This article is remarkable nonsense. It was Hillary and Obama who colluded with the Russians. Mueller was the FBI at the time. This whole fake news generated “investigation” is going nowhere. But if it does go somewhere it will be to the cast of characters and cronies of the last Obama administration.
5
Well if you can't prove collusion you gotta find something, otherwise the Deocratic party would cease to exist outside NY and California....
4
This obsession with reality television has to stop: a country is being globally tarnished by inaction as we all wait for tomorrow's episode.
As to the Republican Congress, is aiding and abetting still a crime under the current dictatorship? Everyone with the ability to tie shoelaces can see he is completely out of control, yet do nothing but prevaricate and obfuscate.
To quote the illiterate - SAD!!!
19
The NYT has "learned." Mueller has "learned." The investigation "shows." What is entirely missing is the source for all this miraculously revealed knowledge. Is it sudden inspiration or some divine revelation? More likely it's one of those Democrat friends of Mueller's who are on his investigative team. Not even a general attribution would do, of course, because it would reveal that the entire investigation is politically motivated. I think its time to fire Mueller and for Trump to allow the chips to fall where they may. There will be the predictable howling from the Democrats and the liberal press, but it will be the sound of America winning again.
6
The fact that the legal investigation committees of the House and Senate look like Keystone Cops is itself open to investigation. Noonan running to the WH with evidence makes him coupable with Trump's crimes ( and Treason). Now he wants everything Justice has to share with Trump so Trump can better bungle his way forward.
The others are slowly working themselves into a circle massage. Watching, I would think with so many Lawyers in Congress you could find one or two who can identify crimes and wrongdoing.
I don't care what the Congressional District maps look like, if you elect or reelect a Republican you are as culpable as Trump because you are enablers.
17
The man is a traitor to our country and should be removed from office and prosecuted. Build the case and see it through. No plea deals.
28
Trump better get his lawyers ready for the indictments coming down on him and his family.
15
Josh Marshall writes on TPM that the problem here is that the Trumps have been running a criminal enterprise for years. Now they are in the White House, and they simply don't know how to tell the truth, or to play straight. They only know obfuscation, lies, and cover-up.
We have elected Tony Soprano President.
29
Remember Comey reviewed new emails off of Huma's laptop in a week and cleared everybody? Why is this investigation taking so long?
5
Is it too much to ask for our top leadership to be half-way decent people?
19
One of Trump's spokesmen quit because DJT was lying to the public about a meeting under investigation by the FBI? He or she is one of the few principled spokespeople in Trump's universe. Completely unlike those John Miller and Jason Miller clowns.
6
Mueller is trying a little to hard, don't you think. The FBI shouldn't be used as a political football.
12
I hope trump and sessions keep up the good work.
11
I'm an independent, so for a moment, let's ignore all the political positioning and jargon coming from the far right & left.
At the end of the day, the real issue here is determining if Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election, and if anyone in the Trump Campaign played a role in aiding or assisting the Kremlin in doing so. In the course of investigating this, the possibility of Donald Trump or members of his campaign or administration doing things to block, interfere with, stall, or hamper the investigation surfaced. If any of those things happened, it's the definition of obstruction of justice. There's really no other way to interpret it.
I keep reading that this is a political witch hunt, but I see a pattern of behavior by the president that warrants this investigation. Firing the FBI Director was well within his right to do, but then telling Lester Holt on national television that he did so to stop the Russia investigation reveals a very troubling underlying motive. Creating a cover story for the meeting Donald Jr. and others had with representatives of the Kremlin in Trump Tower was an attempt to obscure the actual purpose of the meeting. Knowing his former National Security Advisor committed a crime, then asking Comey to “go easy” on him, is command influence. I don't envy Mueller's job, but it's certainly a critical one.
More importantly, based on his words and actions, I'm growing very concerned about the mental health and stability of our president.
164
"...the president said the attorney general had been disloyal for recusing himself from the Russia investigation, and he told Mr. Sessions to resign.
Mr. Sessions sent his resignation letter to the president the following day. But Mr. Trump rejected it, sending it back with a handwritten note at the top.
“Not accepted,” the note said."
So Sessions is now being held hostage... the poor thing... That is what you get for working with the donald.
30
Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo tells an old joke that describes where we are right now: A guy falls from a 50-story building. As he flies by the 25th floor, someone asks how it’s going. “So far, so good!” he says.
44
Follow the money it's what ties this all together.
50
Trump “erupted in anger, saying he needed his attorney general to protect him.”
Well, yes. When you don't want investigators to find out what you've been up to, you do need protection.
72
Unless there was collusion with the Russians (and there wasn't) there can be no obstruction, as there was nothing to "obstruct". Trump fired Comey because he was a Clinton lackey gumming up the works. Let's hope Trump rids the DoJ and other Gov't agencies of more holdover Democrats who are the true "obstructionists".
14
The more Trump whines and claims "poor me", the more we can be sure he is guilty. Hopefully, for the good of the nation, Mueller will prove, without a doubt, that he is not only unfit for office but has committed many high crimes and misdemeanors. We will then see who the treasonous Republicans are - those that support a world-class criminal instead of having allegiance to our country.
If they defend Trump, we will find a way to prosecute them also.
59
Americans need to keep a grip on Congress by showing up at the polls and throwing the Republican traitors out of office. The GOP rolls over for Trump even though they know he can't keep a grip on anything but his wallet.
67
Of course Trump is trying to obstruct justice -- he's nothing more than a cheesy, lying, bullying, cheating conman. He's done this stuff his entire life. His real estate "empire" is littered with lies, cheating, bullying, and defrauding people.
Now we have two members of the Senate Graham and Grassley trying to help with the obstructing while a former member of the senate Sessions lying at Congressional hearings about what he knew and did in regard to contact with the Russians. I think we see the real "deep state" - and many of it sits in the senate and some in the house.
68
Even if there was no obstruction of justice, even if none of Trump's family or staff lied to the FBI, even if no one in the Trump campaign ever met with Russians, how is it possible that any rational, concerned American can tolerate such childish and irresponsible behavior from their commander in chief.
Have we been reduced to a society of celebrity worship and reality programming? Are there any better angels of our nature?
64
This is a huge powder keg - I'm worried his base will have no concept of the gravity of these issues and will just riot when things come to their natural conclusion, whether it's the one we're afraid of, or the one Trump wants. Both are terrifying.
27
I believe that Mueller has solid evidence but is withholding it for practical concerns. The big difference between Watergate and Russian Collusion is not the lack of evidence. It is that in the 70s, the VP was Ford, and the choice was clear. In 2018, we have Evil Stupid, whom we want to impeach, and Evil Smart, the next in line. Which of the 2 Evils is the lesser?
42
One wonders if whether now that the “tax reform” has been passed the GOP and their handlers consider Trump expendable? The trap door may open up under his feet since he’s more trouble than he’s worth.
23
Trump is being played for a fool. This whole investigation is about the Republican Party. So one of the most disdained person in my list ... Brannon... is right when he says it’s the establishment who needs to go. What a shame on the Democratic Party ... only thing they are waiting for is the mid term election in 2018.... and then what? Become a party of the “nay sayers.”
I’m thinking about how to make my vote important. I guess I, the voter is being played for a fool. Not so fast.
3
'Mr. Trump then asked, “Where’s my Roy Cohn?”'
Trump seems to positioning himself as a contemporary Joe McCarthy, the client for whom the infamous Cohn worked. As a matter of fact, Trump may be right in assuming that persona. There are similarities.
15
The candidate-45 handcuffed himself to the Election and the Office of the Presidency merely as a carnival publicity and self-promotion stunt. But he can’t get off now because it’s spinning too fast. The crowds have all gone home. And, of course, it’s everybody else’s fault. He is pathetic. But this is hilarious.
32
Solve the National Debt. Make the Impeachment of Donald J Trump a Pay for View Event.
62
I don't think republicans will be content until they drive us to civil war.
29
In case no one noticed, Jeffrey Beauregard Sessions has kept his hand in the Russian Investigation for they entire last year, despite, recusing himself.
And many Russian moles in the Republican Congress have repeatedly committed treason on behalf of the Russian Intelligence Service
32
How many times did Jeff Sessions tell the media that he DID NOT write a letter of resignation? I remember reading his statement and believing that the media must have gotten incorrect info in regards to his resignation offer.
Now I am told Sessions flat out lied to the media! So he is a liar. What else has he lied about?
41
The entire Republican Party is complicit in this and it is an absolute disgrace.
53
to me the most interesting point in this all is that a man who does not know history (did you know that Lincoln was a republican) knows who Roy Cole was.
11
It looks like a criminal conspiracy at the highest levels...
24
Time after time after time, Congressional Republicans have been given the choice of whether to stand with the gangsters who are destroying their party, our nation, and the future of democracy everywhere.
Not only will they not raise their voices to rid this country of the insane would-be dictator, but they are happy to go along for the ride.
On January 20 of this year we should take to the streets. We should register voters, and we should rid this country of the despicable scourge of our current administration and its toadies.
30
I have thought for a long time that this "so-called" never expected to get elected, and so it makes it even more believable to me that they would do any thing like get involved with Russia to see what would happen. since they never thought they would win, there would be no investigation. why would there be, who would care. he would be eating those bed time cheese burgers in his bed at Mar-a-logo instead of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. From my view point, it seems between the White House to Republicans in Congress they are trying to find ways to discredit Mueller and shut this investigation down. Wasn't it the Republican Party who got the black eye in the 70's. Maybe they are worried about a knock out punch with this "so-called"
10
Do you think the president remembers his interview with Lester Holt?
17
My fear is this won't matter. This conman has gotten away with everything. Everything. So why would proof obstruction of justice finally put him in his place? Nothing will. Especially with this horrid Congress - they are all accountable.
15
Just think of the great men in Congress protecting Trump, besides the already great Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. There is Chuck Grassley. There is Lindsay Graham, and Treasonous Tom Cotton.
Over in the House, there is the estimable Dave Goodlatte from Virginia. Louis Gohmert of Texas. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who lives solely on caffeine, and last and least, Devin Nunes, a virtual child bumping around in the night.
These and many more in Congress (I won’t mention Rob Portman) are supporting a deranged, corrupt and possibly traitorous President. They share in his irresponsibility, and it won’t be soon enough for them to thrown out of office.
34
I can't decide who is the bigger threat to our country, Trump or the Republican Party.
32
Naturally, George W. Bush then made M member of the Federal Election Commission, where he did everything in his power to undermine the campaign finance laws — and succeeded — after which he went to work for the Koch brothers — of course.
4
Trump is a scandal generator, a great exaggerator. Like Martin Shkreli or Kevin O'Leary, he's a blowhard who can score big but will inevitable fall hard. The question is how and when.
News reports are stuck in the "now." In the bigger picture, Trump has, first, something in his taxes. That he didn't pay much tax isn't it. It's probably criminal.
The Republicans attack on the "Steele" report reveals how significant this could be. If it was just trash, it wouldn't be prioritized. Trump played in Moscow, and Russians taped it.
Half of Trump's staff helped obstruct justice. People can quibble about whether they'd get convicted. Doesn't matter. Take four or six high-wealth, high-status types, threaten them with serious jail, and some talk.
Mueller and his team are pros. That's why Republicans want him gone, because the investigation won't end if he's fired. They're right about one thing. It's not fair. It's like the U.S. in Olympic basketball. The White House are amateurs.
Humpty Dumpty rocks.
16
To paraphrase, "And I have great respect for (people who can keep me out of jail), I’ll be honest.”
Sexual assault, fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, incitement, redlining, employing illegal aliens, violation of the emoluments clause, treason, high crimes and misdemeanors, tax evasion - take your pick, Trump is GUILTY of them all.
The only thing that remains to be seen is how many of these crimes he will pay for. And that will be the measure of our country, or the loss of it if he completely skates.
To 2018. and all that it brings to Mr. Trump and his associates!
24
Rico I want a hotel on fifty cents on the dollar.
1
45th is not as smart as Nixon. Nixon was a lawyer and Trump being so many skeleton in his closet should NOT have come to public office. Now he can resign and retreat in his castle in Trump Tower. At this age is suffering from pre- Alzheimer disease. He is now 71. His father died of Alzheimer in 1993 at age 93. Alzheimer is a hereditary disease. That is the reason 45th always utter same word twice. This is the symptom of Alzheimer.
9
My guess is that Flynn will confirm that he was told to lie to the FBI about the Kislyak phone call by Trump or Kushner. That provides the definitive obstruction charge.
22
So Trump fires Comey (who was illegally leaking classified information), something completely in his right, on the recommendation of Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein, and that is somehow obstruction. Hillary deleted 30,000 emails that were under a court preservation order AND under subpoena, many classified and incriminating to her, then has the server wiped clean of data and destroyed, and she is only guilty of minor neglect. REALLY?!? This alone show how corrupted the FBI was under the Obama administration, not to mention the DoJ, State Dept, CIA, NSA, HS, FBI, etc. The "deep state" exists and is alive and well.
5
"Hillary deleted 30,000 emails that were under a court preservation order AND under subpoena, many classified and incriminating to her, then has the server wiped clean of data and destroyed, and she is only guilty of minor neglect."
This is not true. That may help explain it.
26
You have sadly drunk the Trump Punch but there will be recovery programs available when it’s all over.
6
We have the phrase “constitutional crisis” for a reason. We have it precisely because such a thing is possible and has previously occurred in our brief history. What are we waiting for? What are we afraid of? Do not fear it, but welcome it. Bring on the necessary housecleaning before these rats destroy everything.
18
The jowly ugliness of trump pictured in the header summons up remembrance over the years of his demeanor as he's aged. The parallel to the man Oscar Wilde depicts in his classic novel 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' is an eerily uncanny portraiture of Trump himself. The fictional character like Trump pursues a privileged hedonistic libertine life of varied and amoral experiences, while he imagines he is staying young and beautiful. But in reality he has become an ugly bloated repulsive old man reflecting the accumulation of his many ugly sins.
23
This once again confirms what we suspected all along: Even when President Trump kept proclaiming that the Russia investigation was a “witch hunt,” he was mortally scared that the investigation would eventually get to him.
He is now blaming his attorney general for not covering up his lies. It so stupid of him to compare the situation he is in to those of President Kennedy and President Obama. Kennedy and Obama never lied the way he has been doing almost daily. So, the question of their attorneys general covering up their bosses' lies never arose. Mr. Sessions, the present attorney general, is a liar himself. But he is not stupid. He is intelligent enough to know that covering up his boss’s lies would amount to obstruction of justice.
And whether Mr. Trump’s firing of former F.B.I. director James Comey constituted obstruction of justice is one of the things special counsel Robert Mueller III is now investigating. Trump's lawyers and minions may argue that he as president can fire anyone working under him, with or without any reason. But in this case, as the president himself has said, he fired Comey in order to make the "Russia thing" go away. He did it after Mr. Comey persistently refused to absolve him of any wrong-doing. If this criminally motivated firing doesn’t constitute obstruction of justice, what does?
I won't be surprised if our vindictive president does another stupid thing, hoping to make the "Russia thing" go away.
21
Will no one rescue us from this living nightmare?!
While Donald is otherwise engaged at Camp David this weekend, could the five former Presidents (Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush and Carter) please storm the Oval Office and lock the door behind them?
Thanks in advance.
24
Gus, that only works in banana republics, although we are almost one now, chasing the Clintons.
January 2018 is going to be historical. One way or the other.
5
Has Trump's refrain finally changed from the early, arrogant "bend the knee" , to the more frantic "hold the door"?
3
Dear Donnie,
Bob Mueller is smarter than you, tougher than you, and has been putting criminals in prison for decades. He knows the ways of Washington much better than you do and took the job knowing he'd have a bull's eye painted on his back from day one. Do you honestly think you can get away from him?
30
Yes!
RMIII has more class, erudition and intelligence in a clipped toe nail than Trump, his entire family and his opportunistic hangers on.
It is just a matter of time.
6
All the GOP in DC need to be impeached for obstruction. Sessions especially since he lied under oath as that’s what he aggressively persecuted Clinton for.
20
If true, comical in a small way, but mostly TRAGIC.
Nunberg told veteran journalist Michael Wolff that "early in the campaign, [he] was sent to explain the Constitution to the candidate." [Trump]
"I got as far as the Fourth Amendment before his finger is pulling down on his lip and his eyes are rolling back in his head," said Nunberg, who was fired by Trump just two months after he launched his campaign.
22
Patriots will possibly emerge to allow the sunlight to reveal the truth and heal the wounds, but right now I see every Republican scurrying around in the darkness avoiding any acknowledgement of the facts most clear eyed people can see quite plainly. Once Putin realized he had gone beyond revenge in scuttling the Hillary nemesis he got busy. Russia has installed their man in the White House and only true patriots will prevent the total collapse of the Western Order. Look at England and Germany right now. Putin is a geopolitical wizard. With the newfound riches he plundered from his country he bought Trump, Kushner and others and are actively working 24 hours a day to undermine the 70 year old hegemony of the US to replace it with an oligarchy. I don't like either by the way, but I am shocked and appalled that it is being abetted by the Senate and Congress. And the new tax bill establishes what exactly? The further exploitation of the people and the land for the enrichment of oligarchs. Utter madness is unleashed as the people in red hats reflexively repeat the mistakes of Germans in the '30's thinking some golden age will be reestablished as the exact opposite happens.
My children's treasure is being stolen by evil people.
17
GPS Fusion in NYTimes article: "We suggested investigators look into the bank records of Deutsche Bank and others that were funding Mr. Trump’s businesses. Congress appears uninterested in that tip: Reportedly, ours are the only bank records the House Intelligence Committee has subpoenaed." The Paradise Papers were released, and Deutsche Bank among many other players with ties to Russia and Trump are listed with off shore accounts and hidden channels. This is a treasure trove for Mueller.
21
Many Republicans/Trump defenders commenting here and elsewhere around the Internet today are saying that the Mueller investigation must be shut down because, according to them, "he hasn't found anything," or (b) the indictments he has brought don't directly relate to the issue of collusion.
I would remind them that Ken Starr's active investigation of the Clintons over the Whitewater matter lasted from 1994 to 2000, at a staggering cost of some $80 million, and the only thing it yielded with respect to the Clintons was Starr's report on rhe Monica Lewinsky affair (which, btw, had nothing whatsoever to do with Whitewater). Mueller, by contrast, has been on the case for just seven months, and the potential crimes he is investigating are of a far more serious nature than those alleged in Whitewater. So enough with the double standard already!
27
Yea, explain to me what Whitewater had to do with national security? With legislation and diplomatic policies?
The difference between basically good people who do stupid things and bad people who do stupid things is the cost and blame. We'd be thrilled if all this only cost $80 million. And all the people who knew better aren't even ashamed of themselves.
11
I agree. How do they know Mueller hasn't found anything?
On the contrary, Mueller and his team are probably busy as bees with all the criminal malfeasance they're discovering.
15
Investigation of a fake crime for political purposes should be considered obstruction of justice. How is it possible to obstruct a fake investigation?
5
Godspeed Mr Mueller!
20
Prez believes that AG is his consigliere. That speaks for itself.
19
Oh, the Comedy continues .......
Look at 'What' the Lies have generated. The major threat against the United States is the Republican Party and its leadership undermining The American Democracy and Trust.
It is TREASON against the United States of America. Read the Constitution of the United States. Trump, Pence, Sessions, Bannon, Flynn, Kelly, Miller, McConnell, Ryan, Ms. Lindsey, Nunez, etc., etc. they all belong in jail or in front of a firing squad. (the latter would provide major cost savings)
//s// 70+ yrs, non-party affiliate.
14
Is there any doubt that he actively obstructed justice ? Is there any doubt that his campaign colluded with Russia ? He fired an FBI Director, tried to cajole the AG to stop the investigation, actively working to discredit Mueller. How much more evidence does one need ? If Obama had done 0.001% of these, we would be watching impeachment hearings now. GOP is just disgusting and vile for actively protecting this traitor and I hope American voters can overcome partisanship and recognize what is happening to this democracy. A President and his minions are actively undermining the legal and institutional foundations of this democracy. If voters do not vote out GOP in the next elections, our democracy is as good as dead
19
This is shocking. Nobody is above the Law and that should apply to Trump also. He will go down in history as the most corrupt, dangerous, psychotic President in the history of our country.
20
“When you look at the I.R.S. scandal, when you look at the guns for whatever, when you look at all of the tremendous, aah, real problems they had..."
In case we needed any more proof that the President watches waaay too much Fox News.
What a sad state of affairs.
14
"“Where’s my Roy Cohn?” just about says it all. Trump isn't the slightest bit interested in an Attorney General, just as he isn't interested in having a real Chief of Staff, Secretary of State, etc., etc. He wants lackeys who are a) loyal to him and him alone and b) are Machiavellians who will do his dirty work for him. That's what all "good" dictators have. I wish someone would have given Trump his own banana republic in some remote place where he could play a generalissimo and rule with an iron fist to his heart's content.
13
As I understand it there is an unresolved question as to whether the special counsel can indict a sitting president. The more likely scenario would be that more lower level people will be indicted and Mueller could choose to name Trump as an un-indicted co-conspirator. This was enough to cause Nixon to resign, but Trump is a different animal. This will probably last beyond November's mid-term, it's possible the House will not be Trump friendly at that time. While Nixon was smart but also a psychopath, Trump is an idiot and a psychopath. The only thing we know for sure is that he will try to blame someone else for his actions.
13
Chunga's revenge. Attention: Whatever Hillary's problem it has zero to do with the present President's problem. Hillary is NOT president.
Trump is. And he is a sick man, a chronic liar, confused about his role and unable to perform the duties of a president. He needs medical care.
14
The rot runs so deep. All kinds of rot. The intellectual rot that leads a person to believe that the US Attorney General is some kind of personal gun slinger for the president. The moral rot that leads to a river of deceit. And clearly the rot spreads its roots to others like White House lawyer McGahn, who approached Sessions in what looks like an attempt to obstruct justice.
18
It would be great if Trump's fans knew who Roy Cohn was.
21
Every time I read this story I am wondering why Donald F. McGahn II, a licensed attorney, would agree to undertake the act that he is accused of taking?
No job is worth losing everything for and that is exactly what he did: he rolled the dice on his career, his responsibilities to his family, his profession, his license, and did the bidding of a career criminal.
He has no defense. None. It was an act of depravity sufficient to render him un-American and the worst sort of criminal. There he is, presenting himself to the world, all dressed up in fancy clothing, his law license serving to give him tremendous prestige, and it turns out he is just another two bit punk with a diseased mind and a lust for power and money. Prisons are full of people just like him and Trump.
23
"Prisons are full of people just like him and Trump."
Unfortunately they are not. Give me some examples of people like this who are ( have) serving time, the few (if any) have been made examples of to quell the rising shouts of the nation. People like this always pass jail and collect millions. 'Too big' to jail and it's not just banks.
6
"Surely this is the end of Trump's presidency," say increasingly nervous NYT commenters for the 7th time this year.
6
Trump and his henchmen are toated; Mueller will probably uncover the various schemes used by Trump to survive with dirty $......from anywhere
5
For Southern Boy. Trump will not prevail. His crazy behavior will betray this really sick man who needs medical care. I pity him. A geriatric nurse
9
“Where is my Roy Cohn?!” Mr. President, Roy was disbarred and is long dead. That’s where Roy is and that’s where your presidency is headed at this rate.
26
As I recall, the "smoking gun" that brought down Nixon was when, with the tapes rolling, he ordered his staff to have the CIA tell the FBI to stop its investigation of the break-in. It sounds like Trump is perilously close to the same threshold.
22
Close to it from which side?
