
1. Jr's changing the story, three times so far. And the stupidity of having the meeting in the first place.
2. That Sr. knew nothing about the meeting until it was revealed in the press. Does anyone believe that?
And I suppose the third issue is the constant lies coming out of this administration. I'm sure some of what they say is true, but which part?
And where does that lead? Total mistrust for everything coming out of this administration. A President cannot be effective without the trust of the majority of Americans, and his aides for that matter.
1. Jr's changing the story, three times so far. And the stupidity of having the meeting in the first place.
2. That Sr. knew nothing about the meeting until it was revealed in the press. Does anyone believe that?
And I suppose the third issue is the constant lies coming out of this administration. I'm sure some of what they say is true, but which part?
And where does that lead? Total mistrust for everything coming out of this administration. A President cannot be effective without the trust of the majority of Americans, and his aides for that matter.
13
Quite a statement by Donald Trump, I would have done the same thing that my son did, that is, attending the meeting and exploring the potential to get dirt on Hillary. Of course, he would do the same thing! He did do the same thing, he did the exact same thing at the same time. He undoubtedly sent the family to express his own wishes, explore the possibilities, and plan the details of the attack. What is so scary about Mr. Trump is his ability to lie and make a sizable portion of his audience forget the real issues and believe his rendition.
8
I'd like to know how this Akhmetshin character became a naturalized citizen? How could a Russian, part of the security apparatus, become a US citizen while lobbying for Russian business and government interests.
8
The irony in all of this insanity is that the Trump campaign did not need Russian meddling to win this election. The Clinton team was arrogant, lazy and woefully ignorant about huge swaths of American voters. As a lifelong Democrat, I knew my team was going down the day I drove home from work and passed throngs of Trump supporters eagerly awaiting his arrival. Suddenly my purple state seemed a lot redder. Russian meddling or not, the outcome would have been the same. I am frankly far more concerned about what this Neanderthal president and his minions have done to this country since taking office. Democrats need to be in the trenches fighting every step of the way. Let the special prosecutor do his job. We need to focus on health care, living wages, the environment, etc.
8
Compared to what? Heavy breathing over supposed wrong-doing vs 635 self-confessed swindlers in congress. They take "contributions" for services (bribery) or take contributions with no services(fraud). Where is the indignation? Maybe give the first term congressmen the benefit of the doubt. Every video and picture of a congressperson should have the face blurred. The first question should be "do you recuse yourself if money has changed hands?" Let's start firing people that do not have Russian contacts. They need to know what is going on.
Who is investigating whom? Which side of the dias has more "honor"?
Who is investigating whom? Which side of the dias has more "honor"?
2
The Trumps and company run with a nice crowd. Is anyone not involved with corruption of one sort or another?
11
Asking again, what are the democrats doing to prepare for the midterm elections?
Simply standing in a field and watching the fireworks display of the implosion of the Trump administration is not enough.
Four people wrote this article. Can one of them please tell me what the democrats are up to?
Simply standing in a field and watching the fireworks display of the implosion of the Trump administration is not enough.
Four people wrote this article. Can one of them please tell me what the democrats are up to?
6
July 15, 2017
There are professional that have a discipline and mature in their craft - where as DT, Jr. is for sure a well meaning personality for the family business and yet it now is evident is groomed for standards of working rules and transactions that are judge to be in the interest of product, such as the reality product and as well the review for the very nature of customer vitality to the general welfare of the property in negotiation. Junior is nice as Mister President his dad says but the question is - is he polished and business savvy for the strength of the good standard of wanting to engage in more that the sales price but the interest for the long terms life of both seller and buyer please to be in a satisfactory honorable relationship. This type of analysis is very much part of financial career where knowing who doing business with must be part of the success of the sales and as well holding or banking with reputable on shore and in the best interest for our business community as well the general good stay for state and nation. Having said that there is leap toward how the Trump family business was flawed and in high risks for troubles. And by the way where are is prior tax returns that are record reviewed by the Times reporters and given clearance for publishing to at lease give the available information to the public that is expecting deserving of what can be respected by signed reporting to government powers like all of us taxpayers and citizens.
There are professional that have a discipline and mature in their craft - where as DT, Jr. is for sure a well meaning personality for the family business and yet it now is evident is groomed for standards of working rules and transactions that are judge to be in the interest of product, such as the reality product and as well the review for the very nature of customer vitality to the general welfare of the property in negotiation. Junior is nice as Mister President his dad says but the question is - is he polished and business savvy for the strength of the good standard of wanting to engage in more that the sales price but the interest for the long terms life of both seller and buyer please to be in a satisfactory honorable relationship. This type of analysis is very much part of financial career where knowing who doing business with must be part of the success of the sales and as well holding or banking with reputable on shore and in the best interest for our business community as well the general good stay for state and nation. Having said that there is leap toward how the Trump family business was flawed and in high risks for troubles. And by the way where are is prior tax returns that are record reviewed by the Times reporters and given clearance for publishing to at lease give the available information to the public that is expecting deserving of what can be respected by signed reporting to government powers like all of us taxpayers and citizens.
1
People have to start wondering is there anything these Republican's won't excuse when it comes to conduct or ethics.
9
So obvious this was a KGB organized approach to make inroads into the political process. Undoubtably because Trump was out running his mouth how Mr Putin was a impressive leader and clearly demonstrating colossal ignorance of their real motives. Ask anyone from Europe and they could have told Trump this is how the KGB do business. Simply review espionage since WWII.
Trump junior has a lot more to tell what they offered in the meeting and it wasn't anything to do with dirt on Hillary Clinton.
Trump junior has a lot more to tell what they offered in the meeting and it wasn't anything to do with dirt on Hillary Clinton.
5
The continuing revelations about the June 9, 2016 meeting at Trump Tower are starting to sound like the inverse of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None." First there were just four attendees, then six and then there were eight. Will it reach double figures?
4
The collusion puzzle pieces are fitting together.
There was a known KGB connected Russian hacker, aka lobbyist, at the June, 2016 meeting with Trump, Jr.
The Russian lawyer present at that meeting stopped short of denying she handed documents to the Trump team, only saying she did not intend to.
Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, whom Sally Yates testified to Congress "was compromised" allegedly worked with GOP donor
Peter Smith to hack DNC emails, per Peter Smith, who specifically knew that six people, including two Russians, had the emails.
There was a known KGB connected Russian hacker, aka lobbyist, at the June, 2016 meeting with Trump, Jr.
The Russian lawyer present at that meeting stopped short of denying she handed documents to the Trump team, only saying she did not intend to.
Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, whom Sally Yates testified to Congress "was compromised" allegedly worked with GOP donor
Peter Smith to hack DNC emails, per Peter Smith, who specifically knew that six people, including two Russians, had the emails.
7
This should give everyone a sense of how the Trump organization works, by way of shady dealings. only now subjected to continual public scrutiny. Sure makes you wonder what other secret meetings have been held.
7
Russia-Trump-foolery is a distraction while Speaker Ryan and Senator McConnell assure that most U.S. citizens are reduced to serfdom within a system of competitive authoritarian rule.
I define "competitive authoritarianism" as:
~a polarized system in which the two major parties compete for donor dollars and base support and, when in power, impose the policies favored by donors and base on the citizenry as a whole;
~a system wherein the trappings of democracy remain in place, but in which democratic norms are undermined and democratic institutions, primarily through the influence of money in politics, are severely weakened;
~a system wherein government officials, in unprecedented ways, abuse state power to aid their allies and disadvantage their adversaries;
~a system in which the considered preferences of the majority of citizens are ignored and abuses of power go well beyond those associated with traditional patronage.
The ever opportunistic Mitch McConnell recognizes but one guiding principle: The end—promoting the interests of himself, his party, its base and its donors—justifies the means. His handling of the Scalia replacement and his secretive, rule-bending, no-debate and rushed approach to healthcare legislation are two instances of GOP authoritarianism.
Many citizens now believe: Since no governmental institution is bigger than the greed and lust for power that drives the person in charge, no institution is to be trusted.
When the GOP wins, democracy loses.
I define "competitive authoritarianism" as:
~a polarized system in which the two major parties compete for donor dollars and base support and, when in power, impose the policies favored by donors and base on the citizenry as a whole;
~a system wherein the trappings of democracy remain in place, but in which democratic norms are undermined and democratic institutions, primarily through the influence of money in politics, are severely weakened;
~a system wherein government officials, in unprecedented ways, abuse state power to aid their allies and disadvantage their adversaries;
~a system in which the considered preferences of the majority of citizens are ignored and abuses of power go well beyond those associated with traditional patronage.
The ever opportunistic Mitch McConnell recognizes but one guiding principle: The end—promoting the interests of himself, his party, its base and its donors—justifies the means. His handling of the Scalia replacement and his secretive, rule-bending, no-debate and rushed approach to healthcare legislation are two instances of GOP authoritarianism.
Many citizens now believe: Since no governmental institution is bigger than the greed and lust for power that drives the person in charge, no institution is to be trusted.
When the GOP wins, democracy loses.
5
We live in an amazing, dizzying time of Republican Party politics. This party has accused Democrats for decades of being soft on communism, the Soviet Union and "Red" China in particular. All of a sudden with Trump, it's AOK to be consorting with KGB grad Vladimir Putin and his agents. This is one, sick Republican Party, onetime home of Abraham Lincoln and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
13
Of course we should meet with Putin. He is President of Russia and Russia is an important country.
2
The meeting itself is almost irrelevant. The fact that the intermediary wears funny wigs is irrelevant. The fact that the Russian attorney didn't work officially for the Kremlin is irrelevant. The fact that Junior, Kushner and Manafort didn't find the offered info interesting is irrelevant.
What is relevant is that Junior's email shows that he responded affirmatively and enthusiastically to an offer of Russian government aid in the election and that Manafort and Kushner were interested enough to show up.
What is relevant is that Junior's email shows that he responded affirmatively and enthusiastically to an offer of Russian government aid in the election and that Manafort and Kushner were interested enough to show up.
20
No, he responded to the offer of a lawyer.
Still, the Dems lost. Women just can't be fooled.
5
@Northlander: Say what? The Democrats garnered nearly three million -- that's million -- more votes. That is called winning the popular vote. The current president is in office not because more people want him to be president, but because we have an antiquated system called the Electoral College that protects rural areas from being dominated by urban areas -- even though the majority of the population in this country lives in a city. The Electoral College did this to us, not the majority of voters. And I am willing to bet that most American women despise Trump and what he stands for.
2
Shame of the third party "voters" who couldn't make a rational choice last November.
That was unforgivable.
That was unforgivable.
30
Oh, but they did make a rational choice - no more Clintons.
4
It takes two seconds to drop an envelope.
7
Every news story assumes there was dirt on Clinton.
Rather strange that the NYT and other liberal media doesn't investigate the part of the story of most interest to the readers.
Maybe NYT is waiting for the Russians to give it the envelope they didn't give Trump, Jr.
Really, if they got the Clinton dirt, they could put out an extra edition.
Rather strange that the NYT and other liberal media doesn't investigate the part of the story of most interest to the readers.
Maybe NYT is waiting for the Russians to give it the envelope they didn't give Trump, Jr.
Really, if they got the Clinton dirt, they could put out an extra edition.
6
Exactly! All I hear is "when there is smoke there is fire" around the Trumps meeting with the Russian insinuating collusion. But how about "when there is smoke there is fire" about what the dirt was on Hillary!
4
Pay attention or, at least. Use Google or other search engines.
The "dirt" was reportedly about a hedge fund owner who didn't pay taxes in Russia and was a DNC donor.
The "dirt" was reportedly about a hedge fund owner who didn't pay taxes in Russia and was a DNC donor.
14
The fear or knowledge of what the Russians may have on Clinton is possibly why the Dems are not pushing the issue in Congress. Whatever dirt they may have would probably come out in any hearings on the scale of other major investigations such as Watergate. Clinton is a private citizen now and not much more damage can be done to her reputation I would think. The Democrats need to make some show of reestablishing some ethics in politics and government.
2
Yesterday on the news I heard there was an interpreter in the room for the meeting. Shouldn't they be named and interviewed as well?
5
Meanwhile, back at his golf Club in Westminster, President Trump still refers to the "Russian hoax story" despite the evidence presented by his own "great kid" son Don jr's email chain...
This is beyond pathetic.
This is beyond pathetic.
32
Let's not forget that less than a month after the June 9 meeting, Paul Manafort was confounding the entire GOP by working to remove, or soften, mentions of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the draft GOP platform. Quid pro quo.
32
And more recently, after the surprise firing of Preet Bharara, the DOJ abruptly settles the lawsuit that the Russian lawyer was involved in for way less than was originally being demanded, making an offer the defense described as "too good to refuse." http://www.businessinsider.com/why-was-russian-money-laundering-case-dis...
5
For what? Trump Jr doesn't appear to have gotten any info as he didn't use any against Hillary during the election.
2
"The Human Rights Global Initiative Foundation", aka, HRGIF. A perfect cover for a Kremlin connected spy op. I'll bet it's tax exempt too.
Oops, left out the "Accountability" in the above name so it's actually the
HRGAIF. Something like that. I think it's a code of some sort but I'm not sure for what. I'll work on it and get back to all you folks out there when I figure it out. . I think it may have something to do with money.
Oops, left out the "Accountability" in the above name so it's actually the
HRGAIF. Something like that. I think it's a code of some sort but I'm not sure for what. I'll work on it and get back to all you folks out there when I figure it out. . I think it may have something to do with money.
5
The real threat to democracy is having no or significantly delayed consequences to people in power when they lie, cover up and behave in unpatriotic manner.
tax-paying, honorable, patriotic people, understand that rich and powerful people will always have an advantage over them. However, the last 6-10 months are a testimonial to how powerful people are lying, exaggerating, messing with things that a majority of Americans value so dearly and getting away.
The tragedy is that the Trumps et al may still get away....and make a lot of money without any consequences to them. The media has utterly failed the Americans. They should have been on top of this couple of years ago.
The Trumps have proved for me that the current system of Democracy in US has failed.
We do not need lawyers to tell us when a lie is a lie. We do not always need lawyers to tell us when a crime is committed. Today, I have to admire Shepherd Smith from Fox News to have the courage to utter the truth that is evident to most Americans. Sad day when I have to quote "Fox News" like this.
tax-paying, honorable, patriotic people, understand that rich and powerful people will always have an advantage over them. However, the last 6-10 months are a testimonial to how powerful people are lying, exaggerating, messing with things that a majority of Americans value so dearly and getting away.
The tragedy is that the Trumps et al may still get away....and make a lot of money without any consequences to them. The media has utterly failed the Americans. They should have been on top of this couple of years ago.
The Trumps have proved for me that the current system of Democracy in US has failed.
We do not need lawyers to tell us when a lie is a lie. We do not always need lawyers to tell us when a crime is committed. Today, I have to admire Shepherd Smith from Fox News to have the courage to utter the truth that is evident to most Americans. Sad day when I have to quote "Fox News" like this.
23
Jay: Democracy is failing because of gullible people like you. if you really believe the democrats hands are clean as the driven snow and was not engaging in the same dirty tricks for certain democracy is going to be lost because of hypocrites. If they impeach President Trump then you get Mr Pence. From the frying pan to the fire, because they will be no never Pence all the republicans will be all in, democrats can kiss the white house goodbye forever, and I guess the democrats are going to repeat the same pattern of digging up all the dirt they can and on and on, being paid $174,000, when are the people's business going to get done?
1
Reply to Allison:
thanks for your comments to my post. To think of me as gullible is an assumption/speculation.
Nowhere, in my comment have I mentioned anything about Democrats being innocent. Aspects of Liberalism has contributed to the current problem, but that is a separate discussion.
My point is not about what will happen if Trump is impeached. The consequences of impeachment is not the reason why Americans should not do what is legally/ethically essential thing to do.
It will be a speculation that Mr Pence will be the next president if Trump goes. My angst is that even with such incriminating and ethically disturbing data, Mr Trump will still be the President for at least one term. That is my lament. If Trump goes, it is likely that Pence will go to as he SEEMS to be deeply mired in the mess. Still, from my perspective that was perhaps missed by you, people in power, when they commit crime or lie, should have more immediate consequences. Justice delayed here has dramatic repercussions downstream.
As much as I would hate democrats to lose white house, it is still extremely important that the current goons have consequences for what and how they have conducted tax-payers business. I do not care for democrats to dig the dirt. I CARE for the media to do their job more diligently.
So, finally, instead of blaming each other, both of us should look for the problem where it is. When we cannot trust the words of our own President and his men/women, we have a "Yuge" problem.
thanks for your comments to my post. To think of me as gullible is an assumption/speculation.
Nowhere, in my comment have I mentioned anything about Democrats being innocent. Aspects of Liberalism has contributed to the current problem, but that is a separate discussion.
My point is not about what will happen if Trump is impeached. The consequences of impeachment is not the reason why Americans should not do what is legally/ethically essential thing to do.
It will be a speculation that Mr Pence will be the next president if Trump goes. My angst is that even with such incriminating and ethically disturbing data, Mr Trump will still be the President for at least one term. That is my lament. If Trump goes, it is likely that Pence will go to as he SEEMS to be deeply mired in the mess. Still, from my perspective that was perhaps missed by you, people in power, when they commit crime or lie, should have more immediate consequences. Justice delayed here has dramatic repercussions downstream.
As much as I would hate democrats to lose white house, it is still extremely important that the current goons have consequences for what and how they have conducted tax-payers business. I do not care for democrats to dig the dirt. I CARE for the media to do their job more diligently.
So, finally, instead of blaming each other, both of us should look for the problem where it is. When we cannot trust the words of our own President and his men/women, we have a "Yuge" problem.
3
Allison -
It is no wonder why Trump loves the poorly educated, they are his base. Those who voted for Trump are the Websters dictionary definition of gullible.
Still wearing MAGA caps made in China?
Still mourning the victims of the Bowling Greene massacre?
Still shopping for Ivanka's foreign slave labor merchandise?
Still working on building a transparent border wall?
How is the healthcare reform coming along?
Tax reform?
US standing in the world is rising or falling?
The list goes on and on.
Too bad all of this Russian stuff keeps getting in the way.
The odds are improving on a daily basis that Trump, his family and many Republican supporters, including Pence, will be leaving the White House in disgrace. I guess we could thank Trump that the chances of a Republican in the White House again will not come for many generations. It will take that much time to unravel the damage created by the GOP but we have done it before and we can do it again.
It is no wonder why Trump loves the poorly educated, they are his base. Those who voted for Trump are the Websters dictionary definition of gullible.
Still wearing MAGA caps made in China?
Still mourning the victims of the Bowling Greene massacre?
Still shopping for Ivanka's foreign slave labor merchandise?
Still working on building a transparent border wall?
How is the healthcare reform coming along?
Tax reform?
US standing in the world is rising or falling?
The list goes on and on.
Too bad all of this Russian stuff keeps getting in the way.
The odds are improving on a daily basis that Trump, his family and many Republican supporters, including Pence, will be leaving the White House in disgrace. I guess we could thank Trump that the chances of a Republican in the White House again will not come for many generations. It will take that much time to unravel the damage created by the GOP but we have done it before and we can do it again.
4
Throughout all of this craziness (most descriptive word I can think of at the moment...), where are the Democrat leaders ? Why aren't they speaking up and demanding action ? They all seem eerily quiet. I hope they are "working behind the scenes with some game plan. If the tables were turned, I don't think I need to describe what the Republican leadership would be doing. But be assured it would involve impeachment proceedings.
8
"He is a veteran of the Red Army, photographed in the 1980s with fellow soldiers in a Russian birch forest. He collects fine art, likes opera and owns a nearly $2 million townhouse in trendy Logan Circle, in the center of Washington. He often zips around the city on a bright orange bicycle."
He, is an American Citizen. He, took an oath to the U.S. So Donald Trump Jr met with an American citizen - that is not a crime.
Funny that the NYT is really digging into this immigrant but willing to just open the door to others.
He, is an American Citizen. He, took an oath to the U.S. So Donald Trump Jr met with an American citizen - that is not a crime.
Funny that the NYT is really digging into this immigrant but willing to just open the door to others.
10
Is your point that people with highly questionable mixed loyalties who have been nationalized as citizens should possibly be subject to having their citizenship revoked? I would agree with that. Anyone can swear an oath and sign a piece of paper. But if their actions tell a different story, that is the narrative to pay attention to. He is loyal to Mother Russia, and Mother Russia would be happy to have him back.
1
The taxpayer cost for Junior's security detail will really be decreased once he is sitting in prison.
Can't come soon enough.
Can't come soon enough.
22
You are forgetting that Jr is a private citizen. What do you plan to charge him with?
1
Apparently Kushner and Manafort did not mention in their recently revised security clearance disclosures, the presence of these extra people at meeting. Isn't it a Felony to lie or intentionally omit such things?
Their original excuse for not reporting the meeting was 'I forgot, it was a long time ago'. But they certainly were reminded of the meeting as they recently revised their security disclosures, so the excuse of further forgetfulness grows pretty thin.
It's all the more suspicious that both Kushner and Manafort "forgot" the same meeting, and even moreso if they both recently "forgot" the same two extra people at that meeting. And even moreso if Trump Jr "forgot" those extra people too. Smells like conspiracy.
How long does it take the investigators to act on such things?
Their original excuse for not reporting the meeting was 'I forgot, it was a long time ago'. But they certainly were reminded of the meeting as they recently revised their security disclosures, so the excuse of further forgetfulness grows pretty thin.
It's all the more suspicious that both Kushner and Manafort "forgot" the same meeting, and even moreso if they both recently "forgot" the same two extra people at that meeting. And even moreso if Trump Jr "forgot" those extra people too. Smells like conspiracy.
How long does it take the investigators to act on such things?
20
Kushner amended his security clearance to disclose meeting Natalia Vselnitskaya. He had no requirement to list Rinat Akhmetshin, who is an American citizen, not a foreigner. Paul Manafort and Donald Trump Jr.have never been members of the Trump administration. They have no security clearances and never applied for one.
1
This fellow is a "sleeper" spy, subversion agent.
WHY did we give him US citizenship? (He has kept the Russian one also.)
Can we revoke that?
He has failed to register as a foreign agent. This is a criminal violation.
WHY are we such chumps?
WHY did we give him US citizenship? (He has kept the Russian one also.)
Can we revoke that?
He has failed to register as a foreign agent. This is a criminal violation.
WHY are we such chumps?
18
Wait - are you asking for...additional vetting!? Say it ain't so!
5
Note POTUS didn't ask for additional vetting of Russians.
8
Yeah, how about that? The nation that has the most megatons of destruction ready to drop on our heads gets the best treatment? I don't like that policy.
Hmmm....guessing Gorelick found out those were DNC files handed over at the Donald Jr. meeting---she's getting out. Think this thing is going to be over soon.
3
Hmm. Let us take stock.
• First there is President Trump. (slippery guy, difficult to trap. He is a Fighter)
• Then there is Ivanka. (she is a woman, smart and resourceful. We will have difficulties with
destroying her)
• Then Donald Jr. (Aha, currently this is a big fish we are wrestling with. We hope that the line doesn't break. We will reel him in soon.)
Let's see what else we can do here:
• There is still Jared Kushner we can get into our net. (Gotta be careful. Powerful family, wealthy. He is an unknown quantity.)
• Then there is still Eric Trump, (I'm sure his hands must also be dirty too)
• Then there is Tiffany. (Hmm. good tabloid material waiting there...)
• Oh, let's not forget the little kid, Barron. (we still don't know what crimes he has committed, but we are sure there's gotta be something we can smear on him eventually).
The list is almost inexhaustible. There is tons of stuff we Democrats can munch on. Life is good, people.
• First there is President Trump. (slippery guy, difficult to trap. He is a Fighter)
• Then there is Ivanka. (she is a woman, smart and resourceful. We will have difficulties with
destroying her)
• Then Donald Jr. (Aha, currently this is a big fish we are wrestling with. We hope that the line doesn't break. We will reel him in soon.)
Let's see what else we can do here:
• There is still Jared Kushner we can get into our net. (Gotta be careful. Powerful family, wealthy. He is an unknown quantity.)
• Then there is still Eric Trump, (I'm sure his hands must also be dirty too)
• Then there is Tiffany. (Hmm. good tabloid material waiting there...)
• Oh, let's not forget the little kid, Barron. (we still don't know what crimes he has committed, but we are sure there's gotta be something we can smear on him eventually).
The list is almost inexhaustible. There is tons of stuff we Democrats can munch on. Life is good, people.
2
Tiffany is lucky that she is out of the loop. Otherwise, your comment is interesting, Mr. Veselovsky.
2
Clown car! Except it is the Trump Tower elevator filled with Russians randomly placing listening devices as they go.
12
Fortunately this was all perpetrated by a family of (financially) well endowed grifters, free of the constraints of dignity, shame, or intellect.
Obviously if a Democrat had done anything remotely like this, it would be really, really treasonous behavior and a serious constitutional crisis. Phew.
Obviously if a Democrat had done anything remotely like this, it would be really, really treasonous behavior and a serious constitutional crisis. Phew.
18
He needs to come clean and admit that Trump Sr., Lewandowski, Conway, Bannon, Christie and Putin where also at the meeting. It's going to come out eventually.
4
What does Akhmetshin's having been in the Soviet military have to do with this story? While the circle closes on the role of Russian government interference in the 2016 presidential campaign is becoming incontrovertible, I fear that the NYT is continuing to push the US generally toward a more aggressive new 'cold war' stance toward Russia.
As disgusting as this interference is, the NYT might consider comparing Russian interference in the political affairs of the US to the widely known and reported US historic and continuing interference in the political affairs of nations around the globe, including fomenting military coups, US military invasions, funding opposition organizations and more.
The authoritarian nationalist Putin regime and those that preceded it can in part be considered blow-back to the refusal of the US (i.e., Bill Clinton) and allies support of the drunkard and oligarch enabler Yeltsin over Gorbachov as the USSR was imploding.
As disgusting as this interference is, the NYT might consider comparing Russian interference in the political affairs of the US to the widely known and reported US historic and continuing interference in the political affairs of nations around the globe, including fomenting military coups, US military invasions, funding opposition organizations and more.
The authoritarian nationalist Putin regime and those that preceded it can in part be considered blow-back to the refusal of the US (i.e., Bill Clinton) and allies support of the drunkard and oligarch enabler Yeltsin over Gorbachov as the USSR was imploding.
3
Please remember that military service was compulsory in the USSR. So you will find that many men over the age of 40 were in the Red Army for several years. As of 1991 there were 4,230,920 in the Red Army.
There is no disgrace for Russia or even the US to try and take advantage of the weaknesses of other nations for their own benefit or the benefit of their allies, or perhaps even in an attempt to make life better for the citizens of that country. The disgrace and dishonor are for those weak leaders in the countries who make it easy for the foreign power to gain an advantage. Trump didn't need to promise to "Make America Great Again." We were great before he became president. Now if the Russian connection allegations are true, Trump and his closest advisors and family seem to be ready to join that criminal group of leaders who sell out their countries for their own financial or other personal gains. We will never be great while Trump is our president
1
Where's the article about Fox and its Breitbart tributaries, who are retro-constructing a fake DNC conspiracy as cover for Donald's Russian collusion. This completes the self-exile of Fox from any sort of legitimate press; it's the Bannon media plan. This deserves to be documented by the free press. Seems to me that DNC should consider filing lawsuits for libel-- there's a limit to what a free people can tolerate. It can't go wrong: look at the gorillas that Donald will use to "defend" himself.
8
Drip, drip, soon it will be fully revealed.
6
I guess we (the public) can begin to take these "incidents" seriously, is when the Republicans in Congress do!!
3
Hugely bad times in America.
Very very sad.
Very very sad.
9
Who wasn't at this meeting? The shoes are dropping, and I'm wondering how many more will fall???
And the lies just keep on coming.....
And the lies just keep on coming.....
4
And here we thought "The Americans" was just fiction!
4
Shocking that Kushner still has a security clearance.
There must be a direct line between this Jr. meeting and J-Kush's meeting to set up a direct Kremlin back channel based from the Russian Embassy in DC.
Everything will play out in time.
Patience.
Until then called your congress people.
Show them that you are watching them.
Demand that the 'Health Care' bill is defeated.
There must be a direct line between this Jr. meeting and J-Kush's meeting to set up a direct Kremlin back channel based from the Russian Embassy in DC.
Everything will play out in time.
Patience.
Until then called your congress people.
Show them that you are watching them.
Demand that the 'Health Care' bill is defeated.
11
Like Putin didn't know what the Russians were doing at the meeting!
3
Dear Electorate of the USA
Your mid term elections are taking place in 16 months time. Your intelligence agencies have been trying to tell you for some time that Russia is planning a massive cyber attack to manipulate the results. The rest of the world is staggered to learn that congressional Republicans have just voted to defund the federal agency responsible for electoral security. Please don't get distracted by the gangster family currently occupying the White House. You have a decision to make which will have lasting consequences for your country and the rest of the world. You can save your democracy or give it away. Please think of the rest of us before making up your mind. Thank you.
Your mid term elections are taking place in 16 months time. Your intelligence agencies have been trying to tell you for some time that Russia is planning a massive cyber attack to manipulate the results. The rest of the world is staggered to learn that congressional Republicans have just voted to defund the federal agency responsible for electoral security. Please don't get distracted by the gangster family currently occupying the White House. You have a decision to make which will have lasting consequences for your country and the rest of the world. You can save your democracy or give it away. Please think of the rest of us before making up your mind. Thank you.
28
Lies upon lies upon lies. The entire Trump family make a wonderful layer cake of the most corruption administration since, no make that including, the nefarious goings-on of Richard Nixon. The major difference Nixon actually had brains, and accomplishments in his six year term. Trump has none, and the ones he wants to get passed would only damage the nation further, especially those less fortunate than we effete elite cliff dwellers in Manhattan. How could so many Americans be taken in by this con, this sham, this charlatan. Did they hate and fear President Obama so they wanted to teach this once great nation a lesson? Well, sorry Trumpists, but the joke is on you, and the punch line is not going to make you laugh. In the end, it will hurt the majority of Trump voters. Sad.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
6
When I read the leading comments here, I think you all must have just binge-watched Monty Python or Mr. Bean reruns on Netflix and then you believe that is how espionage and the Deep State actually function.
This is beyond ridiculous and the hysteria whipped up among this readership is unhinged.
Go take a stroll with your grandchildren at the mall and buy them a Happy Meal.
This is beyond ridiculous and the hysteria whipped up among this readership is unhinged.
Go take a stroll with your grandchildren at the mall and buy them a Happy Meal.
5
You liberals must like Pence a lot. I am fine with him. So if he were to become President what would you have accomplished?
2
Chris - Our accomplishment would be making Trump a less than one term President unlike the Republicans unsuccessful effort to make President Obama a one term President. I also would not get your hopes up that Pence would be the one to replace Trump as we will find out more about what the VP knew and did not know.
The Trump family and it's team of GOP supporters may have just made electing another Republican President more difficult than passing a decent healthcare bill. Something else the GOP can't get right.
The Trump family and it's team of GOP supporters may have just made electing another Republican President more difficult than passing a decent healthcare bill. Something else the GOP can't get right.
4
That we are a nation of laws.
1
It's understandably hard to remember all the Russian counter intelligence agents you've met with.
17
How many member of the Republican US House of Representatives are part of Russia-Gate?
8
Well we know Dana Rohrabacher is a member.
7
We need greater immigration restrictions! Let's start with former KGB agents.
Seriously, how did he manage to immigrate and become a citizen? Who are his friends and how much did it cost?
Seriously, how did he manage to immigrate and become a citizen? Who are his friends and how much did it cost?
11
Remember Reality Winner? The young lady who as a contractor to the government was arrested by the FBI and accused of crimes for releasing classified information regarding Russian hacking of American computers during the election. One of the FBI claims it was the printer font that identified her for her rapid arrest. Fast forward three months and Donald Jr. openly confessions and provides evidence to possible criminal activity and is flying around the world with tax payer's paid protection. Hardly equal justice under the law. Is it possible that this Russian hacking is exposing the fact that we now have 3 criminal just systems? One of course for the rich white males,one for the poor and now one for females?
11
Now showing, at a theatre near you, timely for observance of the centennial of those classic fumbling flatfoots, let's welcome the sequel: Keystone Krooks!
3
I begin to wonder who else was at this meeting. Not merely Junior, but Senior?
4
What is wrong with having Russian influence in the White House? It is good to see the GOP finally embrace ethnic diversity.
3
Wouldn't be surprised if the next thing we hear is that Putin was listening in via conference call or Skype.
5
In these days of everyone knowing everything about everybody, ad nauseam, people are numb to the Russian interference in our government. So they want to interfere, we all have opinions about everything wether you want to hear it or not. People will not care until they personally lose the rights afforded them as US citizens. Please , take a trip to Russis. DTJr. Loves it there. But the Russia you will see and experience won't be nearly as "nice" as his usually is. You won't have some of the rights we have here, but evidently you will see the great places their rich live.
5
"The foundation registered to lobby the United States Congress on issues related to the Magnitsky Act and adoptions two days after the Trump Tower meeting."
Is the Magnitsky Act mere camouflage? Or is it legit?
Is the Magnitsky Act mere camouflage? Or is it legit?
2
Bet it's a code for sanctions!
1
Putin did not like the Magnitsky Act because it interfered with the ability of his oligarch allies to do business as they please. The idea of the act was to put pressure on Putin via his oligarch allies. The reason the U.S. wanted to pressure Putin was to express its displeasure with Russia's annexation of Crimea and its aggression in eastern Ukraine. So this "foundation" was set up to try to persuade U.S. representatives to revoke that act or at least make it less onerous. How aggressively they pursued that agenda and what strategies they used ...
1
Any information the attendee's received as a course of the meeting, should be made public immediately. Once in the public domain, then we will all know if it was material or not. Let the chips fall where they may. I'm sure the DNC and Hillary have nothing to hide or to be concerned about. It would make for a great Sunday insert for the Times. It would also put to rest any of the Republicans' concerns as to Hillary's and the DNC's actions.