I suggest it might be worthwhile to look back at exactly what Mr Cohen did for Trump and what exactly it is that Trump was up to when Mr Cohen was doing it.
If Sessions had not lied to Congress (4 times = 4 felonies) about his meetings with the Russian Ambassador to protect Trump he would not have had to recuse himself from the investigation and might therefore have been able to inform Trumps lawyers what they were facing. Doncha just love how bad people always shoot themselves in the foot when they are trying to hide the truth?
12
Judging from some of the comments here, a significant portion of the U.S. population no longer understands or accepts the concept of evidence. We've moved away from the natural world into the arena of an impenetrable religious belief system when it comes to the man occupying the oval office.
17
Come to think about everything happening around the Russian influence investigation. We are leaning Trump directly is involved ( soon to be proven ) in subverting the investigation.
On the other hand we have real books coming out documenting that we have a WH resident who can be called "Child" as a culpable deniability if ever impeached.
We all love our country inspite of policy differences So is GOP not doing anything.
1
The president can fire the FBI director for any or no reason, but that reason can be (and was) obstruction of justice.
7
I wonder if an ethics complaint has been filed against McGahn with his state bar association? McGahn's actions in assisting what was clearly an attempt to obstruct justice were beyond the ethical norms for an attorney representing a client. McGahn acted more as a "Godfather"-type consigliere.
13
Democrats lost the election. You want the Presidency go to the ballot and win. Until then, just accept there is new Sheriff in town. Even if Mueller friend of Comey and appointed by Obama appointed Assistant Attorney General finds Trump obstructed justice, it is up to Republican controlled house to start the impeachment process and then 66% of the senate have to impeach him. So all this daily leaks of news is inconsequential.
3
But if the "new sheriff" is corrupt charges must be brought. And yes, the House and then the Senate must convict. This might be far easier to imagine after the November mid-term election.
13
There is no “accumulated evidence” of obstruction of justice.
The article says Trump expressed regret for appointing Jeff Session attorney general, but notes he refused to accept Session’s letter of resignation. The notion that a prosecutor would consider presenting this to a grand jury as evidence of obstruction of justice is bizarre.
There isn’t going to be obstruction of justice charges against Trump related to the firing of James Comey. According to the Washington Post, Muller has the first draft of the letter Trump wrote to tell Comey why he was being fired. The Post reported, “The multi-page letter blasted Comey over his investigation of Trump’s Democratic presidential opponent, Hillary Clinton. And, according to a person with direct knowledge of the contents of the letter, it conveyed Trump’s displeasure that Comey would not say publicly what he had told the president three times privately: that the FBI’s probe into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election was not focused on him.” Trump did not fire Comey to impede the Russian investigation.
The assertion that Trump’s dictation of a misleading response to a New York Times article about the Trump Tower meeting constitutes obstruction of justice is silly. It’s unlawful to mislead FBI agents, but it isn’t unlawful to mislead the New York Times. The Trump Tower meeting participants appear to have told the truth when questioned by the FBI and Congress. It also appears there was nothing unlawful about the meeting.
3
I am taking on an attitude that the glass is half full, focusing on the fact that those at the top of the food chain with eyes wide shut is easiest to catch.
So want to be at the pinnacle of power with a spot-light shining brightly on just you? Well, lights, camera, action are all on a roll.
4
If Trump were innocent, then he would not be at all threatened by an Investigation of any sort. His actions speak volumes. He has got to go.
18
As Mr Mueller and his team get closer and closer to impeachable offenses and the excuse for a president becomes more and more unhinged, the biggest threat we face is his instigation of nuclear war. The threats to our democracy remain as long as he is in office and his greedy, self interested Republican enablers , all cut from the same cloth, are able to thwart justice and continue their wanton destruction of institutions and programs designed to ensure the common good that our founding documents call for.
15
So if Mueller turns up enough on Trump, can Trump be indicted as a sitting president or does Trump have to be impeached first?
4
With the record economy growth, food stamps reduced by 2 million recipients since Trump took office, unemployment lowest for blacks in 17 years, record low unemployment, business committed to building plants in America rather than overseas, stock market record high which protects pensions and retirements, this and much more, it may be that Trump may end up being our greatest president since FDR!
3
Come on, Vince. Don't insult FDR.
6
You do know that Trump has absolutely nothing to do with any of the figures you quoted right?
15
45 could only make such a statement about RFK and Eric Holder if he lacked a basic understanding of history and the Constitution. Looks like a two-run homer!
10
Mr. Mueller - hurry, hurry, hurry! I am sure you have more than enough evidence to indict Trump. I am afraid, he'll fire you and we'll be left only with a bonfire. And once you go, all evidence would be history. You Have the Power.....to save us!
11
This is a corrupt administration where this president ignores the impartiality needed and thrusts his wishes on the Justice Department. Jeff Sessions is too complicit to do the right thing and ignore. The "criminal" charges just announced against Steele of the "dossier"by Sens Chuck Grassley and Lindsay Graham are bogus. It was clear last week that it was Trump advisor Papadopulos ' drunken loose tongue to the Australians that led to the investigation, not the dossier. More muddying the waters. Now, a disproven claim of corruption by the Clinton Foundation is being resurrected. All of this is republicans deflecting, distracting from the legitimate Mueller investigation. There are no republicans obviously caring about our nation and egreigous Russian interference in elections, rather than "party over country". None of them is fulfilling their Constitutional oaths.
20
Is this what it sounds like when the proverbial fat lady begins to sing?
Because after a year in, if there's no evidence of collusion and all Mueller has is a few indictments against minor players who pushed back a bit too hard against an investigation into doing nothing wrong, because they knew they had done nothing wrong, then I'd say the show is over folks.
Smart move on the Friday afternoon release, though! The headline grabs the attention of the moonbats, and the details in the coverage while notable for their lack of anything substantive, aren't as risible enough to stir up a storm, because it's late on a Friday.
4
Does have any liability for not reporting seeing what he believed to be a crime? Namely the obstruction of justice during creation of the memo on Air Force 1.
2
"the president erupted in anger in front of numerous White House officials, saying he needed his attorney general to protect him."
Protect him from what and why?
17
I can hardly wait to hear the results of the presidents Walter Reade Hospital physical, that I think is promised for this month.
5
Considering his last so called physical and his eagerness to present himself as perfect, I doubt we will get clue to what his physical condition actually is.
5
Are they doing a psych evaluation as well? If so, I would expect the findings to be NPD:
a personality disorder in which there is a long-term pattern of abnormal behavior characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a lack of understanding of others' feelings. People affected by it often spend a lot of time thinking about achieving power or success, or about their appearance.
4
Whaddaya know? Fellow Americans voted not for a lawyer, not for a political scientist, not for a Historian or an intellectual, but a man who cannot read or understand, have the attention of a 3-year old on sugar high, a businessman with a shabbiest business record, four bankruptcies, mafiosi-tainted deals, and for better or worse a man accustomed to have total control over people and what he must do, by hook or by crook! But, a man on a game show authoritatively said, "You are fired!"
Let us sweep all the personal defects away; pretend they did not exist;ignore the bad learning, unprincipled life style, lying nonstop, cheating when it is doable, thinking a woman only in terms of her sexual qualities (made a comment about his daughter as well) seeking the last resort to keep his corroded, termite-eaten, real estate holdings afloat.
What did you expect to happen?
Donald Trump was elected because of a dysfunctional Congress, he may get away with his crimes for the very same reason.
Long time ago I read book on politics it said roughly, People get the government they deserve.
13
Mueller already knew all about Russia. He was dragging out the investigation waiting for an easy out to save his face and Trump. The unexpected book is making Mueller and Trump crazy.
1
So tonyjim thinks that Watergate should never have happened and Nixon should have remained the American President because the WP did not reveal the sources of its information and the names of the informer/s during their investigation?
Weird!
And if he thinks WP and NYT are only distributing 'fake' news why does he continue to read them? It is like Trump who says he never watches a lot of TV but seems to be pretty much up to date with CNN and other news channels that cannot be cowed down by insults and threats, bullying and probably behind the scenes power struggles.
11
One word not found in the Constitution is loyalty. Oaths of office call for loyalty to the Constitution and to the country, not to one person. Too bad the only American who does not know that is the president.
Team Mueller in 2018!
17
Right now Mr. Mueller is in desperation mode. He knows that he's in the cross hairs of an congressional investigation !
2
"Mr. Mueller is in desperation mode?" I don't think so... If you check his background, you'll realize he's never in "desperation mode."
14
Those congressional investigations really showed their stuff with Hillary Clinton. I'm sure Gowdy and Chaffetz time is making Mueller quake in his boots. Not.
5
Yeah, check the man's military service...as opposed to, oh, I dunno, Trump's.
9
I wouldn't care to speculate on "Where's my Roy Cohn?" but it's apparent we have Joe McCarthy and his acolytes in Congress.
Trump is clearly deflecting attention from his own venalities with calls to investigate Hillary and the dossier. As with the voter fraud commission, there is nothing there. But we'll squander taxpayer dollars on it anyway, to humor this president.
But... what exactly does Donald think they are guilty of? He has offered no specifics and no evidence. Is that enough to launch a federal criminal investigation? If so, we have become the police state Donald envisions.
7
There is going to be a massive clash of party and ideology when this investigation concludes. Trump simply acts like a guilty person with much to hide.
His ego and otherworldly narcissism would not allow him to step away from the race and all the adulation and publicity he received. He adores the cult of personality. And he holds fast to his delusional belief that he is somehow above the law.
He put himself in this position.
And no matter what FOX or the GOP troll wing say, Robert Mueller is simply an honest and ethical and committed public servant who seeks justice and accountability within our laws and constitution.
I am beyond grateful he is in the chair he occupies.
21
There is pandemonium in the WH, and a clear answer seems either elusive or a rare commodity. Duplicitous dudes are roaming around in the White House like swarming flies, and the press secretary has taken recourse to circumlocution and even brusque rebuttals. Mendacity is growing by leaps and bounds. The truth is either suppressed or stretched beyond recognition. Russians, dossiers, emails, and subpoenas are the most frequently words among other phrases.
Trump, seemingly, is being pushed into a tight corner of sorts, and evidently he is bound to detest it. Moreover, his capricious and arbitrary responses to Kim Jung Un's nuclear threat seemed rather foolhardy, temeritous, and ham-handed, to say the least. He might think he had been projecting toughness, but his actions are reminiscent of emperor Nero from Rome of yesteryears.
Robert Mueller with his plate so full, has a job cut out for him. Who knows? He might even summon a moronic Jeff Sessions, Steve Bannon, Ivanka Trump and, perhaps all his retinue.
5
Is it only my imagination that, in the photograph, Donald Trump looks to be asleep and Jeff Sessions is casting a look of pure loathing at Donald?
If so, I can only agree with Sessions!
4
It looks like the cover up and alibis to help Trump is already underway, the two biggest hypocrites in the Senate, Senator Charles Grassley and Lindshe Graham, two of the biggest partisan and of late Trump sycophants want charges brought up against Christopher Steele for the Trump dossier.
Maybe these two clowns should be thinking about bringing up charges against Trump Junior, Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, Jeff Sessions and a few people sitting the oval office for conflicts, abusing their top security clearance, perjurer, enriching themselves at government expense and then take a good hard look at the Donald Trump himself.
8
Clinton's silence on all this is the model for how a PRESIDENT reacts in a storm.
7
Sorry ... silence? I missed that part! Tweetstorm, more like!
The conservative U.S. government is refusing to release 21 hours of Congressional testimony from Fusion GPS that implicated Donald Trump in wide-spread money laundering. This is called a cover-up. Add money laundering to the list of charges.
8
And on top of not releasing the transcripts, they want a public interview - which would be no more than verbal pillory of Steele.
What are these congressional folks hiding?
1
It's now been proven that there was no collusion. So now there is a race to prove that a process crime was committed. So the NYT alledges that Mr. Trump tried to convince his AG to not recuse himself. But that's not a crime. Then Trump got angry when Comey lied to him. Is it a crime to be angry at a liar? not at all.
3
Whoa whoa whoa there! I read a LOT of sources every day and haven't seen any evidence, much less proof!, that there was "no collusion." What are you talking about?!
5
Trump seemingly comparing himself to Joe McCarthy is an appropriate one.
Except that Trump has not nor will ever feel any shame.
5
Now, tell me Trump supporters, why does an innocent person need to keep a grip on an investigation?
Why?
Anyone wanting to investigate my ties to Russia is very welcome. Bring it on.
Why can't he say what I just said?
It's all gonna be public soon.
If Mueller is full of it, that will be his shame to live with forever. He'll be exposed.
So, what's the problem?
You believe he's innocent.
Why is Trump afraid?
9
For what it's worth, "Where's my Roy Cohn?" is not the kind of question/factoid that i would expect Donald Trump to be able to pull out and despite the despicability built into the question itself, it is sort of nice to see something kinda smart coming out of the oval office for a change.
1
More smoke and mirrors as a dually elected official continues to be smeared.
2
When a craftsman has built a great product she is willing to show you all the features and how everything works. You will marvel at the creativity. When a dishonest man does a shoddy job, something illegal, or evil to benefit themselves they will try to hide it. Trump's actions are those of a dishonest person.
5
Looks like trump would do anything to win, and i mean anything.
3
Where is our Justice Dept.? Is there one? Sessions better grow up and do his job or get while the getting is good.
2
Why would an innocent person care what the Justice Department is doing?
8
I'm innocent, and I sure care!
His lawyers should be easing him into a deal, a graceful out: diminished mental capacity, due to say, dementia or Alzheimer's, and immediate voluntary retirement… while he can still present the image of acting heroically under his own free will.
He is then not responsible for his actions and can retire to Maralago.
If his mental capacity has been diminishing, if he has been taken advantage of by others tricked into doing their bidding, truly forgets what he has said and thus repeats falsehoods, can no longer read at length or learn new information vital to his acting as president, then he is not responsible for himself -- and can't be held to account for collusion with Russians, obstruction of justice, attacks on the Constitution , cyberstalking, high crimes, giving away the store, or the perjury that would inevitably occur were he put under oath.
He would walk out a retired and free man, able to enjoy his final years at Maralago receiving homage from his base and plotting revenge against the free press.
But if he cannot be persuaded by lawyers or loved ones, he will be held legally responsible, subpoenaed, questioned under oath...
It isn't as though he can find loads of character witnesses to endorse him as an honest, ethical, law-respecting man.
Diminished capacity may be his best option, and as his mental capacity does seem to be diminishing, it would be just and compassionate to make that deal as it would rightly be made for anyone suffering impaired judgment.
12
Donald Trump will never, ever resign. He'll gladly let the government spend taxpayer dollars to try him, while enjoying martyr status with the deplorables, rather than resign.
4
Trump is a man of shrinking outlook, reduced to stock concepts and phrases, such as, "the best/greatest in the history of _", "disloyal", "fake", "dishonest", "millions", "all", "every", "ever" (in the sense of "of all time"), "I know more about _than _", "greatest", "biggest", "worst".
With President Reagan, every power grabber and favor seeker connived to put papers in front of him to sign. His eyes glazed over, he'd lose the thread, Nancy had to whisper him answers. Sadly, Ronald Reagan was not in control, became the hill in a game of King of the Hill.
Nancy tried to protect him from others. But she didn't need to protect anyone from his viciousness & vengefulness. He wasn't that sort of person.
With Trump, there are bad guys angling a seat next to his good ear. A staff struggles to protect the world from him: the vicious, vengeful person he's bragged of being.
His character's crystallised and is almost all that remains. Now it seems "infantile" is a clinical diagnosis, not a slur.
Tell him that the White House is too small for his grandeur, that his powers are wasted in the puny office, he's unappreciated, he's stifled, his light is hidden under a bushel, that he could achieve so much more outside, from the palace at Maralago, to be adored freely without lies from the press –against whom he could then unleash his revenge.
Or Congress could with breaking hearts insist they need to satisfy themselves that he "still" understands the office's obligations and limits.
2
Any non-attorney writers here really know what exactly constitutes "obstruction of justice" of federal law? Trump (not an attorney) told his attorney to argue against Sessions recusing himself. No law clearly required Sessions to recuse himself at that exact time. It was a judgement call and certainly open for discussion by White House attorneys who frequently negotiate all sorts of things with the Attorney General. If White House attorneys discussed it, as officers of the court, they believed it was legal.
6
I think we're going to find out before long that Trump himself pressured Sessions to not recuse, and he did it for the reasons that he told us all on national television: the Russian thing. he thought Sessions' job was to protect HIM. In his hearing, Sessions cited executive privilege and wouldn't confirm or deny that the president asked him not to recuse. Draw the conclusion for yourself.
6
Finally, the end of the Trump presidency is near.
Finally, this serial business cheat for whom 'business as usual' in the White House has cheated America of its reputation and Americans of fair tax relief, sane environmental stewardship (and too many other things to expound on here) will soon be gone.
Oh what a good time 2018 will be: The Year the U.S. Reclaimed Civility and Common Sense.
8
My guess is a large part of the root causes of obstruction can be traced to money. It's time for the people and the press to be able to follow the money. A law should be introduced in Congress that:
1. Tax Returns: Requires the IRS to release the complete tax returns for the president, VP, and cabinet officers for the previous 12 years, including for presidential candidates on the ballot in more 3/4 of the states. It should also require the released tax forms to be certified as accurate and true by the president and by any tax preparers. By putting the disclosures on the IRS as a matter of law, it prevents foot-dragging or fake information.
2. Financial Disclosure Statements: Formulates a much more detailed financial statement for presidential candidates, with stronger penalties for omissions and falsehoods.
3. Emoluments Clause: Makes the Emoluments Clause into a tough law, with appropriate oversight of Justice and Congress.
4. Hidden Finances: Requires all financial and corporate entities doing business in the US or with US-controlled foreign banks or entities to disclose any transactions, accounts, ownerships, equities or control with the president, whether onshore or offshore.
15
Yes, yes, 1000x Yes. The money, and the money-laundering. It's the key to easing / pushing this ridiculous apparatus of an administration OUT!
I'm gonna hope and pray there are enough state-related crimes that he or cohorts can't wiggle out via a federal, Presidential pardon.
4
As much as I might yearn for nearly anybody as President (even Hillary Clinton) than Donald Trump, I don't see a single incriminating thing in this article, much as I'd like to. As the article states, he doesn't need cause to remove Comey, no matter his intention, it doesn't matter.
4
Intentions betray a person's state of mind and morality. Intentions always matter.
6
That's not true. He didn't need cause, but if he fired Comey in order to interfere with or stop an investigation, he committed obstruction of justice, which is a federal crime.
4
...so, let me get this straight...
Trump's lawyers are growing in number and their billable hours escalating exponentially. Our bankruptcy laws have bolstered Trump's bank account many times over... and the money Trump saved through his multiple bankruptcies is now going to pay his army of lawyers who are working 60-80 hours a week - on our dime.
It's nice to know our tax dollars and our society is footing the bill for Trump's efforts to shield himself from actions he took in order to get his current job....
11
The deplorables would have us pay FOREVER, and ANY AMOUNT, to keep their demagogue in power.
1
Trump's behavior appears more and more to constitute obstruction of justice. His conduct begs the question- what was Trump worried about?
Sure "collision " was the primary focus of the FBI and Congressional investigations, but in order to establish the criminal intent Mueller rightfully must investigate all of Trump's possible criminal conduct, Russia related or not.
So if Mueller has crossed a line by investigating Trump's finances, Trump can blame his own conduct for erasing that line.
5
The most scary thing about this I fear, is that this is the standard operating procedure for the .01%. You know the makers that are running everything.
5
Sessions recused himself as a fact of conflict of interest. For Sessions to now act otherwise would be an ethics violation!
2
Eric Holder's job was not "protecting" Obama from accusations of obstruction of justice because there weren't any such accusations. Trump's idea of an attorney general appears to be someone who will lie, obscure, and obstruct on his behalf, even when he breaks the law.
10
". . . someone who will lie, obscure, and obstruct on his behalf, even when he breaks the law." AKA Roy Cohn.
3
All these people clamoring for "impeachment already," on the grounds of "obstruction of justice," should pause and ask: what crimes have been unveiled as of yet that trump is obstructing?Doesn' there have to be a crime for which trump is supposedly obstructing the justice?
Until Mueller categorically states what crime has been committed, the investigation of which trump was trying to obstruct, I believe those calls are premature. And if and when such crime is proven, even the most loyal GOP backer will abandon Trump for the good of country.
3
I was right there with you until, "And if and when such crime is proven, even the most loyal GOP backer will abandon Trump for the good of country." Good grief I'm sorry but you are very naive. The very purpose of the GOP smearing Mueller is so that when he DOES indict Trump (or any other GOP), the deplorables will doubt the veracity of the indictment. Today's GOP has no interest in the good of the country if it means losing one seat in Congress; see e.g. Roy Moore.
4
If we Americans get through this Trump debacle, including his removal from office, without a major national tragedy we will have been exceedingly lucky.
It was inevitable that a Trump would come along and win the presidency. That is no surprise and is not a tragedy in and of itself.
The tragedy is that our country has deteriorated ethically and morally to the degree that we are barely able to cope with removing such an inappropriate individual from office!
9
From the very beginning Trump disparaged our intelligence agencies' reports of Russia's interference with our 2016 presidential election.
The reports did not indicate voter fraud so there was no question as to the legitimacy of the election results. But Russia's active "influence-peddling" during the campaign was clear. Trump's disparagement of the intelligence reports threw into question his own culpability and that of his campaign team.
His mouth in a feeble attempt to minimize the seriousness of the reports was the telltale sign that he, or his team under his direction or with his knowledge, may have colluded with the Russians during the campaign to help him win the presidency.
8
I never thought I'd miss Richard Nixon. In the end, at least, he had some respect for our Constitution and the foundations of our Government.
4
May I recommend "Collusion, How Russia helped Trump Win the White House" by Luke Harding. I don't know why it hasn't got the attention that Mike Wolff's book has. Maybe it is all the Russian names that are hard to pronounce and remember, like War and Peace. I just hope that the Trump organization builds him a really big library because they are going to need it. Our president is not a patriot and neither are his Republican enablers and donors in Congress. It is party before country, all the way. It is treason.
11
This will turn on the Democrats before it's over. There is nothing that Trump has done that is even close to the Obama administration's corruptions, nothing that compares to the Clintons' Pay-to-Play. In all fairness, those of us who disliked--make that hated--Obama, kept hoping he would get his when he was in office. It didn't happen, and it won't happen with Trump either, but dream on if you want.
1
Oh, please do name--and provide evidence for--President obama's many corruptions.
2
If we live through it, this will make a great movie one day.
3
Unless Mueller has evidence that Pres. Trump asked anyone to break the law on his behalf, "obstruction" is another nothingburger. Not to mentions the fact that Comey could even be going down for mishandling of classified documents.
3
There is pandemonium in the WH, and a clear answer seems either elusive or a rare commodity. Duplicitous dudes are roaming around in the White House like swarming flies, and the press secretary has taken recourse to circumlocution and even brusque rebuttals. Mendacity is growing by leaps and bounds. The truth is either suppressed or stretched beyond recognition.
Trump, seemingly, is being pushed into a tight corner of sorts, and evidently he is bound to detest it. Moreover, his capricious and arbitrary responses to Kim Jung Un's nuclear threat seemed rather foolhardy, temeritous, and ham-handed, to say the least. He might think he had been projecting toughness, but his actions are reminiscent of emperor Nero from Rome of yesteryears.
Robert Mueller with his plate so full, has a job cut out for him. Who knows? He might even summon a moronic Jeff Sessions, Steve Bannon, Ivanka Trump and, perhaps all his retinue.
4
The definition of treason: "the crime of betraying one's country." Can there be a more accurate description of this Republican majority Congress?
11
The news out of DC becomes more and more terrifying. Mr. Trump is not even close to being mentally stable or fit to be in the Oval Office and is spiraling downward more every day. The GOP failure to act to save the country is flat out treasonous. Their job is to serve the Constitution, not a madman. STOP THIS
INSANITY NOW.
12
Democratically elected governments are not perfect, and probably the least efficient of all forms. Dictatorships or Russian style setups are the most efficient. Sometimes, we make stupid decisions and laws and we need to fix them. That's democratic process. One I would not change.
2
The only way to prove that the president had corrupt intentions (to commit obstruction of justice) is to prove he colluded with Russia to win the election, but as everyone knows it was the FBI and the Hillary Clinton campaign working with Fusion GPS that fabricated this whole canard to be used against Trump in the 2016 election and as Peter Strzok said, as an insurance policy against him if he wins. What a Shame!
2
The news is that Donald has pressured Sessions into getting the FBI to "reopen" its closed file on the Clinton Foundation. This will feed some diversion to FoxNews and send Donald into Twitter performances. However, what Donald needs is not a fake and malleable attorney general; he needs the Russian ambassador, who could steer Donald to Putin's formula for keeping power. It's no longer about Donald's propaganda machine, it's about his throne.
1
When are the toadies in his Cabinet and in Congress going to acknowledge he is putting us all in grave danger? The cartoon-like clownish behavior of the man is no longer justifiable by any reasonable measure.
6
All this time Mueller has come up with nothing on this Trump so called Russian Collusion. What's coming out is Russia/DNC/Obama/Clinton Collusion.
He has been successful on catching lies and wrong doing on individuals prior to Trump. But that's not his mandate is it!
In my opinion He's Bilking the U.S. Tax Payer of all he can get and that's my hard earned money.
2
Headline: "Republican Senators Recommend Charges Against Author of Trump Dossier."
Not a single charge has been recommended against the targets of the investigation, despite the extensive evidence that is already public. Is fascism knocking? Are House and Senate Republicans opening the door?
3
Good News. When will the Republicans become patriots?
A reminder from myself, an atheist:
1 Timothy 6:10
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Just because I do not believe there is a god does not mean that I fail to appreciate wisdom from the bible.
1
This constitutes a guilty plea by Trump.
1
“Mr. Trump said he had expected his top law enforcement official to safeguard him the way he believed Robert F. Kennedy, as attorney general, had done for his brother John F. Kennedy ... “
Jeff Sessions is not of the same species as RFK.
1
This administration can best be described with 2 words:
"Malevolent incompetence."
8
When this investigation is all said and done, Trump's crimes will more resemble the crimes committed by Julius and Ethel Rosenberg than Richard M Nixon.....
3
". . . whether Mr. Trump obstructed justice while in office and whether there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia." What's wrong with this picture? How can you "obstruct" justice if the "crime" of collusion with Russia's evidence is virtually non-existent . . . unless you consider there seems to be more evidence that the DNC/Hillary involvement was more factual? Frankly, I have no idea who is guilty here! But where was the AG/DOJ when OBVIOUS infractions occurred during Obama administration . . . oh yeah, I believe that had something to do with an AG protecting his/her President and his cronies. This is at least one fact you can depend on: In DC, if your name is Trump, both sides want you out and willingly ignore even-handedness!
2
Wow...I asked Santa for an impeachment this year. I really hope he comes through.
3
my guess would be money laundering for various Russians. no questions asked
about where it came from.
Trump has to declare the income so the other end of the deal is Russia
aids Trump in winning the election so he can customize the tax laws
to suit his interests
It isnt personal Sonny, its just business.
7
Nice Godfather reference Brian...
1
Let's hope Trump's "shiny object" to distract us the building heat of Mueller's investigation isn't a "splendid little war".
3
Trump is and always has been a narcissistic thug who surrounds himself with hollow men and women willing to do his bidding. That he has been intent on preventing Mueller from doing his job only adds fuel to the growing fire that the buffoon is guilty as sin. That the GOP continues to support him does not bode well for the party of Lincoln, T. Roosevelt and Eisenhower. By comparison, Watergate looks like child's play.
6
I don't blame Trump anymore... he is obviously mentally and/or physically ill and cannot function. But I do blame the GOP congress for allowing this to CONTINUE. Are they, too, all suffering from extreme mental illness? Unless they can provide doctors notes, I am holding them responsible. Disgrace. Dishonor. Danger.
4
The whole charade for trump has been ~business as usual. He is no different today, than he has ever been. It's the way the man rolls. He's a threat to our national security and must be removed from the highest office in the USA as soon as possible.
10
Get your Impeach signs ready and your marching shoes on; the republicans will not do the right thing without A LOT of hard pressure. Call their office, write them and get ready to march. This corruption will not stand.
6
Wow, he must really be afraid of his taxes being made public.
11
Three strikes and your out!
Obstruction of Justice
Money Laundering
Espionage
Let's just hope Mueller gets enough time to prove it.
8
The president and Congress are not our representatives they are tyrannical oppressors and gangsters. I look at those buildings in Washington and I no longer see hope, all that I see is pure evil.
8
What is John Kelly doing, napping?
I think it's time he stop stealing money from the taxpayers and go home, he's not doing the country any good where is now.
6
They (whomever They are) are muddying the waters and making Mueller's job much more difficult. What a tragedy, that this obvious ploy to obfuscate and confuse the media and those of us who are stupid enough to watch it is taking center stage. DT is GUILTY of many things, probably the worst being money laundering for the Russian oligarchs. The publisher of this book is making serious bank, DT gets the attention he ALWAYS craves, the media exploit it for all it's worth, and his "deplorables" double down on their support for the man they consider a victim of the northern elites. Remember, DT is popular with the Dixiecrats and the entire white supremacist universe. He is popular in the Deep South because they see this as a new civil war. DT is their champion, their Robert E. Lee. All they need to do now is erect a statue of DT complete with a confederate uniform and flag. If congress fails to impeach this man after all the damage he's done to the country, DT might go down in history as the Teflon President par excellence.
1
"I'll be honest" is the biggest lie Trump has ever told, encompassing all the whoppers in a long career of lying.
4
We need Mueller bumper stickers to show our support!
4
Trump sees himself as dictator/king. He don't need no stinkin' badge.
The Republican leadership says, "Yeah, he don't need no stinkin' badge, and neither do we".
3
That Trump wonders "Where's my Roy Cohn?" is simply horrible. Roy Cohn was the right hand man of Joseph McCarthy, the force behind the witch hunts conducted by Congress at the height of the cold war. Roy Cohn was a significant mentor of Trump after that. His legacy lives on in how Trump sees the world and tries to bully his way through it.
14
Trump was also abandoned Roy Cohn when he was dying. He just uses everyone and throws them away.
1
So, in short, likely insufficient evidence in the public domain regarding obstruction or collusion. Awesome. But the Times did fill space.
4
Mueller is the one collecting evidence, not the NYT.
2
Why, why do you draw conclusions on an on-going investigation?
2
Someone needs to tell Donald Trump to stop crying Wolff, it's not becoming of the President of the United States.
8
In any other country, Trump would be in the madhouse and Weinstein in prison. In the US they keep on investigating until all will be forgotten.
1
Absolutely correct. In just the same way that the "right" time to talk about the Las Vegas shooting has lapsed, likewise the murder of 49 in Orlando.
What about the badge related murder of Justine Damond in Minneapolis?
If this is the American way, you're welcome to it, and I'll watch the circus from the sidelines while the rest of the world adjusts to a self isolated US.
/Fester
1
Ah yes, an enlightened "Pierre" from sophisticated Europe. Maybe if we were as forward thinking as the great state of France, we could be the place that known pederasts like Roman Polanski flee to, or the kind of place that's just now considering a statutory age limit for sex. Or if we had a more enlightened politics like France's, maybe we could have amazingly tolerant politicians like Le Pen, and people with many, many years of professional service under the belt, from a time tested and sound party, like Macron.
But is the rest of Europe any better? Not really. The UK pulled a Trump with Brexit before we went Trump, Germany is rudderless with AfD in seats and Pegida in the streets, Hungary has a wall, Austria has a super-hard right winger, Spain is facing separatists, Poland is more right wing than Hungary and Austria even, and Italy - of
course - is led by a comedian and one giant protest party called 5 Stars, which is an improvement I guess over Berlusconi and his trysts with underage escorts.
About the only bright spot in E.U. politics is when they occasionally hold a trial for one of their numerous mass murdering ethnic cleansers. Yesteryear in Nuremburg, nowadays in Brussels with the Serbs.
If this is what E.U. "sophistication" looks like, I'll happily settle for the U.S.A., our great economy, our tech sector, and our sane-by-comparison politicians and voters (of both parties), our music and film industries, our natural wonders, and on and on and on.
1
The incompetence of this so-called administration is obvious to all who have eyes and ears, or can read braille AND are not completely close minded to the new reality foisted upon the public daily by this madman posing as POTUS. The fact that these horrible people have somehow weaseled their way into the national control room should give each of us pause to consider how this can be prevented in the future. What makes this particular GOP so cancerous? Perhaps the fact that they exclude representatives (and therefore represented opinions) of half this nation from decisions that will affect their lives. The fact that this administration openly dismisses and puts down the opinions of US AMERICANS based upon their political persuasion. Even (loathed by right wing) Barack Obama allowed opposition representation into his meetings and discussions. He was also not a national AND international embarrassment that lowered the hard fought world leadership position we once held. Nations now fear us. Perhaps that makes this OAF in office feel important. I'm not sure. But I do think it is disgusting that he still occupies the top seat in MY country. I want this scoundrel and his appointed minions OUT!
34
Agreed. President Obama was our representative to the world that we could be proud of, or at least not embarrassed.
1
Agreed!
1
Does Mueller actually have a copy of that first draft of the letter firing Comey? Reports are that Rosenstein made a copy of the letter, but does Comey have it?
2
Trump should be forced to release all of his income tax documents. He is a genetic liar and I believe a word he says. He is destroying my country as Scalia attempted to do. It was high fives in my home when Scalia bit the dust. He gave us Bush43, Citizens United and a gross distortion of the 2nd Amendment which is 200 years out of date. If you want to play with guns, join the Army. I served 22 years in the Air Force and gave all my guns away.
30
More apparent smoke again - and no fire. To me, this indicates that Trump does NOT improperly pull levers behind the scene. After all, Sessions DID recuse himself, despite Trump's strong sentiments against it, apparently.
7
Wake up. It's not succeeding in pulling the lever that is obstruction of justice; it's trying to pull the lever.
1
The US deserves Trump. We are a decaying empire and we are in the last chapter of this epic.
Life goes on. Britain has done well without its empire. We will as well. Thank you Trump. Thank you disillusioned American voter. Note... the disillusioned American voter was in a supermajority category if one includes the Bernie Sanders voters.
3
Cynics are worthless - they convince themselves nothing will work, so they do nothing, so they allow the evil and corruption to spread. It's a lazy view of the world that isn't reality. Reality is that if the Bernie Sanders voters had gone for Clinton, we would not have Trump in office. Reality is that our votes and our voices matter - when we aren't sitting there too disillusioned and cynical and lazy to do anything.
But don't you see Hillary is a Wall Street roadie, financed by Goldman Sachs. It would just continue corporate conrol
of our country what is described in the book " Friendly Fascism". We need a paradigm shift and Trump is the vehicle for this change.
I do agree I am a cynic. Society needs a few cynics like Shakespeare's kings needed court fools.
By employing Fusion GPS, the Clinton campaign was stooping low.
I'm sick of this whole situation, it's at the level of Mad Magazine's "Spy vs Spy" cartoons.
We have a need for responsible politicians who can do better, and more, than point at each other complaining about how "bad" the other one is.
We need to have real issues about how to develop as a nation and make that the focus of our elections.
This all seems to be a smokescreen to cover up or distract us from corporatism takeover of our government. We need to reverse Citizens United and establish term limits Congress and hopefully this situation will improve.
8
You do realize, Margo, that it was the Republicans who first employed Fusion to create the dossier?
2
We know two crimes were committed that influenced the 2016 elections. Hackers hacked into the email servers of the Democratic National Committee and into the email account of John Podesta. Those emails were leaked to the public. The American "intelligence community" believes that Russian hackers and ultimately Vladimir Putin were responsible for those crimes.
We have heard nothing about any investigation of those crimes and no indictments have been issued. Maybe that investigation is happening and indictments are still to come. Maybe not.
But we have seen indictments that have nothing to do with those crimes, or anything to do with the election of 2016. And we have heard that the investigation is focusing on things like obstruction of justice -- a political "crime" that has nothing to do with the election of 2016.
When this investigation became political, we all lost. From all accounts of Robert Mueller, I thought he was a straight-up guy who would come in and do a good job and leave. I was wrong.
8
Correction: Hackers broke into DNC and RNC systems, but only leaked DNC emails. Why do you think that is?
2
Since the hackers were operatives of the Russian government, how exactly would you propose investigating and charging them?
Whether or not collusion can be established, there was ample reason to launch an investigation based on the undisclosed contacts with Russian officials by numerous high-level members of the Trump campaign alone. Attempting in any way to interefere with or control that investigation in any way amounts to obstruction of justice. And obstruction of justice is not, as you contend, a "political" crime; it is a felony, full stop, whether or not the underlying investigation results in evidence sufficient to bring charges.
1
KellyNYC, hackers tried to get into the Republican National Committee email servers but failed.
3
The various attempts to defend Trump's obstruction of justice only pass the laugh test if you completely cherry pick and isolate the facts (as any good defense attorney will do when presented with a losing scenario). When you consider the totality of Trump's actions, I can't see an argument that he didn't obstruct justice - what else can you call a president repeatedly trying to quash an investigation into his own campaign? And how could there be any doubt that he did this? Lying nonstop also tends to undercut a president's protestations of innocence. (I know, I know, "but Hillary ....")
5
I think when President Trump says, Trump Says Russia Inquiry Makes U.S. ‘Look Very Bad,'he really means the inquiry makes "him look bad." And that's something I think we all can agree.
4
Trump has done everything possible to cover up, deny and obstruct the investigation into Russia's attacks against our nation since the Summer of 2016. He lost his grip on reality a long time ago.
3
So far Muller hasn’t indicted anyone for unlawful collusion with Russia or for anything they did during the 2016 election campaign or as members of the Trump campaign, most likely because he hasn’t found any evidence of unlawful collusion or violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act. Unless Mueller can point to any incidents of unlawful collusion or FECA violations, the investigation should be shut down.
Russian “meddling” in the 2016 election isn’t worth investigation. Except for the alleged cyberattacks, it was mostly legal. The FECA permits foreign nationals to participate in U.S. political campaigns as long as they are not paid. They can stuff envelopes, conduct voter registration drives, organize rallies and demonstration and conduct opposition research. The FECA permits foreign nationals to place paid political advertising as long as they don’t mention specific candidates.
The U.S. Intelligence Community reported that only Vladimir Putin and Putin alone could have ordered and orchestrated the cyberattacks and propaganda campaign to disparage Clinton and promote Donald Trump. Since Putin resides outsider Mueller’s jurisdiction, the proper response to Russian meddling is to enhance cybersecurity and educate the U.S. public not to take everything they see on social media seriously.
6
Part of the proper response to Russian meddling was also the sanctions imposed by President Obama. But we know that Trump was eager to lift those. Rather telling, don't you think?
1
Ken Starr's Whitewater investigation of the Clintons lasted from 1994 to 2000, at a staggering cost of $80 million. Yet Trump supporters want to shut down the Mueller investigagtion, which potentially involves far more serious crimes than those alleged in Whitewater, after just eight months. Double standard much?
1
I believe Trump will do whatever he thinks is necessary to avoid feeling like a “loser.” He has a deep emotional need to destroy his enemies and to feel he has “won.” The struggle is an existential one to him. He will never work on behalf of the millions of citizens who disapprove of him, but will continue focusing on those who admire him. He has shown clearly that he can’t do the job of president, to lead the nation, explain his policies, help solve national and international problems, etc. Instead, it’s all about him, all the time. He has explicitly promoted divisions by whether or not you adore him and by race, class, economic level, etc.. He has disrupted international relations because of his emotional instability that leads him to highly inappropriately threatening and insulting other countries. Whether Trump has enriched himself via the presidency or been unduly influenced by foreign powers remains to be clarified. Whatever the investigations find, his performance so far is causing serious damage. If the GOP enables him to continue on his destructive path, history will hold them responsible for a large share of the damage he has done and will continue to do if he remains in the White House. If the GOP could find a way to ease him out of the presidency without feeling he’s a loser, they would do the country a useful service. But the damage done by Trump and his enablers will linger for a long time after he’s gone.
7
When is the Republican Congress going to man up and face the truth? It is time if they want to survive. The American public has had it and votes do matter!
7
Why do news outlets insist on writing statements like this:
"The disclosure raised questions about whether Mr. Sessions had misled Congress weeks earlier during his confirmation hearing, when he told lawmakers he had not met with Russians during the campaign."
It didn't "raise questions" about whether or not Sessions had misled congress. It quite definitively proved that he did. Whether or not the misleading was intentional or he simply forgot is another topic, but there shouldn't be any "questions" whatsoever about whether or not he misled congress.
This is irresponsible wording on the part of the Times. Have a little more courage.
5
Weasel words are a cowardly writer's way out.
So? He as a right to ask his appointees to not to recuse themselves. Is this something we only want to curb because of Trump?
4
An innocent man would not be acting like this.
An innocent man would want to get to the bottom of a foreign nation's efforts to manipulate our democracy.
Please.
Sign me up for jury duty.
7
I like it when seemingly educated people say, "clearly," "obviously," or "This is what we can be sure of."
Typically the same folks that wrote off Benghazi and a dead Ambassador and ignored the curiosity of the U.S. made weapons. The same folks that believe that "obstruction" is a certainty, but that Uranium One is a myth.
4
Facts aren't myths - and no amount of spin turns Benghazi or Uranium One into anything but a Republican failure (denied funding for security) and a routine deal handled routinely, respectively.
1
The other burning question is when will the rest of the Republicans determine they have looted and benefited enough off of this foreign attack on our democratic institutions and finally seek some accountability and redress. I don't think they will because they are now fully committed with their hands as soiled as Trump. The whole RNC has shown they are corrupt and treasonous. I hope we can hold on through the mid-term elections.
5
Mr. Trump needs to be placed on trial for treason.
He has utterly destroyed the Republican Party, and is well on his diabolical way to destroying our Department of Justice.
11
Actually no, trump hasn't destroyed the republican party, they've been doing that themselves effectively for the past generation. You are only just now noticing their craven intent. trump is the fall guy. Mitch McConnell said famously about trump, "He will sign anything we put in front of him."
2
If Trump breaks the law, he must be prosecuted. And those that aided and abetted, must be prosecuted just as anyone else.
And what happened to all of those in the GOP, who feel that it is okay to do this, since they have either been paid off by contributions, or feel it is okay to condone breaking the law?
The answer will be 2018 and 2020!
9
we americans thought you were onky looking into the fable of russian collusion? after full year you have found nothing and now it seems you fishing
3
Yo, Vlad, how many times have I told not to use the google translate.
I would also suggest you wait for the release of the special council‘s report before you exonerate your minion.
1
Russia, the great liberal fantasy...started by Clinton minions who were sure she would be elected. The collusion was between McCabe, Comey, both Clintons, Strzok, his girlfriend, Loretta Lynch....there are so many I can't remember their names. They were all pulling favors for Hillary knowing for sure it would feather their own nests when she was elected. The American people had a different idea. Now they're running in different directions like the chickens they are.
9
Are you saying all our intelligence services are wrong, then? If you know something they don't, please let us all in on it (Mueller, too, while you're at it).
1
Nothing more than opinion here. Lots of "its possibles" and unnamed "sources", like "legal experts say"...how did journalism slip to such a low bar?
This beggars the question, why write this at all and present it as investigative journalism...if there's no new facts and only specution requiring unnamed nefarious sources? Why?
Oh wait...its obvious? The subject is...Let's Get Trump...ok...got it.
9
Funny: this is nearly word-for-word what I read in another person's comment; are y'all working off scripts now?
Just exactly where is Giacondra?
While I wish that this president were removed from office as much as the next person, I don't really see a story here. It appears to me the New York Times is digging for information where there isn't much to be had. Wish that the times would stick to reporting facts – something it can do very well – instead of mirror speculation and anecdotes from anonymous sources.
5
Um, it's called, "An ongoing investigation." Sources stay anonymous in the midst of things like that, otherwise you risk exposing and endangering your sources. You do realize people can (and have) ended up dead once exposed, don't you? Oh, I guess not.
History knows about Mr Kennedy and Mr Obama, you, sir, are no Mr Kennedy nor Mr Obama.
12
The president must be impeached and removed from office.
14
Interesting. trump admits that Roy Cohn kept him out of prison all those years trump was cheating people out of their money and molesting women. Lucky for us that Cohn isn't able to help him now. What disgraceful electoral college president!
18
Lock him up and with him the rest of the GOP. We don't a bunch of Russian stooges running our country
29
Which country is that?
Even you leftists have finally realized that there is no such a thing as Russian collusion. Now you are trying to find obstruction. If you have even a little brain you will knew that`s a non-starter. Poor leftists, you have my sympathy. You need to fool yourself.
If you are really concerned about justice, you should be scared to death when learned that there are high level officials in law enforcement who try to use their powers to alter the result of a democratic election.
11
The point you made isn’t clear and objective. Please retype.
9
Obstruction is still a crime. This isn’t a partisan issue, the future of our democracy is at stake
5
Who has concluded there is no collusion by Trump and team with the Russian? Not us. There obviously was.
7
The investigation is not about efforts to influence the outcome of the November, 2016 election. The investigation's focus is on the efforts of Donald and Jared to violate sanctions imposed on Russian billionaires during the Obama administration by seeking loans to support hotel and commercial properties that were operating in the red. Donald hates Obama for cutting off his lending sources and was willing to go behind the sanctions. Donald is playing a shell game. He keeps saying that there was no collusion to influence the election: what he isn't saying is that there was no collusion to violate the sanctions. There was. Even to lie about that would focus attention on the real issue.
31
Thank God some people are still capable of thinking. This may or may not be factual, but at least someone on the opposite of the aisle is not group regurgitating.
Mr. Trump likely never considered the Russian meddling in the election and collusion to be a legal concern because he never expected to win the election.
Mr Trump wants to shut down the investigation because he fears that Mr Mueller will discover financial crimes in the Trump household putting him and his children at risk of prosecution. It is only a matter of time.
38
Please, please, please.
My instincts tell me Mr. Trump is not worried about obstruction of justice. This is not 1974. His base would shrug that off. But money laundering is different. It would hit him and his family where they fear to be hit. Who would do business with any of them if it turns out they borrowed money from unsavory characters in Russia and then laundered it through foreign banks? The only ones who want to play golf at their clubs or stay at their hotels would be people who could never afford to. He can pardon them all but the stigma would remain.
21
What do these golf-playing business geniuses think Trump has been doing for the past 15 years but money laundering for the Russians through his real estate business dealings? Do they read? That's what he's been--a money launderer. The real estate branding is just a front.
And maybe "the base" isn't concerned about obstruction of justice. But may I remind you the base is in the minority and shrinking. This month will reflect the public's growing and distinct abhorrence of how Trump and the GOP is shredding our democratic institutions. The protests are going to display this vividly. We don't like the liberties he is taking with the emoluments clause. We don't like the kickbacks he's getting overseas. We don't like him selling public property and land. We hate this tax bill that shifts our public wealth to the very wealthy.