1
All that I can think of is that Donald Trump is lucky and should count his lucky stars that he original "60 Minutes" crew isn't around to dig into his administration and oval office shenanigans.
Trump is turning into the sleaziest and most dishonest, as well as incompetent and ignorant President in history.
Trump is turning into the sleaziest and most dishonest, as well as incompetent and ignorant President in history.
16
These Russian operatives and spies are certainly under U.S. surveillance; whatever they said in preparation for their rendevous with the operatives from a U.S. presidential candidate was recorded. We already know that European surveillance intercepted information on Russian activities in the election. Seems Dump Jr. should have hunted less endangered wildlife and watched a couple of James Bond movies.
1
It is so bizarre to watch and listen to the Republican's in Congress try to twist themselves into pretzels to pooh-pooh this meeting with the Russians, it's really is incredible.
When you read the email string, it is obvious from anyone that uses emails, that this wasn't the first or last conversation regarding this issue, and the Trump team with Paul Manifort were not naïve or going into this with their eyes closed, it was a concerted effort to consort and collude with the Russian's on the election and when this is applied to the timeline with everything else, Roger Stone, WikiLeaks, public comments by Trump during the campaign, Kushner's meeting about back channel communication through Russian a conduit out of preview of US intelligence; this isn't only collusion, it is Un-American working with the assistance of a foreign adversary.
These Republican's continuing the party Trump line of nothing there are not only disingenuous, they are disgustingly phony, it is beyond credibility and insulting to any intelligent person that they continue this lie.
I look and listen to that paid liar Kellyanne Conway and it makes me shake my head that anyone could be so sleazy and lie without shame like she does, I just can't imagine stooping that low with regard to my integrity.
When you read the email string, it is obvious from anyone that uses emails, that this wasn't the first or last conversation regarding this issue, and the Trump team with Paul Manifort were not naïve or going into this with their eyes closed, it was a concerted effort to consort and collude with the Russian's on the election and when this is applied to the timeline with everything else, Roger Stone, WikiLeaks, public comments by Trump during the campaign, Kushner's meeting about back channel communication through Russian a conduit out of preview of US intelligence; this isn't only collusion, it is Un-American working with the assistance of a foreign adversary.
These Republican's continuing the party Trump line of nothing there are not only disingenuous, they are disgustingly phony, it is beyond credibility and insulting to any intelligent person that they continue this lie.
I look and listen to that paid liar Kellyanne Conway and it makes me shake my head that anyone could be so sleazy and lie without shame like she does, I just can't imagine stooping that low with regard to my integrity.
12
So this guy retired a lowly Sgt. from the Russian Army and now lives in D.C., owns a $2 million home, collects art and reads incessantly novels that acquaint him with American life and historical traditions -- and a past complaint of computer hacking for e-mails. Yeah, nothing to see here, folks.
18
As they say, "the plot thickens." Clearly, Donald Trump, Jr. is, contrary to his father's opinion, not being at all "transparent" about who attended this meeting and what transpired. All it does is leave one, once more, snelling the stench of collusiin and coverup.
3
It is becoming clearer that Trump was sucked into the Russian web long ago. Russian business dealings are the kind that Trump can relate to and he has always been impressed by Putin's ability to get things done. Russian assistance during the campaign was not only welcome, it was expected, but how to do it so you don't get caught was the question.
7
About the only thing I can glean from this is that I was definitely not at that meeting.
2
What are the chances that a Russian would try to sway an America election without direct approval from Putin?
6
One has to wonder just what it will take for the Republican Congress to start to really hold Trump accountable, does he need to be standing over the dead body with the smoking gun in his hand?
6
Contents of the email by Jr. makes 2016 Election VOID, VOIDABLE or UNENFORCEABLE. As a result 45th must resign.
6
This meeting may well be the tip of the iceberg. That would explain DJT's support of climate-warming activities. He won't be caught or punished if all the icebergs melt.
2
The credibility quotient of the Trump entourage (already at a fairly low level) has done nothing but sink since this administration took office. At this point that decline is accelerating.
What do the intelligence services of the United States Federal Government make of all this? Many of these people are lifelong professionals dedicated to defending American interests against their equally professional foreign counterparts engaged in an ongoing war of wits with, not infrequently, deadly consequences.
In a democracy the fundamental principle is civilian control. American intelligence services are subject to many layers of control ostensibly originating in the voting booth.
Russian intelligence services have the rigorous training and historical background of the KGB and are answerably only to one of their own, a former KGB colonel. The KGB was nothing if not both extremely sophisticated and a practitioner of the patient long game. The Trump people have proven themselves no match. I don't know if shooting from the hip works in real estate. It definitely doesn't work in espionage.
If gut level sympathies in the CIA, NSA, FBI, etc. have not turned against the current president I would be surprised. These entities do not have the constitutional ability to remove the president directly but they can bend the stick. Following the firing of Comey that process must be taking place big time. Given the internal conflict, Putin has clearly won this round and probably more to come.
What do the intelligence services of the United States Federal Government make of all this? Many of these people are lifelong professionals dedicated to defending American interests against their equally professional foreign counterparts engaged in an ongoing war of wits with, not infrequently, deadly consequences.
In a democracy the fundamental principle is civilian control. American intelligence services are subject to many layers of control ostensibly originating in the voting booth.
Russian intelligence services have the rigorous training and historical background of the KGB and are answerably only to one of their own, a former KGB colonel. The KGB was nothing if not both extremely sophisticated and a practitioner of the patient long game. The Trump people have proven themselves no match. I don't know if shooting from the hip works in real estate. It definitely doesn't work in espionage.
If gut level sympathies in the CIA, NSA, FBI, etc. have not turned against the current president I would be surprised. These entities do not have the constitutional ability to remove the president directly but they can bend the stick. Following the firing of Comey that process must be taking place big time. Given the internal conflict, Putin has clearly won this round and probably more to come.
4
Many experts think the whole Trump/Russia connection goes back to his horrid business record in America of stiffing creditors and multiple bankruptcies - making it probably impossible to get loans here. Russians have been hiding their fortunes in high end American real estate to protect it from being seized in Russia. Fredo Don Jr. alluded to this a few years ago in one of his famous quotes. Financially, the Russians may basically own Trump - and thus the hiding of his taxes, and his bend over backwards attitude to help and protect them. The supposed lurid video, if it exists, would simply be
the icing on a large, multi layer, cake.
the icing on a large, multi layer, cake.
10
No matter what the investigations into the Russia collusion show time after time, the GOP will continue to block any Congressional action of any kind on this administration. The other factor that needs to be considered is just how compromised are Republican members of Congress. How many of them accepted Russian money for their PACx or re-election committees? Who else outside the administration is complicit? In protecting Trump, they are also protecting themselves.
6
Russia has not only defeated HClinton but now controls the press and the presidency. We have to look beyond Trump & Sons and save our country.
2
It's interesting to watch the contortions of the few remaining Trump defenders in this comment section: denial, misdirection and outright nonsense cooked up by the likes of Alex Jones. It is clear by now that there was a willingness on the part of the Trump campaign to collude with Russians. Whether any actual collusion occurred is immaterial: conspiracy to commit a crime is a crime, even if unsuccessful. Russia is an enemy country, whose only animating ideology is hatred for the US whom they blame for the loss of their empire. Russia is engaged in an illegal war of aggression in Ukraine. The Trump administration is trying to go easy on Russia. These are facts. Everything else is smoke and mirrors.
8
Thank you to the New York Times for your outstanding efforts working on Russia-Republican ties. With deceit the new US government baseline and Republicans controlling all branches of government further enabling Trump, your effort is extremely difficult and greatly appreciated by those supporting American democracy from all political parties. With Senator Joseph McCarthy and Pres. Richard Nixon before Trump this may sound like another Republican repeat, but the complete disregard for the law shown by the Trump-led government demonstrate a fragility of American democracy that has not been previously tested. Please keep the fourth branch of American democracy, the free press, alive.
10
Are we the frog in the warming water pot? We seem to be inching ever closer to outright treason and espionage while Republicans in Congress refuse to accept the seriousness of the situation, preferring instead to promote a political agenda.
One thing Congressional leadership has in common with the Trump campaign: both are so rabidly partisan they are failing to protect and defend the constitution.
One thing Congressional leadership has in common with the Trump campaign: both are so rabidly partisan they are failing to protect and defend the constitution.
10
How in God's name does a person like Mr. Rinat Akhmetshin obtain US citizenship, let alone allowed into the country on any (semi-)permanent basis? There is no such thing as an "ex-" anything to do with Russian military, police or intelligence. I'm starting to think that our counter-intelligence apparatus is not up to guarding our security.
6
Who needs Deighton and Le Carre?
I wonder if Boris and Natasha were also there?
I wonder if Boris and Natasha were also there?
6
Among other crimes, Trump and team were dealing in stolen property (hacked emails). Let's add grand theft to the litany of other charges.
9
The Netherlands mining company's lawsuit alleges Mr. Akhmetshin hacked into their software while working for a rival Soviet company. In what year was the alleged hacking? Was that when Mr. Akhmetshin was still a Russian citizen or when he was a dual Russian/US citizen?
It's obvious we need to know the identities of all lobbyists registered in our Federal governments. Reading this article, just adds to the evidence we are well on the road to kleptocracy, a form of government in which nationalities are meaningless. The allegiance and identity is either oligarchs or commoners. Trump is our first truly kleptocratic President; he pledges allegiance only to greed, not to any one country. It is not Russia he loves; it is Russian power and money that attracts him and he would have this nation emulate that system.
We need to wake up to the larger horror of Trump; it's not his crazy tweets nor his not so bright family. The horror is that Trump is taking us fast out of democratic rule. He is destroying our laws in the interest of his greed. This is the definition of kleptocracy, literally translated, it is rule by thieves.
It's obvious we need to know the identities of all lobbyists registered in our Federal governments. Reading this article, just adds to the evidence we are well on the road to kleptocracy, a form of government in which nationalities are meaningless. The allegiance and identity is either oligarchs or commoners. Trump is our first truly kleptocratic President; he pledges allegiance only to greed, not to any one country. It is not Russia he loves; it is Russian power and money that attracts him and he would have this nation emulate that system.
We need to wake up to the larger horror of Trump; it's not his crazy tweets nor his not so bright family. The horror is that Trump is taking us fast out of democratic rule. He is destroying our laws in the interest of his greed. This is the definition of kleptocracy, literally translated, it is rule by thieves.
7
I am alarmed that the Republican Party interests and efforts seem to be aligned with Putin's interests. This is much broader than the Trump campaign's possible conspiracy to collude. We are under attack by a hostile foreign power while the leadership of our country benefits, denies and refuses to protect us. Meanwhile the conservative media and large money from certain families like the Mercers have created an alternate universe where 40% of Americans have been persuaded to live. If we cannot vote these people out of power is all lost?
7
Russia may be the source of the leaks:
- To warn Trump that if he steps out of line, there will be bigger, more damaging leaks,
and/or
- To rub America's face in having been had.
- To warn Trump that if he steps out of line, there will be bigger, more damaging leaks,
and/or
- To rub America's face in having been had.
8
The timing - coming just Trump returns from his first meeting with Putin - does seem interesting.
There is another outcome you don't mention, which is further polarizing the electorate. One side is increasingly outraged, while the other develops ever more arcane conspiracy theories about how it's all an Obama set up. I suspect the Russian social media mills are at work promoting that division online.
There is another outcome you don't mention, which is further polarizing the electorate. One side is increasingly outraged, while the other develops ever more arcane conspiracy theories about how it's all an Obama set up. I suspect the Russian social media mills are at work promoting that division online.
This is the first portion of the Oath of Allegiance taken by those who want to become a Citizen of the United States:
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic..."
It seems that a double standard exists. Someone like Donnie Jr appears not to be subject to the same standards.
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic..."
It seems that a double standard exists. Someone like Donnie Jr appears not to be subject to the same standards.
5
If there is a guest registry, and I am sure there is one for Trump tower, and the names of those who attended the meeting are not there. That in itself says there was a deliberate attempt to hide this meeting from the beginning. And, if you want to hide something, it means you have something to going on you don't want people to know about.
5
It isn't necessary for anything of any value to have transpired during the meeting. Just as we, in this country, take the email stream as evidence of willingness to work with a foreign power to tamper with and win an election, the Russians take it the same way, and as evidence that the campaign is willing to violate U.S. law to work with them, if the reward is appropriate. All that's necessary is to have the top campaign people show up to the meeting, pass a document, and then the meeting agenda is open for whatever -- in this case to inform the campaign about the Magnitsky act and how much the "government lawyer" would like to see it go.
If that's what's in this, then this was not the first contact, because the dangle is too advanced and blatant, and there should have been more reeling in of the campaign after the first dump of dirt, one week later. By the third week in July, the whole party was willing to modify the plank about Ukraine at the convention. So what happened in April/May, and what happened in late June early July?
In the Hollywood spy thrillers, the spies recruit a single person this way. Recruiting an entire party and its base and the whole AM radio noise machine like this is breathtaking and very scary. Are Republicans any more than Americans In Name Only anymore?
If that's what's in this, then this was not the first contact, because the dangle is too advanced and blatant, and there should have been more reeling in of the campaign after the first dump of dirt, one week later. By the third week in July, the whole party was willing to modify the plank about Ukraine at the convention. So what happened in April/May, and what happened in late June early July?
In the Hollywood spy thrillers, the spies recruit a single person this way. Recruiting an entire party and its base and the whole AM radio noise machine like this is breathtaking and very scary. Are Republicans any more than Americans In Name Only anymore?
2
This whole thing about whether or not a law was broken is a bogus argument. A person who does what Trump has done, legal or not, should not be President of the United States.
7
What's getting overlooked in all of this is the groundwork that was laid by Donald Trump throughout the campaign that was the beginning of our democratic institutions being challenged. This would be perfect for any outside nation looking to create divisions in our democratic system. He cried throughout the campaign about the election being rigged and established a population of our country that followed suit and were ready to protest and call for hearings if Hillary Clinton had won. And now it looks as though we're continuing to see their process of trying to gain the contraband needed to keep that population riled up had Trump lost the election, where we also would NOT be looking for any collusion, or any meetings because the focus would be on Hillary, and her being "crooked"! Having won the election we're still seeing our democratic system under siege from the "unprecedented" actions of the Trump administration and family, with us now having to "interpret" the laws and rules of our institutions. So our system would have been under attack either way, and personally, watching Trump's behaviors and responses to these situations I don't think he has the mental faculties to orchestrate an attack on our system by himself, which this is looking like, but along with that now also having the power to pardon those who may be possibly complicit in any illegal or criminal activities related to this.
3
If we can assume that there was collusion between the Russians and the Trump campaign, and if we can assume that the objective of the Russians was to help Trump win the election, what exactly was the nature of that collusion? Trump seems to be very worried that he may be accused of not winning the election fair and square, when no one has accused him of that. Could it be that he did not win the election fair and square, that somehow it was rigged? Remember he accused the DNC of rigging the election when there was no proof of any rigging, and we know that whatever Trump accuses people of, he himself has been involved in similar activity. So what did they do and how did they do it? My guess is that it wasn't adding votes for Trump, but may have been by subtracting them for Hillary.
5
Think the Electoral College had something to do with it. AS you may remember, Hillary got 3 million more votes than Trump but Trump,not Hillary is now president. How did that happen?
Hint: Putin did not put the Electoral College in our Constitution. Nor did he enact the many voter suppression laws in Republican controlled states.
Hint: Putin did not put the Electoral College in our Constitution. Nor did he enact the many voter suppression laws in Republican controlled states.
Trump Junior's meeting was 13 months ago. I can't even imagine what will be uncovered from that time forward among family "meetings". Is there ever going to be any actual legitimate work being done by trump senior as POTUS?
7
Good Job, New York Times for reporting more LIES, LIES, LIES by the International Mafia. Please keep that spotlight on this important news.
Now The Con Don is trying to "charm" the press. Please, Good People of the media, Do Not Be Fooled. He is a con man. It's your democracy, too.
How about some real reporting on the civil lawsuits filed against The Con Don campaign by "United to Protect Democracy" which was formed by top Washington/national lawyers. Readers can go to their web site to show support for their work. WE THE PEOPLE, acting together, are the only ones who can preserve/restore true democracy in America.
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/obama-trump-lawyers-worst-case-235280
https://unitedtoprotectdemocracy.org/
Now The Con Don is trying to "charm" the press. Please, Good People of the media, Do Not Be Fooled. He is a con man. It's your democracy, too.
How about some real reporting on the civil lawsuits filed against The Con Don campaign by "United to Protect Democracy" which was formed by top Washington/national lawyers. Readers can go to their web site to show support for their work. WE THE PEOPLE, acting together, are the only ones who can preserve/restore true democracy in America.
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/obama-trump-lawyers-worst-case-235280
https://unitedtoprotectdemocracy.org/
22
It's true, WE can Make America Great Again!
4
Kleptocracy...gain at all costs...elbow, theft of taxpayer monies to support private lifestyles, stealing trade secrets since GDP monies for research have disappeared, hyper-braggadocio to hide failures, loyalty by payoff instead of principles, faux transparency, cloistered control group to hide behaviors, no policy whatsoever other than "what's in it for me?".
There is more to Trump's desire to buddy up to Putin than "a better relationship". Putin is looking for a "gain", Trump wanted a "win". Trump seems to be failing at what Putin hoped to gain by the election interference on Trump's behalf. It would be a real media show if Putin decides to throw Trump under the bus, hoping to make Putin's role in an impeachment look like a gift to the majority of Americans who are waiting for it. The evidence is rolling in now...either Putin is loosing control over these underlings or they are part of a new game plan....
Trump's big mistake...he should have promised to bankrupt kleptocracy instead of tying to buddy up to it.
There is more to Trump's desire to buddy up to Putin than "a better relationship". Putin is looking for a "gain", Trump wanted a "win". Trump seems to be failing at what Putin hoped to gain by the election interference on Trump's behalf. It would be a real media show if Putin decides to throw Trump under the bus, hoping to make Putin's role in an impeachment look like a gift to the majority of Americans who are waiting for it. The evidence is rolling in now...either Putin is loosing control over these underlings or they are part of a new game plan....
Trump's big mistake...he should have promised to bankrupt kleptocracy instead of tying to buddy up to it.
20
The Russian government set a trap and the Trumps walked right into it. The question now is how many more times did they do this.
33
I presume this growing list of attendees is why Donald Trump Jr. did not share the email that listed the people needing access to Trump Tower for the meeting?
16
I would like to know if there were others who were invited to attend that could not make it and who were they? Also, I would like to know who else in the Trump campaign knew about this meeting and what it was about. You cannot tell me that the staff were not aware that this was going on.
1
If Vladimir Putin and the head of the Russian intelligent agency had attended the Trump Tower meeting, the meeting would still not have been unlawful and Donald Trump Jr. would still not have been obligated to report the meeting to the FBI or the U.S. news media. The meeting would have been unlawful only if the participants had conspired to commit a crime. Akhmetshin told the Associated Press that Natalia Veselnitskaya handed Trump Jr. a folder containing documents she said proved the Democratic National Committee accepted illegal campaign funding from Russian businesses. If Putin had personally handed the folder to Trump Jr., no laws would have been broken.
4
Depends...
If the information was oppo research, it was arguably an illegal campaign contribution.
But whether a crime was committed by having the meeting is irrelevant.
The significance of the meeting is that it reveals the many lies about not having Russian contacts and the willingness of the Trump Campaign to receive aid from the Russian government.
If the information was oppo research, it was arguably an illegal campaign contribution.
But whether a crime was committed by having the meeting is irrelevant.
The significance of the meeting is that it reveals the many lies about not having Russian contacts and the willingness of the Trump Campaign to receive aid from the Russian government.
30
Federal courts have ruled many times that the prohibition against foreign contribution applies only to financial contributions. Federal courts have also ruled that foreign nations without green cards can do volunteer work for U.S. political campaigns. The Clinton campaign aggressively and publically recruited foreign nationals enrolled in the DACA program as campaign workers. Thousands of stuffed envelopes, organized rallies, conducted voter registration drives and made campaign speeches, included speeches at the Democratic National Convention. It is not unlawful to seek endorsements, support or opposition research information from foreign governments.
Perhaps, but all the members of the campaign DID break the law.
1
Illegality of the meeting or not, collusion or not (that may be hard to prove), Trump & Co's "changing story" involved "revising" federal disclosure forms. Pull Kushner's security clearance now, and in due course, throw him in jail for falsifying a federal report.
And if you believe that Trump himself never heard about this until a couple of days (or weeks) ago, I have a very nice bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn I'd like to sell you for a song. This would be a really "yuge" deal for you, if you buy it.
And if you believe that Trump himself never heard about this until a couple of days (or weeks) ago, I have a very nice bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn I'd like to sell you for a song. This would be a really "yuge" deal for you, if you buy it.
25
So is this what Trump meant when he promised to bring his business acumen to Washington? Shady meetings behind closed doors (apparently secret entry doors), back slapping with sketchy frenemies? I think it is exactly what he meant, and he’s pretty firm in his belief that wealth protects him from accountability. Remember, this is the guy who wrote (ok, talked to the writer) of the Art of the Deal. Artful shadiness, indeed. Putin wins, in that there is unrest in America, and divisions that deepen daily.
25
Trump was supposed to revitalize coal and manufacturing industries, yet all I see is increasing work for lawyers.
32
Where is the condemnation, or at least questions, from the Republicans? They have absolutely no moral center. Can you even imagine what they would be saying if this were Hillary Clinton? We can't expect that, but there has to be a line.
22
Every day goes by we learn of more people who attended. Yet the guest of honor, the master himself, was not invited to a party thrown on his behalf? You mean he did not even pop his head in just to see how things are going on his behalf? After this grand party Wikileaks began releasing sensitive emails on Hillary and the DNC. Is this why the Russians met Jr. to deliver what's coming in person? It's hard to imagine the master of ceremonies, the showboat himself not being present to his own party. It's like someone not being present to his own wedding or funeral. Maybe a contemporaneous email will reveal that "dad is very elated with the Russian government working overtime to spread propaganda against Hillary on social media and poison her well on his behalf."
18
Why does Kushner and Jr. still have security clearance? It's been one lie after another and these two are still walking around as if it were just another day. Where is the FBI in this matter and why are the Republicans looking the other way. This is wrong, it's wrong for our country that we have criminals in the White House.
25
Security clearance should have nothing to do with the President. It should be unbiased and if revoked, should be based on fact, not the President's say so.
1
Seems trying to get the dirt on your opponent is what politics is all about and everyone indulges so where is the problem? In a free society you meet you talk to anybody you feel like or else your freedom is just a bunch of bull, all talk and no substance. I personally don't think Trump can be trusted because he is using fear to try to govern, he sees enemies everywhere, the man has problems but who he talks to is not the problem, what he does is the problem.
2
Maybe, but we should prosecute him on everything possible. I'm happy to lose 100 cases to find 1 that puts him away.
Well, they aren't supposed to conspire with foreign governments, you see.
2
Bellah, if you are engaged in a campaign for federal election, according to the FEC, you cannot obtain any "thing of value" from a foreign national. It is PROHIBITED. In certain instances, you CANNOT speak to whomever you want!
2
Now little Donny's lawyer is claiming he forgot or can't remember what happened with a meeting a year ago. Before that his father and all the fawning GOP Trump fan club have excused Donny because he's naive in the world of politics. Poor fellow. So he can't remember anything and he's a naïf, yet Dad keeps him on. One suspects Dad isn't too smart either, which you don't have to be if you inherit millions. Neither big Don or little Donny both. No memory, politically dumb, and just plain all round stupid. That's the Trumps. But street smart, and knowing how to lie and cheat will get you far in real estate, and so far has been the modus operandum of the Trump White House.
14
Putin Palace, aka Trump Tower, is definitely a hangout for Russians. Trump's latest defense for Don Jr. is that anyone in a similar position would have taken that meeting.
No, Mr. President, as soon as an enemy foreign power contacted me to collude against my American political rival, desire to win or not, I would have contacted the FBI. We can take a poll on this question if you like.
Unlike Clan Trump most Americans are honest, decent, moral, ethical and patriotic people whose first inclination is to do good, not bad. Conspiring with a foreign enemy against Americans even for enormous personal gain would still have been a big no-no on our lists.
No, Mr. President, as soon as an enemy foreign power contacted me to collude against my American political rival, desire to win or not, I would have contacted the FBI. We can take a poll on this question if you like.
Unlike Clan Trump most Americans are honest, decent, moral, ethical and patriotic people whose first inclination is to do good, not bad. Conspiring with a foreign enemy against Americans even for enormous personal gain would still have been a big no-no on our lists.
20
The Republicans in Congress have given a new meaning to "The Silent Majority" that Harding used in 1919 and Nixon used in 1969. So, roughly every 50 years the conservatives have claimed to represent the will of the majority of the people in America.
It is hardly a conservative Republican principle or practice to embrace a hostile foreign power that seeks to undermine our government. But it has been a Republican practice to rail against the "gubmint" since at least the days of Reagan. And it is standard Republican policy to speak for and legislate for the interests of the Forbes 500 people and Fortune 500 companies who finance their candidates and fund their "think tank" front organizations.
Every member of Congress should be questioned directly and repeatedly about their opinion on each day's breaking story of the so far successful Russian operations to undermine and control our elections, our government, our national security, our foreign policies, and our international relations.
Each member of the "Republican Silent Majority" in Congress must be forced to go "on record" with their opinions and be held accountable for their actions and inactions.
If words have meaning, "oaths" have obligations. Every member of Congress swears they "will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” and that they “will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.”
That time is now.
It is hardly a conservative Republican principle or practice to embrace a hostile foreign power that seeks to undermine our government. But it has been a Republican practice to rail against the "gubmint" since at least the days of Reagan. And it is standard Republican policy to speak for and legislate for the interests of the Forbes 500 people and Fortune 500 companies who finance their candidates and fund their "think tank" front organizations.
Every member of Congress should be questioned directly and repeatedly about their opinion on each day's breaking story of the so far successful Russian operations to undermine and control our elections, our government, our national security, our foreign policies, and our international relations.
Each member of the "Republican Silent Majority" in Congress must be forced to go "on record" with their opinions and be held accountable for their actions and inactions.
If words have meaning, "oaths" have obligations. Every member of Congress swears they "will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” and that they “will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.”
That time is now.
18
If Mr. Akhmetshin is just an average guy, and a "target of a smear campaign" why was he in the meeting? What value would he have brought to the proceedings were it not a tie to the Russian government?
18
Reading between the lines it seems that Akhmetshin is a decent guy. But how decent is any lobbyist? Follow the money. There's a lot to be made in the adoption business.
2
Good grief ! Yes, follow the money. But this has nothing whatsoever to do with adoptions. Look at the actual issues, please, starting with why Putin suddenly banned Russian adoptions in the first place. Hint: Has to do with US sanctions on Russia.
3
What do you mean decent? He was accused of hacking a mineral resources firm. If he was not there to do the subsequent hacking of the DNC then why was he there at all?
1
The Magnitsky Act impacts Putin's multi-billionaire oligarch allies. These men run huge enterprises: oil, transportation, mining ... Do you think they are interested in adoption fees? Stopping Americans from adopting needy Russian orphans was just Putin's way of expressing his anger about the Magnitsky Act.
1
Now we know it was not 'He's such a nice guy' Flynn that
Trump was out to protect with the squeeze on Comey. It was
Trump's kid all along, because Trump knew darn well about
the stream of Russians snaking around his gilded Tower for
their date with his campaign.
Trump was out to protect with the squeeze on Comey. It was
Trump's kid all along, because Trump knew darn well about
the stream of Russians snaking around his gilded Tower for
their date with his campaign.
11
I hear some commentators saying that there's nothing wrong here. Most Republicans are acting like this isn't that concerning. If that's the case, the Democrats need to start finding the countries they'll partner with in the next election. North Korea proved to be pretty capable in that Sony hack after that movie came out about its leader. I suggest the Democrats partner with North Korea. The Dems could promise to go easy on their nuclear weapon development. And if they work with North Korea, I'm sure China would be willing to help them out as well. I'm sure there's all sorts of things we could promise them.
12
Many GOP officials in Trump's administration have been caught lying in their legal disclosure to gain security clearance and/or confirmation for office . They all have committed the criminal act of perjury. Why have none been indicted and gone to trial? Failure to uphold the laws of the USA is the key rallying cry of the GOP and Trump, yet they are showing laws do not apply to themselves.
18
Now we know who the "400-lb" hacker was. Probably Rob Goldstone.
35
VP Pence would make a good President in accordance with the rules of governance in the USA. So the union will be preserved.
1
Pence is "sadly" slimier than Trump.
2
Based on everything we know right now, there was no collusion. I'll make the very same argument Hillary backers would be making had the roles been reversed: all you can show is bad judgment on the part of Trump Jr., and possible violations of law on the part of people like Flynn and Manafort. But those violations have nothing to do with collusion according to what is known. If it were otherwise you can be sure people in the intelligence community would have leaked the proof by now (they've been leaking everything but the kitchen sink, doing their level best to bring Trump down). Perhaps this big-picture point should be mentioned more often in the media.
5
Given all the attacks on HRC for the email brouhaha, we can safely assume that if Pres. Hillary or someone from her inner circle had met with reps of Russia to get compromat on Trump- she'd be in impeachment hearings right now. No matter who you voted for, we must put country over party or the USA is headed for a big fall.
23
How very Trumpian, to make an ostensible argument while omitting the rest of the "big picture," foremost among it: 1) The motherlode of leaking is Trump's own fractious and dysfunctional White House staff. 2) Even if no fruition of collusion is provable (which is a huge IF given the early stage of this affair, and the breathtaking rate of shoe-dropping), felony conspiracy is likely to be both more easily provable and inclusive of more individuals. And who, moreso than Trump himself, has been doing his level best to bring Trump down?
2
"If it were otherwise you can be sure people in the intelligence community would have leaked the proof by now"
People have been saying that a lot, and yet these emails--demonstrating an open communication conduit between the Trump campaign and the Agalarovs in Russia--have only just been revealed.
People have been saying that a lot, and yet these emails--demonstrating an open communication conduit between the Trump campaign and the Agalarovs in Russia--have only just been revealed.
3
Wait! He is supposedly a former Russian KGB intel officer? How in the hell did he get US citizenship??
Ok, so why is the liberal media not speaking on the fact that the DNC colluded with the Ukrainian government to dig up dirt on Trump? No Sherlock, they only want to expound on what they can dig up on the Trump Administration because after all, they are sooo fair and balanced!
Ok, so why is the liberal media not speaking on the fact that the DNC colluded with the Ukrainian government to dig up dirt on Trump? No Sherlock, they only want to expound on what they can dig up on the Trump Administration because after all, they are sooo fair and balanced!
7
Why would the Ukrainian government have any relevance to the Trump campaign?
@Paul: False. The DNC did not "collude with the Ukrainian government." If you had been paying attention in August 2016, you would have read that a Ukrainian anti-corruption office discovered information linking Paul Manafort to illegal payments in exchange for his work as a foreign agent for the pro-Russian party in the Ukraine. The agency itself took steps to publish the information publicly. There were several long articles about this in the NY Times the week of August 16. The DNC was not involved. I wish people would stop repeating unverified information.
1
Wow, eight folks at the meeting to talk about adoptions, and one of them a known spy. And Trump starts talking ominously about emails the day after the meeting. I think that these guys are in for big trouble and it is coming, very, very soon. What rotten traitors they are. Someday, the Trump name will stand with that of Benedict Arnold. Huge egos and greet. Just follow the money. I couldn't happen to better folks!
63
I keep reading comparison's to Watergate. And sure there are some minor ones. Watergate was a 3rd rate burglary to try and get dirt on Nixon's opponents. Then the coverup. Really Nixon was far ahead in the polls but his paranoia got the best of him. Watergate really didn't even make sense. There were no foreign entities involved as far as I know. The Russians, while we have to do business with them, are an adversary much of the time. This Trump relationship started a long time ago. With his beauty contest & borrowing big money. Why did he pick Manafort to be his campaign chairman? A shady Russian lobbyist. He could have hired any number of professionals from here. How come he insisted on Flynn, who's main experience was with Russia & Turkey. Trump was warned by Obama about Flynn's problems but took him in spite of it, on purpose. Jr Trump spoke about the Russian financing early in the campaign. There's meetings with Russians with all of them all the time, including Sessions lying about it. The Russian ambassador's plane was seen at like 5 campaign events. It goes on & on. Of course Daddy knew about the meeting.
We have a President that is doing another country's bidding. He owes them. This is way deeper & much more problematic than Watergate. Also Nixon was doing what he thought was best for this country. Whether the policies were right or wrong is another argument. Donald Trump cares about Donald Trump. He is a reality TV Star. A Simpleton. A Family Of Low Lives
Orange NJ
We have a President that is doing another country's bidding. He owes them. This is way deeper & much more problematic than Watergate. Also Nixon was doing what he thought was best for this country. Whether the policies were right or wrong is another argument. Donald Trump cares about Donald Trump. He is a reality TV Star. A Simpleton. A Family Of Low Lives
Orange NJ
52
The Watergate difference is that the operatives who were caught red-handed breaking into Democratic National Committee headquarters were paid by the Richardson Nixon reelection campaign, which was run out of the White House. At their trial, they implicated White House staffers. No one suggest that the Donald Trump campaign hacked DNC email. The U.S. intelligence community report concluded that only Vladimir Putin could have ordered and orchestrated the cyberattacks. In the current situation, investigators are still looking for an indictable offense.
1
I am anxiously waiting to find out what new revelation will appear today. This is becoming very novel like in that each new day brings a bit of international drama and intrigue starring the Three Stooges. This comedy of errors might make for a good movie someday. If nothing else the nitwit Trump's presidency to date has been very entertaining. Our ex president Obama could maybe be recruited to write the manuscript. It could be entitled The audacity of stupidity.
Just having some fun with an otherwise hopeless and very sad situation our country is currently enduring.
Just having some fun with an otherwise hopeless and very sad situation our country is currently enduring.
20
Looks like Trump, Jr., did what few in today's media have the sense to do. Ask for evidence. Once told he'd have to come up with his own, he became disinterested. He has a better nose than most journalists writing about this case.
6
We only have Trump Jr's version of what he did and said. That may not be what happened. So far what he has said has not held up as accurate or truthful. And unlike a journalist, he was an active participant in an electoral campaign meeting with an enemy foreign government offering to meddle in the electoral process.
14
Re: Quid pro quo...Meeting at Trump Tower on June 9, 2016. Russians ask that sanctions be lifted. At Republican convention July 19-21 the Trump team argues to remove strong language about Russian interference in Ukraine. This interference is one of the explicit bases for sanctions. Republican platform plank on Russian interference is significantly weakened. July 22 Wikileaks dumps 20,000 DNC emails...Coincidence?
36
No matter how many people were in this 20 minute meeting ,which produced nothing of value to anyone involved ,the story will never add up to indictment of Donald Trump, Jr.. I think we can say confidently that Trump, Jr. will stay out of politics after the President completes his term or terms in office. I have to wonder though if Hillary Clinton is not furious with her oppo research team for not getting this and similar "Russia, Russia, Russia" stories when she really needed it.
3
The roster of those attending the meeting grows by the day if not by the hour. I'm beginning to think I'm one of the few who wasn't invited.
24
The Trumps and Kushner better hope "there aren't any tapes" of that meeting. If there are tapes, the WH is vulnerable to blackmail. But then we will be able to find out EXACTLY the extent of the substance of the meeting: whether a big "nothing burger" or a half pounder with extra bacon.
14
As long as donalds demeanor toward Putin stays in the area of friendliness, donald has nothing to worry about. He can stay focused on attacking anyone who diminishes and challenges the mans narcissistic opinions. If donald starts to accept US intelligence concerning Russia and reacts appropriately, admonishing that behavior, maybe even applying additional sanctions as punishment, the ball game is over for donald. Putin will retaliate with enough damaging evidence, which donald is very aware of, to sink this presidency.
If donald could publicly claim his penchant in his pleasure on how to handle and treat women, it strongly indicates that his behavior in Russia on business trips probably was the same. It's very possible that Putin has enough evidence of tawdry behavior by donald to keep him in line. Better to collude then oppose.
If donald could publicly claim his penchant in his pleasure on how to handle and treat women, it strongly indicates that his behavior in Russia on business trips probably was the same. It's very possible that Putin has enough evidence of tawdry behavior by donald to keep him in line. Better to collude then oppose.
8
If everyday Americans can be Russian spies, a la "the Americans" which is based on actual Russian plants, then surely the lawyer and the lobbyist could have been Kremlin agents, much more effective because of their backgrounds. They had just the right Trump people at the meeting to set up a group for selecting the populations for the Russians to target with their propaganda machine. Well, maybe minus Jared's IT guy.
3
Yep. The Donald and his family rub elbows with lots of low lifers.
It's who they are.
It's what they do.
When you've stiffed every known real estate lender in North America, to say nothing of contractors and fellow investors, where else are they supposed to go to find the dough they need to keep their operation going?
Criminals who need to launder money and require a fig leaf of a project to make that happen. That's who.
Welcome to their world.
Except in this case, the Donald found out the hard way he was in way over his head with these people. He got compromised, which should come as no surprise to anyone.
That Donnie Jr. would take a meeting with these people should surprise no one.
His father crossed that bridge a long time ago.
It's who they are.
It's what they do.
When you've stiffed every known real estate lender in North America, to say nothing of contractors and fellow investors, where else are they supposed to go to find the dough they need to keep their operation going?
Criminals who need to launder money and require a fig leaf of a project to make that happen. That's who.
Welcome to their world.
Except in this case, the Donald found out the hard way he was in way over his head with these people. He got compromised, which should come as no surprise to anyone.
That Donnie Jr. would take a meeting with these people should surprise no one.
His father crossed that bridge a long time ago.
34
If there were true collusion with the Russians during the campaign, rest assured my kiddie Democrats, this is not the way it would happen. Trump Jr. would not have wasted his time on a silly meeting like this - the dirt on Clinton would have been free flowing via other back channels. This is another "nothing burger" delivered by MSM to stir already gullible and depressed liberals into more hallucinatory hysteria, of course, to gain ratings share and sell more advertising.
5
Dream on, Scott.
If there's nothing to worry about, let's see everyone's tax returns, real estate transactions and phone records.
You give Jr. Too much credit. It's clear he is ignorant of politics and has the same need for approval as his father: family of origin issues. Inescapable by all of us.
And there was plenty of free flowing info: hey Russia if you're looking, wiki dumps etc etc. if it was too obvious then it would not have worked.
When Fox News people start to question what's going on...news flash, they are. I've already heard three of them. Chris Wallace and Krauthheimer and one other commentator and that was yesterday.
Not sure about this idea of selling advertising either. The story benefits both sides in that example.
If there's nothing to worry about, let's see everyone's tax returns, real estate transactions and phone records.
You give Jr. Too much credit. It's clear he is ignorant of politics and has the same need for approval as his father: family of origin issues. Inescapable by all of us.
And there was plenty of free flowing info: hey Russia if you're looking, wiki dumps etc etc. if it was too obvious then it would not have worked.
When Fox News people start to question what's going on...news flash, they are. I've already heard three of them. Chris Wallace and Krauthheimer and one other commentator and that was yesterday.
Not sure about this idea of selling advertising either. The story benefits both sides in that example.
12
Plain and simple. It [the meeting] doesn't pass the 'Smell Test'.
12
Why isn't Akhmetshin's history of "stealing confidential information and unlawfully disseminating it as part of a smear campaign orchestrated by a rival Russian mining firm" at the beginning of this article? It sounds awfully familiar and meaningful.
14
It all looks like suspense filled spy thriller film featuring Trump as the master assisted by a motley group of double agents engaged in collecting sensitive information about the rival to install the boss in the don's chair and bring the governing apparatus to halt.
11
More like a Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon.
1
We won't know what is the motivation for the meeting until we find out the extension of business connections between Russia and the Tumps. We know from from Eric Trump that a "disproportionate" amount of Russian money is involved in Trump's businesses. We know that Trump owes large amounts of money to Russian banks. We know of their interest in expanding their Russian holdings. We don't know how vital this is to Trump's bottom line. The answer is to be found in his income tax declaration and Mueller has to subpoena it. I suspect that the willingness to send the very top people of the campaign and the closest personally to Trump to meet with Russian agents can be compared to a conservative politician eagerness to meet with the Koch brothers. It's where the money is. It is the desire for more profits, regardless of the political fall out, that spurred them on.
24
get these treasonous swindler trumps out of our country or in jail!!
29
Corruption and stupidity? Corruption and greed? Or is it the willingness to sell out your country to whoever gives you a job, a fat payday or another day in office? Your country for a job? Really?
The Great Con, create division and hatred among the masses, while looting the till and poisoning the well.
https://newrepublic.com/article/143586/trumps-russian-laundromat-trump-t...
The Great Con, create division and hatred among the masses, while looting the till and poisoning the well.
https://newrepublic.com/article/143586/trumps-russian-laundromat-trump-t...
18
If Putin has as much dirt on Trump as we think he could tell Trump to not retaliate after sending a first strike on the US.
We could literaly lose WW3 without ever firing a shot.
We could literaly lose WW3 without ever firing a shot.
8
I had a vodka last night.
My company once held regular discussions with Russian oligarchs and traded in enormous sums of Russian debt.
Blue Apron just delivered Chicken Kiev to my home. Coincidence?
Flogging this story is below the standards of a real newspaper. Even if Trump is going to prison for the rest of his life, that will come out in time. Right now, the MSM is harming, not helping, civic discourse and spinning hearsay and unproven disclosures into deep conspiracy and paranoia.
The MSM is colluding with Russia (or being manipulated by faux shock and horror) to destroy truth. Print that.
My company once held regular discussions with Russian oligarchs and traded in enormous sums of Russian debt.
Blue Apron just delivered Chicken Kiev to my home. Coincidence?
Flogging this story is below the standards of a real newspaper. Even if Trump is going to prison for the rest of his life, that will come out in time. Right now, the MSM is harming, not helping, civic discourse and spinning hearsay and unproven disclosures into deep conspiracy and paranoia.
The MSM is colluding with Russia (or being manipulated by faux shock and horror) to destroy truth. Print that.
9
Not to mention Trump's "red" ties.
2
Reporting from other sources notes that Trump Jr. told them he could not help them at the time. Curious the NYT leaves this out,
4
Citing the other sources and quoting rather than paraphrasing would make your argument valid.
12
Yes, an important point is omitted: that Trump, Jr., dropped it after learning there was no evidence. Would that our media would behave this way and spare us this speculating.
7
And that information comes from people involved in the meeting, who have been so incredibly honest and forthcoming.
1
Why did Natalia Veselnitskaya need a translator? If she can't understand English, what was she doing sitting behind the US ambassador to Russia and listening as he testified to Congress?
24
Just wondering who and how many other people were at this party. The drip drip from the Trump cesspool continues...
14
Curiouser and curiouser.
8
The Nothingburger is a triple Whopper with extra cheese
Rinat openly talked about his GRU spying activities
Now Junior should have called the FBI but that would have
been something a loyal American would have done
It gets worser and worse
If they did nothing wrong, why all the incessant lying.
Guilty people behave one way; innocent ones quite another.
Rinat openly talked about his GRU spying activities
Now Junior should have called the FBI but that would have
been something a loyal American would have done
It gets worser and worse
If they did nothing wrong, why all the incessant lying.
Guilty people behave one way; innocent ones quite another.
21
Nothing burger is a childish phrase. The repetition of it is not convincing, except to convince reasonably intelligent people that an army of stupid people is being paid or persuaded to rally to a losing cause.
Keep on nothing burgering right until indictments. It won't help. If you resent those snobby coastal elites, stop with the nothing burger talk.
Keep on nothing burgering right until indictments. It won't help. If you resent those snobby coastal elites, stop with the nothing burger talk.
Lets bring out the lie detector test.
6
Anyone else attend? Mini-me and Kushner are so utterly dishonest...just like their daddies.....
22
Again much ado about nothing. This gets more and more ridiculous. Today this article has been cited in a Belgian newspaper (De Morgen) and they headlined Mr Akhmetsihin as a confirmed Russian spy!!! Even the NYT doesn't dare to write this. For doing his two years military service like millions of others in the former USSR. Pushing paper, sharpening pencils and peeling potatoes. Fake news at its worst.
2
Trained by the army in counter intelligence, left the service to become an independent contractor specializing in arm twisting for clients like Putin who wants the Magnitsky act overturned (and who will soon get that now, and more!).
14
Putin was in the Russian Army was he not?
The meeting could have been 99% about adoptions and this sanctions law but the female lawyer said just one extra sentence: "Your father needs to know that the Russian govt is 100% behind his candidacy and they will be ensuring the release of damaging emails from Clinton and other very shortly. Please pass this along to him."
Such a message could have been given very quickly to Trump Jr's ear on the way out the door.
Mueller, if he's an honest and law-abiding American, will get to the truth. These Trump clowns are too clownish and amateurish to not hide their tracks. They will be found out and many will go to jail. Some, like this Russian lobbyist who also has US citizenship, will suffer greatly. Well earned.
Such a message could have been given very quickly to Trump Jr's ear on the way out the door.
Mueller, if he's an honest and law-abiding American, will get to the truth. These Trump clowns are too clownish and amateurish to not hide their tracks. They will be found out and many will go to jail. Some, like this Russian lobbyist who also has US citizenship, will suffer greatly. Well earned.
16
What's the basis for questioning Bob Mueller's patriotism and quest for the truth and fufillment of our Nation's call to duty? There's no "if's" when pondering Bob Mueller on these points. How dare you!
And some democratic senators used Russian dressing on their salads but do not tell anyone. Not to mention NYC is full of Russian spies on the subways; ride them and you will hear them. All nonsense daily with the media.
2
What's got your goat?
Follow the money, see the tax returns, get all emails and phone Records.
Why the shifting stories?
If there's no there there, it will be revealed.
If there's no story why resist an investigation? That makes no sense.
Follow the money, see the tax returns, get all emails and phone Records.
Why the shifting stories?
If there's no there there, it will be revealed.
If there's no story why resist an investigation? That makes no sense.
9
true trumparency... So happy we got already all the interesting Information about sr. 's taxes because he published them totally.
4
Donald Trump, Jr., said to the media that he would testify in Congress about "what he knows" about this meeting. Clearly, he cannot be trusted to tell all that he knows, not to add false information that he does not know, the truth, all the truth, and nothing but the truth. After all, he's Donald Trump...............Jr. I'm tired of watching Trump and his regime hide this fact one day, lie about that fact the next, exaggerate this fact the third day, and really split the country and put us all in danger because we're losing our civil liberties under his hateful regime and because world leaders cannot work with him, including our best and oldest allies. When will the selfish Republicans act to can him?
8
wow with all those interesting accents they just breezed into Trump Tower as in-laws, former in-laws or cousins. Trump's been planning this connection for years.
3
Those Trumps do hang out with some dubious characters.
12
"Mr. Hersh said Mr. Akhmetshin cared a great deal about getting the restrictions on adoptions rescinded."
I think I am about to shed a (crocodile) tear...
I think I am about to shed a (crocodile) tear...
8
Kellyann Conway will go on CNN and claim that it was really supposed to be a friendly game of poker, dealer's choice, but the Russians thought the stakes were too high... $5000/$10000/$25000...even with no more than three raises per betting round.
4
Why Americans are so fascinated by engaging Russians. It probably would not happen during the cold war years. Sad for America. I never had any intention to visit Russia. I would not even go near the Russia Embassy in Washington DC. All Americans should watch out for the tricky and sneaky Russians.
1
Memory disturbance amongst those in Trump World is a clear and present danger, it appears. Seriously how could one forget Eraserhead, the KGB agent! Or how about Kushner, Sessions, Flynn and Trump Jr. forgetting Sergey Kislyak. Come on guys.
15
There were more people at the "meeting" than at the inauguration. And I have the photos to prove it, which I will release at the proper time next week. GGallo
28
Mr.Akhmetshin is your smoking gun. He could be the connection to the hacking of Mr Trump,Ms Clinton,DNC,etc.Mr Mueller should look into him and his associates. But one has to remember what ever was hacked was information that was embarrassing and true. It showed these politicians for what they are.
As for hacking election machines.......very hard if not impossible in the aggregate though more protection is needed.
As for hacking election machines.......very hard if not impossible in the aggregate though more protection is needed.
Chinese hackers contacted the Hillary campaign to say they had obtained all of Trump's tax returns and business ties to Russia. The campaign refused to see the information and instead referred them to the FBI. Didn't happen, but as you read this did you really believe the campaign operatives would refuse a look? This was a nasty, bare knuckles campaign, as demonstrated by the Hillary camp and the DNC colluding to subvert the Sanders campaign. I wouldn't put it past them to talk to anyone, regardless of national origin, who might have dirt.
1
If Trump, Jr., were to have received damaging information (with evidence) his father would likely have blabbed it the next day on cable news and challenged the FBI to investigate, claiming, "I have the evidence. Call me."
Then it would have been the Clinton's salacious dossier against the Trump's.
Then it would have been the Clinton's salacious dossier against the Trump's.
3
FXQ, no doubt in my mind but the campaign would have been clever enough to use a 3rd party intermediary and not meet directly with them.
Trump has very few people he hasn't stiffed, so he had to use his family.
1
Jr holds no elected position whatsoever. He enjoys no prosecutorial immunities or diplomatic privileges at all. None. Federal prosecutors and even local D.C./NYC prosecutors should pounce. Bury him.
12
Only the most credulous reader would understand this latest shocking detail -- gosh, we have only just now learned about the dangerous naturalized citizen also present at the meeting! -- as anything other than an attempt to draw out and sensationalize a dull story, to keep it on page one for as long as possible. Next we will learn that refreshing beverages, possibly laced with odorless vodka, were served to all attending by a waiter who once, sources say, watched a Trump-sponsored beauty pageant on a Soviet-era television.
6
Lots of omissions, distortions, denials and lies but criminal? Probably not here but yet again another example of how Trump et al. are, as Charles Blow so creatively portrayed them on CNN news recently, akin to a bunch of ell in a barrel of oil. The weasely elf Sessions and the boy wonder Kushner may be the only ones to have actually committed a crime by falsifying their employment applications but beyond this lots and lots of smoke and it keeps on getting thicker and darker on Pennsylvania Avenue. The day can't come to soon when Mueller and his charges bring some closure to this increasingly bizarre episode. No wall, no health care, no infrastructure plan, no healthcare reform, no trade reform... no tax returns and on it goes as the Bumbler-in -Chief revels in the pomp and circumstance but accomplishes nothing except to sign off on yet another executive order. Oh yes, must be Obama's and Hillary's fault. Simply appalling and unacceptable.
10
We are missing the meat of the meeting. I want to hear the dirt on Hillary. Where is the reporting on this? Does it exist? Or was this meeting setup to set up Junior with just the lure of nonexistent Hillary dirt?
Hillary dirt or not, Putin wins.
Trumpski is compromised through Junior's meeting and becomes Putin's Poodle or else. It's obvious the Russians have closely studied our laws and know way more than those to whom the laws apply. The better to set a trap baited with an embedded smoking gun email just waiting to become public.
Junior fell for it hook, line, and sinker, pulling his equally naive father right in after him. The KGB are smart and patient fishermen that know how to bait a hook.
They certainly also know the best way catch more fish is to put out many lines. So how many more compromised politicians are out there just waiting to be reeled in when the time is right. Junior was the first and now all the others, wondering who will be next, are open to blackmail.
This is exactly why Obama warned Trumpski against hiring Flynn. Trumpski entire administration is compromised and must not be given classified information.
It's like they say - the fish rots from the head down.
Hillary dirt or not, Putin wins.
Trumpski is compromised through Junior's meeting and becomes Putin's Poodle or else. It's obvious the Russians have closely studied our laws and know way more than those to whom the laws apply. The better to set a trap baited with an embedded smoking gun email just waiting to become public.
Junior fell for it hook, line, and sinker, pulling his equally naive father right in after him. The KGB are smart and patient fishermen that know how to bait a hook.
They certainly also know the best way catch more fish is to put out many lines. So how many more compromised politicians are out there just waiting to be reeled in when the time is right. Junior was the first and now all the others, wondering who will be next, are open to blackmail.
This is exactly why Obama warned Trumpski against hiring Flynn. Trumpski entire administration is compromised and must not be given classified information.
It's like they say - the fish rots from the head down.
7
Please tell me Dick Cheney was in the room too. If the cover up is worse than the crime, I call those Republican enablers in Congress, who choose to cover up their ears and eyes and ignore these lethal blows against the republic, as worse than the criminals.
4
I just can't wait to see the name on the newest wing on the Federal penitentiary, named, of course after it's most prestigious future long term guests: The Trump Family Wing.
16
A new word definition for 2017. "NOTHING" - nothing is what remains after the sleaze is scraped off of the Trump clan.
4
Impeach Trump. Do it now.
Russia owns him.
Russia bailed out his 7th bankruptcy.
Russia owns him.
Russia bailed out his 7th bankruptcy.
8
Veselnitskaya better hope there's no tape !!
Who will Incitatus Kushner add to SF-86 version 4.
Who will Incitatus Kushner add to SF-86 version 4.
2
Another waste of time and taxpayer money.
1
When Trump tweeted about Obama wiretapping him in Trump Tower he perversely let his anxiety about this very meeting in particular slip out like a Freudian ouroborous eating its own narcissistic tail. Hope this scandal, a very dark and disturbing one, tastes good. BTW, Shameless, good show, bad in those who backstab our country for their gilded perch. Trump is going to get nailed soon on when he found out about this meeting. As Aerosmith said, Livin on the edge! Yow!!
5
The Trumps keep hiding stuff. They keep lying about what happened. Their story keeps changing. And, they keep claiming that the Russia story is fake news.
It's not. The news is real. The president is fake.
What are the Democrats doing? The Republicans are rushing an illegitimate presidents' agenda through Congress. To hurt tens of millions of Americans. Deprive them of healthcare.
The Democrats need to escalate this situation. Why is it only up to Colbert, Samantha Bee, John Oliver, and Trevor Noah along with the media to cry that there's bloody murder happening with the truth?
is it up to Auntie Maxine and Congressman Schiff only?
Time to shut down the government till we get the truth about the Russia story.
Enough with this sham democracy where there are no checks and balances on an illegitimate president from Congress.. is this what our founding fathers wanted when they proposed our system of government?
An impotent Congress silent before a president lying about his collusion with an enemy power? Shut it down...
It's not. The news is real. The president is fake.
What are the Democrats doing? The Republicans are rushing an illegitimate presidents' agenda through Congress. To hurt tens of millions of Americans. Deprive them of healthcare.
The Democrats need to escalate this situation. Why is it only up to Colbert, Samantha Bee, John Oliver, and Trevor Noah along with the media to cry that there's bloody murder happening with the truth?
is it up to Auntie Maxine and Congressman Schiff only?
Time to shut down the government till we get the truth about the Russia story.
Enough with this sham democracy where there are no checks and balances on an illegitimate president from Congress.. is this what our founding fathers wanted when they proposed our system of government?
An impotent Congress silent before a president lying about his collusion with an enemy power? Shut it down...
7
If colluding to get opposition research is a crime, and if interfering with how an election is conducted is a crime, and if meddling in an election in an attempt to preclude one candidate from winning is a crime then why aren't Debbie Wasserman Schultz, members of the DNC, a certain since retired Senator, and various allegedly impartial local election officials across multiple states not on trial or in jail today?
Had the proper Democrat candidate been fairly nominated, we would not be where we are today.
Had the proper Democrat candidate been fairly nominated, we would not be where we are today.
3
Junior and Jared are making Robert Mueller's job all that much easier. Thanks, guys!
(And to all those who insist on playing the "whatabboutery" game concerning Clinton -- as you are so fond of saying, Trump won. She lost. Get over it. Your man's camp engaged in some pretty shady stuff that goes to the heart of our political process. We need to get to the bottom of it.)
(And to all those who insist on playing the "whatabboutery" game concerning Clinton -- as you are so fond of saying, Trump won. She lost. Get over it. Your man's camp engaged in some pretty shady stuff that goes to the heart of our political process. We need to get to the bottom of it.)
7
How do (dumb) foreigners perceive the highly complex American political state of affairs?
Against all odds, DT - a media savvy real estate entrepreneur from NYC - wins the US presidency in 2016.
DT's fierce opponents --including the traditional ruling elite and mass media -- says he is a con man, unfit/unqualified to hold the highest office in the land.
DT's followers have high expectations.They demand to deep ingrained social and economic problems to be solved, including an economic system which benefits the wealthy and penalizes the middle class and the poor.
In a similar pattern observed in post colonial Britain, DT's voting base has a yearning desire for the glorious golden years when America ruled the world supreme.
The political/social systems are in a dangerous state of paralysis. The ruling political-economic elite is unable to bring the nation back to its Manifest Destiny. The political system is no longer operating according to the Founding Fathers desire.
What comes next? according to Jim Morrison, " the future is uncertain but the end is always near.”
Against all odds, DT - a media savvy real estate entrepreneur from NYC - wins the US presidency in 2016.
DT's fierce opponents --including the traditional ruling elite and mass media -- says he is a con man, unfit/unqualified to hold the highest office in the land.
DT's followers have high expectations.They demand to deep ingrained social and economic problems to be solved, including an economic system which benefits the wealthy and penalizes the middle class and the poor.
In a similar pattern observed in post colonial Britain, DT's voting base has a yearning desire for the glorious golden years when America ruled the world supreme.
The political/social systems are in a dangerous state of paralysis. The ruling political-economic elite is unable to bring the nation back to its Manifest Destiny. The political system is no longer operating according to the Founding Fathers desire.
What comes next? according to Jim Morrison, " the future is uncertain but the end is always near.”
1
Pretty sick of the lies insulting our intelligence about the meetings and about Junior. Junior is no young or naïve man of "high quality" (and by whose definition!?!). He's a lying, 39 year old adult man, whom his father trusts to run his businesses. On top of that, he is stupid. The Trumps and their cohorts continue to try to manipulate all Americans with their so-called (and far-fetched) explanations and faulty memories. Our country will heal, but it will take a long, long time. Perhaps if justice can prevail, and we can punish them as needed, the world will give us another chance to make America great again.
11
The elephant in the room is money laundering a la Russia. trump has his dirty fingerprints all over it. trump is seriously compromised. Follow the money ... like that mansion in Florida trump sold to an a Russian oligarch for almost twice the price he bought it for only months earlier. It was then almost immediately razed to the ground ... a classic money laundering scenario.
12
How do we know that Trump took "nothing of value” away from that meeting? Do we take them at their word? What we do know for a fact is that Trump and his associates lie as fast as they move their lips. Perhaps he traded future favors for information. As Keith Olberman pointed out, Trump’s tweet about HRC’s 33,000 missing emails appears for the first time right after that meeting-- a popular number used from that point in the campaign forward that was never mentioned prior.
I wonder what the framers of the Constitutuon would have thought about clandestine gatherings between presidential candidates and adversarial agents peddling dirt? Obviously Republicans don't seem to think that much of it.
I wonder what the framers of the Constitutuon would have thought about clandestine gatherings between presidential candidates and adversarial agents peddling dirt? Obviously Republicans don't seem to think that much of it.
12
Part of the mantra among Trump lawyers and pundits is the meeting was only 20 minutes as if that is not enough time to have meaningful discussion and devise a plan. A 30 minute sitcom is actually 21 to 24 minutes. Wouldn't most of us agree that we have seen many such programs that within the time available brought us to anger, tears, moved us to action, etc. ?
Even if the 20 minute guess is accurate, there was plenty of time to devise a plan for the Trump's to do what they 'love'- win at all costs even if this means unlawfully crushing their opponent.
Even if the 20 minute guess is accurate, there was plenty of time to devise a plan for the Trump's to do what they 'love'- win at all costs even if this means unlawfully crushing their opponent.
7
This is all going to make a very entertaining Broadway musical someday!!!
5
Mr. Akhmetshin is an American of Russian descent, not a Russian. Not only that, he is a member of that most patriotic class of Americans--a lobbyist. So what's the problem?
If he were a GOP Russian-American member of the House "Freedom" Caucus, that would be real cause for concern. Indeed, if he were any old member of the GOP "Freedom" Caucus, all sane people should be alarmed and concerned, no matter whom he met or where he met them or what was discussed.
If he were a GOP Russian-American member of the House "Freedom" Caucus, that would be real cause for concern. Indeed, if he were any old member of the GOP "Freedom" Caucus, all sane people should be alarmed and concerned, no matter whom he met or where he met them or what was discussed.
1. There was no meeting. FALSE
2, There was a meeting. TRUE
3. The meeting was to discuss adoptions. FALSE
4. The meeting was about dirt on HRC. TRUE
5. Junior didn't know who was there. FALSE
6. Attendee included lawyer with links to Kremlin. TRUE
7. Junior invited Jarred and Mannaford. TRUE
8. Meeting also attended by Russian lobbyist. TRUE
What else we don't know? Did Trump Senior attended the meeting? Who else was there? What else was discussed?
To add insult, Trump Sr. calls Junior a boy, a kid, someone naive that lacks experience, knowledge and wisdom. Guess what? Macron is only 10 DAYS older than Junior and he is leading France.
2, There was a meeting. TRUE
3. The meeting was to discuss adoptions. FALSE
4. The meeting was about dirt on HRC. TRUE
5. Junior didn't know who was there. FALSE
6. Attendee included lawyer with links to Kremlin. TRUE
7. Junior invited Jarred and Mannaford. TRUE
8. Meeting also attended by Russian lobbyist. TRUE
What else we don't know? Did Trump Senior attended the meeting? Who else was there? What else was discussed?
To add insult, Trump Sr. calls Junior a boy, a kid, someone naive that lacks experience, knowledge and wisdom. Guess what? Macron is only 10 DAYS older than Junior and he is leading France.
12
Kushner is toast. Trump conveniently didn't include son-in-law as relatives in the travel ban. I sense Kushner will be deported from the WH.
4
We have enabled and tolerated a system of corruption and lies.
For the many liberals, independents and people who pray for a sensible middle-ground of our political system, Trump is the Kardashian president. But why Trump? Yes, he is a compulsive liar, a misogynist, a narcissist, a bad businessman (if you invested in his casino business, you would have lost large), an unethical businessman, a nepotist....this could go on.
But what choice did the Democrats give us? The Clintons made half a billion dollars trading influence for $. Hilary reluctantly said that if she was president, she would no longer have foreign groups or governments make massive donations to the Clinton Foundation and then receive special favors from the White House. But that's exactly what she did as Secretary of State. If you do that in a major corporation - make back deals that benefit your family - you get fired. She got promoted to presidential candidate.
It is a sad time that we must admit to my foreign friends that Trump is our president. He will surely generate some of the most remarkable postscripts in American History - a legacy of stupidity, self-absorption and division.
America must find our center again. We need much better choices and a more rigorous political process, for Democracy is a deeply fallible system, just the best to date.
For the many liberals, independents and people who pray for a sensible middle-ground of our political system, Trump is the Kardashian president. But why Trump? Yes, he is a compulsive liar, a misogynist, a narcissist, a bad businessman (if you invested in his casino business, you would have lost large), an unethical businessman, a nepotist....this could go on.
But what choice did the Democrats give us? The Clintons made half a billion dollars trading influence for $. Hilary reluctantly said that if she was president, she would no longer have foreign groups or governments make massive donations to the Clinton Foundation and then receive special favors from the White House. But that's exactly what she did as Secretary of State. If you do that in a major corporation - make back deals that benefit your family - you get fired. She got promoted to presidential candidate.
It is a sad time that we must admit to my foreign friends that Trump is our president. He will surely generate some of the most remarkable postscripts in American History - a legacy of stupidity, self-absorption and division.
America must find our center again. We need much better choices and a more rigorous political process, for Democracy is a deeply fallible system, just the best to date.
This is like watching a group of adults posing as a chamber ensemble. They carry instruments in cases and try to convince us by their claims. However, when pressed, they open their cases and start to play. Scritch, scratch. My ears hurt. So I wonder who they really are!
4
Another one of these trump ties and blatant collusions and yet no consequences. Don’t we have checks and balances in our government, so where are they? trump is clearly breaking the law in the highest office. We need to stop entertaining intellectual curiosity items about this guy and hold him to account for doing everything from obstructing investigations to enriching himself by refusing to divest interests. His henchmen keep trying to normalize the abnormality of his behavior. Nothing about his time in office has been normal and nothing about him has changed. He is grossly incompetent and proves it daily. He is using the office to enrich himself and his spawn, and proves it daily.
10
We started with everyone connected with Trump saying they'd never met any Russians.
Presently, we appear to have more Russians in the cast than a Bolshoi production, only with far worse acting.
Presently, we appear to have more Russians in the cast than a Bolshoi production, only with far worse acting.
7
A "Russian-American lobbyist"?
Undoubtedly Russian, to a fault probably but "American"? What part of him is American? The body part he sits on while doing #2? And a "lobbyist"? Or, a covert foreign agent and "intelligence asset" (e.g. "Spy").
Home-grown Americans might elect to betray their country for money, or elect someone who would. But trust the motives, methods and interests of a former Russian intelligence officer openly residing in our country "lobbying" for Russian interests?
Hello?
How naive so many of us are, if not ridiculously stupid.
Undoubtedly Russian, to a fault probably but "American"? What part of him is American? The body part he sits on while doing #2? And a "lobbyist"? Or, a covert foreign agent and "intelligence asset" (e.g. "Spy").
Home-grown Americans might elect to betray their country for money, or elect someone who would. But trust the motives, methods and interests of a former Russian intelligence officer openly residing in our country "lobbying" for Russian interests?
Hello?
How naive so many of us are, if not ridiculously stupid.
3
Follow the money. Trump pursued the presidency to further his business interests. Russia is basically a mafia state. So release the tax returns, find out about borrowings/debt and stand back.
5
Why am I not surprised? Another stone turned, another Russian underneath it! "I have nothing to do with Russia-a hoax" Yes, right, lying takes on a new dimension with this despicable crowd.
Odd, just about the same time in June last year, McCarthy swears at a republican get together that "Rohrbacher and Trump" are on Putins payroll. And Paul Ryan denied at first this statement- as always-, but having been recorded to keep this news "..in the family," not to let it leek out. Why? There is more than meets the eye so far, Trump Jr. might be the can opener to this whole sellout.
Odd, just about the same time in June last year, McCarthy swears at a republican get together that "Rohrbacher and Trump" are on Putins payroll. And Paul Ryan denied at first this statement- as always-, but having been recorded to keep this news "..in the family," not to let it leek out. Why? There is more than meets the eye so far, Trump Jr. might be the can opener to this whole sellout.
8
With all the issues facing the U.S today, why does something this useless get so much attention? The media has continued to throw out news stories that they think is the next "Watergate", but all they get in return is mud on their face.
It makes you wonder about Hersh when he defends someone who is working hard (on the surface, even) to end sanctions on Russian oligarchs and other Russians who imperil human rights.
10
Lets cut Trump Jr. some slack. He can't be expected to remember EVERY Russian he met with during the campaign!
20
Does this mean that the emails regarding previous NYT articles were edited by Trump & Co to omit the fourth person attending the meeting? The article does not make this clear as to why the name of this person was no copied on the emails.
5
Why does Kushner still have his security clearance?
17
and moe, larry and curly were there too...
3
check the security camera. easy.
4
Security cameras roll over on themselves and hold usually one month's recording at a time. This occurred a long time ago and the cameras rolled over on themselves many times after that,
1
This will only get truly interesting when all of Donald Trump Jr.s emails are disclosed.