5
Seriously? You think the rich would abandon him? It's the working class patriots that would abandon him, silly.
You think OJ has a hard time finding golf partners?
1
You guys are no doubt right. I just want him to go away. But if he thought he could shoot someone and his base would stand with him, why would a little obstruction bother him. The key question is what was worth obstruction? The family money no doubt. I was in Europe in the summer of 2015 and a young lady asked me if Trump could really be President and I assured her there was no way. So why would anyone listen to me.
Eric Holder, acting as the Deputy Attorney General, approved a pardon for Marc Rich after substantial donations. In other words, Mr. Holder approved the sale of a pardon. Does any doubt that but for the donations Mr. Rich would not have received the pardon? Loretta Lynch attempted a clandestine meeting with President Clinton while an investigation was ongoing. Ms. Lynch unbelievably claimed that the conversation was accidental (statistically impossible given its location) to talk about grandchildren (see statistics). If you believe Ms. Lynch's story, I have a bridge to sell you.
The hand wringing by my fellow readers is misplaced. Mr. Trump openly fired Mr. Comey, who lied about drafting memos only about President Trump (Mr. Comey also drafted such memos after meeting President G. W. Bush). That is a constitutionally appropriate approach.
6
I am not your fellow reader, for the simple reason that I can read.
I don't understand what more evidence is required to nail Trump for obstruction of justice. Now we know there are real notes in his own handwriting i.e documents. I'm sure there are White House tapes recording his sound and fury, his threats to fire any and everybody and that includes his own Attorney General. His own White House Counsel has to edit the information reaching Trump in fear of Trump's wrath - a real eye-opener. Yesterday I had thought Bannon would be very valuable to Mueller's investigation but Jeff Sessions could prove to be the ultimate direct link to Trump's complicity, signed and sealed. As for the Congress - it is the worst in our Country's history!
23
I was wondering the same thing until it dawned on me that Mueller and his team may have uncovered an enormous amount of criminal activity by Trump, his family and associates.
I have a feeling that the list of charges brought against Trump and company
will leave us all stunned.
6
Mueller is under huge pressure from the media and democrats to find something, anything, they can get against Trump. No matter what it is, they know the media can embellish it and make it a 'major' issue and the democrats will back them up. Mueller is in no rush to accomplish this, and is getting paid well for his time. He has no choice but to get Trump...charging Trumps family and friends isn't good enough for the media, they want Trump!
5
Could you maybe point to an example of this "pressure," and then show us all exactly where you think this evidence is of Robert Mueller folding?
Cause so far, only thing I'm seeing is Trump and Bannon flopping about screeching like Butterfly McQueen
2
What did the President know (about the Russian interference in the 2016 election) and when did he begin to try to stop the investigation? History does indeed repeat itself. Even when this president is almost totally ignorant of the history he is repeating.
16
Similarly to 1974, it's not the crime, it's the cover-up.
2
The GOP risks becoming a minor party during the next few elections ,2018,2020 and 2024 when Trump and family exit the White House( check the silverware). Demographics are already going against them as years role by Hatch etc will be in 90's ,Murdock also and the kids might not want a partnership with Trumps albeit Ivanka is trustee for his ex-wife;s daughter(300 million) a minor hook.Spineless GOP politicians may wish to ensure their political careers and slowly back away from Trump the way British P.M.'s back away from the Queen.
4
Trump is just representing the people who voted for him. And the people who voted for this GOP Congress. The Fox News viewers. The American people. Try watching Fox News sometime. The same stuff Trump watches. It is an alternate universe experience.
19
It is up to us citizens to pressure members of congress to remove the president. What would happen if the millions of people who would like to see Trump gone wrote and called their senators and representatives, many of whom are worried about the 2018 elections? Sustained protest worked during the Viet Nam War.
24
Gotta dump Pence. He’s a Koch puppet. Even more dangerous to democracy than Trump.
3
There is some evidence that the RNC itself took laundered Russian money and hacked campaign intel of Democrat strategies, Paul Ryan in fact, among others. So the GOP Congress has a money incentive, the Mercers and Kochs refused to give a dime more without the Tax Scam Bill, and a criminal legal incentive to never support Trump's impeachment.
Trump only cares about: his self-perceived reputation of himself and his brand, aka his business – and his children.
Unlike Nixon who still had some semblance of respect for the concept of public service—hence, his resignation “for the good of our country” – Trump literally cannot understand such thinking and values.
At minimum, there is a compelling public case for obstruction of justice. This is sufficient evidence for impeachment. It is only a matter of time before Trump accepts this fact.
We all painfully watch and wait as Trump and his base slowly realizes and accepts this fact. Acceptance is the last stage of grief. We certainly have seen the earlier stages of denial, anger, bargaining, and depression, as exhibited through Trump’s tweets and actions.
One way we might expedite Trump’s acceptance of the end of his Presidency is for people close to Trump to convince him that his efforts to impede the Russia investigation are: (1) killing his brand, (2) harming his legacy in terms of passing along his business to his children, and (3) possibly subjecting his children to legal punishment.
Perhaps like Michael Flynn, if Trump sees that he can try to salvage his brand—and minimize harm to his children—maybe he can “man up” and take responsibility for whatever punishment he deserves. He could resign, maybe work out a deal with Pence to have him pardon his children for crimes that may be uncovered. At best, from Trump’s point of view, he could go golf at Mar-a-Lago.
13
Trump will NEVER resign. He isn't man enough, human enough, or mature enough, to do so. He cares not one wit for anyone, or any THING but himself. He is so steeped in his narcissism, in his own reality, he truly believes he is making America better. I really think this IS who he is. He is so ill, he really believes there is a deep state that's out to get him, that he has to save America, etc. If the citizens of the United States don't get rid of this ill man, we are in for some serious, very troubled times. If he doesn't start a war, he will destroy the economy. Mark my words: hard times are coming. Get rid of him, or the republicans will make the Great Recession look like a walk in the park.
1
In the meantime, Mr. Sessions has opened yet another DOJ investigation into the Clinton Foundation. Unless there is convincing and credible evidence otherwise, we cannot but assume this is a politically motivated investigation of one of the president's political adversaries. The investigation of the president is closing in on him. He is behaving like a desperate man. Fascism is knocking. Has the president just opened the door?
24
@Robert: And that bogus inquiry is at the behest of Donald; Jefferson Beauregard Sessions is just begging for a jail cell, isn't he?
2
There is most certainly so much more evidence residing with Mr. Mueller. Are there a series of crimes that have been committed? yes, there are admissions of guilt already into his campaign and administration teams. It truly saddens me that so many people desperately wanted a change from the established Washington that they were willing to elect THIS man. The blame falls on the established government whom lost America's confidence in them to govern. We are living in historically unprecedented times.
7
Translation: rich white guys suckered working class white guys into flipping out, and here we are.
1
Why is this timeline missing the piece of the story where Trump went on live television, and admitted (completely undoing the the reasons given in his letter of dismissal) that he fired Comey because of "this Russia(r) thing." It seems like Trump admitted in front of the entire television viewing nation that his intent was to obstruct, or kill the "Russia investigation."
23
There was no collusion => no obstruction of justice.
5
Lack of conspiracy doesn’t mean lack of obstruction. Trying to sabotage a lawful investigation is a crime. PERIOD.
4
Attempting to interfere with or conrol an investigation, which is to say obstruction of justice, does not depend on the outcome of the underlying investigation. It is a felony regardless.
1
That’s not how obstruction of justice works- the cover up is almost always worse than the crime
1
Tom Brenner's photo of Trump and Session is priceless and says it all. Those in Congress that did nothing and enabled Trump despite what they all knew are all guilty of obstruction.
15
Someone has decided that they will do ANYTHING to terminate this Presidency They have found no "collusion" and have been going after "obstruction". Because the President is so stubborn, argumentative and bullheaded, he has stonewalled all efforts that would prove no one did anything during his candidacy that criminal. Voters probably knew DJT was not qualified to be President and they were nervous about his ability to get along with others (since he has always been his own boss). However, I do not think his opponent, Mrs. Clinton, had the temperament or judgment either. She would have been up to her neck in trouble too, as would the country. Voters took a chance on the unknown and here we are. I hope the next President is a lady or gentleman who is honest, has integrity and a sterling reputation, something everyone should always strive for.
2
The vapors, the hand wringing, the continued attacks on Hillary Clinton.
Your comment has all the trappings of a Trump voter who is only NOW beginning to question their choice.
Sorry Barb, but you are part of the problem. You and voters like you.
Hope you learned your lesson. Country before party. Say it with me. Country before party.
8
Hillary Clinton is such a politician - which is why the Republicans threw so much mud, had hundreds of investigations - and couldn't find a single thing to charge her for.
1
LOL. I think you nailed it Herman.
From day one, Trump has shown ignorance and blatant disregard for the rule of law, the integrity of his office and reputation of the United States.
His presence on our political landscape, is an offense to the senses. It is clear that he cares little about women, children, people of color, and the sick.
His fascination with Russians and dictators, is very chilling. Many in the business community, outside of New York, have cheered his rhetoric, and have profited wildly from deregulation and tax reform, but at what cost?
He has undermined his own Intelligence and Law Enforcement agencies. He has meddled in, and out inserting himself squarely in the middle of an investigation, that undermines the very liberty, and may not have little to do with him.
Yet, as time wears on, and he continues to spout off and tweet, he seemingly implicated himself, more and more every day.
Whether this is intentional, a part a personality or degenerative neurological issue, it is highly irregular behavior, for any leader of a world superpower, and is cause, for pause and concern.
As Americans, we need to come together, in order to preserve our democracy, and cease championing the spoils of capitalism, in favor of human rights for all.
The presidency is an offense to decency, common sense and mutual respect fir all people.
To quote my grandmother and one Fox News host, “What a tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive”.
Indeed
9
By democracy, do you mean the 47%, who do not pay federal income taxes, being able to vote for an avowed socialist whose platform is based on handouts to his base, paid for by higher taxes (and all the vilification he can express) on the top 10% who actually pay 60% of federal income taxes?
1
One thing sheds an eerie light. Trump said he "hoped Mueller would treat him fairly." If he is innocent, such a statement makes no sense.
15
Reminds me of a joke. At the end of a trial, the defense attorney is jubilant and emails his client that justice has triumphed. His client wires back, "appeal at once!!" I
3
This is another red herring. The top law enforcement individual (The President) can not be guilty of obstruction of justice since his role is to carry out the law.
mueller is just grasping at straws because he has wasted millions of dollars of tax payer money on an "investigation" that had no probable cause to be started in the first place.
4
Yes, he most certainly can be guilty of obstruction of justice. No president is above law.
10
The POTUS is NOT the top law enforcement officer in the country. The POTUS is part of the Executive branch of our government, called a democracy. The top law enforcement officer in the land would be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court followed by the US Attorney General who are both in the Judicial branch of our government.
2
That is like saying if you use a fox as a guard dog of a hen house then it can not kill the chickens. If he broke the law he is guilt and accountable.
One of your tribe members mentioned this being obstruction of justice, but for eight years, the obstruction of justice was APPROVED in D.C.
Hillary Clinton specifically set up her private, unsecured email server in order to conduct her bribery and pay-to-play scheme from the Department of State.
She knew that were her message traffic available to law enforcement, she would have been criminally indicted years even before the illegal Uranium One deal that earned her a $150 million cut of the action.
The Left can't bring up Trump's maybe-almost-perhaps without running headlong into Hillary's definite, no-question-about-it illegalities.
5
Per L'osservatore. Leave Hillary out. This present investigation has nothing to do with her. Hers Is a separate issue and has nothing to do with Trump's predicament. In fact, it is old burned out news.
Trump has mental problems Hillary does not have, He has put our country in danger with North Korea, He has obstructed Justice by trying to destroy the FBI and pressuring Sessions and firing Comey. He should be out of office.
2
Say, that's great. Perhaps you should turn over the evidence to some GOP Congressman so that they can investigate. They will get her, for sure!
Yeah, but what about...?
So The Standard is Now Set
Future Presidents
Must Be From A Crime Syndicate
7
Trump is wicked dirty.
Nobody remembers the Russian oghligarc who just happened to have his private jet parked in the same city on the same day as Every Trump rally. The kids would meet on the guys yacht. The same guy that bought a house in WPB for 100 million three years after trump bought it for 50. 50 million profit with no renovation. The house was torn down andthe land sold a few years after that.
Dirty as they come.
18
Certainly in the running for taking the most crooked President award.
7
TRUMP'S Expectation that he will have his Roy Cohn as attorney general is a powerful disclosure. Cohn was generally known, and likely despised, for is aggression, disregard or the rights of citizens and destructive abuse of power. He was disbarred for numerous reasons, including falsifying the will of a comatose client, Rosentiels, refusing to repay loans, and other acts described by the court that disbarred him as unethical. In fact, Cohn was the Trump family attorney when the the government brought charges against their real estate business for refusing to rent apartments to African Americans. The Trumps brought a suit against the government for $100 million, which was dismissed out of hand. The outcome was that the Trumps had to sign a consent degree and pay fines. So literally, when Trump asks where his Roy Cohn is, he's clearly implying that he expects his legal staff to perpetrate criminal, unethical acts so he can have his way. In my opinion, Trump's question, Where is my Roy Cohn? is so incriminating that I believe it's the basis for impeachment, as Trump clearly states his wish to be represented by counsel that he knows will engage in illegal, immoral acts. Government officials swear to uphold the CONSTITUTION, not do the criminal bidding of the President or anybody else, for that matter. How did Trump get where he is after being involved with 3,500 suits and counting? The entire GOP indicts itself by permitting Trump to be a candidate. Trump's ROTTEN!!!!!
23
Tony Soprano would have been a less corrupt POTUS.
16
True. More dead bodies perhaps, but Tony had a SOUL and a very active CONSCIENCE.
5
Imagine some idiot unknown to you accusing you of soliciting sex in exchange for money. The prosecutor is instructed to investigate this claim and finds nothing, but uses the accusation to acquire search warrants to go over your entire life's work with a fine tooth comb. The original claim isn't even being looked at anymore and the prosecutor is essentially trying to dig up dirt somewhere in your past, using warrants that are a product of hear say. This is exactly what the left is trying to do to President Trump and he is walking on the tops of there heads. What a bunch of minions. Drain the swamp Donald, you will be remembered greatly for this.
3
You know just what Mr. Mueller is investigating? Can you give any examples at all of Mueller basing his investigation on unwarranted warrants?
13
So if investigators find a body during their investigation of a robbery they can’t prosecute the robbery suspect for murder because they were investigating the robbery?
That kind of ignorance is breathtaking.
4
The dossier was created by a retired foreign agent who was essentially paid by Hillary Clinton. This was an opposition piece that Hillary and the DMV had created for the purpose of casting doubt on Donald Trump, in the eyes of the voters. This still unsubstanciated document was used to by our top law enforcement to acquire wire taps and subpoenas. Try that with a local judge, based on hear say, no evidence and see where that gets you. Here it is 18 months later and still nothing, but minor process crimes. No collusion, nothing on Trump, only a tainted Mueller investigation team.
This is the real story. https://www.hannity.com/media-room/report-muellers-top-aide-under-fire-a... Read it, learn something about the scam created by the democrats who had to break numerous laws, collude with Russia and more. Try leanring something and stop being a sheep to the left
3
I assume you are being sarcastic...
4
Sorry, I lost you after hannity.com.
1
Sorry, anything from the Trump PR media arm of Fox News does not hold weight in this conversation
Our illustrious president pines for Roy Cohn - one of the most soulless and morally bankrupt people in American history. That says a lot.
25
Smells like obstruction, walks like an obstruction, looks like an obstruction. That’s enough for me.
17
Mueller’s investigations will end by hitting the brick wall of feckless elected Republicans, or possibly a pardon by President Pence if Trump resigns. Trump however can be convicted of interfering with normal world order by destroying our democracy and praising a totalitarian Putin, while attempting to weaken our allies in NATO who have attempted to promote the right of their citizens to hold democratic elections and promote freedom of speech and the press.
7
That's when the American people will hit the streets to protest. It's happened before. This isn't Russia, despite republican and conservatives to turn us into a Russian vassal state with totalitarian control of their population. Public pressure will change everything, as it did with granting minorities civil rights, or as it did with ending the Vietnam war.
I hear that Bernie Madoff is excited at the prospects of having a fellow New Yorker in his cell block! Bernie, to his credit, stole only from the pocketbooks of those he bilked. Trump, on the other hand, is plundering the soul of the nation.
25
Commenter Mr. Brokaw (any relation to Tom?) summarizes well the differences between an innocent man and someone who has something to hide. From day one, the writing has been on the wall re Trump...he is, indeed, hiding something about his present and past life...from his tax returns to his bromance with Putin and now these revelations. But once again, and what is confounding, is why on earth are his "avid" supporters and GOP Congress relentlessly selling the public short by their spins, distractions, and diversion tactics. My guess is that they also have something to hide, maybe not as egregious as Trump's soulless life, but still amoral and unethical. Mr. Mueller has his hands full, and so do we. But I have faith in him...and us.
10
The Witch Hunt continues based on political oppo research that was never vetted and is almost entirely false.
4
Taking a break from Brietbart, Alex, Rush and Fox, Tex? Good for you!
11
No, you haven't been keeping up with the news. The political oppo research was NOT the source of the investigation.
1
As long as the Republicans care only about power nothing will change. They came to a crossroads and made their deal with the devil and it doesn't take brains to predict what they will do. They will fall towards their own wealth and power - they always do. And the nation topples in the process.
9
Just how much damage could have been avoided had trump released his tax returns. Spineless.
11
Any fair, intelligent person can see what a farce this entire investigation is. The deeper the digging goes, the more obvious it is that the only collusion and crimes discovered are compliments of hillary and the DNC.
6
Anyone with any semblance of intelligence would agree that Trump could clear this whole issue up by releasing his tax returns. Wonder why he hasn’t, and what he is hiding- until we know for sure that the answer to that isn’t Russian money then the investigation can, and should, continue
2
We must live on different planets.
2
"Fair and intelligent" people are issuing indictments and the crooks surrounding Trump are wearing ankle bracelets or pleading guilty to felonies. The investigation into Trump and his associates started long before the election. Trump Jr. stupidly admitted to the press they get most of their money from Russia. American banks got tired of never getting paid back. As Bannon just implied the Russia investigation will be more about money laundering than anything else.
2
Who ordered Sessions' aide to get dirt about Comey from congress? It's time to put Beauregard under oath again-this time with Robert Mueller.
It's also time to find out why some congressional Republicans (Nunes, Jordan, etc.) are conspiring to end the Russia investigation. They too should be removed from office for obstruction of justice.
17
@L: Some 38 government officials were incarcerated as result of Watergate; when Donald goes down so, too, will his numerous co-conspirators.
8
Trump will be leaving,the big question is how violent will his fans be?
This is the threat of interest.
5
"What is he hiding?!"
I think it's very simple.
We know he's crooked. He's always been crooked, starting with the destruction of the Bonwit Teller building's art-deco facade.
In order to get the rights to build Trump Tower at that location, he promised he'd preserve the facade and give it to the Metropolitan Museum, but he didn't.
Some people say that he used mob related companies to haul away the buildings rubble and dump it illegally in New Jersey.
I think he's been money laundering for the East European oligarchs. Not only that, I also think he owes hundreds of millions of dollars to Russians, but, unlike Deutsche Bank, he can't refuse to pay them because he'd be facing some very nasty Russian retribution. That's why he fawns over Putin.
15
Trump could not get a bank in the United States to lend him money, so he had to reach out to the Russians...this would be the equivalent of me being turned down for a loan from all reputable financial institutions and having to go to see Vinnie on the street corner.
You get your money but there are some major strings attached.
16
This old news. No problem. President Trump will prevail. Thank you.
4
Trump is shown to be inept and guileless when it comes to Washington DC politics, but just the fact he is saying such ill advised things to people, is not evidence of obstruction or collusion. As the article notes Trumps was not telling me to lie under oath. And, just why is the Mueller investigation leaking this material? This way of doing things hardly establishes credibility for Mueller and his crew. It is the opposite. It undermines whatever the effort there is to get to the truth. It is really too bad Mueller can not do his job and either clear Trumps or not. I guess we know now that if Mueller really did have something, it would have been leaked by now.
6
The only reason Trump didn't lie under oath is because he hasn't been put under oath. Trump lies approximately five times each and every day. That should bother you.
"Democracy destroys itself because it abuses its right to freedom and equality. Because it teaches its citizens to consider audacity as a right, lawlessness as a freedom, abrasive speech as equality, and anarchy as progress". Isocrates 436-338 BC.
We haven't yet destroyed democracy yet but ...
6
The FBI just turned over all documents related to the "Dossier" yesterday..stay tuned a through investigation into what transpired may in fact find the entire investigation was in fact politically motivated.. (as Trump has claimed).. The implications of which could in fact be a real scandal involving not only the Obama justice department but Obama cabinet members ( ie Susan Rice) and Obama himself.. Using the organs of the intelligence community to spy on political opponents I belive is illegal ? ( or at least immoral ?)
6
You got it, Kojo.
When Sen. Grassley gets done with these clowns, Mueller and Comey and Rosenstein will be the ones trying to stay out of prison with huge defense attorney bills
1
My question is: why did Trump hire Jeff Sessions to be paid as part of the Trump organization of 'advisors"?
2
It's incredibly obvious that Trump is obstructing justice, but what I really don't understand is why doesn't Mueller or one of the Congressional investigative committees just call Trump's bluff on testifying under oath? Proving Trump a liar under oath would be quicker than a New York minute and easier than taking candy from a baby. It'd save us all a lot more investigative hand-wringing.
12
"Protecting the President"? From ... Americans. Whatever hiring company we gto this public servant from, send him back and sue them. He's stealing the silver.
1
Don McGahn, White House counsel, is on the taxpayers' payroll and is not Trump's personal attorney. He stepped outside the boundaries of his is job description when he trieed to persuade Sessions to stay on the Russia investigation.
The people in this administration who have been dragged into the mud is amazing.
13
So he thinks Obama did bad things for the country, Holder enabled and protected this, and he respects that. This is our President.
6
What am I missing here? These are grown men whom I would have thought had the intelligence to realize that sooner or later shady, treasonous, undercover actions such as those surrounding this whole Russia scandal would be discovered. I don't get it. Did they think they'd never get caught?
9
Wasn’t this investigation supposed to have something to do with Trump campaign colluding with Russia to steal the 2016 election?
Seems like what is being investigated now is process crimes that have nothing to do with the election.
If Trump and his Associates colluded then these are crimes that should be prosecuted but it seems like Mueller is only charging process crimes, not a conspiracy.
6
I believe, given the cast of characters, this is ultimately all linked together.
4
Both Robert Kennedy and Eric Holder were not protecting their respective presidents out of blind loyalty to the man in office.
They were protecting the integrity of the Office itself in accordance with the oath they swore to uphold and defend the Constitution.
Tump demands a personal loyalty to the person of Trump, not loyalty to the Constitution in the face of a legitamate investigation by the FBI.
There is, as Trump might say, a "bigly, a hugely, difference, the biggest most awesome difference in history."
That difference is the difference between a nation of laws and a nation of despots. Trump is by nature, a despot. He, by his own daily conduct, threatens every thing that makes this country work as well as it imperfectly does. At least it works and that is more than can be said for most places run by the despotic narcissistic likes of Trump.
16
I would almost never agree with Steve Bannon about anything, but if the recent reporting of his comments on money laundering are true, he's right.
If the collusion investigation also reveals money laundering, even as a side issue that is passed to career FBI people who are NOT part of the current mandate given Mueller, that will be one avenue that could stick. If money laundering relates directly to Mueller's mandate, that will be a second possible outcome.