5
Governments do a lot of horrible things, no powerful state excluded. But they are usually not counter-productive or plain stupid. So there are some crucial questions to answer.
The alleged interference in the Clinton campaign took place at a time when Clinton's upcoming victory wasn't questioned by anyone. Wouldn't it be utter stupidity by the Russian government to annoy the president-to-be with whom they would have to deal for four years? (This was Henry Kissinger's clever question.)
When intelligence officials presented their "evidence" of Russian meddling before Congress a third of their report dealt with the Russian media source RT, which is fairly small in the US. But the implicit claim was that RT outweighed the 500 domestic media outlets that endorsed Clinton, among them all the giant dragons! Hilarious?
For those who follow RT the allegation was even more senseless since RT didn't (or doesn't) promote Trump in any obvious way. They report on all his gaffes like most others do.
The DNC leak was blamed on the Russians. Julian Assange is one man who really knows who leaked. He has clearly denied that it was Russian official channels. Instead he has more than indicated that the source was a young insider. For what reasons would he lie on a matter like that? Credibility is after all Wikileaks' only hard currency.
There is much more, but space is limited. This Russia-gate has become a myth-creating machine, with every new fantasy corroborated by all the previous.
The alleged interference in the Clinton campaign took place at a time when Clinton's upcoming victory wasn't questioned by anyone. Wouldn't it be utter stupidity by the Russian government to annoy the president-to-be with whom they would have to deal for four years? (This was Henry Kissinger's clever question.)
When intelligence officials presented their "evidence" of Russian meddling before Congress a third of their report dealt with the Russian media source RT, which is fairly small in the US. But the implicit claim was that RT outweighed the 500 domestic media outlets that endorsed Clinton, among them all the giant dragons! Hilarious?
For those who follow RT the allegation was even more senseless since RT didn't (or doesn't) promote Trump in any obvious way. They report on all his gaffes like most others do.
The DNC leak was blamed on the Russians. Julian Assange is one man who really knows who leaked. He has clearly denied that it was Russian official channels. Instead he has more than indicated that the source was a young insider. For what reasons would he lie on a matter like that? Credibility is after all Wikileaks' only hard currency.
There is much more, but space is limited. This Russia-gate has become a myth-creating machine, with every new fantasy corroborated by all the previous.
4
Let's find out what Mueller and company find out.
4
It probably will turn out that Trump senior also attended the meeting. JUst wait and see. You heard it here first.
7
I guess Trump learned nothing from Watergate. Had Nixon come clean immediately after the break in and said I take full responsibility for this mess, he would have completed his second term. But Trump is too vain and too proud, so he will subject himself to the drip-drip-drip of revelations and boldly continue to deny everything. Some may say this sordid episode is on Junior, but it's the father who has generated a culture of lying, never owning up to mistakes and projecting all the blame on the media that has already doomed his presidency. The legislative agenda? Who has time for that when all his energy and what's left of his political capital is devoted to covering up corruption. The epitaph is clear. This was a president who thought he was an emperor.
10
Next - who was on the speaker phone?
6
The headline "Russian-American Lobbyist Attended Meeting with Trump's Son" is boring and misses the point. First the Times ran an article about a Russian lawyer who attended the meeting, now we read an article about a Russian lobbyist. Tomorrow it will be a Russian accountant. Pretty soon we will learn that it was really the founding meeting of the Russian People with Boring Jobs Society. Come on! The headline should be "Accused e-mail hacker and former KGB member met with Trump Jr." Your headline will keep many people from reading an interesting article. It is a disservice to good journalism and the American people.
4
The last half of this story is stunning. The newly-revealed attendee of this treasonous meeting was accused of hacking one company's crucial information to give that information to a competitor? At this point, it is nearly impossible to believe Trump himself did not attend.
We need an independent prosecutor immediately!
Our democracy is at stake. The presidential/vice presidential election was stolen by the Trump international crime family and team via collusion with our enemy, the Russians.
The election must be voided and either the runner up installed or a new election held for president/vice president completely on paper ballots only and supervised by the League of Women Voters and similar groups.
All government bills/executive orders must be halted backdating to January 20, 2017. In the meantime, career government professionals can keep the country running until a new president/vice president take office.
We need an independent prosecutor immediately!
Our democracy is at stake. The presidential/vice presidential election was stolen by the Trump international crime family and team via collusion with our enemy, the Russians.
The election must be voided and either the runner up installed or a new election held for president/vice president completely on paper ballots only and supervised by the League of Women Voters and similar groups.
All government bills/executive orders must be halted backdating to January 20, 2017. In the meantime, career government professionals can keep the country running until a new president/vice president take office.
7
I think we have our Guccifer 2.0, and his clients too. Just trace those IP addresses to ones used by Akhmetshin.
Their Stupid Watergate grows ever wider, and ever dumber.
Their Stupid Watergate grows ever wider, and ever dumber.
4
So much for fake news, Mr. President! Now we know why you are so defensive on the issue. Your family is involved. And when your family is involved, there is no doubt that you had knowledge of what was happening.
11
Please New York Times and other news media of the free world, please report that the Federal ACT, properly titled the "The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act" is being fought by the sp-called "foundation" pseudonymously titled the RUSSIAN "Human Rights Accountability Global Initiative Foundation" which has absolutely nothing to do with any human rights.
Rinat Akhmetshin is a known manager of a huge hacking and IT destabilization of a specific NYC corporation. He is Mr. Dirty to the T.
Everyone can look up the Magnitsky ACT and get straight with the facts. Sergei Magnitsky a Russian Lawyer who uncovered and helped the US Federal Authorities prosecute an extreme set of money laundering of more than 230 million dollars using, and this is key, NEW YORK CITY & NEW YORK STATE REAL ESTATE!
In Russia, under Putin, Mr. Magnisky was bludgeoned to death after having been illegally jailed for at least a year, while on his way to hospital to treat four acute internal conditions including pancreatitis.
The Magnitsky ACT seeks to protect whistleblowers who reside outside the US whose acts assist the pursuit of justice in the US. It happens that the ACT which was formed in 2012, passed unanimously by the US legislature, was amended before the exiting of President Obama to include what everyone calls sanctions. In effect there is an injunction against specific Russian corporations and individuals associated with those corporations for violations of the ACT.
Rinat Akhmetshin is a known manager of a huge hacking and IT destabilization of a specific NYC corporation. He is Mr. Dirty to the T.
Everyone can look up the Magnitsky ACT and get straight with the facts. Sergei Magnitsky a Russian Lawyer who uncovered and helped the US Federal Authorities prosecute an extreme set of money laundering of more than 230 million dollars using, and this is key, NEW YORK CITY & NEW YORK STATE REAL ESTATE!
In Russia, under Putin, Mr. Magnisky was bludgeoned to death after having been illegally jailed for at least a year, while on his way to hospital to treat four acute internal conditions including pancreatitis.
The Magnitsky ACT seeks to protect whistleblowers who reside outside the US whose acts assist the pursuit of justice in the US. It happens that the ACT which was formed in 2012, passed unanimously by the US legislature, was amended before the exiting of President Obama to include what everyone calls sanctions. In effect there is an injunction against specific Russian corporations and individuals associated with those corporations for violations of the ACT.
14
All just another day in the oligarchical fascism that is Russia, and that the U.S. is becoming under their tutelage of Trump and his bizarre administration. Billionaire industrial cronies of the president send drones like this "former" military spy to do international corporate espionage as a dry run for political espionage.
He personally doesn't have to have the skills to hack any more than Republican senators have the skills to legislate; others do the actual hacking and he is a contact with the Russian interest, giving updates.
After 9/11 we were told of sleeper cells all over America. Seymour Hersh should realize some playing the long game would be highly trained Russian spies, working fervently to further that nation's political interests at home and abroad by focusing on their infiltration of Western capitalism here, which was their key to entry into today's Republican party.
A Soviet military guy who worked in the Special Section of the KGB would have the discipline to fool such acquaintances that he's not in the tank for Putin as he "emigrated" here, attended graduate school, "answered an ad," and became a political lobbyist advocating for the positions taken by Russian oligarchs who—not coincidentally—are all friends of Putin.
It's so clear to Republicans why they don't want to adopt Syrian children, for example, or Mexican children, yet they're incapable of transferring that logic to this hysterical effort to keep the spigot of Russian youths flowing to the U.S.
He personally doesn't have to have the skills to hack any more than Republican senators have the skills to legislate; others do the actual hacking and he is a contact with the Russian interest, giving updates.
After 9/11 we were told of sleeper cells all over America. Seymour Hersh should realize some playing the long game would be highly trained Russian spies, working fervently to further that nation's political interests at home and abroad by focusing on their infiltration of Western capitalism here, which was their key to entry into today's Republican party.
A Soviet military guy who worked in the Special Section of the KGB would have the discipline to fool such acquaintances that he's not in the tank for Putin as he "emigrated" here, attended graduate school, "answered an ad," and became a political lobbyist advocating for the positions taken by Russian oligarchs who—not coincidentally—are all friends of Putin.
It's so clear to Republicans why they don't want to adopt Syrian children, for example, or Mexican children, yet they're incapable of transferring that logic to this hysterical effort to keep the spigot of Russian youths flowing to the U.S.
4
When you get into the timeline its very probable that Donald Trump Snr was aware of this meeting - he may have been there? with the ridiculous botched covering up going on it would not be of surprise.
Something very shifty happened at this meeting - that is for certain.
Something very shifty happened at this meeting - that is for certain.
2
Ahkmetshin's attendance is more problematic than the lawyer from Moscow.
Is it simply coincidence that he registered as a lobbyist two days AFTER the meeting at Trump Tower ? It seems that his registration was cover for his new assignment emanating from the meeting.
Yet he failed to inform the Justice Dept which is also part of the registration when working for a foreign government? Why was he hiding from Justice in particular? I bet Jeff Sessions would know.
And then there are the hacking charges.
Ahkmetshin was the Trump's personal KGB project manager in the States which is why Jr did not want to mention him. Moreover he is also a US citizen who can not evade a subpoena . If I was the FBI, I would make sure this guy is not planning a vacation abroad with daughter because he will never be seen again once he is back in Moscow.
I am also confused by the need for an interpreter for the Moscow lawyer if Ahkmetshin was bi-lingual .
Is it simply coincidence that he registered as a lobbyist two days AFTER the meeting at Trump Tower ? It seems that his registration was cover for his new assignment emanating from the meeting.
Yet he failed to inform the Justice Dept which is also part of the registration when working for a foreign government? Why was he hiding from Justice in particular? I bet Jeff Sessions would know.
And then there are the hacking charges.
Ahkmetshin was the Trump's personal KGB project manager in the States which is why Jr did not want to mention him. Moreover he is also a US citizen who can not evade a subpoena . If I was the FBI, I would make sure this guy is not planning a vacation abroad with daughter because he will never be seen again once he is back in Moscow.
I am also confused by the need for an interpreter for the Moscow lawyer if Ahkmetshin was bi-lingual .
10
This is not news but a rehashing of the dirt digging done by both sides during the campaign. The Times can put whatever left leaning liberal spin it wants on it but at the end of the day, nothing will come out if this.
The endless articles by the Times keep harping on the meeting with minimal reference to the information if any, made available to the Trump campaign. What would the Times do if in the end of this saga, some verifiable damaging facts were brought to light about the DNC or Hillary!
Would they show the same zeal in preaching the need to prosecute?
God forbid!
The endless articles by the Times keep harping on the meeting with minimal reference to the information if any, made available to the Trump campaign. What would the Times do if in the end of this saga, some verifiable damaging facts were brought to light about the DNC or Hillary!
Would they show the same zeal in preaching the need to prosecute?
God forbid!
1
I guess times don't change much. I remember years ago how I felt about Spiro Agnew. Then Nixon. Now those old feelings are back. All that has changed are the names.....
2
Also at that meeting, Angela Lansbury.
5
Although Trump Jr tries to play down the meeting on June 9, 2016, Rinat Akhmetshin seems keen to disclose what he knows about it. According to the WP, he met the Russian lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya for lunch, and decided to accompany her to the Trump Tower, showing up with her wearing jeans and a T-shirt. He also told the AP that Veselnitskaya informed Trump Jr she had details of possible illicit funds being funnelled to the Democratic National Committee. When Trump Jr asked her if she had evidence to prove the claim, she urged the Trump campaign to research the matter. Akhmetshin said Trump seemed disappointed.
It explains why their lobbying team knew nothing about this meeting, as it wasn't about overturning the Magnitsky Act.
We don't know whether we can trust Akhmetshin, who "has boasted to associates that he had served in the military with a group known as the Osoby Otdel......"
Since International Mineral Resources accused him of cyber threat, it hired a private investigator to follow him to London. He was overheard in a coffee shop bragging about arranging the cyber-attack on the firm's computer system, according to court documents, BBC said. He denied the allegations, and the case was later dropped.
It explains why their lobbying team knew nothing about this meeting, as it wasn't about overturning the Magnitsky Act.
We don't know whether we can trust Akhmetshin, who "has boasted to associates that he had served in the military with a group known as the Osoby Otdel......"
Since International Mineral Resources accused him of cyber threat, it hired a private investigator to follow him to London. He was overheard in a coffee shop bragging about arranging the cyber-attack on the firm's computer system, according to court documents, BBC said. He denied the allegations, and the case was later dropped.
14
With new daily additions to the meeting every day that Jr and Kushner attended, who wasn't there? Today was Rinat Akhmetshin, former KGB agent. Could Jr and Kushner also be subject to Kompromat?
20
"who wasn't there?"
Americans, apparently.
Americans, apparently.
3
You forgot to mention that Putin was there as well as Lavrov. In fact anybody in the USA that has met with any Russian must know all these Russians are direct friends or agents of Putin.
Nobody is talking about why Clinton had a private dinner with the Russian Ambassador.
Nobody is talking about why Clinton had a private dinner with the Russian Ambassador.
1
Everybody at this meeting, of whom at least four were US citizens including the naturalized citizen Mr. Akhmetshin, learned of the Russian government proposal to illegally provide valuable election information to the Trump campaign--and not a one reported it to the FBI?
The prior accusation of Akhmetshin for a nearly identical crime is especially pertinent.
The prior accusation of Akhmetshin for a nearly identical crime is especially pertinent.
59
I do hope the Special Counsel Mueller reads this........
2
Jr. thought he is in Czechoslovakia......
1
Drip, drip, drip...
Such a meeting never happened, well maybe it did, I forgot, I can't remember for sure, well there was a meeting but nothing happened, it was only a casual meeting at a larger event, well maybe it was arranged, the two of us are old friends, well actually several people were present, but no 'harm' was done, I swear...
Drip, drip, drip...
Why not just clarify things here via sworn testimony, with evidence and subpoenas, if necessary? After all, there's nothing to hide.. or IS there?
Such a meeting never happened, well maybe it did, I forgot, I can't remember for sure, well there was a meeting but nothing happened, it was only a casual meeting at a larger event, well maybe it was arranged, the two of us are old friends, well actually several people were present, but no 'harm' was done, I swear...
Drip, drip, drip...
Why not just clarify things here via sworn testimony, with evidence and subpoenas, if necessary? After all, there's nothing to hide.. or IS there?
45
Ok ok I was at the meeting. Yes I was the sixth person in the room. Odd, I was looking for the restrooms and no one could point me in the right direction. So I see these 5 people walking into a room. They looked like they knew where they were going. I peeked in, they asked are you the translator, I asked of what, they said oh never mind, just follow me the restrooms are this way. On my return I realized there was another person, technically the 7th, young and handsome spoke Russian and English fluently. Asked him why he had an ear bud, he said research. Odd but ok.
17
Why would the Trumps think anything was wrong with a meeting with a lobbyist present? After all that's among the highest forms of american institutionalised corruption, isn't it?
28
Negotiating restrictions on adoptions is tRump catch phrase for negotiating sanctions. Sounds so noble to claim it was all about the adoption of poor homeless Russian babies. The press seems negligent in pointing this out.
15
Why are Americans adopting Russian babies when there are so many of our own that could use a loving home. Oh yeah, maybe something about skin color.
5
Either way, Trump won the usual Republican states plus the Midwestern states to win the election.
Recall that Hillary won the Michigan polls, but Bernie won the actual primary election. Hillary's non-campaign in the Midwest and her tone-deafness to the issues of the Midwestern voters cost her the election.
And yes ---Trump ran a campaign and now presidential administration like his small private family business it's taking its toll.
Recall that Hillary won the Michigan polls, but Bernie won the actual primary election. Hillary's non-campaign in the Midwest and her tone-deafness to the issues of the Midwestern voters cost her the election.
And yes ---Trump ran a campaign and now presidential administration like his small private family business it's taking its toll.
12
Indeed, and then add in the tens, if not hundreds of thousands of voters in the closely contested swing states who detested Trump and everything Republican but sat out the election as some sort of protest against HRC being the Dem nominee.
They have as much to do with this American oligarch and his powerful interests running this country as any of the Trump faithful.
They have as much to do with this American oligarch and his powerful interests running this country as any of the Trump faithful.
1
Hillary won the popular vote.
The Electoral College elected Trump, nor did they?
The election needs to be thoroughly investigated.
Did the Electoral College actually meet in person?
The Electoral College elected Trump, nor did they?
The election needs to be thoroughly investigated.
Did the Electoral College actually meet in person?
3
Given that the story keeps changing, that the meeting keeps getting bigger and the substance of it more troubling, we can only conclude that (a) we don't have the whole picture yet, and (b) what we don't know is likely worse than what we do know.
I will not be at all surprised if it comes out that the Big Man himself was there. Trump famously eschews email, and so wouldn't appear in Jr's email chain, but it has been reported that he was in Trump Tower (one floor above) at the time the meeting took place. It's entirely plausible that he would have at least "popped in" at some point.
Pure speculation. of course. But sooner or later Mueller and/or the intelligence committees are going to start summoning key players to testify, and that's when things should start to get interesting. Because the Trump admin knows it's one thing to keep lying to us through the media, but something else entirely when you're doing it under oath.
I will not be at all surprised if it comes out that the Big Man himself was there. Trump famously eschews email, and so wouldn't appear in Jr's email chain, but it has been reported that he was in Trump Tower (one floor above) at the time the meeting took place. It's entirely plausible that he would have at least "popped in" at some point.
Pure speculation. of course. But sooner or later Mueller and/or the intelligence committees are going to start summoning key players to testify, and that's when things should start to get interesting. Because the Trump admin knows it's one thing to keep lying to us through the media, but something else entirely when you're doing it under oath.
47
Russia's GPD is smaller than South Korea. They spend $55b annually on their military. We just approved a bill for almost $700b in military spending.
We have a trillion dollar NSA facility in Utah to prevent foreign cyber interference.
What is Russia going to do to us? How are they a threat?
The USA interferes in elections globally.
We are friends with Saudi Arabia (monarchy).
But we oppose Iran (democracy).
1980 called and it wants its cold war back.
We have a trillion dollar NSA facility in Utah to prevent foreign cyber interference.
What is Russia going to do to us? How are they a threat?
The USA interferes in elections globally.
We are friends with Saudi Arabia (monarchy).
But we oppose Iran (democracy).
1980 called and it wants its cold war back.
14
Iran is not a democracy, not by any means.
Iran is a theocracy.
Iran is a theocracy.
2
"What is Russia going to do to us? How are they a threat?"
You're kind of slow to catch on.
You're kind of slow to catch on.
2
Russia's GPD is smaller than South Korea. They spend $55b annually on their military. We just approved a bill for almost $700b in military spending.
We have a trillion dollar NSA facility in Utah to prevent foreign cyber interference.
What is Russia going to do to us? How are they a threat?
The USA interferes in elections globally. Over 80 countries - undisputed.
We are friends with Saudi Arabia (monarchy).
But we oppose Iran (democracy).
Anyway, buckle up Americans, because 1980 called and it wants its cold war back.
We have a trillion dollar NSA facility in Utah to prevent foreign cyber interference.
What is Russia going to do to us? How are they a threat?
The USA interferes in elections globally. Over 80 countries - undisputed.
We are friends with Saudi Arabia (monarchy).
But we oppose Iran (democracy).
Anyway, buckle up Americans, because 1980 called and it wants its cold war back.
5
Marjorie Merriweather Post got big discounts on Russian art for playing the right politics. Trump lives in that gilded cage. I am writing the whole thing off to dirty politics.
9
It's very clear that Trump (and his family) are lying. Now I'm starting to feel insulted every time that they try to cover a lie with another lie.
35
The Clinton campaign and the DNC actively colluded with the Ukrainian Intelligence Services as well as Russian intelligence to manufacture damaging information to hurt Donald Trump and thus our election. Far worse than anything the Trump campaign has been shown to have done but it is not talked about by the media even though it is well documented and admitted to by the principles.
None of you lefty's want to hear this but it is true nonetheless.
None of you lefty's want to hear this but it is true nonetheless.
4
Simply not true.
2
Provide one piece of credible, substantiated evidence/information and I'll listen.
1
I have not heard about that DNC collusion with the Ukrainian Intelligence Services but would be interested to find out more. Would you please give us your sources for the information?
2
Shadier and shadier. Overturning the Magnitsky Act is singularly important to Putin.
12
It seems that the entire trump team keeps saying all these meetings are innocent. They said for 8 months no one met with Russians to help sway the election. We now know that is not true thanks to Fredo Trump. And this is must one instance. People all through the Trumo camp have been in contact with Russian operatives. This raised the interest of British intelligence going back to 2015. They're the ones that alerted the FBI. These aren't incidental meetings. Russians were actively trying to recruit Trump people.
Whether Trump Jr. Rec iced anything is immaterial. He wanted to. We also know he's been lying, Kushner lied, Flynn lied, Sessions lied and who knows who else is involved in all this. They reached out to a hostile foreign government to influence our election. And they keep omitting details, conveniently forgetting meetings. And at the top of all this is the most prolific liar to ever enter the White House. Trump lies every day about everything. "Everyone is talking about Podesta at the G20," "She was bleeding from the face," "Putin and I were on the same program and became friends," the list is endless and Republicans seem not to care. The Republican Party has made Party loyalty paramount over the good of the country. Tax cuts for the rich, everyone else you're on your own. Shameful.
Whether Trump Jr. Rec iced anything is immaterial. He wanted to. We also know he's been lying, Kushner lied, Flynn lied, Sessions lied and who knows who else is involved in all this. They reached out to a hostile foreign government to influence our election. And they keep omitting details, conveniently forgetting meetings. And at the top of all this is the most prolific liar to ever enter the White House. Trump lies every day about everything. "Everyone is talking about Podesta at the G20," "She was bleeding from the face," "Putin and I were on the same program and became friends," the list is endless and Republicans seem not to care. The Republican Party has made Party loyalty paramount over the good of the country. Tax cuts for the rich, everyone else you're on your own. Shameful.
45
Are all the Republican senators buying abandoned Ukrainian properties in the Crimea? they can safely post portraits of Trump and Putin there.
4
The hacker has been found! Mueller and his team will be busy busy busy.
6
This must explain the sudden spike in the shipment of beets, potatoes, carrots and onions to the Trump Tower commissary last summer.
3
This is so far beyond Watergate. Seriously.
Donald's son, his son-in-law, and campaign manager meet with all these people, and then "SUDDENLY!", by sheer coincidence, Trump announces that there are 33,000 Hilary emails that will be revealed, and then they are!
The only question left at this point is: When will the impeachments proceedings be announced? Oh, yeah, I forgot...Republicans are in charge.
Donald's son, his son-in-law, and campaign manager meet with all these people, and then "SUDDENLY!", by sheer coincidence, Trump announces that there are 33,000 Hilary emails that will be revealed, and then they are!
The only question left at this point is: When will the impeachments proceedings be announced? Oh, yeah, I forgot...Republicans are in charge.
31
This is not the republican party. The Republican Party I grew up with was honest and honorable. Democrats spent too much, Republicans made them compromise And vice-versa. This party is the party by and for the rich and relishes the money they swindle out of billionaires and corporations they call campaign contributions. This party doesn't care who dies from neglect and who suffers from sickness without prescriptions. This party backs a traitor to his country and the traitors who stand behind him and is okay with it, especially their so-called leaders. If we keep electing these people there will be no more America. There will only be a place between the Atlantic & Pacific oceans where Wall Street conducts what they refer to as business when it's actually the big swindle.
43
and Russia will be great again.
2
But it is the Republican Party. The same evil and disgusting party it has been for many years. Where have you been?
5
It is high time for generals Kelly, Mattis, and McMaster, responsible for protecting the country, to react. From McConnell and Ryan we can expect nothing.
22
Yup, let's call in the Generals. Is this Panama, Chile, Argentina, Uganda? Maybe we should first call in any remaining ethical elected representatives and insist that they act responsibly. Of course then there's the little problem of Pence.
What's a person to do these days?
What's a person to do these days?
1
My gut tells me the Russian lawyer and the Russia lobbyist told Kushner, Manafort and Trump Jr they would hack into the DNC emails looking for dirt in an effort to help Trump win the election and in exchange Trump would do X for Russia (Lift some sanctions? Get soft on Ukraine?).
I also think there is no way Trump Jr did not tell his father.
The question is: can all of this be proven?
I also think there is no way Trump Jr did not tell his father.
The question is: can all of this be proven?
43
And what was the role of Akhmentsin who had already been accused of cyber crime!
2
Elsewhere, Akhmetshin is quoted as saying that he recognized Manafort because they both had represented Russian and Russian related clients and had crossed paths in the past. No doubt, Manafort recognized Akhmetshin as a long time heavy hitter in D.C. How, then, are we to believe that no one from the Trump campaign could recall the identity of Veselnitskaya's business associate in this meeting? Surely, Manafort filled in Kushner, if not Trump, Jr., about who Akhmetshin was and what he represents after the meeting, if not sooner.
Further, as I understand it, president Trump had his staff prepare son Donald's initial account of the meeting while they were on Air Force 1 traveling to France. If so, the reason for lack of detail is not so much a matter of recall as it is a matter of the president dictating how little his son, a private citizen, should say.
And from there, the lies and omissions cease to be a far fetched tale of faulty memories and become elements of a presidential cover up about the multiple contacts and solicitations the campaign had during the election year. To my knowledge, none of the Russian phone calls and meetings that eventually came to light were noted in the initial security clearance forms of multiple leaders of the campaign who became high ranking officials in the Trump administration. That does not sound like coincidence. That sounds like a coordinated cover up that is unraveling bit by bit.
Further, as I understand it, president Trump had his staff prepare son Donald's initial account of the meeting while they were on Air Force 1 traveling to France. If so, the reason for lack of detail is not so much a matter of recall as it is a matter of the president dictating how little his son, a private citizen, should say.
And from there, the lies and omissions cease to be a far fetched tale of faulty memories and become elements of a presidential cover up about the multiple contacts and solicitations the campaign had during the election year. To my knowledge, none of the Russian phone calls and meetings that eventually came to light were noted in the initial security clearance forms of multiple leaders of the campaign who became high ranking officials in the Trump administration. That does not sound like coincidence. That sounds like a coordinated cover up that is unraveling bit by bit.
21
Like Michael Bloomberg said of Trump and I quote exactly, "I'm from New York and I know a con when I see one". Let the investigation go where it goes. The Kushner tech aspect will be interesting.
This is all part and parcel of the look at Russian influence on the election, obstruction of justice,emoluments clause violations and conflict of interest. Kushner's security clearance must be taken away.
Also let's remember no one including Republicans has said they would have taken such a meeting and further that they would have reported the request to the FBI.
This is all part and parcel of the look at Russian influence on the election, obstruction of justice,emoluments clause violations and conflict of interest. Kushner's security clearance must be taken away.
Also let's remember no one including Republicans has said they would have taken such a meeting and further that they would have reported the request to the FBI.
14
I see a lot of skeptics or apologists say things like "no information was exchanged," or "anyone would take a meeting," and "it's not illegal to collude."
My question to them is: don't you wonder what the Russians could accomplish by simply getting Junior to take the bait (accept the meeting)? Inserting themselves into our government is the goal. You don't think the influence they would then have could be detrimental to our interests? Why would you assume that this meeting didn't go further, particularly due to the fact that everyone involved have done nothing but lie about it? Why give any of these people the benefit of the doubt? Because they are on your team?
My question to them is: don't you wonder what the Russians could accomplish by simply getting Junior to take the bait (accept the meeting)? Inserting themselves into our government is the goal. You don't think the influence they would then have could be detrimental to our interests? Why would you assume that this meeting didn't go further, particularly due to the fact that everyone involved have done nothing but lie about it? Why give any of these people the benefit of the doubt? Because they are on your team?
13
This Southerner thinks you are doing an incredible job covering this historically bad time in our country's history. Sad to say that a lot of my friends bought into the phoniness that is the Trump Administration.
We are watching history happen, and I'm seeing it through the great newspapers in the freest country in on the planet.
We are watching history happen, and I'm seeing it through the great newspapers in the freest country in on the planet.
28
Several countries I know of would dispute the statement that the U.S. is "the freest country on the planet!"
2
Unless something completely unexpected occurs, I can't see the Democrats making a serious attempt to impeach Trump, given that he's served as a one-man recruiting poster for the revival of the opposition. Obama (by going high) and Trump (by going low) have both done a lot for American liberalism.
10
You're confusing Democrats with Republicans. We Dems don't put party before country. We will impeach.
2
Unless something unexpected occurs?
You must be kidding
You must be kidding
2
Nor do I want them to. I want him to roast and roil in his seat from 2018-2020 as the veto overrides, Constitutional amendments that restrict an insane President's power and codify SPMFA and non-fossil energy, and henchman impeachments pile up.
The lessers can go, but covfefe must suffer while in office, and the (non-)silent (non-)majority of voters who helped the Electoral College foist him on us must suffer watching him suffer that they learn never to try that again. A swift political death by impeachment would only dignify him. Tears must fall!
The lessers can go, but covfefe must suffer while in office, and the (non-)silent (non-)majority of voters who helped the Electoral College foist him on us must suffer watching him suffer that they learn never to try that again. A swift political death by impeachment would only dignify him. Tears must fall!
2
I remember when I was 13 we had neighbors defending Nixon before his great fall. They would tell anyone who listened that it was just those people out to get him and that he would never have done anything wrong. That he was the best president this country ever had.
Even their kids were spouting off in school exactly what the folks would say.
I loved how my father would just roll his eyes after he came in from politely listening to a load of neighbor man's hooey.
Wonder where those neighbors are now? Well, wherever the dad and mom are now, I bet the kids, long since adults, voted for Trump. And I can just bet what they're saying this very minute to some poor polite neighbor after the lawns get mowed.
Even their kids were spouting off in school exactly what the folks would say.
I loved how my father would just roll his eyes after he came in from politely listening to a load of neighbor man's hooey.
Wonder where those neighbors are now? Well, wherever the dad and mom are now, I bet the kids, long since adults, voted for Trump. And I can just bet what they're saying this very minute to some poor polite neighbor after the lawns get mowed.
205
I am just a few years older than you and I remember that there was an actual crime that began the series of events we know as Watergate. People broke into a campaign office and burgled it. It was a lot of work that took years to prove but it was finally revealed President Nixon discussed how to bribe the burglars. Neither his defenders nor the opposition had functioning crystal balls at the time and should not be chastised or credited for their credibility as soothsayers. (I did not need such fortune-telling skills since I knew with the absolute certainty all teenagers possess that the president was guilty.)
There is at least one unintended irony that arises from using Watergate and President Nixon as an example not much discussed these days. He was a rabid red-baiter in his early days. Look up Helen Gahagan Douglas and Nixon’s his race against her for the U.S. Senate. Do we really want to use Nixon-like tactics to bring down President Trump? Many of us who are the children of the sixties and seventies now trust the FBI, CIA, and NSA to tell us the truth. This is another unintended irony.
That we are certain President Trump is covering up an unproven, as of yet, crime would give Richard Nixon a great deal of delight if he is watching. Our cynical politicians are irredeemably corrupt. Our journalists take too many shortcuts to uncover smoking guns. Our laws now tolerate bribery. Can this crowd really be trusted to find the truth about Russian collusion?
We’ll find out.
There is at least one unintended irony that arises from using Watergate and President Nixon as an example not much discussed these days. He was a rabid red-baiter in his early days. Look up Helen Gahagan Douglas and Nixon’s his race against her for the U.S. Senate. Do we really want to use Nixon-like tactics to bring down President Trump? Many of us who are the children of the sixties and seventies now trust the FBI, CIA, and NSA to tell us the truth. This is another unintended irony.
That we are certain President Trump is covering up an unproven, as of yet, crime would give Richard Nixon a great deal of delight if he is watching. Our cynical politicians are irredeemably corrupt. Our journalists take too many shortcuts to uncover smoking guns. Our laws now tolerate bribery. Can this crowd really be trusted to find the truth about Russian collusion?
We’ll find out.
2
"Mr. Akhmetshin, a naturalized American citizen who talks openly of his past in a K.G.B. counterintelligence unit focused on hunting spies in the Russian military, is well known in diplomatic and media circles in Washington, where he has worked for years on behalf of business and political interests in Russia and other former Soviet states."
What? Such fine people the USA allows to become citizens and keep their dual-citizenship, but keep those Syrian war refugees and the other 4 muslim country immigrants out, and send those Mexicans back!
What? Such fine people the USA allows to become citizens and keep their dual-citizenship, but keep those Syrian war refugees and the other 4 muslim country immigrants out, and send those Mexicans back!
15
Absolutely and thanks for being the first person to bring this up. How is it possible that this person gained US citizenship?
2
Imagine what Republicans would be saying if a Democratic Party president's agents met secretly with Russian spies then kept those meetings hidden from the American people.
143
Am I the only one who finds irony is the fact that the far right American politicians and media (including Fox), (and in the opposite side of the ring), the far left government of Russia both wanted Trump to win and are supporting him now? And , at the same time, both are taking credit and blame for the win?