If neither of these occur or occurred, then I doubt Congress will do anything, and this country will be in very big trouble, as pointed out by other commenters. This all assumes that Mueller doesn't get fired somehow. If that occurs, it's a whole new ballgame.
5
Any and all money laundering by Trump and his team relates directly. Everybody who did it would have been susceptible to Russian blackmail.
The reason all along why Trump wanted (wants) the investigation shut down is that little or none of his financial dealings with the Russians have been reported on his income taxes. The FBI is going to (if they have not already) open up and audit his IRS returns as part of the overall money trail investigation. I believe that Trump is guilty of years if not decades of income tax evasion. This is a big reason why he has refused to release his returns. I will bet dollars to donuts that the 10's if not 100's of millions that Trump has made laundering money for the Russians is not showing up in his tax returns. And this is not only illegal at the federal level, but also at the state level (New York). The only question now is does he spend his remaining days at Leavenworth or Sing Sing.
8
At what point will we the people tolerate this power mad Republican congress that tolerates blatant corruption, mental instability, blatant abrogation of responsibility, disregard for human life and the rule of law become ENOUGH to justify a popular revolution? When will we give up and turn to extrajudicial forces to remove these kleptocratic autocrats BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY .
In short, is another Lee Harvey Oswald lurking out there who can take a more direct route to alleviating our leadership problem before we are thrust into a non-winnable nuclear confrontation or environmental disaster? Perhaps someone in the military, CIA, or military industrial complex would like to be immortalized and honored by countless millions of the dispossessd, repressed, oppressed and depressed whose very lives are threatened by this madman? In other news, US average life spans and infant mortality rates have worsened for the 3rd straight year. Acting extra-judiciously has become a matter of self-defense.
2
Many people thought the two brothers who assassinated Rabin were "heros"; no such actions have ever proved to be good for any democracy. Stop thinking about this, please.
It looks as though Trump is showing his cards. With Narcissists, it’s difficult to detect such emotions, as they simply do not experience them, the way, the rest of us do.
The press simply played him, like a violin, and he has been spouting off ever since, claiming self-defense. If the Russia Inquiry was such a rouse, why keep the conversation going?
The more the pressure mounts, the more he seems to unravel. What a truly sad state of affairs we have, with so much going on in the world, and so many Americans, from all walks of life, suffering in poverty, sickness and from lack of true representation of their issues, from Washington.
It is absolute non-sense, from the bully pulpit.
Here is the truth, the reality, and not “fake news”.: We elected a man, who, through his own actions, and his surrogates, does not put America first.
If Trump truly cared about the issues that are affecting Americans, even those in his base, he would be out lobbying for healthcare, show America, how he actually plans to create jobs, and work with Congress to come to a consensus, on these issues, on behalf of all Americans.
Instead, in his own cowardly way, he continues to chip away at programs and issues, that are vital, in the lives of many Americans.
What He would mobilize his celebrity and knack for getting attention, into some meaningful act, that helps all Americans, which leads me to think, that he really is the dishonest crook, everyone in New York says he is.
Mr. Mueller, carry on
10
Once again everyone is outraged, but no one suggests any remedies, most especially voting them out in 2018, and how to go about doing it.
2
I hope the next Democrat elected this year will vote to get rid of the electoral college so we won't ever elect another GOP President again.
8
I would be happy just to prevent another conniver from gaining the White House AND Congress, regardless of his/her party. To me, it is an issue similar to that of stopping Gerrymandering.
2
After all of the illegal activity by the Clintons and the Obama administration, why is it that the democrats are suddenly acutely aware of the legal system?
3
Countless investigations of the Clintons have all found nothing. They were self-evident Republican political ventures.
8
Many thing are ONLY wrong when done by the Uncool.
Political fundraising in ONLY wrong when the GOP does it.
Talking to foreign governments is only OKAY when Democrats do it.
Warning our enemies to behave or else is only for progressives to do.
This sounds like a page from Germany in the 1930's.
Someone needs to send fifth-grade textbook on how the government works to the White House. Include a dictionary as well.
Just because the title of the Attorney General includes the word Attorney, the Attorney General does not become the President's personal attorney.
Little kids are more discerning...
10
@Raj: Donald seems to be as focused, if not more, on the word "General" in Keebler's title (remember when 45* referenced "my generals").
1
Sir, I knew Robert Kennedy. Robert Kennedy was a friend of mine. Jeff Sessons is no Robert Kennedy.
(And you're no JFK either.)
15
Despair not because crazy Trump has plenty to worry about and will eventually end up on trial. He'll never go to jail because the spineless cowards who can put him there are are "spineless cowards." He will be judged as the biggest provocative maniac in the history of USA and probably will die in a padded cell, where he belongs.
10
Trump needs to be dethroned. Not impeached, but dethroned off of his autocratic throne to which far too many gullible voters sent him.
7
While few people know who the Solicitor General (SG) is versus the Attorney General (AG), it is apparent, either Trump knows and could care less (the stongest of likelihoods), or no one has bothered to inform him of the duties of those two positions.
The AG is not a president's personal attorney to protect him/her from allegations and charges. The AG heads the Justice Department and can advise a president on matters of law and enforcement. Period. The Solicitor General (SG), a position established in 1870, functioned as both an advisor to a president, especially when it came to ethics advice within the administration, and a representative of the federal government before the court(s).
Thus, for Donald You-Can-Call-Me-King Trump, AG Sessions is not there to protect the president from an investigation by the FBI or Special Prosecutor. He can only advise the president of the law.
But Trump is an autocrat. He loves how other autocrats and ruthless dictators control the media and the law. No other president has ever mimicked the facial expressions and body language Mussolini better than Trump. HIs sons, Eric and Donald Jr mirror the same characteristics of disdain for the law for the sake of personal gain.
He is, first and foremost, a liar and con artist. He will deny that. Denying that he is also a sexual predator does no good since he is on tape bragging about it.
So here is some sage advice to AG Sessions. Get out while you can stil retire with your Senate pension.
10
As expected, comments from the Foxites the next morning reveal the usual brainwashed rants. I seem to recall a book authored by D'Souza called "The Sins of the Father" (about President Obama) being quoted by the right wing as "the Bible."
7
It appears that Trump is coming completely "unhinged" - more and more so every day.
Sessions' one correct move at his post was to resign - period !
We really do not know to what degree he lied during Congressional and Senate hearings, but "oh boy" - he is "forgetful" !
We all should be happy that Sessions' NOT Roy Cohn !
Much of what has been released before the official release of Michael Wolff's "tell all" of the behind the scenes interviews at the White House "appears" very credible.
Nothing really new in the book - "so far" - but to hear all of this from White House insiders - purportedly on Trump's side is quite juicy.
No matter how loud Trump cries "fake news" - there will be no quieting of the real truth from the NY Times, Washington Post, CNN, . . . and all of the responsible Journalists on our planet.
I do not think we have arrived at a "slam-dunk" case for Trump obstructing justice . . . . BUT - It is getting closer every day !
10
Mr Rosenstein wrote TWO memos. One outlining reasons for firing Comey and one outlining reasons for keeping Mr. Comey. This has been well established and corroborated previously. Why does the NY Times report otherwise?
Is the Times trying to help the Whitehouse?
4
Nothing to see here. Is there a dead body on 5th Avenue with Trump standing nearby with a smoking gun say "I did it"? If not then a nothing burger.
Oh wait, I am not a Trump toadie and don't believe that. I will wait for the results of the Mueller investigation.
6
EXTRA! Mueller To Use Wolff Dossier To Obtain Wiretaps and Subpoenas!
Bannon to plead guilty to jaywalking then roll over on Trump's secret marriage to Tokyo Rose, according to current and former White House and Russian officials familiar with the situation.
1
Looks like everyone else has this covered. It just occurred to me that I miss banner headlines, like in the good old days when newspapers were really paper. Maybe NYT will surprise us when the really big news comes.
1
A petulant child in the White House. Why did my fellow Americans elect him and why do they keep him there?
7
It was the electoral college that got him there. We should start the process to get rid of it.
1
Why do Trump and the Republicans continue to block ANY investigation into a hostile foreign country's interference in a U.S. election? WHY??????
13
Trump apparently believes he's the Chief Mobster of the gang he assembled in the White House. He's desperate for protection because he is patently culpable and he can see where this is going.
10
I'm waiting for Mueller to turn on Slim Whitman singing "Indian Love Call" and watch this whole administration begins to explode like in Mars Attacks.
5
Congressional Republicans are obstructing justice and must also face the death penalty.
5
The wicked flee though no one pursues
3
I don't support Trump and in fact am a fierce Trump opponent but let's be careful when we start talking about "obstruction of justice". I think it's a matter of degree of seriousness and involvement.
Trump can certainly discuss issues with Sessions and urge him not to recuse himself making some kind of practical argument. Maybe loyalty, maybe protecting the Presidency, etc. The next step up would be for Trump as President and Sessions' boss to strongly suggest that Sessions not recuse himself. I'm not an attorney but would think that's close to out of bounds but not quite across the line to still be legal. If however Trump ordered Sessions to not recuse himself by not leaving the decision up to him I think that would definitely be obstruction of justice. And you might be able to justify a charge of obstruction of justice by pointing to a continuing pattern of small occurrences of obstruction that add up to an overall plan and intent to obstruct. And this situation represents only one possible obstruction of justice charge. There is also the firing of FBI Director Comey that may well be a much stronger case. Trump in Prison in 2020 where he belongs. Trump belongs in prison not in the White House.
10
The man constantly sides with villainy so much that is has to be on purpose. He has made his loot, been a figurehead for the Republican Parties corporate sponsors massive tax cut, and served his purpose to the right. Now that the gears have been oiled, the bread crumbs of misdirection thrown to lead our attention elsewhere. The plan will now be to lionize Pence to bring order to this criminal behavior and make Trump the fall guy. Our hero (not). It is a beautiful heist that will culminate in a Pence pardon of Trump the same as Ford to Nixon. All the way mind your...not one pocket that is currently being filled will be emptied. It is BEAUTIFUL theatrics prolonging the greatest economic rift in the history in civilized society. Time to be UN-civilized before this story plays on.
3
In the event Trump ever fired Muller, wouldn't that be a clear act of obstruction of justice even the republicans can't ignore?
6
No. The Republicans hold the majority in both houses of Congress. They aren't ever legally obligated to exercise impeachment powers; the Constitution limits impeachment to "The President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States" who MAY be impeached and removed only for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors". More specifically, this particular GOP Congress won't do anything-- ANYTHING--to alienate their deplorable base.
1
Not many people understand what obstruction of justice means. Sessions was under no obligation to appoint a special prosecutor. He did so at his sole diecretion. Anybody who tried to convince him not to did not commit obstruction of justice which is committed when someone tries to circumvent what the law mandates or bring someone to do so. Besides Sessions does no represent the judiciary, he is a member of the executive.Trump and Sessions did no have to maintain an arm's-length relationship on tha matter.
2
You have a lot to read up on. Start first with reading the long-standing, internal conflict of interest policy guidelines that of course include the AG. These clearly show that not only MUST Sessions recuse himself due to his role in the campaign, he was a potential WITNESS in the case.
Based on these FACTS, Sessions had no choice, let alone Trump.
1
Policy Guidelines are guidelines which cannot offset the law of the land. No obstruction if no law is circumvented. Do you know the difference between a law and a guideline? Gonzo journalism does not make good law.
Jeff Sessions didn't appoint a special prosecutor. He recused himself. The Deputy Attorney General is the one who appointed Robert Mueller. That's why Trump was so upset with Sessions for recusing himself. Sessions wouldn't have appointed a special prosecutor. That's why Trump is so unnerved about all of this. He's angry that Sessions wasn't there to "protect him", like Robert Kennedy and Eric Holder did for JFK and Obama.
Thankfully Mr Mueller is a professional who is capable of handling this investigation wherever it may lead in a fair and balanced manner. With all of the drama surrounding the initial need for an independent prosecutor we're lucky to have someone who is so respected by both parties acting as the grown-up in the room.
Trump is used to managing a private company where he has total control. Thankfully our founders took great care to ensure that our president didn't have total power and Trump's shenanigans in trying to stop this investigation shows why we need that separation. No one is above the law not even the president.
There will always be Americans who feel that Trump is being railroaded. For the sake of our country we need this investigation to stay on task so that the majority of us don't lose faith in our government.
8
Obstruction Of Justice, US Emoluments Clause Violations of the Constitution, Conflict of Interest, Quod pro quo foreign deals with the US based upon investments in Trump and Trump family businesses as with Ivanka Trump huge deal with the Chinese in the same breath as their visit followed by Jared Kushner pitching his 150 million plus deal in China with expedited US citizenship and White House access as part of the deal. Then there’s Kushner enmeshed huge arms and fighter jet Saudi arms deal. We deserve to know in adoption to Russian tampering in the election and current hostile surreptitious actions. about the conflicts and influence involved with Russian, Chinese, Saudi investments and relationships in Trump businesses prior, during and after the election and their influence. There is long Saudi connectivity with Trump and there was a relationship with the ultra wealthy arms merchant Adnan Khashoggi in the 1980 and Trump bought his remarkably huge yacht and the daughter Nabilia Khashoggi has relationship with Ivanka and Donald Trump business and social.
The personal relationships may be legal but the potential conflicts especially with the erratic self centered Trump who doesn’t want his business looked at, are obvious. Where’s the GOP on all of this? They are heads in the sand and money in there pockets.
7
The main product I see coming out of the Trump Administration, other than the manufacturing of a truly unabashed predatory society, is a deeping public distrust of government, its leaders, and its business lobby.
For the health of what is left of our democracy and the public good, Mr. Muller's investigation needs to be completed, in an unobstructed manner, and the results daylighted to the public.
That said, I am not holding my breath in anticipation of that outcome.
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
6
Rosenstein writes letter ostensibly outlining the rationale for firing Comey, yet he is the man who is in charge of Muller's investigation. I don't think he has any intention of swaying Comey, but it is unusual that Muller will no doubt need to investigate/depose his boss, Rosenstein, to determine if the letter he wrote expressed the intent of the President, or if he needed to change the rationale to cover the intent of the President. Intent is the key issue and there is an awful lot of smoke...
3
Trump thinks he is above the law. He probably does business the way he orders around the people, like Sessions, that work for him.
5
A lawyer who worked for Bob Livingston, John Ashcroft, and Dick Cheney found the Trump WH too corrupt. Chew on that for a while.
11
President Trump, what are you hiding? Release your Tax Returns!
7
Whether or not Trump is obstructing Justice is no longer a moot point. He pressured Comey for a loyalty oath, to lay off Flynn, and to publicly say that he himself was not under investigation. He pressured Sessions to not recuse himself and instructed White House Counsel McGahn to pressure Sessions to not recuse himself. Paul Manafort lied, Michael Flynn lied and is pleading the 5th, Roger Stone, a Trump advisor and GOP operative happened to receive a "tip" about Hillary Clinton's emails being released, Felix Sater a business associate of Trump's pleads guilty to a stock fraud scheme associated with the Russian mafia and Trump is calling the Meuller investigation a politically motivated “hit job”? Please.
7
Seems like the NYT is confirming the obvious, the ‘Russia investigation” found nothing on Russia and on the collusion with Russia. It’s time to close it.
2
I agree, as bad as they want to believe it, they have not come up with anything in about a year. If they had even a tidbit it would be all over the news. It's very annoying to see the MSM having celebrations thinking they finally have something only to have to redact it (Ie Brian Ross) , i mean what kind of Americans take joy in destroying the presidency and are devastated when it survives. You'd think they want the US to succeed, I didn't like Obama but I didn't let him being president decide whether I was happy or not.
For the love of God, Trump has got to go!
4
Our Manchurian President is supported by our gerrymandered republican congress as Putin is on the path to winning his second election in two countries.
5
I get it now. The calls for impeachment are lukewarm because Mafia Don is doing such a great job destroying himself.
3
"Obstruction" is the keyword - like "Bombogenesis" today in the freezing northeast United States. With President Trump's question after his Attorney General's recusal - "Where's my Roy Cohn?' - the Russia Investigation game was lost to Trump and he began looking at "the mills of the gods" which have been grinding slowly and exceeding fine since the Greek philosopher Sextus Empiricus wrote of justice delayed 1,600 years ago. Since Winston Churchill quoted Sextus to woo the United States into World War II in 1941. Donald Trump did not accept his Attorney General's letter of resignation in May after he fired James Comey, FBI Director, 8 months ago. The President's handwritten reply on Jeff Sessions's resignation letter - returned to his recused Attorney General - said "not accepted". Footnote for historians of the misty far future: "N.B. 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump was "not accepted" by the American people, 2018 A.D."
3
“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” Mark Twain
8
I hope Mueller is getting close enough that we can seriously begin to talk about drafting articles of impeachment, if not also pursuing federal criminal indictments.
Trump asking for his “Roy Cohn” is sickening and beneath contempt.
12
All thought if impeachment are pure fantasy. The Republicans control Congress. They would not impeach their President even if he admitted to being a Russian agent and caught in the act of taking orders from Putin.
1
Forget about the 'patsy' faux-Emperor/president Trump, and instead focus, like a blankety blank laser, on the disguised global capitalist Empire.
5
Its not a "capitalist Empire" that is the danger. Capitalism is the only economic system that works. It is the fascist Empire where the super rich call all the shots and run the government for their benefit at the cost to the rest of us that we must fear.
"“When you look at the I.R.S. scandal, when you look at the guns for whatever, when you look at all of the tremendous, aah, real problems they had, not made-up problems like Russian collusion, these were real problems,” Mr. Trump said. “When you look at the things that they did, and Holder protected the president. And I have great respect for that, I’ll be honest.”"
It's revealing that to the nitwit Trump the questions of truth, right and law never enter the equation. He is a mafia boss demanding loyalty, or else. The same, really, as when he demanded the rest of the world to fall in line and recognize Jerusalem the capital of Jerusalem, or else! The man is a gangster.
9
How bad is it?
Trump's best option might be to admit he's a sexual predator (again) and step down.
There seem to be no graceful exits left now that he's so ineptly painted himself into a corner.
8
All of these claims are completely unsubstantiated though. The article says there is documentation yet provides no link. Unsubstantiated rumors from anonymous sources cannot be the only basis to start an investigation. Journalist have been using this standard of evidence this past year to attack the president and in doing so they have not only disgraced their own profession but they have given credence to those who seek to utilize this lack of credibility in american journalism to sow their own disinformation campains.
5
The same way Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein disgraced their profession?
It is the right wing news sources that have lied to the American People and vigorously sustained disinformation (AKA Lies).
No one should be asking for a Roy Cohn, even if they actually need a Roy Cohn.
7
One can only shake ones head at what a fool Trump is. The investigation began as an effort to show Russia interfered in the election to help Trump win. The charges were flimsy and politically motivated. But now it seems to be just a case that Trump didn't like being investigated and started looking for ways to fire his investigators. This investigation should have been closed last year. But Trump's crazy ego just keeps giving amo to Mueller.
7
Trump knows all the things he did and he can't let you the public know about them. He can't let you know he even cheats at golf. He is the king of his universe in his own head (sorta like most of us) but he also wants to be the king of the universes you all live in too, not just his own in his head, he can't you all see him not at the top of the sand pile. Proof is in his tweeting toward people calling them names and being the school yard bully. He isn't one to let people get away with being loyal to anyone but him, he'd almost tell you to stop asking Christ for help, as he is donny trump he can help you better, even the best and bigly. Sorry for the rant. I knew trump was this way before he got elected, and chaffed at the bit about his election. We don't really need a bully in chef in office.
4
The Don,s loyalty obsession is like ,well, a Don of a mafia family. The only thing missing are the bodies. Brannon should have been fish bait by now. That’s the problem for our Don. There are too many spotlights on him. Good fellows don’t like publicity. Roy Cohn. Isn’t that poetic.
2
"Where's my Roy Cohn?"
I urge everyone to watch the movie Angels in America. In this movie, Al Pacino brilliantly portrays a dying Roy Cohn. Mr. Cohn died of AIDS and Mr. Trump turned away from him - his mentor who taught him to 'punch back ten times harder'. He acted like he barely knew him. Another fine example of loyalty from Mr. Trump.
But, more importantly, one can see from whence Trump came. Roy Cohn has to be one of the most despicable Americans to ever have lived. He is mean, a snake, there is not much humanity there. When he's dead (in the movie) one is very glad he's gone because the world benefited from his departure.
That is who trained Donald Trump to be the 'fighter'. Roy Cohn (and a mean father) made Trump. Watch the movie and prepare to be sickened by what Roy Cohn gave us Americans - you can see Trump in Cohn so clearly, the genesis of the nightmare we are living through now.
15
I agree with you on AiA, it was riveting. Fun note: Meryl Streep -- you know, that "overrated actress" -- played the Cohn-taunting Ethel Rosenberg. She was priceless with Al.
2
I loved her as Ethel Rosenberg. The way she 'sat' in Cohn's hospital room taunting him. Tremendous acting from the 'overrated' actress. Also love the other 'minor' character she played - but I won't spoil that surprise.
2
Trump, Trump Jr., Jared Kirschner, Jeffrey Beauregard Sessions, Don McGahn, Mike Pence, Ryan Zinke, Ben Carson, Betsy DeVos, Ivanka, Mitch McConnell, Devin Nunes, Paul Ryan, Sarah Huckabee-Sanders, et al. They're all smoking guns. When the swamp is drained we'll be left with Pres. Louie Gohmert.
6
Dictators demand loyalty over truth. I've often wondered why intelligent people followed the likes of Attila the Hun, Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, and Mao Zedong. They were conditioned to think loyalty to their leader was more important than truth. You can see how it happens with our "so-called" president, as he appoints people to positions of authority and flatters them for being part of such a winning team and then promotes conspiracy theories that everyone is out to get him, when the public gets wind of any truth related to him. Then, it is like some Mafia crime family, where they are asked for loyalty to a person, versus loyalty to being led by the truth and the facts. How ironic that Trump and associates think he is being betrayed by a book full of lies, as his whole life, campaign and administration has been grounded in lies and half truths. He insists on loyalty to himself, but all you folks who are loyal to Trump, I have news for you, he does NOT have your back in any way. Take note of his once loyal family and friends and realize he is a "user" until he has no use for you anymore! Please recognize his promises were false and misleading. His concern was a show of empathy that he is incapable of. "Forgotten men and women", you've been forgotten already if you were ever seriously thought of, as I am not sure Trump is capable of caring for anyone but himself, not his family nor wives, nor once close friends, with the one exception of Putin.
5
When oh when will Donald McGahn have his John Dean moment?
Seems well past time.
5
Such chaos and is it possible that President big button bragged to his Russian friends about the operation in Chad and blew their cover?
1
I would Declare the Russia investigation as Over, with just one small condition. A Commitment by all the leading Automakers of the world (the GM, Ford, Chrysler, the VW group, BMW and Merc., the Tata, Suzuki, Hyundai and Toyota and Honda, and the rest of them, who may want to Join), to agree to follow the Laws of Motion. (What?, Yes, To agree to follow the Newton's Laws of Motion in the Design of their Automobiles, something which they should all have followed in the First place, if not followed as their only Bible!); and that means 1) getting Rid of those Energy Killing Friction Brakes at the earliest, as well as 2) making full use of the 2nd Law of Motion, F=ma, for further improving the Transmission Efficiency especially for higher speeds. ..and Even if by having to Playing, Learning, Copying or Borrowing a Key Idea, Element or Technology from a pull-back Toy Car!, ..that We, They and our Kids all have Played with!. ..Trrrr, ..Vroom, or as ..Trrrr (= Braking Action), ..Vroom (= A Free Acceleration!). ..cont..