Who writes this stuff. Kafka?
Who writes this stuff. Kafka?
6
Imagine if President Clinton's campaign manager, and top, closest advisors met with Chinese government contacts who promised to give them dirt on Trump. Later she squeaked out a victory, in part due to that information being leaked to the fbi and the press through wikileaks? Maybe they leaked his taxes? Maybe those Russian videotapes? Anyway, how much outrage and indignation would the rightwing media machine be churning out by now?
11
The Health-Care bill written by the GOP is a horrible disaster.
(I supported the GOP until they recklessly put together their so called health-care bill that supports putting corporate greed before the health and safety of the American people.)
This bill strips health-care from millions of people and puts an end to health-care for people with pre existing conditions.
I support and DEMAND single-payer Health-care for everyone.
HEALTH-CARE IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE
I will NOT vote for any lawmaker IN ANY PARTY who will be running in any future election who voted for this monstrosity bill OR supports repealing the ACA.
I will continue to make donations to organizations dedicated to unseating any of these politicians who obviously only care about putting corporate greed over the health and safety of the American People.
(I supported the GOP until they recklessly put together their so called health-care bill that supports putting corporate greed before the health and safety of the American people.)
This bill strips health-care from millions of people and puts an end to health-care for people with pre existing conditions.
I support and DEMAND single-payer Health-care for everyone.
HEALTH-CARE IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE
I will NOT vote for any lawmaker IN ANY PARTY who will be running in any future election who voted for this monstrosity bill OR supports repealing the ACA.
I will continue to make donations to organizations dedicated to unseating any of these politicians who obviously only care about putting corporate greed over the health and safety of the American People.
10
The way the Republicans investigated Benghazi was obsessive and cruel. They way they are ignoring the danger of a Russian agent in the WH is frightening.
Whose side are they on? Do they love Vladimir Putin more than America now? They certainly did when Barack Obama was President. I guess this has all come down to where their loyalties lie. Are we, the American people, to be sold like slaves to the Russian kleptocratic state? Insurance companies ration our healthcare, so why not Russian oligarchs? Its all up for grabs.
I dont understand these people who call themselves Republicans or know who they are. They say they are the Senate majority leader and Speaker of the House of the US Congress? But, they dont seem to be working for us anymore.
Whose side are they on? Do they love Vladimir Putin more than America now? They certainly did when Barack Obama was President. I guess this has all come down to where their loyalties lie. Are we, the American people, to be sold like slaves to the Russian kleptocratic state? Insurance companies ration our healthcare, so why not Russian oligarchs? Its all up for grabs.
I dont understand these people who call themselves Republicans or know who they are. They say they are the Senate majority leader and Speaker of the House of the US Congress? But, they dont seem to be working for us anymore.
282
That ripping sound that you hear; that reddening stain on John Hurt's white tee-shirt at the dinner table is the Trump monster inching its way out of Kane's chest. We, his fellow Americans, watch in growing astonishment, in helpless horror as the obscenity emerges from the huge bloody place where Kane's viscera once were. Kane is dead...but worse, much worse, is in store for the shaken survivors at the table.
It's just getting started. Popcorn is optional.
It's just getting started. Popcorn is optional.
47
Here's hoping. Our nation's future depends on it.
3
Know what today is?
July 14th.
It's a great day to storm the Bastille!
July 14th.
It's a great day to storm the Bastille!
47
One must concede this is an amusing farce, at least.
16
I'm sure it happens all the time: three of a candidate's closest advisers -- head of the campaign, son and son-in-law, meet with Russian lobbyists and attorney on the promise there will be damaging information about the candidate's opponent -- the information coming from the Russian government. Of course it was "insignificant" and unmemorable. Of course nothing happened at the meeting. It was just a coincidence that a few days later the candidate promised he would reveal amazing new dirt on his opponent. I believe!!!
119
Even if collusion were not a crime in the books, there is the libel which is on the books were the Russian info about Clinton to have turned out false.
These political campaigns, which denigrate the opponent, even after the election, instead of comparing stands on the issues or building consensus, need some regulation. The debates need a strong moderator who will stop the personal attacks if they occur.
These political campaigns, which denigrate the opponent, even after the election, instead of comparing stands on the issues or building consensus, need some regulation. The debates need a strong moderator who will stop the personal attacks if they occur.
4
Rinat Akhmetshin confirmed that Natalia Veselnitskaya brought documents to the Trump Tower meeting that purportedly proves the Democratic National Committee unlawfully accepted financial contributions from Russian businesses during the 2016 election. Veselnitskaya’s claim deserves consideration because she represents Russian banks and businesses charged with money laundering and bank fraud. This explains why she would have incriminating documents. The New York Times should demand that Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigate Veselnitskaya’s allegations. If true, the documents could provide the first criminal indictments—perhaps, the only indictments—stemming from the Russian meddling investigation.
8
This makes no sense. Trump certainly would have used that information to discredit the DNC and Clinton *during* the campaign if he had such information.
6
You cannot demand anything from a SPECIAL COUNSEL. Former director of the FBI, Robert Mueller, is performing an investigation, independent of anyone's demands.
2
No William. That alleged information about Hillary is the Nothing Burger the Trump rally squad is rah rah'ing about. However, what Donny Jr. did on behalf of his knowing father is collusion with a hostile and criminally intent foreign government and guess what; that's a crime. And conspiracy is just one of the many probable impending charges.
We've all seen Hillary tax returns and her foundations operating papers. None of us have seen Trump's returns.
What did John McCain say this week, "There are many more shoes to drop in this situation". You better believe it.
You can't bluff on behalf of these buffoons. They're going down.
We've all seen Hillary tax returns and her foundations operating papers. None of us have seen Trump's returns.
What did John McCain say this week, "There are many more shoes to drop in this situation". You better believe it.
You can't bluff on behalf of these buffoons. They're going down.
2
The Trump campaign was willing to conspire w/ Russia to get its opposition research on HRC because Russia wanted Trump to win. The weird revelation of these things - while Trump, his lawyers & the creeps around him try to normalize this, make it a 'nothing burger' or point out yet again that HRC deleted '33,000 emails' - is shocking. In their eyes, there's nothing wrong with this. Stuff like this happens every day.
Andrew Sullivan, a Republican, published a column today supporting impeachment. He said impeachment isn't about proving the president committed a crime. The provision in the Constitution for impeachment is to remove a president who is unfit for the office, who doesn't have the best interests of the American people at heart. Sullivan wrote in saying anyone would have taken this meeting, Trump has proven he is willing to put his own interests above those of the country he has sworn to serve & protect.
That's the standard. NOT that Trump or Jr 'colluded' or committed a crime. This week has been about the smoking gun that proved the Trump campaign was eagerly willing to accept help from the Russians to get elected. That is now beyond dispute.
The Trumps are surrounded by bizarre, freakish, disgusting, corrupt compromised people. Many of them are Russians who are tied to the Trumps through money, politics, sleazy behavior, none of this what we want to see around POTUS.
Bill Clinton & W sent a message at their mutual event last night:
this is grotesque.
Andrew Sullivan, a Republican, published a column today supporting impeachment. He said impeachment isn't about proving the president committed a crime. The provision in the Constitution for impeachment is to remove a president who is unfit for the office, who doesn't have the best interests of the American people at heart. Sullivan wrote in saying anyone would have taken this meeting, Trump has proven he is willing to put his own interests above those of the country he has sworn to serve & protect.
That's the standard. NOT that Trump or Jr 'colluded' or committed a crime. This week has been about the smoking gun that proved the Trump campaign was eagerly willing to accept help from the Russians to get elected. That is now beyond dispute.
The Trumps are surrounded by bizarre, freakish, disgusting, corrupt compromised people. Many of them are Russians who are tied to the Trumps through money, politics, sleazy behavior, none of this what we want to see around POTUS.
Bill Clinton & W sent a message at their mutual event last night:
this is grotesque.
142
I'm so sure the FBI has known about all the DTJr. meetings and calls for months. Remember, there was enough on the Russian meddling by the summer for the FBI to monitor people with the Trump campaign. I'm sure even journalists at NYT and WPost have a lot more that they are investigating and not releasing until they confirm it 8 different ways. And has anyone thought about what the Secret Service detail must know from their time at Trump Tower?
This is the tip of the iceberg.
This is the tip of the iceberg.
75
And we certainly can assume Russia has recorded each and every meeting.
3
Professional people generally keep notebooks of the daily agendas. Claiming forgetfulness might be partly true, but there are the written, preserved agendas especially from just last year.
3
But the republic might be the Titanic.
2
I'd like to think Melania is the leak. She can't stand her job and she knows her husband is beyond awful at his. Keep it coming, girl. We're all here to help you end this reign of horrors.
52
No, but it is really curious as to whom might be leaking this information. Clearly what is going on is the adjunct to the FBI's investigation of all of the Trump's associations with what is termed "meddling" by the Russians in the 2016 Presidential election. I imagine, being one who works with what is called discovery that mountains of electronic data is being shared under power of subpoena by the Feds. against the President and his campaign associates. Some very key pieces of evidence were uncovered it turns out more than 2 weeks ago - and this is just the beginning of what the public is privileged to know about the investigation so far.
1
The Senators, of both parties saw Nixon and his gang for who they were and in one way or another they paid for their crimes, and that congress was ready to protect this country. This group are complicit. They will never admit this gang is so much far worse than Nixon. These people are out for monetary gains. They play at government work. They are spiteful of anything good that came before them. Traitors to this government, country, all its people. What gives them the right to dirty our White House? Shame on the lot!
66
On June 7, 2016, Goldstone stated in his email, "I will provide the two names of the people meeting . . . for security." This tells us a few things. First, Jr., knew there was going to be more than one person from Russia showing up. Second, the Trump organization must have done some sort of security background. Does one think that Trump security did not tell Jr., who was showing up BEFORE, the meeting, and WHAT their background was?
Jr., should have been on high alert before the meeting that this was more than a "nothing burger."
Jr., should have been on high alert before the meeting that this was more than a "nothing burger."
41
JR should have been ????? What should he have been?
These Trumps are void of any morality. There is no 'SHOULDS" with these people. It's only what they can get away with.
These Trumps are void of any morality. There is no 'SHOULDS" with these people. It's only what they can get away with.
1
Why can't countries be like Israel.
Israel "never" lobbies government or tries to influence elections.
Israel "never" lobbies government or tries to influence elections.
7
“We do acknowledge there was one person — and perhaps a second — whose identity we did not know.” They might have been Mr. Akhmetshin and a translator, he said, but no one now recalls the individuals’ names and there is no log or document showing who attended.
I've been in and out of professional buildings for over three decades and you *ALWAYS* have to sign in and list whom you are there to see. Add to this the fact that this meeting occurred in Trump Tower during the presidential campaign and you can triple the likelihood that everyone signed in and signed out - typically when they turn in their visitor badges. The Secret Service would also likely have been involved at this point since Trump had secured the Republican nomination. Add to this that Trump is famously skittish about his personal security and there is zero likelihood anyone was in that meeting who wasn't identifiable.
This is the moment in a Rockford Files episode when Jim would sneak a peak at the visitors log only to find that a page had been razored out. This is beyond a crime. It is a crime committed by stupid people. They should all be sent away for mediocrity.
I've been in and out of professional buildings for over three decades and you *ALWAYS* have to sign in and list whom you are there to see. Add to this the fact that this meeting occurred in Trump Tower during the presidential campaign and you can triple the likelihood that everyone signed in and signed out - typically when they turn in their visitor badges. The Secret Service would also likely have been involved at this point since Trump had secured the Republican nomination. Add to this that Trump is famously skittish about his personal security and there is zero likelihood anyone was in that meeting who wasn't identifiable.
This is the moment in a Rockford Files episode when Jim would sneak a peak at the visitors log only to find that a page had been razored out. This is beyond a crime. It is a crime committed by stupid people. They should all be sent away for mediocrity.
74
Watching these shenanigans is a Shakespearean tragedy. It's King Lear, but with stupid people.
45 is obviously Lear. Regan, Goneril and Cordelia are Don, Jr., Eric and Ivanka respectively. Not sure who to cast as Gloucester and Kent since there is absolutely no one with any honor at all among this bunch.
45 is obviously Lear. Regan, Goneril and Cordelia are Don, Jr., Eric and Ivanka respectively. Not sure who to cast as Gloucester and Kent since there is absolutely no one with any honor at all among this bunch.
3
I am beginning to think it's not only trumps who are under Putin's thumb. I think we should start asking for GOP leaders' tax return as well. It's amazing how there seems to no American patriots in the GO party. So depressing.
78
It really IS all about money.
1
Quick! How many Russians can the GOP fit into a phone booth? What's that you say, no more phone booths, they don't exist. Patriotic Republicans don't seem to exist either. Looking at all you Republicans who wear flag pins like jewelry. If you are putting party over country, you are wishing yourself out of existence. Act like Americans and call out Trump and his disloyal family.
75
The article that interested me the most this week in the New York Times, was the article about Donald Trump Jr and his meeting with the Russians. The story about Russia has consumed the media over the past 6 months. It has been so amazing to me to see that journalists continue to uncover more parts to this story. Every day, more information is discovered to inform the American public. This story supports the freedom of the press, and reminds us why it is so important for the democracy of the United States.
82
The presence of a Russian/American lobbyist during a meeting with Trump Jr. and other campaign associates does not prove collusion or coordination. It shows bad judgment and how immoral American politics is but does not show that the Trump campaign worked to fix an election.
4
Debbie Wasserman Shults also worked to fix an election and succeeded, but Bernie gave it a good go at it!
2
It shows that they were TRYING to fix an election...otherwise why would you have a meeting with a foreign national who claims to have "dirt" on your opponent?
6
but it does show they actively tried
3
I am not not freaking out about this because I know that Robert Mueller is on the job. I'm just going to be patient and have faith that the Trumps are totally outmatched. They did all of this never imagining that they would have Mueller coming after them.
47
You just made me worried about Mueller getting fired.
Michael Flynn was forced to resign and may yet be charged with one or more criminal offenses for having misled government officials and offering incomplete information about foreign contacts. Now we have two advisors to the president - one informal (his son) and one a formal advisor (his son-in-law) both doing at least the same thing as Mr. Flynn. A third - Mr. Manafort, who is the president's former campaign manager - has registered as a foreign agent. The president claims complete ignorance of any damaging conversations between
37
A meeting that was insignificant and that they do not remember? LOL
I do agree with my friend Jim ;) that sometimes the cover-up is worse than the crime...although the crime could be bad too.
I do agree with my friend Jim ;) that sometimes the cover-up is worse than the crime...although the crime could be bad too.
16
Reading this article made me remember something I have heard said many times in my lifetime. It was that the smartest thing the devil ever did was to convince people that he didn't exist. Is this what Putin is doing in this country - trying to convince us he is no threat whilst he goes about seeking the ruination of souls and our world?
28
I agree. Actually, I am scared. I never knew that the US was so tolerant of Russians who are clearly not Kosher for lack of a better word, living in the US. I know that the Russian Mob is alive and thrives in NYC proper. Not here in the West thank God. But I have been studying the Russians and I don't think they are trustworthy in just about any kind of business dealing. It isn't just Putin but a nation that is amoral, of course the dissidents if they are alive might state otherwise. Putin disappeared for awhile and then he returned. He is a curse.
1
How did Donny become so important in our political dialogue? How did our society evolve in taking this no-strings-attached approach to governing this country?
Probably inexperienced Donny Jr. "took" a meeting with apparently shadowy figures, and now recants them. Donny needs to be reminded that this is about U.S. values, not about his little or non- experience in international politics, in which he really has no place no matter what his brusk and obnoxious daddy fought for.
It's a shame that Donny does not recognize that his 15 minutes of fame will only project him into the darkness of this Administration, and that people will repeat to him: "You're not a John Kennedy".
This little peon of the Trump monarchy is - thankfully - never going to be in a position to influence White House policy. His impotence might bring about recriminations, but his hands are just as small as his father's. Let's hope he will never govern our country.
Probably inexperienced Donny Jr. "took" a meeting with apparently shadowy figures, and now recants them. Donny needs to be reminded that this is about U.S. values, not about his little or non- experience in international politics, in which he really has no place no matter what his brusk and obnoxious daddy fought for.
It's a shame that Donny does not recognize that his 15 minutes of fame will only project him into the darkness of this Administration, and that people will repeat to him: "You're not a John Kennedy".
This little peon of the Trump monarchy is - thankfully - never going to be in a position to influence White House policy. His impotence might bring about recriminations, but his hands are just as small as his father's. Let's hope he will never govern our country.
12
So there's one more attendee to be identified. Kushner, Junior, and Manafort are still lying when they say that they can't remember who that was. They still can't tell the whole truth. What are they hiding?
31
It's hard to comprehend but what the Trump and Sanders voters want to know is what was the dirt the Russian had on Hillary.
They don't care about the how that the NYT readers are all worked up about.
Meanwhile, Trump not only acts Presidential but is Presidential.
Able to go to war, appoint Supreme Court judges, veto bills which is the same as overriding two thirds of the House and Senate.
Meanwhile, he displays his photogenic family and the Media break their necks to get a glimpse.
Is this even a contest.
They don't care about the how that the NYT readers are all worked up about.
Meanwhile, Trump not only acts Presidential but is Presidential.
Able to go to war, appoint Supreme Court judges, veto bills which is the same as overriding two thirds of the House and Senate.
Meanwhile, he displays his photogenic family and the Media break their necks to get a glimpse.
Is this even a contest.
5
Bernie Sanders' campaign manager, Tad Devine, worked for Paul Manafort on behalf of Russian interests in former Soviet states, which tells you all you have to know about his motivation to damage Hillary Clinton. Half of them brainwashed from the far right, the other half brainwashed from the far left, which was the only way to erode enough of a centrist Democrat's support to make them a profoundly weakened president if not elect their Republican rival despite all the obvious reasons to shore up Barack Obama's legacy in the face of unprecedented obstructionism and efforts to undo all the progress of the 20th century, from Social Security to Medicare to Obamacare, and even the Republican progress from Lincoln's abolition of slavery to TR's environmentalism and trustbusting to Eisenhower's infrastructure.
2
It's not what they had, they didn't have anything. It's what they tried. The hacking, the spreading of fake news, the attempts to get sanctions removed, their open attempts to get one candidate over another elected in this country.
And please do not say that Trump is oresidential. He's an embarrassment. He ,its prolifically every day. He's unmoored. Now he wants to build a transparent wall so people don't get hit by bundles of drugs that are thrown over it. He said this. He's an uncouth unqualified unstable liar. AMD his lies aren't even good. They are instantly refuteable. Wake up.
And please do not say that Trump is oresidential. He's an embarrassment. He ,its prolifically every day. He's unmoored. Now he wants to build a transparent wall so people don't get hit by bundles of drugs that are thrown over it. He said this. He's an uncouth unqualified unstable liar. AMD his lies aren't even good. They are instantly refuteable. Wake up.
2
I did not vote for Trump, but I still want to know what the dirt is on HRC no matter where they leak comes from as long as it can be substantiated. Might take some investigative reporting, anyone there? Everyone at the NY Times is focused on the source of the information, OK, let's say it was Russia or a Russian. At this point (beaten to death and then some) does that issue now seems like an intentional distraction from what HRC did or did not do? Or does it just seem like a bunch of sore losers who can't find it in their hearts to accept that Hillary pulled defeat from the jaws of victory and have to find someone else to blame?
1
What goes around, comes around. Now, lock her up is transformed into lock them up. Seems like that there is a potential for some of the crook dynasty members are on the way to prison. Lock her up was the dirty slogan to create division among us. The divisive dirty game helped the con man to win the election of our great nation. Now, we are a joke in the entire world. It took only six months for the child bully mentally unstable con man made it happen. Lies after lies can win an election- but, leading a nation is different thing.
23
Every day new and worse details emerge.
The political atmosphere is like a schoolyard brawl between the bullies and the bullied, the liars and those who don't want to accept the lies.
Can the American people have a do-over? (Or as the golfers call it, a mulligan)
The political atmosphere is like a schoolyard brawl between the bullies and the bullied, the liars and those who don't want to accept the lies.
Can the American people have a do-over? (Or as the golfers call it, a mulligan)
9
Shouldn't their criminal of charges against who ever was that meeting- didn't those emails belong to our Secretary of State and they were "hacking" Clinton's emails? Isn't that espionage? It's not just about the campaign- but Clinton was a state official at that time?
9
It seems the only one who wasn't in the room was Aaron Burr.
21
Yes, and after the Russian offered damaging material, Trump jr. was not interested. Should be the end of this entire fabricated story. In the 8 months, nobody in the united states has found the first person whose vote was influenced by Russian anything but we are still looking. Please let us know when anybody finds one. What a bunch of hatred driven nothing burger.
2
I think I found her! I know a person who voted straight D for every office except president. She tells me that she could not vote for Clinton, and cites information in the hacked DNC emails as the deciding factor. I believe she would be willing to testify to this effect. Furthermore, what are the chances that I know the only person whose vote was influenced by the email hacking? If there's one, there must be more.
3
The saddest thing is that not all of the press is willing to share the truth. Listening to Fox News, its just business as usual. This, as they opine, is no big deal.
Our 2018 elections will absolutely be rigged to favor Trump, by Russia, unless something happens to prevent it. Yet, some in the press put party over country.
We are all Americans, no matter our party affiliation, the Russian bold interference in our elections is a violation that should create outrage among all of us, not just Independents, Democrats and the few Republicans that truly care that Russia is still violating our sovereignty in full force.
Our 2018 elections will absolutely be rigged to favor Trump, by Russia, unless something happens to prevent it. Yet, some in the press put party over country.
We are all Americans, no matter our party affiliation, the Russian bold interference in our elections is a violation that should create outrage among all of us, not just Independents, Democrats and the few Republicans that truly care that Russia is still violating our sovereignty in full force.
16
It is reported that "Mr. Hersh said Mr. Akhmetshin cared a great deal about getting the restrictions on adoptions rescinded."
If he is so interested in getting the adoption restrictions rescinded, shouldn't he be trying to persuade the person who put them in place? (Hint: the US didn't impose restrictions on adoption.)
Not sure what Sy Hersh is up to here. Seems strange.
If he is so interested in getting the adoption restrictions rescinded, shouldn't he be trying to persuade the person who put them in place? (Hint: the US didn't impose restrictions on adoption.)
Not sure what Sy Hersh is up to here. Seems strange.
12
Yes, Mr. Akhmetshin may have wanted adoption restrictions, instituted by Vladimir Putin, rescinded. But Ms. Veselnitskaya, who initiated this meeting and supposedly wanted the same, was asking for something else, repeal of the Magnitsky Act, whose passage caused Putin to restrict adoptions. Such repeal is an American issue, not a Russian one. But, in that case, Ms. Veselnitskaya (and possibly other Russians) should have registered as a foreign agent.
Perhaps it is President Trump and his sons who should register as foreign agents.
Perhaps it is President Trump and his sons who should register as foreign agents.
6
The way this is going, it won't be too long before we learn that this was the first meeting in which Trump discussed how Russia could help him win directly with Putin (who either was present or on the phone, no one is sure).
7
It's starting to look like the Stateroom Scene from A Night at the Opera.
64
Just not nearly as funny.
2
We trust that Don Jr., released complete email chain? That's all folks?
20
You can bet several phone calls took place prior to this meeting.
Daddy must have walked into the meeting. How could he stay away from something so salacious?? (And how could Junior keep it from him? It is how he gets acknowlegement from his father). This is like candy for a person like our president. Sin is his addiction.
Daddy must have walked into the meeting. How could he stay away from something so salacious?? (And how could Junior keep it from him? It is how he gets acknowlegement from his father). This is like candy for a person like our president. Sin is his addiction.
15
The reason drip, drip, drip is occurring and the White House refuses to put it all out there is obvious...that would expose the criminal activity that is going on.
If this is not the case, someone give me a better explanation.
If this is not the case, someone give me a better explanation.
54
The justification set forth by. Jr's. lawyers about why he excluded this individual in his initial 'revelation' are laughable.
Once this meeting became known, he did know exactly who attended and the information they provided to him at that time.
Where are the emails that followed the conclusion of this meeting?
When will Don Jr. give us all the emails? There are obvious gaps in the emails he "revealed" on Twitter. Where are those emails?
Once this meeting became known, he did know exactly who attended and the information they provided to him at that time.
Where are the emails that followed the conclusion of this meeting?
When will Don Jr. give us all the emails? There are obvious gaps in the emails he "revealed" on Twitter. Where are those emails?
31
"Considered insignificant at the time."
"I love it."
Yeah.
"I love it."
Yeah.
39
They can't remember who was in the room 13 months ago but somehow they can recall that Jared left the room after 10 minutes and Manafort was busy looking at his phone throughout. Selective memory?
171
Jr., Jared, and Trump's campaign manager (who made a fortune representing the Russian puppet in Ukraine) all meet with what they all told is a Russian govt attorney and a Russian lobbyist to discuss dirt on Hillary because the Russian govt wants to support Trump in the election. The attorney and lobbyist have been working for a long time to reverse the sanctions imposed on Russia by Obama for human rights violations, including killing a Russian journalist. Russia imposed a restriction on Americans adopting Russian children in retaliation for the sanctions. Jared "forgot" to list this meeting, among many others he had with Russians, on his security clearance form. Jared was in charge of the Trump digital campaign program. Jr., Don the Con, Jared, and Manafort all deny they met with the Russians concerning the campaign. When a reporter uncovers the meeting, Jr "remembers" he met with the Russians to talk about adoption of Russian children. Then when he finds out that his email chain is about to be published by the Times, he "voluntarily" releases the chain in the name of "transparency." We learn it wasn't just Jr., it was also Jared and Manafort, and the email makes clear it was to discuss dirt on Hillary, which Jr. "loves." We learn there were other people there, including the lobbyist who also has ties to Russian intelligence. Jr. says nothing became of the meeting, and of course, the attorney agrees. It's all a witch hunt and it's Loretta Lynch's fault. Stay tuned.
59
How does one become a former veteran? Is some kind of time travel involved?
33
Don Jr. et al., The magical mystery tour, Is waiting to take you away, Waiting to take you away. One thing is for certain...we need more space for the perp walk....Let the finger pointing begin.
18
Keep digging, NY Times. Half the country - 3MM may not care, but I care - and so do the majority of us. Keep digging.
157
Wapo and and NYT are getting my monthly fees for the rest of my life. The unrelenting scrutiny of the free press is worth showing the world, if our government is not. These two-bit grifters need be shown no respect, and called out for their mendacity on a daily basis. I'll never take the First Amendment for granted again.
52
LIES Are now multiplying. Jared Kushner and others have "altered" their security clearance documents since they suddenly remembered things they'd forgotten accidentally on purpose. Now we see the same pattern of willful omission, forgetting and lying about the presence of Akhmetshin at the meeting where Donald Trump sat with the Russians, eagerly and illegally learning how to disrupt Hillary's campaign. Nixon may have been a cancer on the nation during Watergate. But Trump and his Thugocracy are an aggressive, fast growing cancer that is spreading lethally throughout the entire body of the nation. Can the death of our democracy be far behind?
29
This truly shows that trump could shoot someone on fifth avenue and get away with it. The country has truly lost any moral or ethical direction and fallen under the spell of a con-man looking to line his pockets. This executive branch and the enabling congress will go down in history as the undoing in the US of eons of good hard work done by competent people who did their best to truly represent the best interest of their constituents. SAD
63
The country lost ethical and moral direction a long, long time ago but, for the most part, they have been good and concealing it by all sorts of self-righteous talk, until now.
9
Sure, routine Soviet military service and no ties to Russian intelligence. Take the Russian crony lobbyist at his word. If you are gullible enough to believe that you probably believe everything Sean Hannity says.
37
I have a dream. It is seeing the Trump family dressed in orange jump suits picking up trash along some highway under the watchful eye of an armed guard.
95
With the suits woven from strands of the fluorescent floor mat that is the Capo da Capo's excuse for a hairdo.
1
So lying is part of the Trump brand. No, wait. It is the Trump brand.
45
Careful, he'll trademark it and charge the rest of the GOP to use it.
1
I am outraged that Republicans in Congress continue to enable Toxic Donald.
54
And so begins the fall of the (heavily mortgaged) House of Trump. Do svidaniya Donald.
23
More lies. More cover-up. More dreck from the Trumps. More apologetics from the Trump toadies. More denial from Republicans.More danger for our Democratic institutions now and in the future.
So now we want to keep Republicans in power? We want to re-elect Trump? Really? REALLY?
So now we want to keep Republicans in power? We want to re-elect Trump? Really? REALLY?
35
Craig Unger's article in The New Republic sets out Trump's very long history of taking money from Russian mobsters, who were looking for safe places to stash cash. By the end of the article, it's like Trump is a wholly owned subsidiary of Russian Mob, Inc. A criminal cabal has taken over the White House.
https://newrepublic.com/article/143586/trumps-russian-laundromat-trump-t...
https://newrepublic.com/article/143586/trumps-russian-laundromat-trump-t...
36
There's no such thing as a "former" intelligence officer. From anywhere. Especially Russia.
35
Why hasn't he been deported? But interview him first. Two russians walk into a room. Both are probably spies, yet Trump Jr. thinks it was an innocent meeting. Putin must have something on Trumps.
16
Has anyone actually asked daddy if he attended the meeting at any moment in time?
11
I expect there is a log kept by the Secret Service for folks entering Trump Tower. It would have names from photo ID, who was being visited, who in Jr's office said it was OK for the visitors to be allowed in and up, along with date, time in, time out, possibly subject of meeting. Ooops.
Those darn Secret Service folks keep records forever and they are difficult to bribe. Those records are probably stored somewhere in or near the District, as well as in NY.
Did everyone involved with Trump just fall off the turnip truck?
Those darn Secret Service folks keep records forever and they are difficult to bribe. Those records are probably stored somewhere in or near the District, as well as in NY.
Did everyone involved with Trump just fall off the turnip truck?
19
I keep reading where the naturalized Russian American in the DJTJR email meeting at Trump Tower still has Russian citizenship. I thought you had to renounce citizenship of your birth country in order to be sworn in as an American. Am I correct? Or has there been changes to the law?
6
You are incorrect. The US does not require renunciation of previous citizenship.
1
Yes, there have been changes. For quite a few years the U.S. has allowed dual citizenship.
1
So there's at least one recording of the meeting--the Russians'.
18
If a contingent of people --getting larger by the hour--attended a 'secret' meeting at Trump Tower which included higher ups like Manafort et al...are you going to tell me that Donald Trump, Sr. knew absolutely nothing about it? That he was sitting one floor up just twiddling his Twitter?
And after the meeting concluded, you gonna tell me that no one mentioned what had transpired to him?
I don't buy this. And, why should I?
And after the meeting concluded, you gonna tell me that no one mentioned what had transpired to him?
I don't buy this. And, why should I?
24
The way more and more details keep coming out seems to show Putin playing Trump like a fiddle.
12
The real question--"real" as in "reality show"--is who will win the rights to this
story. HBO? Netflicks? Comedy Central? How much will they pay, and to whom?
story. HBO? Netflicks? Comedy Central? How much will they pay, and to whom?
5
As David Gergen is saying, this is the most incompetent cover up of all time. He's right.
dt, his family and administration are completely out of their league.
Never trump. Ever.
dt, his family and administration are completely out of their league.
Never trump. Ever.
20
Come on, America! This is just a... Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun... nothing burger!
10
we still can't find the first voter influenced by Russian anything. I personally think that obviously there was no Russian influence.
3
With Russian dressing?
2
Alan Futerfas is in over his head. He defended the Genovese, Gambino and Colombo crime families. He's even defended the Russian hacker that developed the Gozi malware. I think the Trump crime family has him beat. There is no way Robert Mueller is going to let this one slide. Junior is toast. Probably Kushner and Manafort as well. Maybe Sessions and Flynn too. Pretty much everyone close to Trump is in trouble. Melania Trump is the only intelligent looking person in the whole group. She kept her distance.
We're about to watch a high stakes game of prisoner's dilemma play out in the highest reaches of our government. I'm guessing there's enough dirt on the Trump family to make a dolphin sweat. Things will get really interesting when Mueller starts kicking over financial records. I don't think loyalty pledges are going to count for much when you're facing hard time. I'm reminded of the story of Icarus minus King Minos. The Trump family chose to fly too close to the sun. They're about to get burned.
We're about to watch a high stakes game of prisoner's dilemma play out in the highest reaches of our government. I'm guessing there's enough dirt on the Trump family to make a dolphin sweat. Things will get really interesting when Mueller starts kicking over financial records. I don't think loyalty pledges are going to count for much when you're facing hard time. I'm reminded of the story of Icarus minus King Minos. The Trump family chose to fly too close to the sun. They're about to get burned.
55
Yeah--defending smart criminals must be very different from defending stupid ones.
It may not be collusion, but Junior, Jared and the rest are certainly heading for a collision with the truth. Take that KellyAnne!
30
Insignificant and forgotten no more.
8
If the Russians wanted yet more compromising information to blackmail the T campaign, and the T family members, all they would have had to done was record that meeting. Maybe both sides were recording?
10
Thank God the Trumps were holding these secret meetings with the Russians for the ADOPTION OF RUSSIAN BABIES. Can you imagine if Republicans had to await the full lifting of sanctions against Russia to get their FREE RUSSIAN BABY. This was simply a strategic decision that if Democrats knew about this meeting, they both Democrats and Republicans would be standing in line for the FREE RUSSIAN BABIES... a DISASTER ... REPUBLICANS COME FIRST ... These Russian Babies are Putin's personal Thank You to each Republican that voted for Trump. Now cut them some slack.
13
Let us know when somebody finds the first vote influenced by Russia. Until then, there was no Russian interference at all.
1
James: No one is ever going to tell you about the first vote that was influenced by Russia. They are going to tell you MUCH MORE. By they way, 14 US intelligence agencies have VERIFIED that there was Russian interference into our election.
3
... and they all lived happily ever after. The End
4
fury really leads people to irrationality; i've never seen the press engage in so much "dog chasing tail". (metaphor) will this go on for 8 years of trump? he should give mueller a few more months then can him. only the wildest legal inferences would lead to trump being charged with a "crime". and oh yea he aint going to be impeached by the house gop. collusion? what the heck is that? it sure isn't a crime!
1
And if Obama or Clinton had done any of what dt has done, would you be so dismissive?
I'm guessing not.
Never trump. Ever.
I'm guessing not.
Never trump. Ever.
12
I think the Russians would have a tape of this meeting, perhaps the NYT could get a copy for release. Like an onion, there are many layers of lies being told by the Trump collective. From it didn't happen to it was a small convention in less than a week. What other lies have the told and continue to tell?
13
Trump is sinking slowly as if he is in a quicksand. Once, Putin smells that he is of no help, he will drop him, the only person who is holding him. Soon, Putin start demanding results from Trump or else. More revelations with increasing frequency and more damaging will follow in coming weeks. Special counsel Mueller will get fired and impeachment follows.
5
These recent relevations about this meeting are just a tiny tip of the oncoming iceberg.
Mueller has lots and lots of recordings of phone calls picked up by FISA warrants surveilling the Russians. Recordings of lots of conversations with the Trump team.
No way are these Trumps going to get away with lying their way out of this. Not a chance.
Mueller has lots and lots of recordings of phone calls picked up by FISA warrants surveilling the Russians. Recordings of lots of conversations with the Trump team.
No way are these Trumps going to get away with lying their way out of this. Not a chance.
24
And you know what I am thinking about right now...How kushner wanted to establish that direct line of communication with the Kremlin.
Very scary. That is probably an understatement.
Very scary. That is probably an understatement.
3
Alan S. Futerfas, Donald Trump Jr.’s attorney, says: “The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time and essentially forgotten.” (Is this a punchline?)
8
Nothing will come out of all the Russia connection investigations. No mud will ever stick to Trump. In fact, if Putin were to stand for the US presidency, many Americans will gladly vote for him!
7
Trump supposedly taped everything in Trump Tower. Are there tapes for this meeting?
8
Yes of course, he was only a translator. So much dark humor in watching this silent coup slowly come to light.
Nixon was a crook, not a traitor. This bunch are both crooks and traitors.
Nixon was a crook, not a traitor. This bunch are both crooks and traitors.
22
So Donald Trump Jr. has exactly ONE meeting (or so he claims) during the campaign with a person identified as a representative of the Russian government who has incriminating evidence on Hillary Clinton......and he has trouble remembering who was there and the details? Please.
13
And this irrelevant detail was not mentioned by mini-me...any possible problems with this omission mr. integrity .....
5
I hope each new twist is contributing to forming a hangman's noose for the idea that Trump is innocent because he's incompetent, innocent because he knew nothing, innocent because Clinton, Innocent because Republicans know he'll sign whatever crud they put on his desk, and Obama is to blame.
11
One or two others that they did not know? A meeting with highly sensitive material and they didn't even check up on all the attendees?
9
It's simple! They have no ideology, honesty, or sense of public service.
7
"insignificant" "forgotten" - This kind of amnesia is not credible. Kushner, an attorney himself, lied on his national security form which has multiple warnings about it being a federal crime, and is followed up by an interview with a former FBI agent who goes through the form line by line with the person. Don, Jr., has lied repeatedly about the meeting. From a meeting about Russian adoptions, the emails show instead it was on the Russian government trying to help Trump with negative information on Clinton, which would have been obtained through espionage against the U.S.
Now the meeting is up to 8 people, and it is the Russian presence and significance that is multiplying. They met with Trump's senior campaign people.
There is no good way to spin this. It was collusion with a hostile foreign power to interfere with a presidential election.
Trump's perpetual lying machine cannot obscure facts, illegalities, and evidence.
Now the meeting is up to 8 people, and it is the Russian presence and significance that is multiplying. They met with Trump's senior campaign people.
There is no good way to spin this. It was collusion with a hostile foreign power to interfere with a presidential election.
Trump's perpetual lying machine cannot obscure facts, illegalities, and evidence.
18
“The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time and essentially forgotten,” Mr. Futerfas said.
Huh. That sounds like something the prosecutors might say. Because whenever this so-called administration is asked about Russia they all have collective selective amnesia. One would think they'd be using passed time as an excuse.
Still, it's good that Donnie Jr's lawyer acknowledges that these meetings are no longer "considered insignificant," despite what his dirty client says.
Huh. That sounds like something the prosecutors might say. Because whenever this so-called administration is asked about Russia they all have collective selective amnesia. One would think they'd be using passed time as an excuse.
Still, it's good that Donnie Jr's lawyer acknowledges that these meetings are no longer "considered insignificant," despite what his dirty client says.
5
The USA has lost the Cold War in the post-game interviews.
10
I can recall meetings that I have had for the last 30 years. ( and generally what they were about )
Travelling to meet officials from another country and not recalling what the meeting was about ( even if it was a short time ago ) or in particular, if any documents were handed over, just does not hold any credibility.
At some point, somewhere, someone is going to cave and the wall of silence ( by republicans ) will crumble.
My money is still on Flynn. ( we have not heard much of all as of late )
~ a sure sign that deals are in progress.
Travelling to meet officials from another country and not recalling what the meeting was about ( even if it was a short time ago ) or in particular, if any documents were handed over, just does not hold any credibility.
At some point, somewhere, someone is going to cave and the wall of silence ( by republicans ) will crumble.
My money is still on Flynn. ( we have not heard much of all as of late )
~ a sure sign that deals are in progress.
16
I think we can agree that the Trumps have been transparent in that when they know you know and are about to publish or expose it they will either come forward to confirm it or even let it out themselves ahead of you. At least some of them, not necessarily the father, would not lie to cover it up, some of the time. We just need to change the definition of the word transparent. Sad!
3
“The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time and essentially forgotten,” Mr. Futerfas said.
Unless he had multiple meetings with shadowy Russians claiming to have dirt on Clinton (which is possible), I find it very hard to believe that he would not remember who was in the room - or even at least the number of people. It's pretty soon going to emerge that half the KGB was in the room for this "insignificant" meeting. Just another example of how dishonest and amateur this whole family and everyone around them is.
Unless he had multiple meetings with shadowy Russians claiming to have dirt on Clinton (which is possible), I find it very hard to believe that he would not remember who was in the room - or even at least the number of people. It's pretty soon going to emerge that half the KGB was in the room for this "insignificant" meeting. Just another example of how dishonest and amateur this whole family and everyone around them is.
15
Just wait. I have little doubt that Mme. Veselnitskaya came to that meeting well-armed with information from "the dossier," which is probably why the meeting didn't, and didn't need to, last more than 20-30 minutes. The Trump people learned just how deep they were in the Russians' pockets. The rest is history, yet to be exposed.
From another item in today's Times:
"According to Mr. Goldstone’s account, he moved from local journalism to work for Rupert Murdoch’s best-selling British daily newspaper The Sun and other tabloids before turning to public relations for pop stars. This career path happens to be ideal training in what Russian intelligence agencies call “kompromat,” because smear campaigns based on opposition research are a core business strategy of Britain’s popular press."
From another item in today's Times:
"According to Mr. Goldstone’s account, he moved from local journalism to work for Rupert Murdoch’s best-selling British daily newspaper The Sun and other tabloids before turning to public relations for pop stars. This career path happens to be ideal training in what Russian intelligence agencies call “kompromat,” because smear campaigns based on opposition research are a core business strategy of Britain’s popular press."
9
"Russia! Russia!! Russia!!! They won't move on any of my agenda items because of Russia! Russia!! Russia!!!"
Thank God.
Thank God.
20
So they had two extra guys sitting in on this top-secret meeting whose identities they never thought to establish and who they had completely forgotten about until just now. (How did they know they weren't planted there by Hillary's campaign operators?) Every day another lie, and Kushner still gets to keep his security clearance. Hillary would have been impeached, convicted and incarcerated by now.
74
"Hillary would have been impeached, convicted and incarcerated by now."
Actually, she would have been burned at the stake by now.
Actually, she would have been burned at the stake by now.
1
What we now seem to have is the reality of collusion with a US enemy military officer, suddenly being sold as "it's all ado about nothing" now that several noxious "other shoes" have been dropped on Donald Junior's foot.
So, colluding with a foreign adversary to influence the outcome of an American election has become a new normal. "Hey, everybody does it," except for the fact that nobody else has done in an American political campaign until now. What was once a very short time ago deemed treason is now being sold as accepted political practice.
We cannot measure the speed of the tumble of our national integrity and dignity into the cesspool of spiteful mendacity represented by our President and the craven cavalcade of operatives who not only accept but also generate the septage now emerging from all organs of American governance.
The carcinogenic rot is spreading at wildfire rates from within. Unacceptable behavior is denied and derided as "fake news" until is is proven to have occurred within the central core of our Administration. Then, the narrative of denial becomes the storyboard of "So what!"
This is the country we have given ourselves. Seventy years of global leadership are being squandered before our incredulous eyes.
So, colluding with a foreign adversary to influence the outcome of an American election has become a new normal. "Hey, everybody does it," except for the fact that nobody else has done in an American political campaign until now. What was once a very short time ago deemed treason is now being sold as accepted political practice.
We cannot measure the speed of the tumble of our national integrity and dignity into the cesspool of spiteful mendacity represented by our President and the craven cavalcade of operatives who not only accept but also generate the septage now emerging from all organs of American governance.
The carcinogenic rot is spreading at wildfire rates from within. Unacceptable behavior is denied and derided as "fake news" until is is proven to have occurred within the central core of our Administration. Then, the narrative of denial becomes the storyboard of "So what!"
This is the country we have given ourselves. Seventy years of global leadership are being squandered before our incredulous eyes.
55
These guys seem to think there is always one last lie they can get away with. Enablers should remember that one day they'll have to answer to friend and family one day...
18
Friends and family one day... They will lie with equal ease or simply feign knowledge. "I was out of the WH at that point."
1
Donald Trump Jr. said, "This was before the Russia Mania started," as if it justified his behavior. It was before the news picked up on the scandal, true, but anyone who has attended a high school civics lesson, or even watched an episode of the TV show "The Americans" knows you don't talk to the Russian government about the election, before the election. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Ignorance in power is dangerous.
15
Vladimir Putin and the head of Russian intelligence could have attended the Trump Tower meeting and it would still have not been an illegal meeting. All the participants agreed on what was discussed at the meeting. They did not ‘collude” or conspire to commit a crime. Collusion is only criminal if it involves a conspiracy to commit a crime. Accepting disparaging or incriminating evidence about a political rival might be unseemly, but it is not criminal, regardless of the source. The Trump Tower meeting will be forgotten once Democrats realize that the only significant thing that transpired was the presentation of documents that allegedly show the Democratic National Committee accepted illegal campaign contribution from Russian businesses.
1
If you can't see what's wrong with Trump and the GOP, then you won't see what's wrong with the Russians interfering in our elections.
10
A campaign soliciting something of value from a foreign government is a crime. It matters less what was actually discussed than was Junior's intent was. The emails provide a solid case that he thought he was going to deal with a representative of the Russian government and that he was hoping to get dirt on Hilary--the "something of value."
By focusing on collusion, you are batting at a straw man.
As to the documents, if there was anything to them, the Trump campaign would've have gotten them into the public eye months ago, either directly or by leaking it to a reporter (probably someone from Fox).
By focusing on collusion, you are batting at a straw man.
As to the documents, if there was anything to them, the Trump campaign would've have gotten them into the public eye months ago, either directly or by leaking it to a reporter (probably someone from Fox).
1
Do you make up YOUR OWN laws?????
According to the FEC if a campaign receives any "thing of value" FROM A FOREIGN NATIONAL (a "thing of value" would be considered "dirt" on your opponent) that would influence or sway an election, it is PROHIBITED. Which means ILLEGAL. IF THE SOURCE IS A FOREIGN NATIONAL, IT IS PROHIBITED. (And Russia is a HOSTILE power to the United States.) If the DNC accepted illegal campaign contributions from Russian businesses, you do not think that the Russians, who wanted trump elected, would not have made sure that such information was out there LOUD AND CLEAR? Well, who knows, maybe the Russians were playing BOTH ENDS AGIANST THE MIDDLE? Anyone, especially someone who is an American politician, who deals with the Russians on a basis of this kind (BASIS=MALFEASANCE)...is a fool.
According to the FEC if a campaign receives any "thing of value" FROM A FOREIGN NATIONAL (a "thing of value" would be considered "dirt" on your opponent) that would influence or sway an election, it is PROHIBITED. Which means ILLEGAL. IF THE SOURCE IS A FOREIGN NATIONAL, IT IS PROHIBITED. (And Russia is a HOSTILE power to the United States.) If the DNC accepted illegal campaign contributions from Russian businesses, you do not think that the Russians, who wanted trump elected, would not have made sure that such information was out there LOUD AND CLEAR? Well, who knows, maybe the Russians were playing BOTH ENDS AGIANST THE MIDDLE? Anyone, especially someone who is an American politician, who deals with the Russians on a basis of this kind (BASIS=MALFEASANCE)...is a fool.
2
Does everyone remember that Monica Lewinsky was held in the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Arlington for 10 hours, denied access to an attorney, had her mother threatened with indictment, and brow beaten by the special counsel Ken Starr and his thugs? Man, we really have become a kinder and gentler nation. Trump Jr, Kushner, and Manafort were made for rubber hoses.
23
Please keep in mind that only in June did Mr Kushner amend his SF-86 to include the meeting with the Russian lawyer after he learned about Mr Trump Jr emails being out there. That was the third time Mr Kushner amended his SF-86 form to include a meeting with another R.ussian
Mr Kushner wanted to set up a private channel in a Russian facility between Moscow and the Trump administration, to avoid U.S intelligence service.
Kushner is going to jail.
Mr Kushner wanted to set up a private channel in a Russian facility between Moscow and the Trump administration, to avoid U.S intelligence service.
Kushner is going to jail.
30
That famous Trump transparency at work again.
14
It sounds like the purpose of this meeting, at least for the Russians involved, was to discuss getting sanctions lifted. My question is, was anything offered to the Trump campaign in return?
9
This is one of those times when you don't know whether to laugh or cry. On the cry side of the ledger is the effort, apparently successful, by Russia to influence the outcome of the US presidential election, the reality that Republicans in Congress have their heads in the sand and refuse to see the whirlwind that will sweep them away, and the reality that Donald Trump and his entire pack of hangers-on are so venal they will have no difficulty lying when they are sworn in by the Special Prosecutor's office or whichever congressional committee. There's all that. But the fact that every time I read the news there are more people in the room with Donald, Jr. and the Boris/Natasha duo just cracks me up. I mean, they had enough people to set up two bridge tables.
16
It would be nice if we could all just flip the channel and watch something besides Trump TV. By now, the world has a pretty clear picture of what kind of man is our president. Sadly, does he have to drag the country through these embarrassing disclosures, day after day? Even a few days without another dismal Trump episode would be a welcome relief. Can't we have a few days of a "normal" experience of politics, the press, and life as usual?
4
No, Walker. And yes, it is disgusting, horrible, upsetting, embarrassing, and dismal, it must be kept in the forefront of the new, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OF ITS' EXTREME DEPLORABILITY, UNBEARABILITY, AND CORRUPTION. We cannot have "life as usual" without cutting the "cancer" out. This is a very aggressive "cancer," fast-moving, powerful, and lethal. (Even though it is also a stupid and an inept disease...it is twisted, ugly, and undisciplined, and it is being nourished by a lot of strong blood vessels, known as Congress, and the alt-right media, and other clueless/greedy supporters) Our country, and she is a strong country...but she cannot be expected to live much longer with such a rampant and insidious disease trying to choke the democracy out of her. The treatment is, above all, FREEDOM OF THE PRESS! There are no "normal" politics in our current diseased climate; and, as such, life as we knew it, is no longer normal. THIS IS NOT A GAME! THIS NATION AND ITS' PEOPLE ARE IN TERRIBLE DANGER!
3
“The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time and essentially forgotten,” Mr. Futerfas said."
Right, it was so insignificant that the original versions of what the meeting was about where fabricated. Now it's truth by drip, drip, drip. What we can agree on is that Trump Jr. and his partners - in crime? - would dearly love to forget that the meeting ever took place.
Right, it was so insignificant that the original versions of what the meeting was about where fabricated. Now it's truth by drip, drip, drip. What we can agree on is that Trump Jr. and his partners - in crime? - would dearly love to forget that the meeting ever took place.
14
The only thing I'm confident of at this point is that I wasn't at the meeting.
That's subject to revision, of course.
That's subject to revision, of course.
32
“The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant..."
*That* is the frustrating part? I think most Americans are a bit more than frustrated by other things at this point.
*That* is the frustrating part? I think most Americans are a bit more than frustrated by other things at this point.
15
Just read a WaPo story about Fox News' Shep Smith going off - Walter Cronkite Style - on the "lie after lie after lie" told by Jr. about this story. Apparently there were 7 or 8 attendees in that meeting. I guess this was yet another lie by omission by both Jr. and Kushner since neither never specified the # of people in the meeting. But neither did they clear it up when people assumed there were only 5 (including the interpreter - if that's really who he/she was). Not sad; heartbreaking!
5
Maybe I missed it - has any Republican member of Congress demanded that Jared Kushner's security clearance be suspended?
22
“The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time and essentially forgotten,” Mr. Futerfas said."
liar.
liar.
5
"...events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time and essentially forgotten,” Mr. Futerfas said."
Insignificant? Insignificant is what Junior had for breakfast 13 months ago. A meeting with this cast of worthies was hardly so.
I am sure Mr Futerfas and others dearly wish the events of the meeting were forgotten.
Insignificant? Insignificant is what Junior had for breakfast 13 months ago. A meeting with this cast of worthies was hardly so.
I am sure Mr Futerfas and others dearly wish the events of the meeting were forgotten.
10
It's Columbo, through the looking glass:
The rumpled detective is trying to leave but each time he reaches the door the suspect stops him, saying "...one more thing..."
The rumpled detective is trying to leave but each time he reaches the door the suspect stops him, saying "...one more thing..."
3
Going from zero contact to more than 100 foreign contacts in revised security clearance form is pretty amazing. What is it about the Russians that have some people suffering from selective amnesia?
Now Don Jr. , Manafort and Jared meeting with undisclosed Russian nationals.
Better hope there are no tapes of that meeting.
Now Don Jr. , Manafort and Jared meeting with undisclosed Russian nationals.
Better hope there are no tapes of that meeting.
11
I have a brain injury that affected my memory but I can still remember some events from 13 months ago.
I wonder what Don Jr's excuse is for not recalling the intent and participants of the meeting. Bad genes? He needs to be served a subpoena immediately.
I wonder what Don Jr's excuse is for not recalling the intent and participants of the meeting. Bad genes? He needs to be served a subpoena immediately.
11
I would highly recommend readers to google the transcript of PBS's today's News Hour. As part of its week's series on Russia, Friday's airing emphasized how Russia views the US. The see a nation splitting up and unstable. They see us as no longer the strong global leader we once were. (May I add, for me, as recently as until Trump took office.) As the commentator said, Russia sees this as perfect fodder, ideal prey, to weaken our democracy even further. We are vulnerable, more so than ever, in its eyes.
Which brings me to the latest revelation of Russian involvement in our 2016 election. My question is: How much more is our Republican Congress going to put this nation through by their willful distractions and denials and diversions? If this were President Obama or Secretary Clinton, they would have been impeached by now. Trump and his family have lost all credibility. Lie upon lie upon lie. Disgraceful human beings, if one considers them human. And his supporters? What on earth is wrong with them? As we peel the skin off this onion, it is becoming more and more pungent. By the time we get to its rotten core, what will happen to us? And what more will we be facing from Mr. Putin?
Which brings me to the latest revelation of Russian involvement in our 2016 election. My question is: How much more is our Republican Congress going to put this nation through by their willful distractions and denials and diversions? If this were President Obama or Secretary Clinton, they would have been impeached by now. Trump and his family have lost all credibility. Lie upon lie upon lie. Disgraceful human beings, if one considers them human. And his supporters? What on earth is wrong with them? As we peel the skin off this onion, it is becoming more and more pungent. By the time we get to its rotten core, what will happen to us? And what more will we be facing from Mr. Putin?
25
Flynn seems to be off the agenda as a talking point. Or could it be that he holds all the information that is needed to collapse the Trump house of cards and will be held as the last zinger before impeachment.
5
The investigation continues. Silence does not mean they are ignoring all of this. There report will come in good time and I am sure it will not be pretty!
1
Wow, so the second Russian wasn't just a translator. Is anyone surprised that everything Don Jr said about this meeting is false?? Why believe that they talked adoption, that nothing useful was shared, that the meeting was a waste of time, and that Trump Sr never was informed?
These were two Russian heavy hitters who knew exactly what they were there to discuss. There is every reason to believe it was a very productive meeting and Donald Trump was excited his Russian friends were going to be extremely helpful in the coming weeks.
The Republicans will be rushin (sorry couln't resist) to move the goalposts again. What's wrong with getting information from the Russians? Everybody does it! They were helping to expose the Dem campaign. Why is that so bad? And what if they did take sides? That's not the Republican's fault. I can hear it now.
These were two Russian heavy hitters who knew exactly what they were there to discuss. There is every reason to believe it was a very productive meeting and Donald Trump was excited his Russian friends were going to be extremely helpful in the coming weeks.
The Republicans will be rushin (sorry couln't resist) to move the goalposts again. What's wrong with getting information from the Russians? Everybody does it! They were helping to expose the Dem campaign. Why is that so bad? And what if they did take sides? That's not the Republican's fault. I can hear it now.
9
13 months ago and forgotten?
ONLY because the people involved hid it and lied about it. and building logs? I have not been in Trump tower, but I know of no building like that in that area that does not log visitors. examine identification. and often photograph people to print on a visitor pass. or did junior arrange for that to be waived?
ONLY because the people involved hid it and lied about it. and building logs? I have not been in Trump tower, but I know of no building like that in that area that does not log visitors. examine identification. and often photograph people to print on a visitor pass. or did junior arrange for that to be waived?
10
Little wonder that Candidate Trump was so solicitous toward Putin during the campaign now that the quid pro quo is clearly emerging: we give you dirt on Hilary and you ease up the sanctions in return. My concern now is the security clearances of these key Trump players, will they sell us out?
7
It seems like the press should revisit in detail what human rights violations were committed (or are currently being committed) by the Russians.
2
Futerfas' argument is absurd.
If the meeting was "considered insignificant" at the time, then why did Trump Jr. invite nobody but his father's campaign manager together with his right hand and now most important adviser at the White House, to a meeting that, moreover, he himself set up?
Who sets up meetings like that, if he would truly believe that they'd be insignificant?
So what Mr. Futerfas actually wants us to understand is that the information that they gathered turned out to be, in the end, "insignificant", compared to what they hoped to get from it.
But if you hope to conspire with a foreign power in order to distort the US presidential election, and in the end you don't succeed, wouldn't you at least remember who exactly was in the room ... ? Simply because of the big disappointment that would provoke ... ?
Conclusion: Futerfas's argument doesn't make any sense, and they clearly continue to hide crucial information. Maybe in the end they did get some information about Hillary, and they did use it, after all? Which is why they try so hard to make us believe that they already forgot about it ... ?
One thing is clear: this - once again - raises more questions than it solves, apart from the fact that we now know for certain that yes, when presented the opportunity, the Trump inner circle was indeed more than prepared to conspire against the US. The only excuse Trump could come up with was: who wouldn't do so? Which is completely absurd too.
If the meeting was "considered insignificant" at the time, then why did Trump Jr. invite nobody but his father's campaign manager together with his right hand and now most important adviser at the White House, to a meeting that, moreover, he himself set up?
Who sets up meetings like that, if he would truly believe that they'd be insignificant?
So what Mr. Futerfas actually wants us to understand is that the information that they gathered turned out to be, in the end, "insignificant", compared to what they hoped to get from it.
But if you hope to conspire with a foreign power in order to distort the US presidential election, and in the end you don't succeed, wouldn't you at least remember who exactly was in the room ... ? Simply because of the big disappointment that would provoke ... ?
Conclusion: Futerfas's argument doesn't make any sense, and they clearly continue to hide crucial information. Maybe in the end they did get some information about Hillary, and they did use it, after all? Which is why they try so hard to make us believe that they already forgot about it ... ?
One thing is clear: this - once again - raises more questions than it solves, apart from the fact that we now know for certain that yes, when presented the opportunity, the Trump inner circle was indeed more than prepared to conspire against the US. The only excuse Trump could come up with was: who wouldn't do so? Which is completely absurd too.
7
Drip, drip, drip.
I've always wondered why Mitch McConnell was so confident in refusing to hold hearings on Obama's pick for the Supreme Court until this Trump-Russia story began to emerge.
And McConnell's silence (and Ryan's) at these revelations from the very beginning is odd, too. Didn't his superPAC have a wealthy Ukrainian donor? Hasn't he shared the proceeds with key Republicans involved in the investigations? Will Mueller's investigation find links to other Republicans? I suspect so.
I've always wondered why Mitch McConnell was so confident in refusing to hold hearings on Obama's pick for the Supreme Court until this Trump-Russia story began to emerge.
And McConnell's silence (and Ryan's) at these revelations from the very beginning is odd, too. Didn't his superPAC have a wealthy Ukrainian donor? Hasn't he shared the proceeds with key Republicans involved in the investigations? Will Mueller's investigation find links to other Republicans? I suspect so.
12
“The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time and essentially forgotten,” Mr. Futerfas said.
Imagine how frustrated we feel.
Imagine how frustrated we feel.
9
How much longer must we put up with this clown show? If it was a movie, it would be panned for being unbelievable. Heard that even during the Apprentice, Trump did not make the decision on who got fired.
1
If we can assume that there was collusion between the Russians and the Trump campaign, and if we can assume that the objective of the Russians was to help Trump win the election, what exactly was the nature of that collusion? Trump seems to be very worried that he may be accused of not winning the election fair and square, when no one has accused him of that. Could it be that he did not win the election fair and square, that somehow it was rigged? Remember he accused the DNC of rigging the election when there was no proof of any rigging, and we know that whatever Trump accuses people of, he himself is the guilty party. So what did they do and how did they do it? My guess is that it wasn't adding votes for Trump, but may have been subtracting them for Hillary.
9
The Trumps live for today, and let the devil take the hindmost. Unfortunately everyone but the Trumps will, sooner or later, find themselves being snapped up by the devil; the inescapable wages of laziness and complacency when confronted by such as the Trumps.
4
This meeting, which didn't involve anyone from the Trump campaign until it did, keeps adding more Russian participants, including a former Russian secret agent. The ever-changing narrative from Donald Trump, Jr. could be just innocent omissions, as he claims, or important details linking these contacts to possible collusion. Whatever the case, further exploration by the appropriate congressional committees and the special counsel seems more than warranted. Opening this can of worms might just make some powerful people squirm.
6
One comment reads: "The information is out there. The Republicans in Congress read about it daily. But the Republican leadership is quiet. They have nothing to say."
Here's a thought. Who in the Republican leadership would benefit if Trump but not Pence was kicked out? Pence, of course. But why would any other Republican risk anything do that?
However: I think Paul Ryan might be waiting until there's a lot of evidence against both of them. Then he heroically leads the Republicans to denounce them both and urge them to step down. And then just by coincidence he becomes President Ryan.
Here's a thought. Who in the Republican leadership would benefit if Trump but not Pence was kicked out? Pence, of course. But why would any other Republican risk anything do that?
However: I think Paul Ryan might be waiting until there's a lot of evidence against both of them. Then he heroically leads the Republicans to denounce them both and urge them to step down. And then just by coincidence he becomes President Ryan.
1
And oh yeah......I forgot....Vladimir Putin was at the meeting, too......but he didn't say anything.... He just smiled a lot.
17
Cheeky! ;-)
No wonder Kushner was looking for a little office space at the (safely secure) Russian embassy. It would have been much easier for all these meet-ups.
By the way, how did NBC learn of this new guy?
By the way, how did NBC learn of this new guy?
72
Probably another member of the Trump team (maybe Steve Bannon). There are more leaks there than there were on the Titanic.
1
Pass the popcorn, please. This just gets better and better.
90
It's very hard for me to believe that there was only one meeting and that was it . It just doesn't add up that it would end right there.
Maybe I'm a skeptic but the Russians clearly showed their intentions and Trump Jr . showed he clearly wanted to play .
I'm very curious to hear how this whole thing plays out .
Maybe I'm a skeptic but the Russians clearly showed their intentions and Trump Jr . showed he clearly wanted to play .
I'm very curious to hear how this whole thing plays out .
188
We'll probably have to wait as the truth drips out. Trump likes to keep everybody in suspense, so he and his people probably won't come clean until their in a Court Room under oath.
2
I'd be happy to get to the last page of the play so that we can get on with governing this country. I pay a lot in taxes and would prefer to put it in a savings account for my retirement.
2
Here's my question. So, Jared Kushner attended this meeting. He conveniently "forgot" about it and didn't report it on his SF-86 security clearance form. So when the form got "amended" to include this meeting were these other individuals included on the revised form?
261
I'm sure we'll find out in due course. The Trumps aren't used to operating in a world where they don't control everything and their lies go unchallenged. This makes them surprisingly bad liars. They are getting a lot of practice though.
8
Soon we will find out that it was actually 35 people in a conference room. With catering. And that Trump Sr poked his head in, just to see how the project was going.
476
Don't forget SKYPE. It wouldn't have been catered, but maybe take out pizza.
34
catering! you kidding. It' was a full on buffet bistro.
4
Make that 3, no 4 hard-boiled eggs.
2
I bet this news moves Jared a little closer to being flipped by the feds. He knows he doesn't want to participate in prison life, but he certainly is the one who could become the fall guy. Donald will not betray Donald jr. and Kushner knows this. State's witness here he comes.
269
The Russian-American lobbyist merely confirms what Doanald Trump Jr. said. According to the Associated Press, Akhmetshin said Natalia Veselnitskaya brought with her documents that detailed what she believed was the flow of illicit funds to the Democratic National Committee. She presented them to the Trump associates and said, "This could be a good issue to expose how the DNC is accepting bad money." Trump Jr. asked if she had all the evidence to back up her claims and could demonstrate the flow of the money, but lost interest when Veselnitskaya said the Trump campaign would need to research it more. Special Counsel Robert Mueller has the staff and funding to do the research. The documents could lead to the first criminal indictments—perhaps the only criminal indictments—in the Russian meddling case.
2
Why do you think Donald Trump won't betray his son. Don Jr is already taking the fall to protect him now, isn't it? I bet Don Sr was actually in the room too. And it wasn't a nothing meeting. They had a deal. Just see what happened afterward.
3
Don't worry if Donald Jr or Kushner eventually get indicted or jailed. Donald Sr. will just pardon them!! I feel sorry for anyone in the Justice Dept who actually attempts to bring an indictment on these people.
1
Events 13 months ago that were considered insignificant? By whom? And what was his role in that meeting, anyway? AP is reporting that the lawyer Veselnitskaya handed over documents to DJT Jr./Kushner/Manafort. And she invited this Russian hacker with ties to Russian counter-intelligence to the meeting. What was his role?
And, did Kushner list this guy on his revised SF-86? Or this another name he has conveniently forgotten? Because meeting with Russian representatives and hackers who offer info on your opponent is something one does so frequently it isn't memorable? These guys may be stone criminals or dumb as rocks, but either way they need to get out of the White House.
And, did Kushner list this guy on his revised SF-86? Or this another name he has conveniently forgotten? Because meeting with Russian representatives and hackers who offer info on your opponent is something one does so frequently it isn't memorable? These guys may be stone criminals or dumb as rocks, but either way they need to get out of the White House.
294
As the article points outs, Akhmetshin is a American who lives in Washington and is well known in congressional circles. As a youth, he served in the Soviet Army, not the Russian Army. He was a draftee who later immigrated to the United States. Kushner would not have listed him on his security clearance application, since he is not a foreigner.
8
@William Case: Nor, apparently, would Kushner have listed the Russian attorney.
Until he "remembered" and amended the security clearance documents.
How many other "remembered" meetings do you suppose are involved?
General Flynn also seems to have "remembered" after the fact to register as a foreign agent. Funny how the Trump Campaign staff all "remember" things only after the heat is on.
Until he "remembered" and amended the security clearance documents.
How many other "remembered" meetings do you suppose are involved?
General Flynn also seems to have "remembered" after the fact to register as a foreign agent. Funny how the Trump Campaign staff all "remember" things only after the heat is on.
8
He was working as an agent of a foreign government as part of a concerted effort to undermine the sanctions legislation and also to undermine Hillary Clinton in the election.
2
Many commenters have pointed out that undoubtedly there is a sign in book in the lobby of T Tower --- of course there is a book and also visiters to the "inner sanctum" would have needed a security clearance.
This log should be preserved and subject to subpoena by Mr. Mueller's team.
April 13-14, 2017 are many news articles that the White House had stopped allowing public view of the sign in logs.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/14/us/politics/visitor-log-white-house-t...
Mr. Mueller - please subpoena the sign in logs at the WH - which is the public's house- so we can all see who has been visiting this nefarious administration.
This log should be preserved and subject to subpoena by Mr. Mueller's team.
April 13-14, 2017 are many news articles that the White House had stopped allowing public view of the sign in logs.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/14/us/politics/visitor-log-white-house-t...
Mr. Mueller - please subpoena the sign in logs at the WH - which is the public's house- so we can all see who has been visiting this nefarious administration.
154
Daddy Trump has a Secret Service detail by June 2016. One would think that anyone entering Trump Tower would have to pass a Secret Service checkpoint. Everybody. Especially if the person were headed anywhere near the candidate.
Does the Secret Service keep logs of visitors? If not, why not?
Does the Secret Service keep logs of visitors? If not, why not?