He's like a dog chasing his tail in the middle of the street.
5
"Obstruction" (not "bombogenesis") is the keyword today in the freezing northeast United States. With President Trump's question after his Attorney General's recusal - "Where's my Roy Cohn?' - the Russia Investigation game was lost to Trump and he began looking at "the mills of the gods" which have been grinding slowly and exceeding fine since the Greek philosopher Sextus Empiricus wrote of justice delayed 1,600 years ago. Since Winston Churchill quoted Sextus to woo the United States into World War II in 1941. Donald Trump did not accept his Attorney General's letter of resignation in May after he fired James Comey, FBI Director, 8 months ago. The President's handwritten reply on Jeff Sessions's resignation letter - returned to his recused Attorney General - said "not accepted". Footnote for historians of the misty far future: "N.B. 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump was "not accepted" by the American people, 2018 A.D."
How is it that so many who know the chaos that is now the white house can sit idly by and watch our country implode? Or is tais their way of making the incompetence public? Cowards all.
3
Putin's problem was find someone dumb enough to do it and smart enough not to get caught.
5
Another biographic note on Roy Cohn. He was eventually disbarred in New York. "Cohn refused to repay a $100,000 loan from a client and lied about it in court; violated an escrow order, allowing dissipation of a corporation's assets in a securities-fraud case, and concealed pending disciplinary proceedings on an admission application to the District of Columbia Bar." Washington Post June 1986.
6
The perfect lawyer for Trump.
Why hasnt mueller gone to the white house to arrest trump yet? No one has An answer
Because under the US Constitution, law enforcement cannot arrest the President. The Senate has to impeach him and remove him from office before he can m]be arrested for any crime. It is so sad that so many Americans slept through the class on our Constitution.
In business ..... this is just what you do. He really doesn't know better.
2
Ignorance of the law isn't an excuse. It is his job to learn what can be considered inappropriate and could lead to legal inquiries.
president erupted in anger in front of numerous White House officials, saying he needed his attorney general to protect him
NO, NO, NO Twittler, he is OUR Attorney General.
His salaery is paid to protect ALL American People not just CFPOTUS
5
“...at least RN (Richard Nixon) wasn’t incompetent, just dishonest.” - Former White House Counsel, John W. Dean
10
Oh look, more evidence. I want every commenter here who thinks this investigation is a hoax to respond to this comment. You need to provide substantiated proof that it is a hoax. Provide links. Do not link to fake news such as Fox or Breitbart. Good luck.
14
So you get your “real” news from CNN, MSNBC and Moveon.org?
When is Jeff Sessions going to wake up and realize he's nothing more than a whipping boy at this point, and all of America already knows?
8
Right - he should have fired Mueller long ago.
There is a glaring omission with this article.... Eric holder never was a lackey for Obama. In fact, he was quite the opposite by never consulting Obama on justice dept activities. And, needless to say, Obama was never accused of any wrong-doing for holder to investigate.
By not exposing this blatant trump lie, the NYT plays right into his hands again and again. Trump (using the standard Russian propaganda approach) repeatedly puts out a false narrative that is reported but that he knows often won’t be rebutted ... without rebuttal, readers then assume it has at least some grain of truth. This happened in all media during the election, including the NYT, when he repeated lies about Clinton.
Perhaps it’s not rebutted because he lies so often. But that’s no excuse to let him get away with it.
You owe us much more journalistic care.
17
I concur. NYT has to watch out for the Repeated Big Lie.
The crazy thing is: There is a Big Lie every time Dear Leader opens his mouth.
I have suggested to NYT to simply show the obvious and out-and-out lies in red, or a different font. Perhaps this is the only way left to deal with the utterances from Trump, Sanders and the rest.
Nary a named source for the claims in this story. Par for the course.
3
Deflector shields on maximum!
2
At this point, I wouldn't be surprised to read that Trump ordered Stephen Miller or DJT, Jr. to place a horse's head in Mueller's bed.
9
Sexual assault, fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, incitement, redlining, employing illegal aliens, violation of the emoluments clause, treason, tax evasion, high crimes and misdemeanors - take your pick, Trump is GUILTY of them all.
Unfortunately, his biggest crimes are those we don't have laws against. His inhumanity, his self-absorbed egocentricness, his total lack of empathy, his endless lying, his hatred, his bigotry, his boundless hubris, his disregard for the planet, his shallowness, his know-nothing-know-it-all-ness, and the worst of all? The fact that he made a God of moral bankruptcy and successfully sold it to the worst among us in order to win an election electorally, against the wishes and better judgment of the majority of voters in this country.
If he ever gets convicted, it will be because he violated the law. Unfortunately for us, the reckoning for his most abhorrent crimes, those against the human race and humanity itself, will have to wait he meets the representative of his maker, also known as St. Peter, as the Pearly Gates.
To that day!
12
Amen
Thank you for this absolutely spot on comment. He is an abomination.
1
Christ! Are there any adults in this administration?
7
This is...Nixonian
5
I find the comparison insulting. Insulting to Nixon.
Nixon was a lot of things. A Traitor he was not.
Drain the swamp yet?
5
Uttam Dhillon - obviously the smartest person in the White House.
6
I thank the reporters of the Times for spotlighting the truth once again...
9
Another example of Trump's lack of knowledge about an allegiance to the Constitution. Trump has broken his oath to uphold the Constitution.
8
Nothing described in this article was illegal.....
6
DanielMarcMD:
If trump was pressuring Sessions not to recuse himself, in order that Sessions be "on board" for the sole purpose of "protecting trump," that is an obstruction of justice. If someone is telling an attorney to do something that would be against the law, for instance, suborning perjury, that is an obstruction of justice, or worse.
3
Paranoid schizophrenic. Makes Nixon seem almost balanced.
8
Yeah. Just read that he apparently eats at McDonald's because he's afraid of being poisoned.
After all, the government works exclusively for you, eh Donald?
13
Trump in the library with a pickle.
10
Come on, Trump, just lay back, relax, and enjoy it. Isn't that what you said to women you abused?
12
Republicans are nothing more than obstruction and prohibition. They do nothing more than steal taxpayer funds for a political advantage and then do nothing but keep the funds for themselves to promote the criminality of the Republican Party...Gerrymandering, voter fraud, useless prejudice laws...etc.
Republicans are the anti-Christ parading as bible readers...omg.
13
In my view, several Republican leaders in Congress are also complicit in obstruction of justice, specifically Speaker Ryan and Senator McConnell. There can be no doubt that the chess game of beating legitimate criminal charges against the President does not include them. Trump might even have told them, If I go down, you're going down with me." Jeff Sessions himself likely labors under that threat. It's one hot mess, indeed.
9
@Mark: Remember to add Devin Nunes to that ever-growing list.
2
Mark, double negatives will get you every time!
"There can be no doubt that the chess game of beating legitimate criminal charges against the President does not include them."
You meant, of course, that there can be no doubt that the obstruction DOES include them!
1
Where's his Roy Cohn!? Please, it shows how inept Trump is in decision-making. He's looking for someone who was disbarred, who taught people the stupidest way to resolve issues, and who proudly did not pay his taxes. Oh wait, that's exactly what Trump is doing now. Like teacher like student.
8
Now everybody wants him gone. In two weeks we will learn they "found" something in his physical which allows him to resign with "honor", like Nixon.
4
Trump will never, ever resign. "Losers" resign. And his deplorable base will re-elect him if they possibly can.
Mueller might have a case for obstruction and Congress may have the backbone to bring impeachment proceedings but I am skeptical that the Senate will unseat Trump. There is just no smoking gun that Trump himself colluded with the Russians and in that case, obstruction looks more like his attempts to keep his reputation intact than to prevent justice from being served. I cannot see Congress kicking him out of office over that.
1
Obstruction of justice still applies -- he repeatedly tried to block, hamstring, and derail the investigation.
It's not just the collusion -- although his involvement with drafting the fake letter about his son's meeting with Russian representatives implicates him -- but about financial dealings, money laundering, and, yes, family businesses, the art of the misdeal, etc.
Obstructing justice to protect your reputation is still obstruction of justice!
1
Obstruction is obstruction. The motive has little to do with it. Obstruction is a crime. Period.
2
Scott...perhaps...perhaps not. If trump's CAMPAIGN conspired with the Russians, and it is found that conspiracy tainted the election, (or violated the laws, as in TREASON) then the election results are fraudulent, and the person sitting in The White House must be removed. And trump should be removed for an entire basketful of reasons ANYWAY. The man is mentally ill, as well as incompetent, corrupt, arrogant, racist, predatory, cruel, vindictive, and extremely dangerous to the welfare of the country and its citizens.
3
the obstruction charges are bupkis, compared to the treason charges to come.
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
6
Shows the desperation after no collusion could be found.
2
Patience, my friend.
An investigation in search of a crime. Proves it's not about foriegn influence in our elections, it's about impeachment.
Jumping to a premature conclusion, eh?! No collusion?! Where have you been?
Have you not read about the repeated contacts with Russian officials, the Wikileaks communications, the change in Republican foreign policy and platform to support Russia and undercut the Ukraine, the plan to set up a back channel, the outreach to Russians to get the supposed goods on Hillary, the money laundering, the property sales and rapid turn overs involving Russian oligarchs, etc.
Adding to that, haven't you read about the dozen or so Trump officials who lied about their Russian dealings, their Russian contacts, etc. on federal forms, this breaking the law?!
Just wait until the Russian-Cambridge Analytics-Trump campaign evidence comes out!
Time to stop watching Fox and Friends Fake News -- switch over to reality-based News, grounded in facts and evidence, not lies, hyperbole, and manufactured falsehoods and Fake News!
We are experiencing the process of trying to get rid of a president due to his policies, after he has been legitimately elected by the people. The FBI and former Justice department are certainly corrupt. Any so called evidence discovered by the Mueller investigation is already tainted and will not hold-up in court anyway. The corrupt environment nurtured by the Obama administration infected all of the federal agencies. It will take time to get the bad actors out, but it will happen. The inspector general has done an investigation into the Mueller probe, and the results will be out soon. This will prove that the investigation is bogus and will end.
3
This is so cute! You adorable fox watcher!
2
Oh dear! Seriously????
1
Time will tell redzonedog. My bet's on Mueller, obstruction of justice, collusion with the Russians, money laundering, etc.
1
It is my belief that the Republican Congress and Senate have been sitting on the threat of trump to our country out of their personal desires to pass the tax bill, open up drilling virtually anywhere offshore, do away with National Monuments, deregulate that which protects our very air and water all in the name of greed. We need this administration out of the White House, along with everyone else who is "looking the other way." We should all believe in Country over Party
11
It's worth remembering that Clinton wasn't impeached because of the Lewinsky scandal; he was accused of lying to obstruct an inquiry. Ditto Nixon and Watergate.
9
Nixon wasn't impeached!
Plus, the charges on which he would have been impeached and convicted included breaking of federal laws, not just obstruction of justice!
1
There is no question about Trump and his associates breaking the law on numerous occasions. People have known for over a decade that Trump is a money launderer for the Russian mob. The question is if the GOP is willing to do anything about it. They are now accessories to his numerous crimes due to the cover up.
9
CA Dreamer, Not to be snarky, but why would you think there's any question that this GOP would "do anything about it." They knew all this about him when they NOMINATED him, and they share the same deplorable base with him. And that base will not stand for them to impeach their demagogue.
1
The is no escaping a conclusion that this is, in a harsh word, treason against the interests of The United States.
Meanwhile, from our "illustrious" Congress with a republican majority? Not a word except a deceitful denial.
11
Michael, most of the people of this country is quite convinced that Trump obstructed justice.
Now it's up to Mr. Mueller to send the report charging Trump to the congress for obstructing justice in too many instances and at too many times.
But our special counsel who was appointed by our deputy AG Mr. Rosenstein instead of AG Mr. Sessions because he did recuse himself before the appointment of Mr. Mueller, has come too close to the point of charging Trump for absolute abuse of his presidential power and for his attempt to subvert the Russia inquiry.
Trump on the other hand is still nursing a grudge not only against Mr. Mueller for continuing with the Russian investigation which he thought and suggested in one word or two that the "Russia inquiry is a witch hand orchestrated by the Democrats to avenge their election loss" but his ire is on lot of people who he still thinks are out to get him out of the White House.
Actually he is right about the fact that there are people who're ready to take his hand out of the administration.
But what he doesn't understand is that the people who're trying to charge him with 'obstruction of justice' are not his enemies but people who're working under him, mainly Mr. Mueller whom he can fire at his will.
And for the good of this country, the reason why he didn't fire the Special Counsel so far because he still remembers the effects of his firing Mr. Comey for not dropping the Russia inquiry which turned into a total disaster for him.
Trump saying to himself " I am a Republican and I am above the law and can do whatever I want and still be the President". He needs to be in jail and 3 million more of us voted for Hillary and she should get the job as she is more Presidential than any GOP out there. How much more obstruction of justice will we have to sit through before the handcuffs come. This tell all book out now is so revealing also "Fire and Fury. It goes to show you the GOP people who write these books are only in for their own personal gain and will sell out their country.
4
Daniel, The Constitution doesn't provide for Hillary to take the job under any circumstances. It provides for an electoral college, which Donald Trump won; Hillary conceded the election because she understands that's how it works. As to how much more we have to sit through before handcuffs--Bob Mueller is one of the country's best criminal attorneys, and he's hired 17 of the country's best white collar attorneys. They are grappling with Constitutional and separation of powers issues that have never been presented before and which will without doubt land in the Supreme Court. Mueller is taking his time to dot every "i" and cross every "t," and difficult as it is to be patient, we're all the better for it.
4
Even though all the information is based on documented data, the Right is claiming that the Left is on a witch hunt.
Does this sound like a witch hunt: "...an aide to Mr. Sessions approached a Capitol Hill staff member asking whether the staffer had any derogatory information about the F.B.I. director [Comey]. The attorney general wanted one negative article a day in the news media about Mr. Comey..." Did the [inconsequential] aide to Mr. Sessions do this of their own volition unbeknownst to Mr. Sessions or was Mr. Sessions doing damage control in trump's eyes, after he recused himself?
trump is paralyzed by his years of money laundering and working with Russia to time the Clinton email releases with WikiLeaks. By August, it will not be a surprise when trump fires Rosenstein and then Mueller in an effort to make all the discovered data suddenly disappear.
The GOP is paralyzed to do their duty to the nation. By November, it will not be a surprise when the nation votes the GOP out of the House and Senate.
7
"By November, it will not be a surprise when the nation votes the GOP out of the House and Senate." That won't happen unless the Dems get their act together to find, and support, great candidates, and also reign in the Bernie deserters.
2
Sadly, I agree Betsy. I've got to have something to believe in, though.
In addition to good candidates, the Democrats need a coherent message (jobs, economy, education, healthcare) and for some reason, they fail at that time and time again!
1
Why does everyone keep using the non legal term collusion that the uninformed White House insists on using? This is unprofessional especially for trusted news sources. Their errors, which are legion, should not be repeated by news sources. You should serve to correct and educate.
4
Agreed!
What went on is a conspiracy with foreign agents to undermine the election... a clear breaking of federal law.
As is, the president's repeated, multifaceted obstruction of justice -- the firing of Comey being just the tip of the iceberg!
2
Issues of Russian collusion aside, it's clear from reading this article that Donald Trump has neither the judgement nor temperament to be president.
6
Yep. But the bast majority of this greedy GOP Congress doesn't care about that as long as they can use him for their hateful agenda. And they're the only ones who can impeach or remove.
1
I love it! This guy is afraid something will be found once the investigation smoke disappears.
2
Trump takes everything so personally and tries to engineer the events that he would find desirable. And he seems to have paranoid tendencies. The paranoia and engineering tendencies were probably what really brought down Nixon.
4
"Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, I think you will probably be rewarded mightily . . ." Donald Trump, July, 2016
If that is not the most brazen public statement admitting collusion with the Russians, then Trump could really murder someone in public and not be charged. Less than six weeks earlier was the meeting with Junior, Manafort, and others with Russians at the Trump tower regarding "dirt" on Clinton.
We are the laughing stock of the world, people. Even with all the public evidence - much less the results of the investigations - we allow a conspiracy to continue controlling our nation.
11
Everyone seems to be depending on the election in November. Does it ever occur to you that there may not even BE an election? The Rs control EVERYTHING. If they become truly worried that they might lose that total power, they'll use it instead to ban all future elections.
They can't do that without truly admitting they're fascists. But veiling it from us won't matter to them any more, will it?
I'm coming to the conclusion that if there's anything as dangerous as dictators, it is the eager way people dive head first into denial, when a reality becomes intolerably ugly.
Even today, lots of people are telling themselves that their lives are going on, fairly as usual, so maybe things aren't "all that bad.' Until they visibly ARE. But then it'll be too late.
I fear if the Mueller investigation doesn't save our democracy, nothing will.
It would be good to see people devising ways to get people OUT of denial. It would be almost as hard as frying to undo all the brainwashing (the real thing) that the Rs have been applying for years. Almost half our population is brainwashed. It's obvious when they vote against their OWN best interests, and refuse to even listen to anyone - like brick walls.
What, other than brainwashing, can do this to millions of people?
Our schools, with the help of the Rs, have been pitiful, and none of them teach students how to analyze things, seek out reality, even if it is painful to do so, because, after all, it is the genuine reality which rules events.
4
I don't like the Republicans or Trump, either, especially given what they are doing to the nation.
But it's tin foil hat musing to suggest they would try to stop elections from being held!
Look at the picture accompanying the article. Talk about side-eye. Sessions shows only contempt for trump.
2
Forget about all of this stuff...isn't the fact that we have this itchy little fat-fingered man in charge of our nuclear arsenal enough?
25th amendment...where are you????
5
25th Amendment is where it's always been; lodged firmly in the Bill of Rights. It needs Congressmen with backbones to invoke it, so it's safe right where it is.
1
Two of a kind http://www.pensitoreview.com/tag/benito-mussolini/
3
Extramarital cigar play--and lying about it--was enough to impeach another president.
6
"Show me the man and I'll find you the crime." Stalin's henchman, Beria
2
Based on this NY Times article, it sounds like President Trump, is toast !
2
Our dumb President should know that Jeff Session's job title says, "Attorney General of the United States" and not Attorney General of Donald Trump.
5
At this point, no one knows anything, so why comment?
2
It'll be delicious when Mueller finally starts talking about how Comey, Hillary, Holder and Obama colluded to taint the incoming President.
4
Gee, and all those stupid stories about Hillary's email server and you could have been covering this atrocity. The end is nigh.
7
Bannon begins to spill the beans. Can Alcatraz be reopened to house Trump and his crime family?
4
What a pathetic excuse of a man and the most morally depraved president ever in American history. Trump, we are not looking at Obama or Hillary or anyone else. We are looking at YOU and refuse to be side-tracked or distracted by your false reckless allegations attacking others, including a highly respected former president. Someone who has something you will never have, respect. Respect is earned, and you will never get it from anyone around you or anyone in the world for that matter. You respect no-one and no-one respects you. You are a one dimensional figure and a charlatan.
You do not worry about your country or its inhabitants, you spend the day worrying about yourself, your image, your next attacks against democracy, and how many billions your business partners are accumulating for you using your presidency.
Putin attacking American democracy and targeting your rival presidential candidate, a fellow American, is serious business as you well know. Anyone who helped him will be accused of treason, as you well know. If there are money ties proving either money laundering activities, stretching back over decades and involving you and others, or bribes to buy favorable foreign policy for Russia, criminal charges will be made, as you well know.
You are not above the law, Trump, and neither you nor Manafort can subvert our justice system with impunity. Despite your mad, despotic and frightening declaration that you ARE the state, you are not.
16
Obstruction of justice is only the start - once found guilty of colluding with Putin, convict and execute Trump for treason before he can seek asylum in Russia. Let justice be done to our Traitor-in-Chief.
9
“Where’s my Roy Cohn?” or "Where's my sleazy, underhanded, much smarter-than-I criminal defense attorney?"
10
let's review
fired Yates when she told truth about 'Flynn
fired Comey to stop Flynn probe
tried to get McGahn, Rogers and Coats to stop the Russia probe
crafted phony backstory on trump tower meeting on plane
ride back from Europe
Told Russians and Hold fired Comey because of Russia
constant lying. lying lying lying lying
DUH
11
Christians take a knee to God.
Colin Kaepernick takes a knee to social justice.
Trump takes a knee to Vladimer Putin.
13
As the noose continues to tighten...
9
Yes, this is true. As the time past by he is tightening more and more the noose with his twitters and his desire to make that Mr.Mueller III disappear. I do not think he will be able.
1
Trump is a bigger threat to America than North Korea is.
Trump is a bigger threat to America than Iran is.
Trump is a bigger threat to America than so called Islamic Fundamentalism is.
Dump Trump NOW!
19
Trump is the biggest short term threat to America; Pence is the biggest long term threat. They've BOTH got to go, and the cleanest way to do that is to get through the short term threat and replace both of them in 2020 with honorable Democrats who can start immediately to repair the damage.
4
Pence is up to his eyeballs in this. He “vetted” Flynn, during which — unless he is incompetent — he must have found exactly what Mueller is finding out now, and then lied about what he knew.
For those of us who are older and know the tactics and practices of Roy Cohn, that is one of the most disturbing comments Trump could have made, "Where is my Roy Cohn." "My depraved fixer, my fixer who follows no rules of decency." Roy Cohn was an evil man who was abandoned by Trump when he found out Cohn was gay and dying of AIDS. Until that was revealed, the only thing that could drive Trump off, except it didn't matter because Cohn was dying, Trump was a willing student of Cohn's. One more piece of evidence Trump has zero loyalty or compassion and no real friends.
15
"Where's my Roy Cohn?" This question is all you need to know about Trump and his attitude towards the law.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/21/us/politics/donald-trump-roy-cohn.html
12
Very discouraging to see an American president and his staff who is so evil and incompetent. How did we end up here?
Who are these stupid Americans (like my step mother who doesn't have a college degree and is a member of First Baptist, Dallas) who voted for Trump?
No matter what, we Americans have got to allow Mueller to continue his investigation!!! And we need to hold the Republican party for its many members who are doing everything in their power to fire Mueller and allow Trump to reign, just like Hitler.
...I remember my mother telling me when I was 14 that she "felt sorry for Nixon"....this was about 2 weeks before he resigned. It's hard to understand that there are people like my mom, and step-mom, both of whom I love, who wd blindly support such evil people.
12
I have lost two relatives over this and am not sorry. I can't live in the dichotomy of supporting family while they blindly support the deconstruction of our democracy.
7
You need to learn from your step mother.
Trumpie ain't no JFK....for sure....Roy Cohn??!! appalling...but that's his mindset and frame of reference....one thing about the Donald...we seem to get a very clear window into what's going on in that noggin of his...unfortunately it informs us that this will go down in history as one of the worst presidencies....
8
Just imagine how much worse this could be if the guy had half a brain.
4
I’ve said it all along- where there’s smoke, there’s fire..... RESIGN already!!!!! DT is a disgrace to the American people. Nice job setting DT up Mr. Comey. That was a brilliant mind game you played & won. DT should have known not to play games with someone who can play better. That’s proof of DTs arrogance. He thought he was better than Mr. Comey’s FBI interrogation tactics & years of practicing them hahaha!!!!!
Lesson of the day kids- DON’T FIRE THE FBI DIRECTOR!!!
7
It is hard to believe that Congress just sits there. The silent majority is getting angry seeing its institutions under attack. Congress will soon pay the price of inaction.
19
I'm afraid they won't. You "Misunderestimate" the deplorables' unity and energy. They will re-elect Trump in 2020 if the Dems don't put up unbeatable candidates--and so far, I don't know who they'd be, given the anger about Bernie Sanders. . .
2
It seems like we have more than enough evidence of a few things here. First, Trump and those around him all lied about Russian contacts. Second, he so desperately wanted to cover that up that he felt he needed his justice department and FBI to cover for him. I don't know what we're waiting for to take action.
9
Alk, I have great faith in Mueller, who doesn't want to bring charges that won't stick. There's every reason to believe he's an honest man who has built a stellar career out of doing the right thing--and not bringing charges that won't stick. He's dotting his "i's" and crossing his tee's. Patience.
2
My guess is that those who suggest the Wait want to be sure they have him by the very very short hairs. I agree - his followers need to see very clearly how dangerous this man is to their country and the world. Otherwise I think you will just get another him. There are a lot of people who hate decent successful people - makes them feel like unsuccessful losers which they are - probably no fault of their own. Lack of a good [socialist?!] education and a lot of brainwashing with those hands over those hearts?
Let us elect a Congress that will do something about this should the evidence point to impeachment. Let us elect a Congress that would choose a better successor, should Mr. Pence also find himself in need of a defense team.
Mr. Trump has spent his life believing he was above the law, did not need to respect his own word on a contract, and now his oath of office. He should do the right thing and resign, he has done a tremendous amount of damage to our country and world as it is.
11
I don't know what experts were consulted who find any doubt of a prima facie case of obstruction of justice. They are wrong. What is jaw-dropping is that the attorney general's office participated in the obstruction. Please consult constitutional titans like Laurence Tribe and Charles Ogletree. They will provide conclusions based on facts, not nuance or intellectual titillation. Our country is being severely damaged and it has to stop before it's too late to reclaim our democracy.
14
Blessinggirl, Be patient. Mueller and his 17 hotshot, white collar attorneys are building a case like none that has ever been built before and that all sorts of untested Constitutional aspects to it--probably including indicting a sitting Vice President as well. They REALLY don't want to bring charges that won't stick, which is why they arranged for the NY State Attorney General to be building a parallel case. You can bet that Tribe, Ogletree (and who knows who else) have already been consulted. Slow and steady wins this race.
3
Those proverbial walls are closing in on Trump, his family, his campaign, and his administration. Mueller is finding out what many of us have suspected for months=there really is a "there" there in the Russian investigation. Trump and his family know exactly what the stakes are here because they know exactly what they did as far as the Russians are concerned. They know if the truth comes out that it will be damning and most likely cost them the White House--if not jail time. I am indeed watching and waiting with deep interest.
18
He's gonna fire Mueller at the time that suits him best. And his supporters are gonna cheer and Republicans are going to cough and mumble. And, no, there are not enough votes to put the Democrats in control of Congress.
So far, Mueller has not indicted anyone for something that did as members of the Trump campaign or for anything they did during the 2016 election campaign. So far, Muller hasn't indicted anyone for "collusion" with Russia. As far as we known, Mueller hasn't discovered any incidents of unlawful collusion with Russia. If he had, it would have been leaked to the news media.
2
At this point I'm convinced of two things...the liberal media will never stop the nonsense, and two, they are doing this because democrats have ZERO ideas...only identity politics. That being said...I just don't pay attention anymore.
Now, the jobs report...oh baby...real people are finally able to see some light at the end of a long dark tunnel.
5
Yes indeed, and I'm sure the employees being laid off at Sears. Kmart and Caterpillar will agree with you.
6
Right - because the liberal media secured two guilty plea/convictions from top Trump associates in one year. Come on....wake up.
2
You just posted a comment on the board of a liberal publication.
Fox news is that way bud. About 100 years.
3
The most dishonest and patently lawless POTUS EVER in the history of the United States of America. POTUS Trump must be brought before the yoke of justice and forced to his knees through Constitutional processes - Articles of Impeachment Brought in the House, a Vote to Impeach '45, and a Senate trial.
Full extent of crimes MUST be disclosed to American public, and especially ALL Trump supporters and Republicans. This was YOUR candidate, and this person (Donald Trump) has violated EVERY norm of behavior and protocol of the office. The full extent of criminal offenses - which I am expecting to be racketeering, money laundering, collusion with criminal syndicates from Russia, and rampant violations of the emoluments clause - must also be exposed.
NEVER again should our nation EVER be subjected to the likes of politicians like Donald Trump.
21
trump has extensively laundered money and he is desperate to stay out of prison..
16
No doubt he has. However, virtually every president has done the same (with exception of maybe Jimmy Carter and maybe Obama). Perhaps now the country is finally willing to hold Trump to a standard that they would not apply to Reagan, Bush, Clinton, etc.
2
Mueller was SUPPOSE to investigate Russian interference in our 2016 election. All he does is chase Trump. When is he going to investigate what Russia did in 2016 as he was charged to do? Since there is ZERO evidence that Trump colluded with Russia, why does he stay focused on Trump? When will Mueller start doing his job and stop the political witch hunt that has yielded NOTING?
3
Hm, maybe Mueller will investigate Whitewater next. Or Benghazi. When y'all are done, let us know.
1
knowHow do you know what Mueller is doing? Stuff that has come out clearly indicates that Trump people have been involved with Russia. Is this collusion? I don't know, but certainly it smells.
2
You're right - it did yield NOTING! But it also secured two guilty convictions in less than a year. That's SOMETHING. And that's big.
2
Having served a Deputy Foreperson on one Federal Criminal Grand Jury for 70 sessions, I would give my car to be on one of these.
9
I see your car and raise you my boat.
2
Finally we receive intelligence that makes sense into what's going on behind the scenes in this very confusing and alarming White House.
7
Unfortunately, with all of these these revelations, our President is acting more and more like a caged rat.
10
Even a rat deserves to have its cage cleaned out once in awhile . . .
"... [W]hy would Congressional Republicans pawn their integrity and reputation to a corrupt, treasonous and narcissistic con man and his family of grifters? Why?" --JRGuzman, Puerto Rico
A rhetorical question, surely, since the Republicans have no integrity or decent reputation to pawn. They themselves are corrupt and seditious at the least if not treasonous: far from being the loyal opposition, they willfully undermined President Obama and have gleefully participated in the vain, pathetic attempts by His Orange Unfitness to undo every law and regulation connected in any way to Obama. Indeed, they are all unworthy so much as to gather up the crumbs from under his table. For decades now they have pledged one another to capture the government for themselves by hook and by crook, by gerrymandering districts, suppressing the vote of those who might vote against them, snookering Fox viewers with outright lies and lies of omission, demonizing and delegitimizing entire groups of citizens in the eyes of their gullible base to deflect attention from the fact that they have been consolidating power and wealth for themselves and their sugar daddies, all the while claiming personal responsibility and family values.
So, no: the carny con man and his family of grifters are entirely appropriate standard-bearers for the likes of McConnell, Ryan, Cornyn, Cruz, Graham, McCain, and on down the line, and their names are soiled by the name Trump, and by the name Republican.
20
But Sessions did not refuse himself. Keep on grasping at straws in the “collusion” inquiry!
1
What are you talking about? Sessions recused himself months ago because he lied at his confirmation hearing about his contacts with the Russian ambassador. That's why Trump is so angry with him. Sessions' recusal led to the appointment of Mueller.
10
Meanwhile, Republicans keep supplying Nero fiddles to play.
10
“Where’s my Roy Cohn?” And there it is folks. Baby boomers have spent their entire political lives electing the schoolyard bully they told their kids not to emulate. From The red scare, to Reagan, to both Bush’s, to Trump, the legacy of baby boomers will be one of unparalleled selfishness, idiocy, projection, and greed. And yes, boomers who will be triggered by this characterization, I DO understand that many of you fought this, but your fight will be remembered as a 35 year long losing battle which was often headed by neoliberal corporate syncophants anyways. You will forever be remembered as the generation that bought and handed out participation trophies while complaining that your eight year old accepted the trophy you bought them. You will be the generation that is remembered for selling The New Deal piecemeal as soon as you got yours: public education, a good minimum wage, social security, and so many other benefits, all left to us in shambles.
You SHOULD be ashamed of yourselves, but you won’t be. You’ll just blame me for pointing out your obvious deficiencies. It’s time to tuck in the baby boomers for good and never let their voice rule the political day again. American boomers are the most grossly irresponsible group of people living in the first world today, present teenagers included.
8
I really appreciate The Times keeping us informed of the top secret, confidential investigation that Mr. Mueller, a Republican, is conducting. Speculating about leaks from unnamed sources is the best, and only, way we have of ensuring that justice and democracy prevail. Kudos to those patriots who selflessly provide the inside information that will keep Mr. Mueller honest. We are watching. Thanks, Times.
6
My guess is, whether or not there was collusion, Trump is most afraid of and vulnerable to discoveries of illegal activities related to his finances. He has tried to prevent this investigation because he knows that it will reveal these illegal activities, and they in turn provide clear and compelling motive for his obstruction of justice. Proof of financial illegalities coupled with obstruction of justice seems like like a combination of crimes that even this congress could not ignore. But I likely give them too much credit...
15
So far, the only identifiable crime committed related to the 2016 election campaign appears to be the hacking of DNC email and its subsequent publication by WikiLeaks. While the U.S. Intelligence Community is confident Russia probably was responsible, the suspicion endures that a DNC insider simply downloaded the email onto flash drives and gave it to WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has offered to provide proof that WikiLeaks didn’t get the DNC email from Russia in exchange for the same type of immunity granted U.S. newspapers when they publish stolen documents. The Justice Department should take up Assange on it offer, and terminate the Mueller investigation if it turns out Russia wasn’t to blame. The other incidents of Russian “meddling” in the 20165 election are either lawful or insignificant.
2
Why do people who don't read or who can't comprehend the news feel compelled to comment on the news?
3
What's the big deal. Our country was founded by traitors to the king. They colluded with the French to bring down the government in order to cut taxes on rich merchants. Trump was merely following original intent theory.
1
How about going after Trump's counsel for obstructing justice by trying to keep Sessions from recusing himself?
8
I wonder about Mark Corallo, too--the attorney who led the Trump campaign attorneys and as we learned yesterday quit after witnessing what HE thought was obstruction aboard Air Force One. Didn't he have a legal (or at least ethical) obligation to take his suspicion to the FBI or DoJ?
2
It is time for GOP voters to finally come to grips with their misjudgment and move on. Stop blaming the media, Hillary and aliens from Planet X. Donald Trump’s persona and the continuous parade of chaos it generates is the sole creation of only one person, Donald J. Trump.
10
AndyW, the vast majority of Trump's 62,979,879 deplorables will vote to re-elect him in 2020 if he gets that far. Neither he, nor they, will EVER admit to the largest con ever perpetrated on the American public.
1
By ow we know that all Trump cares about is his money and children. I strongly suspect that Trump and/or his children are involved in Russian money laundering and that is the primary reason he would not release his tax returns. They will expose his money fraud. Remember that Al Capone went to Alcatraz not for murders and bootlegging but tax evasion.
12
Mueller seems to believe that the Justice Department should be free of Presidential oversight, but Article II of the Constitution says otherwise...
1
No, that's not what Mueller believes. Mueller believes, because the Constitution and federal law teach, that the US attorney general is the attorney for the GOVERNMENT, not for the PRESIDENT. Attorneys have a duty of loyalty to their clients, but the Attorney General is not the president's client.
But all Executive Branch employees, including Mueller, act under the authority vested by the Constitution in the President. There is no executive authority independent of the President authorized by the Constitution.
It is true that US Attorneys, the Attorney General, and Special Prosecutors work for the people, but they do so through the President. To the degree that they act independently of the President, they are acting without authorization under the Constitution (and thus in violation of their oath of office).
To the degree that Mueller believes that the President can be held liable for attempting to influence his subordinates in the exercise of their lawful discretion (as opposed to ordering illegal acts or suborning perjury), he believes that those subordinates are, at least to some degree, free from Presidential oversight.
It is time to throw the White House baby out with his Republican sycophant bath water. The demise of the Republican Party is at hand. The only solution to this disaster is to oust anyone who runs as a Republican in November. We need to tell McConnell and Ryan know that we recognize the threat they and their constituents have brought to our democracy.
7
leaks like this makes the mueller team look even more biased
2
In most cases yes. But, the future of democracy is at stake. The public needs to know.
1
You're assuming the leaks are coming from the Mueller team? Look again, it is the Congressional Republicans and White House staffers doing ALL OF THE LEAKING.
I believe that it was the immortal Harvey Keitel, in "National Treasure," who noted that, "Somebody's got to go to jail."
9
This is all nothing. You won’t catch Trump, he’s much smarter than Nixon. Stop writing about him. Pay as little attention to him as possible. He is a creature who lives and thrives on one thing: MEDIA ATTENTION. The more he gets, the stronger he becomes. Ignore him, he will wither. Put all articles about him on page 10 or further back. If you must put things he does on page one, do not print his picture. Print pictures of someone else connected with the story. Anyone else. Mention his name as little as possible. Say The President. Do not write editorials or print op-ed pieces attacking him, it only feeds him. Stop considering him worth mentioning. He will react with increasingly bizarre behavior to get your attention. Ignore.
4
I agree about ignoring. But he’s proven time and time again that he is definitely not smart.
We are entering a phase of real danger. When a pathological narcissist - never mind one who's judgement is failing - begins to feel that he's going to be taken down, he will do anything to take as many people as possible down with him. And this evil man can take down a LOT of people.
5
As more revelations creep out concerning behind closed doors scheming in the not so white, White House, will the real lesson be learnt by the people who put this dangerous idiot into the most powerful office in the world? Disruptors come with a lifetime of baggage. We are seeing with Trump that his only real accomplishments are having protectors around him to mop up a load of hidden messes.
How low do his approval ratings have to get before the GOP swamp do the right thing? Is it 30%, 28%, or is their prop rock solid even at 25%? However long Trump clings on like a limpet, this is a weak and compromised presidency that no good will come out of. For the sake of global security, the government machine must start limiting his narcissistic damage, as cornered animals have no presence of mind to assess the consequences.
6
Remember Ron Brown and Vietnamese interference? No special prosecutor then - but that was Clinton instead of the Outrage of an Abomination that is Trump.
Now Frontline uncovers Brown was working with a Vietnamese hit squad operating in the US, and the NYT is all in a tizzy about tweets.
3
May this man be the millstone that carries the wretched Grand Old Party to it's overdue watery grave in the annals of history.
6
What if Russia had interfered and helped install Barack Obama, someone nobody once thought to have had a chance because he black, would we be rushing to oust him right now? This really has nothing to do with Russia or an internet as secure as Swiss cheese.
2
It won’t matter.
He may not be smart , but, like a weasel, he’s clever. He’ll say, “I’m not a lawyer, I didn’t know....”. All of us are stuck with this creature for at least 3 more years.
4
The Constitution doesn't care whether Trump knew he was committing treason.
2
I was in my early 20's during Wartergate. I do remember how things progressed over a period of time. There are many Questions about this Russian investigation. There are many connected to Mr. Trump in one way or another that had meeting with Russians since 2015. Mr Trump has lived skirted the line. There are reports he asked "Where is my Roy Cohen?' an man that was known as not being straight was his attorney and fixer. If there is any wrong doing here and I do believe there is it will come out. Loyalty goes so far those being questioned will knowif they lie to Mueller they are facing Felony charges. If they have something they know they will talk.
3
There is no "grip" on Mueller. In a sane world, he would be operating by historic committee rules. He is not. I think the most vexing thing about the whole orchestration, aside from the cost, is that it could go on indefinitely without any restraint from the cowards in Congress. I guess it might die when Mueller finally passes of natural causes, but who knows?
1
At this point I don't know which I would rather see more, the Don's tax returns or his mug shot sans the comb-over,
8
2 questions: Why has Donald Trump spent so much time and energy trying to prevent and even obstruct the discovery of something he says never happened? Wouldn't an innocent man who cooperate with investigators to quicken the outcome?
14
Apparently you Einsteins forgot to look up the definition of "Obstruction of Justice" as it pertains to US Law. It reads as follows-Obstruction charges may be brought if the person willfully and knowingly tried to protect a suspect (such as by providing a false alibi) or to hide from investigation of their own activities (such as to hide their involvement in another crime), this may leave them liable to prosecution. Obstruction charges can also be laid if a person alters, destroys, or conceals physical evidence. Obstruction charges may also be laid in unique situations such as refusal to aid a police officer, escape through voluntary action of an officer and refusing to assist prison officers in arresting escaped convicts. The definition of Obstruction of justice in US Law-PERIOD!!!
2
By that definition there is no doubt in my mind that Trump has obstructed justice. Your second sentence hits exactly what Trump has done. Thanks for the clarification!
5
This is a critical moment for the Republican Party. The writing is clearly on the wall for the Trump administration and its devolvement (Mueller or no Mueller). No Republican extrication is possible except by a Republican-led impeachment of Trump. That gives the GOP 2-3 years to normalize a Republican Presidency, regain a modicum of decency/patriotic intent, and save the nation from the impending Constitutional crisis.
My fear is that they lack the courage and necessary patriotism to accomplish the task.
4
"My fear is that they lack the courage and necessary patriotism to accomplish the task."
You would be right. The republicans at this point are a travesty. All they care about and work for are their extravagantly wealthy donors, many of whom are crooked themselves.
1
Donald Trump likely enjoys that this plays like a soap opera. It's a shame, though, that our country has had to spend such valuable time and resources on getting to the truth, and that so many careers and reputations have been thrashed in the process. This is a humiliating time for the United States.
4
Where is the Republican Congress? Why aren't they investigating Trump for obstruction of justice? Are there no patriots among them----not even the Vice President?
5
The ultimate question is going to be whether Trump obstructed inquiry. Struggle or attempt or plan to obstruct maybe perceived as obstruction but hardly makes a strong case for Russia collusion investigation. Trump won the election fair and square due to the American electoral college not due to Russia, Comey, Bernie Sanders or any other factors alleged by Clinton or anyone else. So far I find no clear reason to believe that the 2016 presidential election was compromised in any way by Trump himself or his campaign officials. The Mueller investigation is hanging by threads and Trump has not fired Mueller and should not fire Mueller.
1
Remember that although the Russian collusion is the main scope of the investigation, the investigation can address any crimes found along the way (like obstruction of the investigation itself). From that standpoint it does not seem to be hanging by threads. I believe many more findings and indictments are forthcoming.
5
Jeffk from Virginia. Keep hoping and believing many more findings and indictments are forthcoming that will have any impact on Trump presidency just as before the 2016 presidential elections many including 99% of NYTimes readers and its editorial board were hoping and predicting Clinton will win. With FBI renewing questions over Clinton Foundation and private email server and emails on Weiner's laptop, it seems more likely that it could be Clinton or her aides who will be indicted than Trump. Mueller has been sued and tainted and his investigation cannot go on forever and its turning out to be a witch hunt and a farce.
1
"God" could take over and deliver justice and it wouldn't matter one whit to the people who voted for and support Donald J. Trump and for what he stands. It is "they" who are the real enemy of the supposed-principles that made America "great" in the first-place ~ although there's a lot of doubt about that, as well.
3
What in the world would be wrong with a president not wanting a special counsel and urging there not be one. That's not obstruction, it's normal and it's political, which is not a crime. I know for those who believe his mere existence requires impeachment that doesn't matter. Sessions should have stepped aside b/c of his stupid answer to Franken, but it should have been kept in-house, if there was an investigation at all. I don't believe law enforcement should investigate anyone, including the president, without their being a good faith belief that a crime occurred. What we have here is only a desire for a crime to have occurred.
2
What will it take to move Congress to act against a clearly troubled president who seemingly has only his own best interests in mind? And on top of that, what on earth are the people who watch Fox news talking about? Is there some new Hillary story filling the airwaves?
I used to think that the Vietnam War had driven this country to the greatest division since the Civil War. Everything seemed so black & white to me: there was right and wrong clearly delineated. But now, at a time when someone has got to stand up and say enough is enough, half of our population is laughing while Trump insults Little Rocket Man.
The rest of the world is paying attention to all of this chaos. How long do we allow it to continue?
3
Just look at his man's posture and appearance, does he look like someone you would buy a used car from, much less trust him with our nation? This man reeks of dishonesty fueled by his mental unfitness to be President. He is the nightmare of everything that is America and what really made America Great. What a tragic and sad time for our nation, one that was the beacon of hope, of greatness, and the dreams and sacrifices of so many. All for this man to tear down and destroy. Worse is that the "protection" of our three branches of government has capitulated and become his nothing but his own personal tools to use against the people. Everybody who swore to protect America from this disgrace should be voted out of office, from Speaker Ryan to McConnell. They have fail and failed miserably in serving America.
4
Obstruction is the key word for this whole mess. caused by Trump and his henchmen. To have key aides setting up meetings like this with the Russians is one thing. But to hamper investigation into this mess, to hamper at the highest levels, is not only illegal - it's just plain wrong.
What could be higher obstruction than the President of the United States hiring an attorney general with the caveat that he would not investigate the President on a particular matter.
Trump = obstruction.
3
In Trump's view the chief qualification of the head of the FBI is loyalty to Trump, and the most critical function of an Attorney General is to "protect" Trump. Both are seen as employees who do as they're told by Trump, not as officers whose foremost obligation is to the nation.
I don't know the legalities regarding "obstruction of justice", but it's utterly clear to the guy on the street that Trump intended (intends) to obstruct any investigation into Russian interference in our recent election and/or any role he may have played. One can be sure there's a reason for his doing so, just as there's a reason for his not releasing his tax filings. And he knows what that reason is, All that remains is public exposure.
504
I wonder if all of Trump's misdeeds will be exposed while he is in the White House or only after he left the White House or after he is dead. Who knows, some of his misdeeds may never be found out.
He and his ilk certainly are doing a lot of damage to the US and unfortunately the Republicans in in Congress with their actions are not helping the country either nor seem they to be eager to set things right. Where is their moral outrage? On the other hand the Democrats on the Hill are not of much help either. It seems they could do more in either demanding that Republicans leave Mueller alone and certainly question the GOP's morals. By supporting Trump and his ilk one has to question as to where their moral compass is.
5
I agree. And the reason Trump views these government officers this way is because he sees the Presidency merely as a means to promote himself and his personal interests rather than as an honor and privilege to serve the nation.
7
You're basing this on unnamed sources, and yet you don't think Holder was beholden Obama? Just like the election, you'll be heartbroken when this nonsense turns out to be false.
5
The real enemies of the people of the US are Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. Here is where we see the real erosion of the spirit and soul of the United States, and a dereliction of duty on the part of Congress. That a small minority of elected congressional members (Freedom Caucus) can railroad the entire congress (enabled by these two) to enact their misguided agendas, to turn this country into an oligarchy, to sell us to the highest bidder, is the real disgrace of our time. Trump will only be the opening line to the discussion of when the United States fell from their position as leader of the free world. Many around the world will be happy, but all will suffer under what comes next.
4
"...and that it led one of Mr. Trump’s spokesmen to quit because he believed it was obstruction of justice."
When an employee quits because they believe what is happening it is illegal, I think it is reasonable to say everybody else knew something was amiss...Donnie and his goonies knew exactly what they were doing. They don't care because they feel they are above the law.
After seeing all these, I was trying to think the other way around: if there is a reasonable scenario on earth that Trump was truly innocent, working for America and all the things we have seen so far are either part of his Trumpian-sized strategy or just witch hunts against him?
I failed. I cannot think up of anything that passes simple logic tests.
Maybe you should look at the last administration and wonder why there were no investigations there. Oh wait that would have been raciiiiiiiist.