3
Trump Tower lobby has security cameras . Private entrances as well. And probably all the elevators.
In these Goldstone E-mails I smell a rat. Some kind of set-up.
Maybe it was some old deep state, Bush company people that set up the Russia trap on Trump's campaign out of spite. Because they got so angry when Trump called Jeb names. That they set up a live-wire. For the good of the country. Or something.
Maybe it was some old deep state, Bush company people that set up the Russia trap on Trump's campaign out of spite. Because they got so angry when Trump called Jeb names. That they set up a live-wire. For the good of the country. Or something.
9
Why would the Russians agree to help traditional conservatives who staunchly believe Russia is our enemy, when supporting Trump helps their quest to undermine democracy and western civilization by embarressing America and exposing the corruptibility, the fragility of our institutions. Trying to find a rat in Goldberg, etc that would make the Trumps victims in this meeting is really stretching thin the fantasy of a guileless, naive Trump.
1
Or some kind of Trump-Putin set up on the American media, to discredit them or somehow blame the Democrats - they're already trying that.
Nah. We know the Trumpettes are dumb, but the Bushies aren't clever enough to pull even that off. And "for the good of the country"? The Bushes?
It looks to me like there was a race to see who could make solid contact with the Russians to let them know the Trump campaign was interested in collusion on anything Hillary. Why so many meetings with Russians, all close Trump associates? What we need to know now is when did Trump give the okay to seek outreach with the Russians, and what was the exact nature of that collusion and what was the agreed upon payback if Trump won the election?
55
OK, I give up. Is this "Russian-American" an American citizen from Russia, or is he something else? Why is he a "Russian-American" and not just a "Russian" like every other citizen of Russia?
14
On CNN, they mentioned that Mr. Akhmetshin moved to the United States and became an American citizen in 2009.
1
It denotes dual citizenship. So yes, he is an American citizen who emigrated from Russia.
Because he holds dual citizenship.
1
In forty years, I never attended a business meeting with more than one person outside the firm whom no one had met where there was no sign-in sheet or exchange of business cards, or designated note-taker. The only reason not to do so would be that things were to be discussed about which no one wanted a written record. In my business, we call that attitude: "mens rea" -- the guilty mind. It's the pre-condition to the commission of most crimes. It is the touchstone of criminal intent.
509
Great to in the last few days we've gone from treason to business recommended "best practices." Well whatever sticks to the wall and hypocrisy abounds. Any type of bipartisanship is far long and gone. So sad.
1
The information is out there. The Republicans in Congress read about it daily.
But the Republican leadership is quiet. They have nothing to say.
But the Republican leadership is quiet. They have nothing to say.
129
Here's a thought. Who in the Republican leadership would benefit if Trump but not Pence was kicked out? Pence, of course. But why would any other Republican risk anything to do that?
However: I think Paul Ryan might be waiting until there's a lot of evidence against both of them. Then he heroically leads the Republicans to denounce them both and urge them to step down. And then just by coincidence he becomes President Ryan.
However: I think Paul Ryan might be waiting until there's a lot of evidence against both of them. Then he heroically leads the Republicans to denounce them both and urge them to step down. And then just by coincidence he becomes President Ryan.
1
...because they are clueless cowards, hoping Trumpf will survive long enough to sign their twisted legislation. It's a race to the bottom, now.
4
How did our security agencies under Obama let all these suspected Russian operative into the country in the first place?
3
Of course Obama is responsible for everything .
28
Natalia V. was granted a waiver on an initially declined visa. I have not yet heard an explanation for why State would do that. Mr. Akhmetshin is a naturalized U.S. citizen, so he was not let into the country at any recent time, but is a long-term resident. The publicist is a Brit, I believe, so that would not have raised any red flags. At the time, these people were all just viewed as opponents of the M. act, lobbying to overturn it on behalf of Russ. interests.
2
I miss President Obama. As an individual he could not micro manage Security agencies. He did the best he could after the former Prez got us into a deep recession. Why did the Trump family accept an invite to meet with the Russian operative?
4
Trumps all lie all the time.
104
There is an easy way to find out who was in the meeting. In the email thread, Goldstone told Don Jr that he would send all the names of those attending to security at Trump Tower so they could be cleared up to Trump's office. This is standard practice at secure facilities. I'm sure Mueller will subpoena those logs. All of this messaging wouldn't be so difficult if everyone were telling the truth.
89
If meeting with Russians is a treasonous crime then shouldn't someone ask the follow question, just for consistency?
Did anyone on the Clinton team meet with any Russians during the campaign season?
Did anyone on the Clinton team meet with any Russians during the campaign season?
5
You miss the point,
The issue is that a foreign government, as clearly stated in the emails, offered to contribute something of value to the Trump campaign to help him to become President instead of Clinton.
This is illegal.
AND: the Trump campaign said yes.
Then Trump announced publicly that he would have material on Clinton to talk about. Then all the other well documented DNC, Podesta and bot attacks.
This is not about having a cup of tea with someone from another country.
The issue is that a foreign government, as clearly stated in the emails, offered to contribute something of value to the Trump campaign to help him to become President instead of Clinton.
This is illegal.
AND: the Trump campaign said yes.
Then Trump announced publicly that he would have material on Clinton to talk about. Then all the other well documented DNC, Podesta and bot attacks.
This is not about having a cup of tea with someone from another country.
32
If they conspired to collude that would also be a crime. How does that make this less of one?
5
You'll have to do better than that to clear the Trumps of any wrong-doing. Each new set of facts that emerges only serves to confirm their "curiousity to collude.' A nothing meeting that senior campaign operatives were in on but surprise surprise no one can remember much about. The email trail suggests othwerwise. Their not even good liars!
1
Ahh yes, more of the drip-drip of the collusion that never happened of the Russia connections that never happened. It is amazing to hear the Trump administration's talking point about the Russian connection: no information of value was provided, so everybody just move along under this cloud of the Mother of All Witch Hunts, because we are now telling the truth. Now they expect the public to believe that the Russians provided nothing of value? No communication codes, snazzy decoder rings, or double secret backchannels?
It would greatly aid the public to put the Trump team's denials across the spectrum with what we do know. For example, Jared "I Love Me Some Backchannel" Kushner has had to amend his security clearance forms, where he was originally asked to list all of his foreign contacts, not once but twice, all dealing with Russians. I think Mr. Kushner's defense will simply be that he was attempting to monetize the presidency; therefore, business backchannels would obviously be exempt from such reporting requirements.
Either way, Kush is probably already crushing on two felony counts just on his security form, alone. The good news in all of this is that I'm sure there are no other surprises. now we can watch Trump's legislation in progress. Exactly, Trump has no legislation in the hopper. In the meantime, the Trump administration is probably desperately casting about for other foreign invites. I hear that Botswana's President's Day is on July 17th. Safe travels.
It would greatly aid the public to put the Trump team's denials across the spectrum with what we do know. For example, Jared "I Love Me Some Backchannel" Kushner has had to amend his security clearance forms, where he was originally asked to list all of his foreign contacts, not once but twice, all dealing with Russians. I think Mr. Kushner's defense will simply be that he was attempting to monetize the presidency; therefore, business backchannels would obviously be exempt from such reporting requirements.
Either way, Kush is probably already crushing on two felony counts just on his security form, alone. The good news in all of this is that I'm sure there are no other surprises. now we can watch Trump's legislation in progress. Exactly, Trump has no legislation in the hopper. In the meantime, the Trump administration is probably desperately casting about for other foreign invites. I hear that Botswana's President's Day is on July 17th. Safe travels.
68
The fact that this Russian lobbyist who is suspected to be a 'former' intelligence office volunteered the information that he was present at this meeting between Trump Jr., Kushner, Manafort and the Russian lawyer confirms my suspicions: the Russians helped to elect an incompetent and then are bit by bit taking him down, putting our entire government at risk of complete dysfuntion. That was most likely their plan from the start.
I don't know if Putin plays chess, but he certainly was at least four moves ahead of the Trump clan when plotting out his strategy. I can only hope that the Republicans in Congress and in state government wake up to the fact that the Russians will continue to provide bits of information to create mayhem, and do something morally and politically positive about it. Otherwise, it looks like Russia owns the board.
I don't know if Putin plays chess, but he certainly was at least four moves ahead of the Trump clan when plotting out his strategy. I can only hope that the Republicans in Congress and in state government wake up to the fact that the Russians will continue to provide bits of information to create mayhem, and do something morally and politically positive about it. Otherwise, it looks like Russia owns the board.
136
Agree.
Putin is now meddling in the Presidency because Trump can't deliver. And Congress is not part of the solution but part of the problem as Ryan and McConnell are aiding and abetting the cover up. Muller , the press and the American electorate in 2016 are the only solutions.
The American people have been abandoned by the Executive and Legislative branches of its Federal government .
Don't be surprised if Trump fires Muller and complete the trifecta with the neutering of the Judicial branch. Putin has Trump and Kushner on a string.
Putin is now meddling in the Presidency because Trump can't deliver. And Congress is not part of the solution but part of the problem as Ryan and McConnell are aiding and abetting the cover up. Muller , the press and the American electorate in 2016 are the only solutions.
The American people have been abandoned by the Executive and Legislative branches of its Federal government .
Don't be surprised if Trump fires Muller and complete the trifecta with the neutering of the Judicial branch. Putin has Trump and Kushner on a string.
Of course Russians play chess. And my eight year-old niece could stay four moves ahead Anyone named Trump.
Donald Trump Jr.'s own e-mail state that the meeting was about joining together with Russian nationals who represented the Russian government to obtain information for use against a political opponent in a federal election.
That translates to a strong inference of conspiracy to commit election fraud with an adversary nation. While that does not meet the legal definition of treason, it surely meets any common understanding of that word. However we chose to define legal issues facing Donald Trump Jr., his actions hardly appear lawful, and this additional information continues to make his defenses decidedly less plausible.
That translates to a strong inference of conspiracy to commit election fraud with an adversary nation. While that does not meet the legal definition of treason, it surely meets any common understanding of that word. However we chose to define legal issues facing Donald Trump Jr., his actions hardly appear lawful, and this additional information continues to make his defenses decidedly less plausible.
37
The media are not a legal authority and the Trumps don't owe them anything.
If congressional committees or Mueller ask them questions they will be required to answer fully and truthfully.
Period.
If congressional committees or Mueller ask them questions they will be required to answer fully and truthfully.
Period.
5
All elected officials owe answers (transparency) to the public. Basic democratic requirement. The press represents the rest of us in asking questions. The right to a "free press" is in the First Amendment to the Constitution, a/k/a the Bill of Rights.
2
Do you really believe they will answer truthfully? Like the way Jeff Sessions answered truthfully to questions with his "I don't recall" responses? If a liar is a liar is a liar (and maybe a pathological one at that), should we expect the truth? People with power will do lots of naughty stuff to hang on to it- (having power is a strong motivation to keeping it, and then adding becoming wealthier to power, either presently, or setting up future prospects, is even greater).
5
Why do we think that people who are willing to tell bald-faced lies straight to a camera and then deny the next day that they said them will just give up and tell the truth to Congress or to any court? Or will comply with any subpoena and produce the required documents? They will lie, fake, destroy evidence, obstruct, and on and on. They will attack their accusers (Fake News! Deep State!) in an effort to distract.
Does Congress even know how to keep its eye on the ball? Mueller does, though.
Does Congress even know how to keep its eye on the ball? Mueller does, though.
6
At least we can erase one GOP talking point from the script: "there is no evidence of collusion. "
53
It is unlawful for U.S. political campaign to accept financial contributions form foreign nationals, but it is not illegal for foreign nationals to "meddle" in U.S. elections. It is not unlawful to meet with foreign nationals or representative of foreign governments. Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump Sr. met with the heads of foreign nations during the 2016 presidential campaign. It is politically unwise but not illegal to ask leaders of other countries for their support and endorsement. Some heads of states do endorse U.S. presidential candidates and most find less formal ways of making their preference know. It is not illegal to solicit or accept incriminating evidence about political rivals from foreigner or foreign governments. Thousands of foreign nationals without green cards do volunteer work for U.S. political campaigns. They stuff envelops, organize rallies, conduct voter-registration drives and make campaign speeches.
2
"It is not illegal to solicit or accept incriminating evidence about political rivals from foreigner or foreign governments."
I wouldn't know if you're correct on the above statement. But, for sure, if the "incriminating" evidence was obtained by the foreigner illegally--as in hacking or other forms of theft, receipt of stolen goods is a crime.
I wouldn't know if you're correct on the above statement. But, for sure, if the "incriminating" evidence was obtained by the foreigner illegally--as in hacking or other forms of theft, receipt of stolen goods is a crime.
34
Incorrect. The prohibition on foreign contributions is understood to mean anything of value, not strictly "financial" contributions.
7
The crime is conspiracy. There is no need for anything to be delivered to anybody. There is no hair too thin for Trump voters to split.
9
The very next thing we will find out is that Putin was at the meeting via Skype.
93
Or Don Sr.
2
“The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time and essentially forgotten,” Mr. Futerfas said."
Uh...no! This was not a usual meeting for Trump Jr., The Kush, any of the others in the room. This was not a typical real estate meeting like they'd normally engage. This was a meeting they had never experienced before, so unlike anything they had ever experienced, so by its very virginal nature, should be pretty well remembered. Plus, there was 6 people, 3 Americans, in the room! Not 2, or 3...but 6! Revolving around a critical US election.
I'm personally sick of this naive, newbie, unsophisticated excuse being presented by the WH, and especially Trump's zealous "news" advocates, like Rush, or the Trump sycophant Hannity.
Sorry, but the glaring hypocrisy here is like a flash-bang being tossed from our TV's, radios and electronic devices on a daily basis. One after another.
When both the Trump camp and his advocates has been preaching he's tthe smartest guy in any room, no matter his inexperience with matters at hand, you cant use the naive, unsophisticated excuses. And when Dad touts his boys as he does, as inheritors of his Smartest In the Room mantle, the naive excuse is lame and pretty much self-destructive of their narratives.
As men go, so far Sr. and Jr. are not showing to be much...
Uh...no! This was not a usual meeting for Trump Jr., The Kush, any of the others in the room. This was not a typical real estate meeting like they'd normally engage. This was a meeting they had never experienced before, so unlike anything they had ever experienced, so by its very virginal nature, should be pretty well remembered. Plus, there was 6 people, 3 Americans, in the room! Not 2, or 3...but 6! Revolving around a critical US election.
I'm personally sick of this naive, newbie, unsophisticated excuse being presented by the WH, and especially Trump's zealous "news" advocates, like Rush, or the Trump sycophant Hannity.
Sorry, but the glaring hypocrisy here is like a flash-bang being tossed from our TV's, radios and electronic devices on a daily basis. One after another.
When both the Trump camp and his advocates has been preaching he's tthe smartest guy in any room, no matter his inexperience with matters at hand, you cant use the naive, unsophisticated excuses. And when Dad touts his boys as he does, as inheritors of his Smartest In the Room mantle, the naive excuse is lame and pretty much self-destructive of their narratives.
As men go, so far Sr. and Jr. are not showing to be much...
79
The other way to read the lawyer's statement is that there were so *many* meetings with so many Russians, who could keep them straight?
4
“The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time ” Mr. Futerfas said.
Considered insignificant by whom?
The problem here is that the Trump family and admin consider everything and anything insignificant and not applicable to them if it reins in their entitlement thinking and behavior or holds them to certain standards.
Considered insignificant by whom?
The problem here is that the Trump family and admin consider everything and anything insignificant and not applicable to them if it reins in their entitlement thinking and behavior or holds them to certain standards.
25
He's an American citizen from what I read.
Poor NBC was reporting he was ex-KGB.
Maybe Darth Vader was also there - now that would be a story.
Poor NBC was reporting he was ex-KGB.
Maybe Darth Vader was also there - now that would be a story.
1
Actually he's a dual Russian-Us citizen. He served in the counterintelligence unit of the Soviet Army by his own admission. And Republican Senator Grassley among others have recently made queries to our intelligence agencies because they suspect him as being an unregistered Russian agent. He has been well known in Washington for a long time and it would seem to be very unlikely that Manafort didn't know if him.
35
He could be both. He could be ex-KGB, a defector who now has US citizenship, he could be an American double-agent or a spy - it's not like it hasn't happened before.
5
He is a Naturalized American citizen. As someone well familiar with the naturalization process, I can tell you that one of the requirements is swearing to renounce all loyalty to any country other than the US (including country of birth).
So my question is, if this individual is openly a lobbyist for Russian interests, how is he allowed to remain an American citizen?
So my question is, if this individual is openly a lobbyist for Russian interests, how is he allowed to remain an American citizen?
4
When are we going to get to the bottom of this Russia thing? THIS IS IMPORTANT! We must determine if the White House should be called The Red House..........
24
There are strong reasons to believe that Akmetshin is Russian intelligence. Read the interview with Glenn Carle in Vox.
22
So many lies....one after another. Unfortunately for America, it is the Trump way of life and they know nothing else...it's their modus operandi. Our WHITE HOUSE is now a HOUSE of CARDS. How long before it topples ?
23
This lawyer can only rely on what his client is telling him, and anyone who believes Donald Jr. is a fool. This meeting established the terms, as in emails for sanctions lifting.
18
So Goldstone's client young Emin is the son of an Azerbaijan tycoon Putin Pal...When are we gonna see re-runs of Ivanka doing her little video promoting the Trump hotel she was plugging, far from the sea, but chic nonetheless, in Azerbaijan? It really is only about the money, right? Hey, Kellyanne ought to feel right at home with this crowd. Wasn't her granddad a New Jersey mafia connected guy? Who is making or not making this stuff up? Look her up! I mean, lock them up. Whatever. Quality.
10
So let's get this straight.
Phase I: According to the Trump camp, there were no meetings with the Russians, and that would never happen anyway, because that would be "disgusting" (Junior Trump's word).
So fire FBI Director James Comey because he refused to drop the Flynn case and looking into the Trump-Russian connection, AND he did not pledge total loyalty to Trump when pushed to do so by Trump. Besides, Flynn, Manafort, and others did resign, and Department of Justice Secretary Jeff Sessions did recuse himself from the Russia investigation, so what's the press's problem here?
Phase II: Okay such meetings did occur, but the meetings were about benign things such as Russian adoptions, etc. Yet, the penultimate control-freak Trump sitting in Trump Tower knew nothing about Junior and Jared's meeting with the Russians in Trump Tower?
Phase III: Leak, leak, drip, drip. The Trump team and GOP lackeys are drowning in the DC swamp of their own making. They really are having a terrible time trying to kill the message and the media messengers. See Melissa McCarthy's imitation of Press Secretary Shawn Spicer from SNL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWuc18xISwI
"Oh what a tangled web we weave
When first we practice to deceive" (Sir Walter Scott, "Marimion")
Phase I: According to the Trump camp, there were no meetings with the Russians, and that would never happen anyway, because that would be "disgusting" (Junior Trump's word).
So fire FBI Director James Comey because he refused to drop the Flynn case and looking into the Trump-Russian connection, AND he did not pledge total loyalty to Trump when pushed to do so by Trump. Besides, Flynn, Manafort, and others did resign, and Department of Justice Secretary Jeff Sessions did recuse himself from the Russia investigation, so what's the press's problem here?
Phase II: Okay such meetings did occur, but the meetings were about benign things such as Russian adoptions, etc. Yet, the penultimate control-freak Trump sitting in Trump Tower knew nothing about Junior and Jared's meeting with the Russians in Trump Tower?
Phase III: Leak, leak, drip, drip. The Trump team and GOP lackeys are drowning in the DC swamp of their own making. They really are having a terrible time trying to kill the message and the media messengers. See Melissa McCarthy's imitation of Press Secretary Shawn Spicer from SNL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWuc18xISwI
"Oh what a tangled web we weave
When first we practice to deceive" (Sir Walter Scott, "Marimion")
27
Just finished the NYT report on Trump's imbecilic rantings aboard Air Force One to Paris, to "entertain" the reporters onboard. The effect of his juvenile manner of speaking aloud, being loutish in total, caused my first-ever visceral punch-to-the-gut nausea. It has come to this now, a collapse of all hope that we can survive him. He is a cancerous plague. Chemotherapy is our only hope.
50
For all those who wonder why, or should Junior have met with the Russians, I ask myself if Junior, Jared and Manafort would have bothered to meet with me had I claimed to have had information that could help Senior get elected.
I think I know the answer.
I think I know the answer.
21
It is becoming ever more clear why Trump fired Comey and has stonewalled the Russian investigation from day one.
26
Just like playing with those Russian nesting dolls Take the top off and a new one appears.
Didn't Spicer stop doing pressers around the time WH realizing this was coming down pike?? just saying.
Oh and BTW does Trump have t claim earned money from Bedminister,
Didn't Spicer stop doing pressers around the time WH realizing this was coming down pike?? just saying.
Oh and BTW does Trump have t claim earned money from Bedminister,
7
This meeting was likely more about corruption then it was about treason. Technically, we are not at war with Russia.
With that said, the focus on this story is disappointing given the far worse awful health legislation being formulated, the ineffective trickle down tax cut, the pointless travel ban, the roll back of environmental, educational, and civl rights executive orders, and the recent hammering of Qatar after Kushner failed to get a $500 million loan from them, etc, etc
With that said, the focus on this story is disappointing given the far worse awful health legislation being formulated, the ineffective trickle down tax cut, the pointless travel ban, the roll back of environmental, educational, and civl rights executive orders, and the recent hammering of Qatar after Kushner failed to get a $500 million loan from them, etc, etc
27
There are video cameras everywhere inside and outside Trump Tower. In addition, I'd bet my last dollar that there are video cameras as you enter and exit Trump Organization offices, just like in so many offices these days.
Let's go to the videotapes--if they haven't been destroyed.
Let's go to the videotapes--if they haven't been destroyed.
40
The videotapes were burned a long time ago.
The Secret Service was in place at TT by then. There is more than video.
1
Mueller is all over that. Given the staff Mueller's been assembling, it's astonishing that it took Trump this long to hire a real lawyer. Trump is going to get fed into a white-collar wood-chopper. May take awhile, but it's going to happen.
You, Wonder Boy Jared and Paul Manafort meet with two Russians with strong ties to the Russian government and possibly Russian intelligence and it is now considered "insignificant" and "forgotten?" What if Chelsea Clinton had done this? I can't wait for the Mueller press conference announcing the indictments.
36
Drip, drip, drip...at a molasses pace, the bits of truth come out about this thing.
Seems to me like the point is to hide as much as they can about the meeting until they get caught at it - only to release something confirming the next bit of new information.
If this isn't the work of inveterate liars, I don't know what is.
Seems to me like the point is to hide as much as they can about the meeting until they get caught at it - only to release something confirming the next bit of new information.
If this isn't the work of inveterate liars, I don't know what is.
23
And how many other goings-on do we not know that surrounded this meeting? When Jared Kushner (and Paul Manafort?) left the meeting early (as has been reported) did Akhmetshin (and others that we don't know about) go with them? While Don Jr. talked adoption with Veselnitskaya, what was brewing in conversation with the others who left the room?
Drip, drip, drip
Drip, drip, drip
18
Why do we even need a special commission at this point? If money laundering is involved, and you've got conspiracy and corruption, can't they all just get indicted under a garden variety RICO prosecution? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racketeer_Influenced_and_Corrupt_Organizat... (PS: they'd have to start at the top with Sr., so he couldn't pardon the rest of these imbeciles.)
22
there are more shoes to drop in this one than Imelda Marcos's closet
40
It would be funny if Huckabee Sanders and Sean Spicer wore t-shirts saying, "i was also at the meeting!" to their next press conference. Humor may be the way to play this.
16
Yeah, except there is absolutely nothing funny about this.
20
If it weren't such a tragedy for our country.
14
and the whistle blower who died in custody after pointing the finger at Natalia's client - 37 yr old lawyer/accountant - let's not forget. These are serious people.
11
Note. DJT will have an increased sense of urgency to release the compounds and lift the sanctions. Russians are confirming in small bits to deliver a message.
18
Bottom line, nothing said by either senior or junior has any credibility. There is no way the Trump administration can spin this new revelation in any terms other than to admit both lied. They deliberately made an effort to lie to the American public regarding this meeting. Furthermore, it is almost inconceivable that the President's intention was anything other than to obstruct justice.
80
I have no idea if Trump or any of his family , or allies have committed a crime but I do know that the meetings, the lies about the meetings , the lies to the FBI about the meetings and contacts constitutes a willful lack of good judgement by Trump, his family and his administration .
This is scary for our nation and our collective future.
If Republicans do care about our country they have to vigorously condemn Trump and work to replace him
This is scary for our nation and our collective future.
If Republicans do care about our country they have to vigorously condemn Trump and work to replace him
69
They don't and they won't. They are busy repealing health care access, environmental protections, financial regulations, and divvying up the spoils of tax credits and perks. For profit jails! Private enterprise schools that don't stand or deliver! Air you can chew!
16
Wait: didn't they have to sign in at Trump Tower, as Trump had Secret Service protection at that point? There must be a log, yes?
924
That record, should it still exist, will show a visit by Boris and Natasha to see Moose and Squirrel. More likely they were brought up in the freight elevator from the service entrance while the folks guarding the door were distracted by free donuts. Rest assure, however, Donald Trump Sr. didn't know about the meeting, was never told about it before or after, and declared he would have more dirt on HRC right afterwards because of a epiphanous vision while on a chocolate cake induced sugar trance.
5
Not the log, but ask the doorman.
2
Betty,
They came in via window washer! :) That's why everybody has forgotten!
Pretty amazing people who make so much money have such crummy memories. The rest of us would get a "Your fired" from our bosses?
MIMA
They came in via window washer! :) That's why everybody has forgotten!
Pretty amazing people who make so much money have such crummy memories. The rest of us would get a "Your fired" from our bosses?
MIMA
3
Little Don's attorney (what's his name?) claims that the Trump Tower reception desk is not equipped with any security staff, at any entrance, who check and record the identities of those entering the building.
What an unsafe building, according to whatshisname, the Cardozo Law School graduate who thinks he represents the interests of Little Don. Sad!
What an unsafe building, according to whatshisname, the Cardozo Law School graduate who thinks he represents the interests of Little Don. Sad!
38
If they said that, it is flatly untrue, as I've been there.
5
Poor Mr. Futerfas: Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition. Yup, just cry me a river....who is this guy? An attorney, really? With, like, credentials?
20
Maybe they are running out of real lawyers who will take their calls . . .
17
The really interesting question is whether the Russians, having helped Trump get elected, are now using leaks and other subterfuge to help undermine his presidency and thereby further weaken the United States.
Perhaps Putin favored Trump not only because Putin had a grudge against HRC, but because he saw him as a weak and ineffective leader whose antics, vulnerability, and inexperience would reduce the power, credibility, and political effectiveness of the American government, thereby creating further opportunities for Russia to undermine the US.
Let's hope Mr. Mueller, the Special Counsel, is looking into this possibility.
Perhaps Putin favored Trump not only because Putin had a grudge against HRC, but because he saw him as a weak and ineffective leader whose antics, vulnerability, and inexperience would reduce the power, credibility, and political effectiveness of the American government, thereby creating further opportunities for Russia to undermine the US.
Let's hope Mr. Mueller, the Special Counsel, is looking into this possibility.
473
I so agree with you. Putins hates America and everything we stand for. What would it take for Trump supporters to understand that Trump is a joke and he's hurting us. Putin is laughing because knows that. So much winning!
9
"The....question is whether the Russians...are now using leaks and other subterfuge to help undermine [45's] presidency and thereby further weaken the United States."
Only Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell (and Trey Gowdy) don't realize the answer to your question is a resounding "YES!" Actually--of course they realize it. They just don't care.
Putin must wake up laughing every day.
Only Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell (and Trey Gowdy) don't realize the answer to your question is a resounding "YES!" Actually--of course they realize it. They just don't care.
Putin must wake up laughing every day.
7
This was what Putin wanted all along, thinks are going quite well for his plan.
The American Press not invited into these Trump soirees.
The FBI not notified of the offer to "aid" the Trump campaign.
A lawyer known for representing an oligarch's family and the Putin interest in changing our laws prohibiting profits for human rights abusers meet with Junior Trump. Her campaign ends with the lawyer who exposed these abuses dead in jail.
Now lobbyist who was in the Russian army is in the mix.
And a totally silent GOP.
The FBI not notified of the offer to "aid" the Trump campaign.
A lawyer known for representing an oligarch's family and the Putin interest in changing our laws prohibiting profits for human rights abusers meet with Junior Trump. Her campaign ends with the lawyer who exposed these abuses dead in jail.
Now lobbyist who was in the Russian army is in the mix.
And a totally silent GOP.
122
The news media is not normally invited to meetings. They are invited to press conferences.
Why would anyone notify the FBI? Offering to aid the Trump campaign is not illegal.
The lawyer started her lobby work after the death of the Russian dissident, not before. Many Russian believe he claimed human rights abuses to cover up his own crimes.
The lobbyist you refer to is a U.S. citizen. He served as a youth in the Soviet Army, not the Russian Army, before immigrating to America.
Why would anyone notify the FBI? Offering to aid the Trump campaign is not illegal.
The lawyer started her lobby work after the death of the Russian dissident, not before. Many Russian believe he claimed human rights abuses to cover up his own crimes.
The lobbyist you refer to is a U.S. citizen. He served as a youth in the Soviet Army, not the Russian Army, before immigrating to America.
I think her campaign ACTUALLY ended with Preet Bharaha being fired, and Jeff Session's DOJ settling the $230 million dollar Russian money- laundering case for a whopping $6 million. Which Veselnitskaya described as "a gift."
Was the settlement of that case quid pro quo, or was it capitulation to the threat of blackmail regarding DJT Jr.'s meeting?
Was the settlement of that case quid pro quo, or was it capitulation to the threat of blackmail regarding DJT Jr.'s meeting?
10
William Case -- Would you perhaps consider actually engaging seriously with these questions instead of parroting glib talking points (the last two Kremlin talking points which no American should accept at face value)?
For instance, why would anyone notify the FBI? Because of patriotism? A sense of right and wrong? Recognizing a threat to or violation of national security? Because integrity is actually more important than winning?
For instance, why would anyone notify the FBI? Because of patriotism? A sense of right and wrong? Recognizing a threat to or violation of national security? Because integrity is actually more important than winning?
9
You can forget a lot of things, like names, but if you go on Hannity and say there were 4 people in the meeting, and there were 6 or more, something is very wrong, If they needed a translator, there must have been people who spoke only Russian, and who were the Russians?
It would be funny if it wasn't so sad. Instead of lying on TV, Jr. should have spoken to his lawyer and said nothing until he had to, and after the rest of the story came out.
What's even sadder is how many Republicans don't care. I just saw a Republican Congressman who equated foreign contributions to the Clinton Foundation, which were documented, to the Russian's covert and successful effort to subvert our election.
I feel stupid because over and over, I think the Republicans will have an ounce of decency, instead of simply not answering questions about this. .
I will say that Fox daytime, at least, is showing more interest in this story than the Congressmen.. You have to be pretty bad to make Fox News look good.
It would be funny if it wasn't so sad. Instead of lying on TV, Jr. should have spoken to his lawyer and said nothing until he had to, and after the rest of the story came out.
What's even sadder is how many Republicans don't care. I just saw a Republican Congressman who equated foreign contributions to the Clinton Foundation, which were documented, to the Russian's covert and successful effort to subvert our election.
I feel stupid because over and over, I think the Republicans will have an ounce of decency, instead of simply not answering questions about this. .
I will say that Fox daytime, at least, is showing more interest in this story than the Congressmen.. You have to be pretty bad to make Fox News look good.
131
Using a translator is trade craft. If you do know the other language, having a translator doing their thing, allows the "marks" (Trump Jr +) to feel they can speak/whisper in their native tongue, and feel safe about it. All while the "foreigner" listens, picks up on cues he needs to lure the marks in...
These dopes, Jr. and Kush, are the perfect marks. Full of themselves to a fault. Thinking they know all, and can work as equals in worlds they never had the courage to enter into on their own. Nor the intelligence to know what they dont know!
These dopes, Jr. and Kush, are the perfect marks. Full of themselves to a fault. Thinking they know all, and can work as equals in worlds they never had the courage to enter into on their own. Nor the intelligence to know what they dont know!
24
Hey--this is why I read the comments. Thanks for that little dot connection. I imagine Veselnitskaya speaks English well, and we know Akhmetshin does, so who was the translator for? Or was he/she even a translator? Or was it so Veselnitskaya and Akhmetshin could confer without the others understanding?
So even Fox News' Hannity couldn't get the full story out of Mini-Trump.
Hey Fox, the Trumps even lie to YOU too!
What cha think about your precious First Family now?
Even YOU are treated like the fake news media now.
Congratulations on your new press pass.
Hey Fox, the Trumps even lie to YOU too!
What cha think about your precious First Family now?
Even YOU are treated like the fake news media now.
Congratulations on your new press pass.
149
oh what a tangled web we weave....
10
Who needs ten minutes? What can happen in a one-minute conversation:
Natalia Veselnitskaya: The Russian government has emails that we hacked to incriminate Hillary Clinton and help your campaign.
Jared Kushner: I love it! What do you need?
Natalia Veselnitskaya: Stop sanctions on Russia, lessen NATO influence in Europe, and a few other little things…
Jared Kushner: No sweat, I’ll speak to my father-in-law. He’ll be delighted, don’t you think, Paul?
Paul Manafort (raising his head from his phone): Just texted him.
Natalia Veselnitskaya: Great. Just let us know when you want the hacked info released.
Donald Trump, Jr.: Will do. You have my email and cell number.
Natalia Veselnitskaya: Yes. Vladimir sends his love to all.
Jared Kushner: Ditto. Gotta go now, but will stay in touch. Dasvidanya.
Natalia Veselnitskaya: The Russian government has emails that we hacked to incriminate Hillary Clinton and help your campaign.
Jared Kushner: I love it! What do you need?