I wonder whether Trump is making two huge policy changes at this time to divert attention from the Public's consideration of Trump's own obstruction of junction misconduct in the Russian investigation. Trump already tried moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem as a diversion, but that did not last very long. Now, he is trying two additional diversions:
1) Trump Moves to Open Nearly All Offshore Waters to Drilling
2) Trump Administration Takes Step That Could Threaten Marijuana Legalization Movement
I think it's time for Trump to resign like Nixon did; then, President Pence can play the role of President Ford and pardon ex-President Trump for any possible misdeeds.
The world was better off without Nixon and the world will be better off without Trump.
3
The FBI director like the Federal Reserve chairman are appointed to terms of defined length, and hence unlike "any other employee in the executive branch". There is also a distinction to be made between the employee conducting the investigation and the investigation itself. That a president could replace the investigator with a toadstool with the intent of effectively shutting down an investigation into himself is nothing short of ludicrous
As a former journalist who is following the Mueller investigation closely, I am struck by the repeated question, "Why aren't Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell (and other members of Congress) doing anything to remove the president from office?" Here's a thought: What if they aren't doing anything because they are complicit in some of the activities upon which this investigation is shining a spotlight? What if their 2016 endorsements of and/or pledges of support for candidate Trump are tied to promises and/or exchanges (monetary or otherwise) that might be considered nefarious? If Mueller is following the money trail, he may uncover information about campaign funding and payouts that could embarrass or disgrace some of Congress's high-profile types. What if those who "aren't doing anything" about Trump are already too mired in this mess and realize that "doing anything" carries with it a risk that could bring down a career?
1
We now have the government run by the party that wants government to be run more like a business. They’ve succeeded. The government is being run exactly like a Trump casino.
2
What does he want "protection" from? How is Sessions, the Attorney General of the United States of America, supposed to do his job properly, if Trump is under the mistaken assumption that the AG's job is to "protect" the president?
They are both employees of the American people, and their job is to protect us from people like them -- what a conundrum!
2
If he's as innocent as he claims, then why all the pushing and shoving? What on earth is this man hiding? Every single thing he has done has shown consciousness of guilt. There must be something pretty terrible at the heart of this mess. A mess, by the way, which the country has brought upon itself.
The GOP has been strangely mute these past few days as revelation after revelation rolls down upon a weary public. How will this all end? Will we still have a country worth saving at the end of it?
1
It cannot be repeated often enough that Mr. Trump was foisted on us by the leadership of the GOP, which quickly fell in line behind him. Ryan, McConnell, Grassley, Graham, Cruz, Rubio, Huckabee, McCarthy and all the rest put tax cuts ahead of the republic, donors ahead of citizens, corporations ahead of humanity and party ahead of country.
To those who would blame the Trump base, the GOP is responsible for them as well. The racist, ignorant, "shake things up" base was created by a 50-year campaign of misinformation to discredit the press, science, education, expertise, government and truth itself. The GOP found common cause with destructive, voices like Fox, Breitbart, Drudge and the whole Murdoch arsenal, who offered public lies in exchange for private partnership.
Trump house is burning to the ground and raining sparks on what's left of the GOP. The sooner both are smoking ruins the better for the United States.
5
Why hasn't the Republican Congress acknowledged these issues? Why aren't they looking into impeachment proceedings? Although Pence is not a good choice for president at least he knows the rule of law and presumably is not deranged or criminal.
2
Paul Ryn and Devin Nunes are complicit. The DOJ is complicit.
One feels like a surgeon right now standing over a case that's worse every minute. The cancer is all the way down into the marrow.
2
Why hasn't the Republican Congress looked into these matters? Why is there no impeachment investigation? They have a responsibility to the people and they should meet it. They should meet it now.
2
For someone who says that the Russian investigation is a witch hunt and that there is nothing there, Trump and his cronies are sure acting as if they are guilty.
Congress is failing us. Impeachment proceedings are long overdue.
1
Starting to get clearer whats coming down;
1. Russian money laundering when no US banks would touch him (apparently real estate is an attractive laundering vehicle) and Trump was esp vulnerable because he needed cash in years before campaign. This is why he was so squirrely about tax returns and why Muller has been digging deep into his tax returns. Possible money laundering charges.
2. Russian hackers got guidance from Trump data team (led by Kushner) which explains the high precision of their Facebook fake news campaign despite having little knowledge of the US electoral landscape.
3. Trump the authoritarian thought he could just order it shut down the way he ran is family business. This exposes him to obstruction of justice charges.
Bottom line Muller has tons to work with and Trump is going to have no choice but to fire him since he ain't leaving in anything other than a pine box- and then the real fun begins.......
1
You needed him to protect you from what, Mr. Trump? Pray tell.
8
So, let's be clear: because they couldn't prove collusion, now they claim obstruction. And this, coming from NYT, must be "true".
3
That is not quite how I read it. The fact that while there was an active investigation into possible collusion the president took unprecedented actions to hinder the investigation is why they should go after him for obstruction.
2
You should be thankful for a free press, especially the NY Times. Educate yourself on the criminality of this so called President.
2
It was never a one track investigation. You must have a Trump University diploma.
2
The NYT and the rest of the main stream media are still asking themselves "What Happened?" How could 2,600 out of 3,100 counties in the US vote overwhelmingly for Trump when the media wanted them to vote for Hillary. Now it's Russia, now it's obstruction, or now it's impeachment. So immature and child like the way the media is acting during a roaring Trump economy and illegal immigration down by 70%
1
We know what happened. We also know enough to brace ourselves for the next recession.
2
Michael Goodwin, who worked for the NY Times for over 10 years, and now works at the NY Post, explains it well in "Why the Media Has Broken Down in the Age of Trump." Chris Hedges, who also worked for the NY Times for many years, explains legitimate disillusionment from the other side. Someone who has been honest about the Deep State since long before the 2016 election.
1
That claim about number of counties is just silly and would impress only the most illogical among us. You must know that there are very few people in most of those counties, which is why based on total votes Trump lost by almost 3 million.
And we should recall that not long after Mr. Trump blew up at Mr. Sessions for recusing himself and not protecting Mr. Trump (as the disreputable "Roy Cohn" would have), that 1. Mr. Trump sat down for an interview with Lester Holt and admitted that he had fired Mr. Comey because of the Russia ("Russ-er" as stated by Mr. Trump in his best Queens accent) investigation and 2. met with two high level members of the Russian government -- Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Sergey Kislyak, Ambassador to the US -- with no announcement by the White House or photos from the White House. We had to learn about the meeting from the Russian State Press. And during that meeting Mr. Trump told the two Sergeys that the pressure of the Russia investigation was off (because he'd fired Comey) as well as saying that Mr. Comey was a nut job. And to top it all off, in what seems as a way to impress his Russian friends (and maybe Mr. Putin as well) about his access to important intelligence, Mr. Trump disclosed "code word" intelligence that had been given to us by the Israelis.
And we thought then that things could not get worse with this Administration. How little did we know.
9
Although the orange fat clown is masquerading as a politician he is in reality a criminal. He deserves a thorough criminal investigation and then a trial by jury with appropriate punishment. It is time that white collar criminals spend time in jail instead of getting off for political reasons.
Let Mueller do his job and give true Americans a chance to pick up the pieces of the disaster that is Republican governance.
9
Not a single piece of information in this article that hasn't been published (or alleged) for over a year.
2
Nice try. It has been over a year and zero evidence of any wrong doing on Trump's part, no "collusion", no "obstruction". Lot's of evidence of governmental and Democrat party wrong doing, including Hillary. People are losing interest in the investigation and the angry Democrat NYT's, CNN, etc. conspiracy machine.
2
No, people are not losing interest in the investigation. Quite the contrary. You must be delusional if you see no evidence of wrong doing by Trump. He is wrecking our country and you're blaming Democrats? Lay off Fox News and treat yourself to Rachel Maddow.
1
I am wondering if Michael Wolff's book describing Trump as mentally unfit will be used Trump's defense to exonerate him from the Russia investigation... Maybe this Trump-Bannon rift is all made up.
3
What can be said of a man who had his scalp surgically shrunk so his bald spot would fit under his goofy comb over?
Telling, right?
Or maybe a man who perpetrates the lie that an American President might not be a citizen because he’s “different “ from our other presidents is worse.
4
Blocking publication of a book is against the constitution and freedom of the press. If Trump wants to block it it's because he has something to hide. Ever since the election, the USA has suffered from the DT's, Donald Trump. We go from Watergate to Info-Gate. All fascists block free thought and press! Trumps new year resolution should be to resign before the year is out!
5
Trump could instead simply try to follow the example of President Johnson, who, for example, reportedly used shell companies to purchase and then destroy all copies of books bound for America that he disagreed with (i.e., Farewell America, reportedly written by French intelligence, to help boost RFK's 1968 candidacy). Trucks worth of the first printing were immediately purchased and destroyed before ever reaching book store shelves.
1
Its apparent that Donald Trump believes the Executive Branch of the Government is his own personal family business; that the Attorney General is his personal attorney; that the entire world devolves around himself. It will do Democracy good to see this clown impeached.
4
“Where’s my Roy Cohn?”
If Mr. Cohn were alive again he'd be advising the newly resurrected HUAC that would be investigating ALEC and the Dark Money used by Alt-Right Republican billionaires to get bills passed and jammed into law before anybody in the land knows what's in them. Their brand would depict the Mayflower, the prow- a bare chested athletically built Donald Trump, for surely, Roy took a liking to his little Donald.
This is Trump's "Fifth Avenue Moment" where he shoots democracy, the rule of law, and the judicial branch and is charged, appropriately. And fulfilling Macbeth's prophesy of him as, "fire and fury" and signifying nothing. The witches would be proud.
4
The man-child, full of arrogance who lies and acts like a spoiled 10 year old stomping his feet for a candy bar. Has anyone ever heard of a sitting President having a C & D sent to a publisher in a ridiculous attempt to stop the publishing of a book? George Orwell couldn't have written it better.
7
An entire story and the only source cited is Michael Wolff’s book of uncorroborated hearsay?
2
Trump has been acting like a gangster since he took office, and people around him are afraid to antagonize him
7
Laundering.
Obstruction.
Treason.
There is a LOT wrong with the Trump Gang.
6
The evil Roy Cohn was Trump's, and all five of the major crime families in New York, long time infamous attorney. He mentored Trump to always fight 10 times dirtier than his enemies. Cohn's rule was to be make every confrontation SO slanderous and ridiculous for those that he represented, they'd come away with swirling and insane accusations directed at them. This technique creates such a flurry of controversy that the original issue is forgotten. Obviously Cohn would be representing Trump if alive today. Its disgraceful that the leader of our once honorable nation knows all the mob's tricks, and can get away with using them with impunity.
7
In the words of John Lennon, "Time wounds all heels."
3
Lordy, to quote James Comey. Donald is really living in the past to try to resurrect Roy Cohn. The Miss Havisham presidency. A complete fantasy world.
4
Whoa! NYT I think you’ve gone to far in your conclusions. You forgot that we have pathologically paranoid president.
Given that fact, it’s not a jump to see this paranoid president think the investigation is politically motivated.
And then let’s assume that Trump thinks Sessions is a paragon of virtue and defender of justice.
And then let’s assume Trump had NOT in any way colluded with the Russians to get elected.
Then why wouldn’t he not want Sessions involved to make sure justice was served?
Not to obstruct justice but rather to prevent a partisan witch-hunt. Even Trump is innocent until proven guilty.
The NYT is making an assumptions, ie trusting Sessions is tantamount to collusion.
I’m a independent, I’m focused on issues not D vs R. And I can see why the NYT would be accused of slanting the news. Unfairly.
I can’t believe I’m siding with Trump. I do think he is guilty of collusion. But NYT you are NOT judge and jury! Just the facts please, not a verdict!!
3
Impeachment is imminent.
5
The Trump and Kushner crime families are sweating that all the money laundering and illegal transactions will come out because of the Russia investigation.
Trump cannot run the country like a failed New Jersey casino.
Trump is in unfit and needs to be replaced. Pence has been complicit. Sessions either has dementia or just lies to Congress.
We must never let this happen to our country. Vote 2018
19
i suspect Donny Jr will live to regret his public disclosure in 2008 that “Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.”
Of course he was bragging and attempting to solicit even more funding from Russia/anywhere and you can forgive him his braggadocio. I mean, he wasn't to know that one day daddy would be POTUS.
It's interesting that Trump's cry of angst involved Roy Cohn, a bulldog of a lawyer who served his master tirelessly and often without charging a fee. Cohn saw Trump as his closest friend and he was completely loyal to him. In recognition of that slavish loyalty, Trump (apparently in lieu of $$$) presented his best friend and rabid defender with a diamond-encrusted set of Bulgari cuff links, which Cohn apparently treasured.
After he died, appraisers found them to be fakes.
15
What a fantastic story. Thanks. Had Cohn realized that, might he have torn his (Trump's) heart out? Watch Pacino's magnificent portrayal of Cohn in 'Angels in America' (2003) for an appreciation of just how evil Trump's mentor was.
1
So many people are discussing how to get rid of Pres.Trump. Duh: the way is to get a Democratic Congress in! IT'S THE ONLY CLEAR HOPE. Yet we continue to engage in gossipy recaps of who said, when did they say it, and is it enough. A Democratic Congress can let this all come out in impeachment proceedings!
But meantime, the Dems debate how to move left, rather than concentrating on cementing the party. Granted, it's a tall order. Many believe that if some 6MM Dems had voted Democratic, we would not have Trump. Bernie, Jill, and Gary, and followers, are you happy with your nihilism? Members of the Media, did you ever concentrate on the actual points in the Democratic platform, rather than the gossipy unreality show you presented?
Here are some points that you rarely or never heard about, from the Democratic candidate: For families making less than $125,000 a year, eliminate tuition for in-state students at public colleges. Comprehensive immigration reform. Improve the ACA- build on its successes, and make a ‘public option’ possible. Overturn Citizens United. Fight for equal pay. No middle-class tax raise. No to bad trade deals and unfair trade practices, including TPP. Increase the federal minimum wage. Expand background checks for gun sales. Increase federal infrastructure funding by $275BB over 5 years. But the Dems could not pull together.
There's a chance now to take back the Congress and restore order to our government. Will the Democrats come out and VOTE?
7
We really need to see those tax returns. Tax returns are a good beginning to a paper trail that leads to discovery of crimes - breaking laws ("We have rules around here...") - discoveries like the Justice Department gets paid to do, and Congress is supposed to do.
The current Justice Department is badly compromised, and the current Congress seems unwilling to uncover possible wrongdoing by Republicans. The opposite of UnCover is ... Cover-Up! The current congress seems to be covering-up wrongdoing by Republicans, including Republican members of Congress.
To put an end to the Republican Cover-Up we need a new Congress, so the un-covering can take place. In the meantime,
Let's See Trump's Tax Returns!!!
At this point the Free Press seems to be the only institution working properly in our United States. Let the Free Press get hold of the tax returns!!!
11
This story cries out for a graphical timeline.
4
I heard on the news this morning that they (Trump's immediate law enforcement whoever that should be) have confiscated all the cell phones in the White House. Amateurs! Trump is sure scared to death of something in that book and is trying everything in his power to stop its publication. Innocent people would laugh off a tell-all book. Trump's not laughing. What is Mueller waiting for?: A written confession from Trump?!
9
It seems that nearly everyone who comes in close contact with Trump as president is willing to give him up at every moment. They see what is coming and don't want to be part of it. I am not sure how someone who has no loyalty to anyone can expect loyalty from others. What a sad miserable hunk of flesh.
4
I am going to laugh when this all goes over and nothing happens. Nothing has been happening lately. Nothing is coming out of this whole thing. Just the Democrats are what was it they called it, oh that is right: "Witch hunt" they cried against "Hilary's E-mail Scandal".
4
"nothing has been happening lately?"
Okay, then. Thanks for clearing this whole shebang up.
3
Keep Grip on Russian investigation. That IS NOT HIS JOB! It might be his obsession but a normal POTUS would be abetting this crucial investigation.
4
I would Declare the Russia investigation as Over, with just one small condition. A Commitment by all the leading Automakers of the world (the GM, Ford, Chrysler, the VW group, BMW and Merc., the Tata, Suzuki, Hyundai and Toyota and Honda, and the rest of them, who may want to Join), to agree to follow the Laws of Motion. (What?, Yes, To agree to follow the Newton's Laws of Motion, something which they should all have followed in the First place, if not as their only Bible!); and that means 1) getting Rid of those Energy Killing Friction Brakes at the earliest, as well as 2) making full use of the 2nd Law of Motion, F=ma, for further improving the Transmission Efficiency especially at higher speeds. ..and Even if by having to Playing, Learning, Copying or Borrowing a Key Idea, Element or Technology from a pull-back Toy Car!, ..that We, They and our Kids all have Played with!. ..Trrrr, ..Vroom, or as ..Trrrr (= Braking Action), ..Vroom (= A Free Acceleration!).
The left is so going to regret manufacturing this.
4
As a couple, Pence and Trump have to be in this together.
I hope Mueller will look into this, and unveil the obvious conspiracy.
When two are involved in a "Job", why let one of the criminals off the hook to continue the treason ?
3
PLEASE STOP using the word “collusion”. It is legally *meaningless*. Use conspiracy or some other proper legal term.
5
This is all great, as is Fire and Fury, but what seems to be drowned out by today's noise is the very damning column written by the Fusion GPS investigators explaining how the Republican-led congressional committees are not acting on and are indeed suppressing the very real evidence of money laundering by the Trump Organization. The Steve Bannon stuff and dish on the Trump family is interesting, but we need real facts about the real crimes that have been going on, and there should be a real outcry to release the transcripts of Fusion GPS, not just the Michael Wolff stuff.
8
"Where's my Roy Cohn?"
I'd like to know where the examination of Roy Cohn's role in the Donald Trump phenomenon went. When this Russia got going and Trump was literally saying things like "This is McCarthyism!" and "Witch hunt!", no one pointed out, to my knowledge, Trump's one-degree connection to the man who helped "Tail-Gunner Joe" try to wreak such havoc in Congress and the country.
Irony abounds.
2
So, explain to me why we sit idly by and let such as these run our country. Putin helped traitors steal an election and put a malignant imbecile in the Presidency, with the knowledge and co-operation of a major political party, hoping to manipulate him to their purposes. The only way to drain the swamp is to drive Trump and all of his apologist and enablers out of government permanently. Knowing what is now known, there is only one basket of Trumpists. In November, all Republicans who do not speak out against Trump have to be voted out of office. All of his toadies should be permanently unemployable. The price paid for their treasonous complicity should be steep enough to prevent it from happening again.
7
The Apprentice has issues and people are ready to turn on him. Bannon was just the first.
2
Let's see, the first whiff of odor occurred with the refusal to release his tax returns. That was also the first whiff of smoke from the Russian gun at Trump's head should he refuse to follow the orders of his bankers, who own him and his family, body and soul.
Let's see how fast the Republican rats in Congress jump ship as it begins to list under the weight of the money trail that Mueller has traced back to Mother Russia. And how quickly Trump turns on his children and they on him.
6
If a "(so-called")President can get away with obstruction of justice, 'treasonous' collusion and self -enrichment and still not be the subject to the law , it is pretty clear that your constitution is not worth the paper it was written on. Sorry.
4
Yesterday, Rachel Maddow interviewed a former Justic Dept. attorney who said that there are two grounds for the AG to recuse him/herself: they "should" or they "must." "Must" includes the possibility that s/he is involved in or will be a witness in the case. I doubt that Sessions acted out of any honor--this is a man who expressed openly his admiration for the KKK, how much "honor" does he really have?--I think he acted from the same place all of this "administration" acts from: self-interest. He'd already knowingly lied to Congress once and fortunately, a Republican majority would surely let their "respected colleague" slide. But the antebellum house troll isn't entirely like his boss, he's immoral, but not stupid; he was probably protecting himself from a Democratic majority that will hopefully pursue all of this to its justifiable ends. If he'd not recused himself, his complicity in the case would only compound.
6
After more than a year of this Kangaroo Kourt investigation of Trump.....all the hard evidence keeps pointing to corruption within the Hillary Clinton Organization and the DNC....yet the howls to impeach the President is all we hear about.....Trust me.....the average citizen observes this very clearly.....and history will not be kind to those that continue this witch hunt.
3
Wow Boris, Cirque de Soleil can really use you!
Oh look...more hollow threats.
It seems to be a matter of a man who doesn't know the difference between right and wrong, who surrounds himself with sycophants and ignoramuses. Let's see if the checks built in to our system can check him, and save our republic.
5
So which country hasn't tried to influence our election? Britain? Mexico? Israel? Canada? Which US politicians colluded with these nations to influence? We need another investigation.
It appears to be imploding.
3
So many allegations, so little time.
If only we'd had this Wolff book and all of it's "unsubstantiated" allegations when the Democratically sponsored Mueller investigation started...we could have skipped his whole nothing burger investigation.
BUT HEY, it's in a book, so it MUST be true. LOL. Wait a minute, wasn't the Trump dossier another work of fiction too? I hate sequels, they're never as good, but I do look forward to the one on Wolff throwing people under the bus, Hillary style, as he tries to absolve himself from his own fake news.
Nixon never broke into the Watergate, but ...
3
The un-cover of elements leading to the pending hundreds of indictments- going back three previous admininistrations will no doubt see more and more desperate in vain attempts of deflecting legal attentions away from them and more a pile on the President. Sad pre-modern contribution from “the left”
1
Let me get this straight?? - So all of the issues with the Trump administration's problems are attributable to the 3 "PREVIOUS" administrations, and Trump & Co are just innocent bystanders who are being maliciously slandered??? Boy there's some really twisted logic being employed!
1
President Trump has already said that if he had known that Jeff Sessions was going to recuse himself from the Russia Probe that he would never have named him AG! That is not "obstruction" but his job to guide the Department of Justice! Or is he not the Chief Executive of the Administration in which the DOJ belongs or is the DOJ some type of independent branch of government? I thought there were only three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial!
2
These are the shenanigans of a Banana Republic dictator, not the president of the United States. What will it take for the Republicans in power to do something--anything--to stop this discount Mussolini before he destroys our democracy. Their silence makes them culpable.
5
It is all about the money - the money laundering.
6
So sad what’s happening to this country and consequently the entire world under this administration. His mess will take years, decades, to repair. Unfortunately much damage likely irreparable. All hope in the corrupt GOP lost. 2020 the people will win again (including those “forgotten” people trump fooled - to those people: Google The Koch Brothers if you are yet to see the light)
3
HMMMMM,
Seems that I read that Mr Mueller is a Republican.
How can he not do this job impartially?
I can honestly say I am no fan of Trump. This being said- there has been more news articles with anonymous or unnamed sources in the last 12 months than probably the last 20 years. So either we have politicians illegally leaking info about Trump or news organization so brazen to accept anything anti-Trump they feel no need to independently verify. We factually know that the DNC paid Fusion GPS 10 millions dollars (which they tried to hide) to a British spy who then basically money laudered this money to give it to Russians to dig up dirt (factual or not) on Trump in an attempt to win the election for Hillary. So can someone explain how giving Russians money thru an intermediary from a DNC bank account is just fine? And please- can liberals please stop ever ever saying the Fusion GPS was republican funded!!! Yes yes- it was originally funded as the run of the mill political opposition research. It wasn't until the DNC funneled 10 MILLION dollars into it's account before it went to Russia for "research". As they often say- follow the money. In this case- it was DNC money going to Russian.
All Mueller has to do is examine Loretta Lynch, Comey and friends handling of Hillary's email investigation to find obstruction of justice.
This is a Government?