Natalia Veselnitskaya: Stop sanctions on Russia, lessen NATO influence in Europe, and a few other little things…
Jared Kushner: No sweat, I’ll speak to my father-in-law. He’ll be delighted, don’t you think, Paul?
Paul Manafort (raising his head from his phone): Just texted him.
Natalia Veselnitskaya: Great. Just let us know when you want the hacked info released.
Donald Trump, Jr.: Will do. You have my email and cell number.
Natalia Veselnitskaya: Yes. Vladimir sends his love to all.
Jared Kushner: Ditto. Gotta go now, but will stay in touch. Dasvidanya.
527
Was this an attempt at humor? Perhaps you should work on your timing.
Jared: Oh, and one more thing. That "loan" on my building we were discussing. Can you do part of it as a showbox with fifties and hundreds?
3
and don't forget this flash drive!
2
For Heaven's sake, a long time Kremlin lobbyist was also in attendance and no one remembered? Seriously?
In my non-expert opinion, Trump Jr. either the victim of fetal alcohol syndrome or is revealed to be a bare-faced liar. Futerfas may need to bone up on his obligations under the circumstances because there may be a price for his continuing as counsel.
Actually, I knew all along that it was a set-up by the Clinton Campaign. Donald Jr. is the victim here!
In my non-expert opinion, Trump Jr. either the victim of fetal alcohol syndrome or is revealed to be a bare-faced liar. Futerfas may need to bone up on his obligations under the circumstances because there may be a price for his continuing as counsel.
Actually, I knew all along that it was a set-up by the Clinton Campaign. Donald Jr. is the victim here!
15
The plot thickens. More people in the meeting suggests that there was real intent for the parties to find common ground.
The Russians wanted an in with the new Trump president. And getting sanctions lifted. No surprise there.
And they had emails and other documents to offer, at the right price.
Don Jr was willing to make a deal to make his father proud. But of course without papas approval he had nothing to offer.
So the Russians made a lot of hand gestures but could produce nothing of value in the meeting. Until there was a certain promise of quid pro from the Don.
Which of course never came because Don Sr was not so inclined. He would not pay for something that he knew he could get for free.
The emails were released anyway, and then of course, the Don won.
That is also why Mr Trump now calls the Russia investigation a witch hunt because he knows that no deal was ever made with the Russians.
And thereby neither he nor his operatives did anything illegal.
The Russians wanted an in with the new Trump president. And getting sanctions lifted. No surprise there.
And they had emails and other documents to offer, at the right price.
Don Jr was willing to make a deal to make his father proud. But of course without papas approval he had nothing to offer.
So the Russians made a lot of hand gestures but could produce nothing of value in the meeting. Until there was a certain promise of quid pro from the Don.
Which of course never came because Don Sr was not so inclined. He would not pay for something that he knew he could get for free.
The emails were released anyway, and then of course, the Don won.
That is also why Mr Trump now calls the Russia investigation a witch hunt because he knows that no deal was ever made with the Russians.
And thereby neither he nor his operatives did anything illegal.
1
Didn't candidate Trump have secret service protection at that point? So how did the Russian agent, lobbyist and translator get through security for the meeting in Trump Tower without having disclosed their names beforehand? Was the directive simply "but if anyone says they are from Russia here to help with the campaign send them up to Donny junior's office?"
22
How did he get through, you ask? He signed in as Rocky or Bullwinkle. Boris and Natasha had already signed in
5
Wait - there's one more to go - "perhaps a second" ?
Baby boy Trump doesn't bother to determine the identities of strange people at meetings he sets up? And - they didn't sign in or go through any security at Trump Tower?
Does anyone remember Damon Runyon? This bunch does sound like a bunch of 2-bit hustlers, but they're working for the big guys. Baby Trump, you don't play this sort of game when Daddy is looking to run the USA, and you don't know who you're dealing with. This wasn't a private business scam - it was about election of the next President. Well, in their eyes, it is the same as a business scam - maybe the biggest anyone ever tried to run.
Baby boy Trump doesn't bother to determine the identities of strange people at meetings he sets up? And - they didn't sign in or go through any security at Trump Tower?
Does anyone remember Damon Runyon? This bunch does sound like a bunch of 2-bit hustlers, but they're working for the big guys. Baby Trump, you don't play this sort of game when Daddy is looking to run the USA, and you don't know who you're dealing with. This wasn't a private business scam - it was about election of the next President. Well, in their eyes, it is the same as a business scam - maybe the biggest anyone ever tried to run.
13
When lawyer Futerfas asserts that particulars of the meeting were "essentially forgotten," he means "conveniently forgotten."
71
What, exactly, is the meaning of "essentially," and when did it become "essential?"
Apologies to Howard Baker.
Apologies to Howard Baker.
6
"There was no log or document showing who attended." Really???
Goldstone said he would inform DJT Jr of the people who would be attending so that they could clear security in the Trump Tower lobby. That list of names doesn't appear in the email chain. Perhaps he called it in. Does Trump Tower not keep a log of people going up to Trump corporate office. Most businesses do.
Also, Donald Trump Sr had just won the Republican nomination, which would make the US Secret Service keep watch on people entering and leaving his office space.
The way this all is spinning out the number and names of people at this meeting will continue to drip, drip, drip, .....
Goldstone said he would inform DJT Jr of the people who would be attending so that they could clear security in the Trump Tower lobby. That list of names doesn't appear in the email chain. Perhaps he called it in. Does Trump Tower not keep a log of people going up to Trump corporate office. Most businesses do.
Also, Donald Trump Sr had just won the Republican nomination, which would make the US Secret Service keep watch on people entering and leaving his office space.
The way this all is spinning out the number and names of people at this meeting will continue to drip, drip, drip, .....
235
At this point we can't believe anything that this administration says.
This is a real turning point in this investigation. Republicans are going to have to
decide which side of history they want to be on.
This is a real turning point in this investigation. Republicans are going to have to
decide which side of history they want to be on.
52
Republicans (the ones that voted the ticket) already made that decision back in November.
1
We now know 5 of the 6 who attended the meeting. A lot of loose ends could be wrapped up if the sixth person is Jim.
32
The latest reports say that there were eight.
6
The other two were probably a lovely Russian couple looking to adopt a 70 year old manchild. The meeting was all about adoption, remember.
6
Another day of you can't make this up. The Trumps have been hanging with these bottom dwellers for years. At the beginning of this nonsense I thought that the Trumps were just useful idiots for Putin and his gang. Now I'm sure they're all in.
33
What's next? Are we going to learn that a Russian bear was riding a tricycle around the office and serving martinis to the guests? What else slipped junior's mind?
97
What are the differences into Brazil's fake president Michel Temer and USA's fake president Donald Trump. Maybe the language, the local currency...But, at every new fact the NYT and the so called "Fake Media", showing a new russian at the meeting held by Donald Jr., one floor below Daddy'' office, ate Trump Tower, I get atonished. Then I take at look at my window, in Brasilia, my country capital, and see the "president" and his acolites buying representatives at Congress just to block a mandate from the Attorney General, who sues Michel for corruption, obstruction of justice...But I am and old and still faithfull journalist so, I hope both countries, as soon as possible, get rid of Trump and family and Michel and his felons. My coleagues of profession on USA, carry on, keep doeing the good job. Here, the fake news are still is Michel's side. But, "the times are a'changing".
28
Refreshing! Thank you for posting your comments! I could say the same of Argentina and his president Macri (aka Panama Papers) and all those felons who are ruining the credibility in a true democracy
9
The presence of Rinat Akhmetshin, which would still be a secret but for media investigations, raises the question of whether persons affiliated with the Trump Campaign used Russian Americans as a way of sharing information (like micro targeting information) while still being able to claim no contacts with representatives of the Russian government. Don Jr.'s interview on Hannity was surely untruthful in claiming he had disclosed everything about the meeting; hiding the presence of a participant raises the red flags all the more higher.
48
According to the Washington Post, this gentleman has acknowledged that he served in the counterintelligence unit of the Soviet Army. And he has been suspected by others, including Senator Grassley of being a Russian agent.
I'm more than a bit curious as to how he became a US citizen; actually he has dual citizenship... and as a lobbyist known for trying to bring down the Magnitsky Act, wouldn't it seem possible that the FBI kept track of him?
I can't find any info on why this man was granted US citizenship, so hope the NYT will get us the answers on that one!
Curiouser and curiouser.
I'm more than a bit curious as to how he became a US citizen; actually he has dual citizenship... and as a lobbyist known for trying to bring down the Magnitsky Act, wouldn't it seem possible that the FBI kept track of him?
I can't find any info on why this man was granted US citizenship, so hope the NYT will get us the answers on that one!
Curiouser and curiouser.
113
It's hard to understand why this isn't already conspiracy to collude with a foreign country to violate U.S. election laws. Whatever came of the meeting, even if nothing, doesn't seem the key element. If a bank robber drops the loot on the sidewalk while fleeing the bank, the cops don't say, "Well, no harm in trying."
972
Agreed, and to take the analogy one step further: if that bank robber says he has a weapon with him, even if he doesn't, he gets charged with armed robbery. Perception is reality.
13
It isn't already being treated like conspiracy to collude with a foreign power to violate U.S. election laws because Ryan and McConnell are in charge in Congress, and are working as hard as they can to make sure 45 stays in office until they--republicans--have completely destroyed our government, and democracy.
13
Your analogy is way off. No crime could have been committed since no information changed hands (your bank was robbed of its money). A more apt analogy would be if one of your buddies said "Let's go rob a bank" and then took you to a vacant lot and took your money.
Here's an amazing lie, of course there are records, including logging into the building, notes, etc. To claim attendees are unknowable because "no one can recall" is crazy. A high level meeting was arranged and held and those who put it together can't recall???
Alan S. Futerfas, Donald Trump Jr.’s attorney, said, “We do acknowledge there was one person — and perhaps a second — whose identity we did not know.” They might have been Mr. Akhmetshin and a translator, he said, but no one now recalls the individuals’ names and there is no log or document showing who attended.
Alan S. Futerfas, Donald Trump Jr.’s attorney, said, “We do acknowledge there was one person — and perhaps a second — whose identity we did not know.” They might have been Mr. Akhmetshin and a translator, he said, but no one now recalls the individuals’ names and there is no log or document showing who attended.
23
I think the correct phrase is "there is no LONGER a log or document showing who attended."
13
Maybe security video from the lobby exists. Mueller will check.
46
Hopefully the Times will fill in this story with the details other outlets are reporting- there's a lot more to it than this brief article would lead to think.
24
Come now. What's a little collusion and Treason, among Comrades???
It's the polite thing to do. Cash only.
It's the polite thing to do. Cash only.
29
Geez, they don't know how to count either?
53
Liars who, when caught lying, simply lie some more. And when those lies are found out, lie some more and lie to blame someone else. Why do we keep granting the Trumps the benefit of the doubt we would not grant the most mendacious child? And since when did immature, compulsive moral depravity become exculpatory? If they are lying it is not because they can't help it; they are lying because they did something, perhaps many things, they know very well will get them in big, big trouble.
1128
If the majority of the congress and DOJ were not biased and inclined to help Trump, there would have been arrests made already. It will happen anyway, albeit a ways down the road, when the depth of the Trumps' depravity and treason become sufficiently obvious to them and they finally choose country over party.
1
Perfectly stated.
Next couple of months will decide how much mutant pants-on-fire lying we are actually going to tolerate as a country.
Our children are watching--think about teens picking all this up, even through adolescent fog.
Hoping that Mueller can save us.
Next couple of months will decide how much mutant pants-on-fire lying we are actually going to tolerate as a country.
Our children are watching--think about teens picking all this up, even through adolescent fog.
Hoping that Mueller can save us.
5
Could one of those "somethings" be accepting Russian money as real estate investment in Trump properties before,during and after the campaign? So many oligarchs with so much money to clean???
2
Akhmetshin is a lobbyist for Russian interests. So the next question, who is paying him?
52
Maybe it went something like this.
Trump Tower front desk. June 9, 2017. Just a minute I’ll call Mr. Trump (Jr.) to let him know you’re here. Yes, Mr. Trump I have 3 Russian gentlemen and a woman here to meet with you. Yes sir, will do. Please “sign” the register, Mr. Trump is sending down one of the administrative staff to escort you up. Oh yes, Mr. Kushner and Mr. Manafort are already in Mr. Trump’s office. Have a nice day!
Isn’t it rather obvious that this meeting at Trump Tower has records of who attended? Every time something like this new individual pops up in the news, we get obfuscation, the really, really busy comment, and host of other malady’s excusing the Trumps memory loss.
Mueller and team just made some additional notes. Their job is getting easier by the moment.
Trump Tower front desk. June 9, 2017. Just a minute I’ll call Mr. Trump (Jr.) to let him know you’re here. Yes, Mr. Trump I have 3 Russian gentlemen and a woman here to meet with you. Yes sir, will do. Please “sign” the register, Mr. Trump is sending down one of the administrative staff to escort you up. Oh yes, Mr. Kushner and Mr. Manafort are already in Mr. Trump’s office. Have a nice day!
Isn’t it rather obvious that this meeting at Trump Tower has records of who attended? Every time something like this new individual pops up in the news, we get obfuscation, the really, really busy comment, and host of other malady’s excusing the Trumps memory loss.
Mueller and team just made some additional notes. Their job is getting easier by the moment.
24
We need not wonder why the Honorable Jay Sekulow has emphasized that Donny Sr. was unaware of this meeting...until a few days ago.
4
and these are the same people pointing the finger at "lock her up" Hillary because her handling of emails could have compromised the US
28
Other sources reporting that Chuck Grassley--Trump's toady in the Senate--actually requested all immigration information on this dubious character Rinat earlier this year, writing to the authorities that he was suspected of carrying out Russian intelligence operations in the US. Little did Grassley realize the fellow had been a guest of Trump's just half a year earlier out of his deep concern for orphans! An intelligence officer with a heart. How is Trump going to untwist himself from this noose--his son invites those proffering dirt on Clinton into the Trump liar, a Republican leader has condemned one if the Russians at the meeting a spy. There is no talking their way out of this. None. The only thing Trump can do is play victim to his base, vilify truthsayers and the press and keep trying to gaslight as many Americans as possible. But even he knows deep in the hollow of his chest his gig is up!
55
Hah! Great plot twist.
7
Call me crazy, but I think that, were I about to take part in a meeting the legality of which was sufficiently questionable as to prevent me from talking about it, and if there were one or two unexpected guests at this meeting, I think I would have asked, "Hey, who are these two guys, and have we vetted them?"
And then, I would have remembered the meeting, and would not have forgotten if I were asked to specify such contacts when seeking security clearance.
And then, I would have remembered the meeting, and would not have forgotten if I were asked to specify such contacts when seeking security clearance.
12
“The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time and essentially forgotten,” Mr. Futerfas said.
How difficult is it to remember a meeting with a foreign adversary that was campaign related? Maybe there were so many meetings with foreign adversaries, that it was difficult to keep track of.
hmmm
How difficult is it to remember a meeting with a foreign adversary that was campaign related? Maybe there were so many meetings with foreign adversaries, that it was difficult to keep track of.
hmmm
55
Next we'll discover Putin himself was in the meeting.
It's high time for congressional Republicans to stop pretending all is well with the Trump administration.
It's high time for congressional Republicans to stop pretending all is well with the Trump administration.
24
Not pretending. Lying. Different.
14
Sooner of later, they'll have Jimmy Hoffa attending the meeting...
Anyone else sense a preemptive presidential pardon for two family members on the near horizon?
Anyone else sense a preemptive presidential pardon for two family members on the near horizon?
17
Why would the Russian lawyer say she had damaging information on HRC, then show up empty-handed? Or did she? Something doesn't add up here. And why would a Russian-American who's a lobbyist in DC need a translator (supposedly the mysterious "one person or perhaps a second")?
Conclusion: Keep digging, NBC and the NYT. Clearly there's far more to this story than what's come to light so far.
Conclusion: Keep digging, NBC and the NYT. Clearly there's far more to this story than what's come to light so far.
107
Who were ALL the people in the room at this meeting?
15
Another guy straight out of central casting!
12
Another shoe has fallen. How many feet does this story have?
15
Unlikely that unidentified person was translator since both Russians speak English fluently.
17
And if they needed assistance with language they would have hired an interpreter for the meeting, not a translator. An interpreter works with spoken language, a translator with written.
1
He's a GRU guy linked to laundering money through New York real estate (a scheme exposed by Magnitsky), and he met with Trump's son, son-in-law, and campaign chairman in Trump Tower to discuss ways the Russian government can help the Trump campaign with "very high level and sensitive" dirt on Clinton in exchange for promises of sanctions relief.
"No puppet. No puppet. You're the puppet."
"No puppet. No puppet. You're the puppet."
255
Not only is he a GRU guy, he has a history of being involved in smear campaigns and he is a hands-on hacker of secure information systems. If he wasn't intertwined with Putin and Trump’s family, he is the sort of person Trump might call a "bad hombre."
A much deeper dive into his background is available here:
https://heavy.com/news/2017/07/rinat-akhmetshin-russian-spy-trump-jr-int...
A much deeper dive into his background is available here:
https://heavy.com/news/2017/07/rinat-akhmetshin-russian-spy-trump-jr-int...
12
Trump projects his flaws onto everyone else and name-calls.
Hey Ryan, McConnell, GOP: what's it going to take for you to stop dodging and come to grips with the fact that Team Trump is a wholly owned subsidiary of Putin, Inc.? Or is it going to be PARTY OVER COUNTRY FOREVER?
303
I don't think even party figures for them, let alone country. It's their own political hides they consider and the people who put money in their pockets.
2
They can't come out against this. They're executive vice presidents in Putin, Inc.
Soon we'll here that the meeting was held in Madison Square Garden.
11
I remember wondering who else may have been present when Goldstone said he'd be providing Don Jr. with two names. There's also a gap where a call was mentioned and clearly took place. I'm confident that between the Times and Mr. Mueller, we'll have "transparency" around both questions before long.
13
After months of belatedly slathering "liar" across your pages just to hear the crowd roar we are at a point where its not only accurate but important to highlight the lies of every significant member of the Trump administration.
This revelation makes Poppie's assertion that wee Donny is a good man who had come completely clean when he impulsively opened this issue an an act of craven self-preservation yet another obvious lie. Like Don the Younger's, Jerrod's and Paul's fictional account of the meeting itself.
I wouldn't mind if Don Jr. and the other one took a hiatus, and Paul Manafort is already a known cog in the pro-Russian machine.
What concerns me here is Jared's inability to tell the truth, when asked specifically and repeatedly, verbally and in writing to provide accurate information. All he gives us is what The Elder Don gives us: whatever he can get away with at the moment.
On the face of it, no big thing. We know Jared is an inveterate liar and multiply-confirmed sleaze.
What's troubling is this useless man was handed the highest security clearance without even completing an application. Then he, um, remembered a couple of things and added them. Then again. And then again.
Now, knowing he is under the highest scrutiny, he does it again. Our disrespected and abused security apparatus is clearly compromised, no doubt by apostate Republicans.
Kushner is a threat, he must lose his clearance. If not, well, here comes yet another investigation.
This revelation makes Poppie's assertion that wee Donny is a good man who had come completely clean when he impulsively opened this issue an an act of craven self-preservation yet another obvious lie. Like Don the Younger's, Jerrod's and Paul's fictional account of the meeting itself.
I wouldn't mind if Don Jr. and the other one took a hiatus, and Paul Manafort is already a known cog in the pro-Russian machine.
What concerns me here is Jared's inability to tell the truth, when asked specifically and repeatedly, verbally and in writing to provide accurate information. All he gives us is what The Elder Don gives us: whatever he can get away with at the moment.
On the face of it, no big thing. We know Jared is an inveterate liar and multiply-confirmed sleaze.
What's troubling is this useless man was handed the highest security clearance without even completing an application. Then he, um, remembered a couple of things and added them. Then again. And then again.
Now, knowing he is under the highest scrutiny, he does it again. Our disrespected and abused security apparatus is clearly compromised, no doubt by apostate Republicans.
Kushner is a threat, he must lose his clearance. If not, well, here comes yet another investigation.
41
Why would Kushner lose his security clearance. He amended his security clearance application to disclose the meeting. His application was approved because the Trump Tower meeting wasn't problematic. It is not against the law for members of political campaigns to meeting with foreign nationals. There was nothing criminal about the meeting. Both Hillary and Donald Trump Sr. met with the heads of foreign nations during the 2016 campaign.
The fact that Kushner has had to make so many amendments to his application, two that we are aware of, one involving a meeting with the disgraced former NSA and the Russian Ambassador, another we now know between more Russian representatives under the pretext of Russian govt supplied dirt on the presidency rival. Both of these meetings forgotten. Add to this any undeclared meetings with Qatari representatives who refused to refinance his near catastrophic real estate investment that have now become targets of recent sanctions on Qatar.
Why do you look the other way?
Why do you look the other way?
18
Please go back to sleep. We'll wake you after the revolution.
1
I change the cat's litter before it begins to foul the air. Apparently I care more about my home than the GOP cares about our shared nation.
103
After all those efforts to help Junior clean up his story on Fox, Sean Hannity now faces a huge task in attempting to clean up version #4 of this meeting.
He might want to wait a few days before lecturing the media again on how to do their jobs, more pesky facts are dripping out by the hour.
We might be on version #7 by Monday.
He might want to wait a few days before lecturing the media again on how to do their jobs, more pesky facts are dripping out by the hour.
We might be on version #7 by Monday.
35
Adam Goldman on Twitter now saying there is an 8th person and he's about to name it...the Times will have it any minute! Oh goody goody!
I say it is a IT person or an accomplished hacker.
I say it is a IT person or an accomplished hacker.
32
The fact that Paul Manafort, Trump's seasoned campaign manager, did not take any action to vet a meeting with two Russian agents to receive information from Russia signifies that the Russia/Trump contacts were well established.
582
The claim that Kushner supposedly hightailed it out of there quickly could also be a sign of his awareness that being part of this was risky.
11
Exactly. And my question is: How much information (e-mails, in particular) has Manafort, the shill for Yukanovich and Putin, been allowed to destroy.
8
I believe the Russians were really testing the willingness of Trump minions to participate. When no one showed up on the Trump side that could be an FBI or CIA type, the Russians knew they could work with the Trumpsters without concern for being exposed. Low risk and high reward.
1
Mr. Futerfas may wish this all to be forgotten, but a lawyer's wishing does not make it so. It does, on the other hand, firmly place this administration even further into the land of fairy tales.
18
There have been new revelations about the Trump campaign's sketchy meeting with Russian representatives nearly daily. And the Trump team keeps getting caught flat-footed. Clearly, there was nothing innocent nor politically normal about it.
And no, Donald Sr., no nice words about your son or your moral relativism will make this all right. If your camp had right on your side, you would have long since gotten in front of this story.
And no, Donald Sr., no nice words about your son or your moral relativism will make this all right. If your camp had right on your side, you would have long since gotten in front of this story.
714
@NM
It is always fascinating to hear a Liberal use the term "moral relativism". Please enlighten the Dear Readers with more.
It is always fascinating to hear a Liberal use the term "moral relativism". Please enlighten the Dear Readers with more.
1
Hi Stuart,
The "moral relativism" to which I referred was Trump's assertion that his son simply did what many people would have done.
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. Best regards.
The "moral relativism" to which I referred was Trump's assertion that his son simply did what many people would have done.
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. Best regards.
3
@NM
Again, great to hear others weigh in on the meaning of morality.
I was not aware of the existence of morality in a world of science, so I am encouraged to see it here.
Again, great to hear others weigh in on the meaning of morality.
I was not aware of the existence of morality in a world of science, so I am encouraged to see it here.
The person who was really in the room -- although not there physically but present as an unseen puppet master -- was Putin. He was controlling the scenario like a prime KGB intelligence officer, his former profession.
37
Did anyone from the Trump campaign ever meet with any Americans?
It would probably represent a shorter, easier list, for them to assemble.
It would probably represent a shorter, easier list, for them to assemble.
234
It is part of Trump MO to belittle the importance of and be dismissive of 'inconvenient truths '.
109
“The frustrating part of this exercise is that it concerns events that occurred 13 months ago that were considered insignificant at the time and essentially forgotten,” Mr. Futerfas said.
If this meeting was insignificant, I am looking forward to reports about those meetings between Trump campaign and foreign officials that were considered significant.
If this meeting was insignificant, I am looking forward to reports about those meetings between Trump campaign and foreign officials that were considered significant.
695
Who all taped the meeting?
4
these people just cannot tell the truth; every time something gets revealed and you think "that's it" something new comes along. Donald Trump Jr is not, despite his father's assertions "a very good boy"; he is a liar and so is his parent (that's been well documented). In fact the only thing I believe about these people at this point is that their last name is Trump. The real question is now becoming: collusion, conspiracy or outright Treason.
223
Actually even the name is a lie. It was "Trumpf" I believe and for years he claimed to be Swedish not German ancestry.
9
They changed their name from Drumpf.
10
More lies more lies by omission. Surprise surprise. Can't believe a word of what comes from POTUS to those around him.
52
And now the Trump supporter narrative shifts from "Collusion? This is all coincidence!" to "Psh, so what if they colluded?"
No matter the evidence, Trump's followers and defenders will continue to move the goal post.
No matter the evidence, Trump's followers and defenders will continue to move the goal post.
50
It's now being reported that there were 8 people at the meeting. Here's a question. How did the Russian contingent get into Trump Tower with all the media that was staked out in the lobby? Were they using a back door--like Kushner's meeting with Kislyak? If so, might there have been many other secret meetings we do not know about?
1369
Russians walking through the lobby of Trump Towers would have attracted no attentions. They don't dress like Cossacks. There was nothing secretive about the meeting. The Trump campaign was under no obligation to inform the news media.
I'm beginning to think "they" ( "The Russians" ) must have some living quarters there.
4
And, within the Trump Tower, there must be a log of all the people who enter it every day. How is it possible that Traitor Jr. could retrieve his related e-mails but cannot retrieve the list of outside entrants for this meeting?
12
And, no log or document to show who's coming? In my building the doorman needs to know whom and how many guests are arriving. Really?
151
The principal owners usually have privileges and protocols different than those for tenants or share-owners.
According to the Associated Press, Akhmetshin said Veselnitskaya brought with her documents that detailed what she believed was the flow of illicit funds to the Democratic National Committee. She presented them to the Trump associates and said, "This could be a good issue to expose how the DNC is accepting bad money." Akhmetshin said Trump Jr. asked if she had all the evidence to back up her claims and could demonstrate the flow of the money, but lost interest when Veselnitskaya said the Trump campaign would need to research it more.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller should ask Veselnitskaya for copies of the documents, since his investigative team is staffed to do the needed research. If the documents show what she says it shows, it would be the first concrete evidence so far of criminal wrongdoing during the 2016 election. Accepting campaign funding from foreign sources is a clear violation of U.S. election laws.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/russian-american-lobbyist-says-he...
Special Counsel Robert Mueller should ask Veselnitskaya for copies of the documents, since his investigative team is staffed to do the needed research. If the documents show what she says it shows, it would be the first concrete evidence so far of criminal wrongdoing during the 2016 election. Accepting campaign funding from foreign sources is a clear violation of U.S. election laws.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/russian-american-lobbyist-says-he...
8
That would also mean that Donald Trump Jr. lied yet again about what transpired in the meeting, a meeting that should have never taken place.
9
Nice try at distraction.
By all means, let's have Congress set up an independent commission to look into all allegations of impropriety.
But let's start with allegations of corruption with the guy who can do most damage to this country - the President.
By all means, let's have Congress set up an independent commission to look into all allegations of impropriety.
But let's start with allegations of corruption with the guy who can do most damage to this country - the President.
12
Mr. Case --- excellent observation -- but of course that doesn't fit the progressive narrative. So, Mueller is unlikely to access the documents, and if such documents were produced and they did show the Clinton campaign accepting money from Russian sources -- don't expect the Times to do anything but bury it in a inside page (maybe the sports pages). And of course, the commentariat will ignore, as they have been programmed to do.
Maybe Trump jr. can do a Vulcan mind-meld to help him remember what happened
10
Mr. Futerfas,
Don't insult our intelligence with your brush of that an event that occurred 13 months ago and considered insignificant at the time and forgotten is a nothing burger. You do know that every written record or documented note or telephone call, even on the back of a napkin, by Jr, Jared, Paul, Sr. , Pence and every one in this deplorable administration is subject to subpoena as a legal document. Take away their shredders and the delete button on their laptops. Your are legally bound to protect the evidence and you must advise your client to try to jog their memory--
Mr. Mueller won't like your client lying under oath.
Don't insult our intelligence with your brush of that an event that occurred 13 months ago and considered insignificant at the time and forgotten is a nothing burger. You do know that every written record or documented note or telephone call, even on the back of a napkin, by Jr, Jared, Paul, Sr. , Pence and every one in this deplorable administration is subject to subpoena as a legal document. Take away their shredders and the delete button on their laptops. Your are legally bound to protect the evidence and you must advise your client to try to jog their memory--
Mr. Mueller won't like your client lying under oath.
104
gjs from Chicago: 'Mr. Mueller won't like your client lying under oath."
I, however, will enjoy it immensely because it will result in his arrest for perjury at the very least.
I, however, will enjoy it immensely because it will result in his arrest for perjury at the very least.
1
We dwell on those attending that meeting. I cannot help but wonder how much surveillance was done by the FBI. Would Ms. Veselnitskaya and her entourage have been followed routinely based on her reputation and recent arrival? Perhaps there was some electronic surveillance. Once some of the players are confronted with what the investigators know, more damning information is likely to become known.
13
As we all know, Obama had Trumps wires tapped. Unfortunately there's no clear record of the meeting because most of Trumps wires are crossed.
5
The FBI would not surveill Veselnitskaya unless she was an existing target of a counterespionage effort. The NSA though? An entirely different possibility.
2
The Republican party is clearly populated by what in the McCarthy era were quaintly referred to as 'Com Dupes'. Except that they know exactly what's been going on and continues to go on, making them, too, Com Plicits.
18
With 6-8 attendees, the introductions alone would take more than a few minutes, unless ...they all knew each other.
We may never know the real story of transpired in that meeting. But there is very little reason to believe any of the accounts by the participants. They are all a bunch of brazen liars. Inexperience has nothing to do with this.
I get the feeling that someone or some group (Russia, the various outside lawyers?). is playing the American public for fools. And that the news media may be an unwitting participant in this game.
The idea that this was a simple lobbying effort is laughable especially when the guy that set up said the Russian government had some highly sensitive dirt on Clinton.
If it is Russia, then That suggests that Putin is not happy with the slow pace of delivery on promises.
PS. JEB Bush hired GPS Fusion to do Oppo Research on Trump. When he dropped out Clinton bought the research done.
We may never know the real story of transpired in that meeting. But there is very little reason to believe any of the accounts by the participants. They are all a bunch of brazen liars. Inexperience has nothing to do with this.
I get the feeling that someone or some group (Russia, the various outside lawyers?). is playing the American public for fools. And that the news media may be an unwitting participant in this game.
The idea that this was a simple lobbying effort is laughable especially when the guy that set up said the Russian government had some highly sensitive dirt on Clinton.
If it is Russia, then That suggests that Putin is not happy with the slow pace of delivery on promises.
PS. JEB Bush hired GPS Fusion to do Oppo Research on Trump. When he dropped out Clinton bought the research done.
22
Does anyone, at this point, doubt that the Trump campaign "colluded" with Putin's Russia to win the Presidency? And how can anyone be certain that the Russian Trump collusion didn't change the election outcome? So now what do we do about it? With Republicans in control of both the House and the Senate does this mean Trump is safe for now?
331
Isn't it quite the coincidence that Donald Jr asks that the derogatory attacks against Hillary start in late summer and that is just what the Russians do?
12
Not only that. Putin is up for the Congressional Medal of Honor (amongst thieves).
4
I think the answer to that question is yes. The disturbing silence from GOP leadership on this issue makes me wonder if they weren't all bought off by the Russians - Pence, McConnell, Ryan, Sessions, etc. - the whole sorry lot of them. It would be delicious to watch them all go down together, but I'm not holding my breath.
4
I never met any Russians.
The meeting was about adoptions.
Ok, about Clinton oppo.
It was just one Russian.
Well, two.
Ok, three.
Hillary did it.
Benghazi !
The meeting was about adoptions.
Ok, about Clinton oppo.
It was just one Russian.
Well, two.
Ok, three.
Hillary did it.
Benghazi !
1251
Squirrel!
Your point is great, and does it speak to a deeper and more disturbing truth about the American electorate's attention span/will to (not) delve deeper?
Glad the former loyalist town of Marshfield is defending the nation!
Your point is great, and does it speak to a deeper and more disturbing truth about the American electorate's attention span/will to (not) delve deeper?
Glad the former loyalist town of Marshfield is defending the nation!
3
So what are the chances hat the mystery attendee was Donald Trump Sr.? He's already been placed directly upstairs in his office at the time the meeting occurred. So maybe he dodged his Secret Service protection for a brief trip downstairs to take a meeting?
291
It's possible that Trump was also on speaker phone with one of the attendees at the time of the meeting. If not, I'm sure that he was briefed afterwards.
12
Seems unlikely as sources that have spoken on the meeting said they didn't know the names of attendees. I think they'd remember Trump Sr.
I think he phone-conferenced in.
3
Are they kidding...I have to sign a visitor's log when I go to my dental appointments!
546
And getting national security-information from these people is like pulling teeth.
12
And show a photo ID!
11
You don't ask longtime friends to sign logs and produce ID. You ask them to make themselves at home.
It's becoming pretty clear that the Royal (Pain of a) Family has known and worked with these people far longer than these meetings betray.
"Outsiders" my eye. Traitors, maybe...
It's becoming pretty clear that the Royal (Pain of a) Family has known and worked with these people far longer than these meetings betray.
"Outsiders" my eye. Traitors, maybe...
4