Every day I read more news of Republicans and Trump saying and doing things that show their intent to destroy the system of checks and balances and the rule of law. To say that power corrupts is an understatement. It's stomach turning to watch this power grabbing, unethical, vindictive, political party malign our justice system and the media. They have revealed the big weak link in our Constitution; there are no checks and balances when the majority in the Congress and Senate are in collusion with the president. We may be heading for an uprising against this Republican coup.
1
The Atlantic article, the expose of Manfort - lifts the curtain on an aspect that we're dealing with: Mindset, dirty dealings of Republicans and Trump.
Throughout the Republican Party, and deeply within Trumps reign - is a new kind of corruption, stopping at nothing to rob our citizens of democracy.
Republicans and Trump - are the swamp.
Pressurizing FBI, Mueller.
Repeal Citizens United, get money and lobbyists out of our political process.
The Democrats, however, are not lining up a vision we can buy into. Every time the Dems throw their weight behind a transgender cause - they gain 3 votes and loose 300. Get over it: this is not vision ( and personally I'm indifferent to that issue).
Tonight, how many proud and conscientious Americans realize the imminent, catastrophic danger to our great democratic republic that an autocratic and unpatriotic President Trump now portends? His brazen, serial preening of phenomenal ignorance and disrespect of American Constitutional norms and positive law has reached truly crisis proportions. The profound question that every American faces right now is not whether supine, sycophantic, and dogmatic partisan Congressional Republicans will squash their Democratic counterparts but whether millions of patriotic and law-abiding Americans will rise up in furious Indignation to stop Trump's increasing evisceration of justice and democracy -- or become the 21st century counterpart of the 'Good Germans' who turned a blind eye to fascism's tragic trajectory.
3
A little knowledge (in this case about the new tax law) can be a dangerous thing:
"The recent tax give away to the top 10%, never to end, is the kept promise to big donors. The middle class also got small tax cuts, set to sunset in 2027."
As this commenter may or may not know, ALL individual-rate cuts expire in 2027, including the top-rate reductions. It's possible, of course, that some future Congress will say "The top 1% of taxpayers get to keep their lower rates, but the rate-reductions for lower-income taxpayers will expire." But I seriously doubt that will happen, and it shouldn't.
I'm curious to learn just how much the new tax law will affect different income groups. I've already figured out that my taxes probably will go up, but most people's taxes will go down. The national DEBT is expected to jump by $1.5 trillion, which bothers me, though Trump's people dispute that, insisting that growth will actually increase tax revenues, even at lower rates. We'll see; we've heard that before.
In any event, according to the most recent numbers (2016), the top 1% of taxpayers (based on "adjusted gross income") paid just under 40% of federal income taxes, the top 5% paid 60%, and the bottom 50% paid 2.75%. I anticipate that the top 1% will end up paying slightly less, that the next 4% will pay more, and that the bottom 50% will pay about the same (2.75%) or maybe a bit less (good). I'll be curious to see actual numbers, though, which presumably won't be available until 2019.
Too bad members of congress never spend time protecting the jobs of regular Americans. Instead they spend time having committees to investigate the committees with the same "special counsel" raking in millions for never ending "investigations" that never end up changing anything.
1
I agree with the sentiment, but there's a lot of competition for that top spot:
"This is the biggest spin and hype on a non-story ever..."
Oh please!
"Complaints that the Mueller investigation hasn't yielded results are absurd. The complete Watergate timeline took MORE THAN TWO YEARS to unfold."
In Watergate, we knew within days (hours?) that the burglars had been hired by somebody in the White House. From the very start, in other words, Watergate involved a lot more than just shoot-from-the-hip allegations; there was actually evidence. The investigation began soon after the election, and Nixon was actually out of office just over 2 years after the break-in. Along the way, there were many major events, including numerous examples of the "piece-meal" revelations that so many commenters now claim would weaken Mueller's hand -- for example, the revelation that Oval Office conversations were recorded, the Saturday Night Massacre, and on and on and on.
By contrast, Mueller looks like he'll just be warming up by this August. Flynn and Bannon have been gone for a very long time -- Flynn for about a year, in fact. Both are said to have "flipped" -- whatever that means -- and yet we've not heard that Mueller has made any move to talk with either of them. I fully understand that Mueller won't want to tell anyone what they've said, or even that he's talked to them, but there's really no question that some enterprising journalist would have told us by now if Mueller had talked to one or both of them.
Mueller can drag this out indefinitely, but I think we all contemplated that he'd look deeply into this, and report.
Would a snake eat it's own tail? Never. And so it is with the Republicans. They do not want to write their own obituary.
3
ALL of the GOP are Collaborators. The BEST Collaborators. Big, beautiful Collaborators. Believe Me. Let me tell you, Collaborators.
5
If Americans aren't alarmed yet they should be.
We're witnessing nothing less than an assault on our nation, our values, our institutions, the rule of law itself.
What astonishes me is the complicity of the GOP leadership in Congress. One could see the authoritarian coming - but had counted on the patriotism of Republicans in Congress - just as the framers foresaw, the day might come when a despot with ties to a foreign prince found himself in the White House.
What they didn't see was the possibility that all three branches of government, ruled by the same party, might be equally dangerous and equally corrupt.
8
In a perfect world, we'd wake up tomorrow to the news that Mueller has indicted Trump, Junior, Manafort, Kushner, Nunes, Ryan, Sessions and many more for obstruction of justice.
That would surely change the tone of Trump's SOTU address.
:D
5
This effort to protect Mueller and our knowledge of the Truth is either passed, or they can go ahead and shut down the Government. If we don't get to the Truth, there will be no Government anyway. There is nothing else as important as this issue!
4
Oh for God's sake New York Times. The GOP wants Mueller and his investigation gone as badly as Trump does. They are partners in his obstruction. Headlines and stories like this show just how low your journalistic method and ethics have gone in the last 10 years. At least have the decency and courage to call a spade a spade. This pandering by the media is a large part of why Trump is in the WH now and the GOP owns our government.
7
This is the biggest spin and hype on a non-story ever, for the purpose of creating a false atmosphere that: 1) President Trump is presently acting on firing Mueller, which he has denied, and 2) that this FBI created Russian collusion fiction has any merit whatsoever. I can't wait for the memo, and how the NYT and the rest of the fakenews media will try to spin it.
2
There's no need to ever add "which he denies" to anything Trump had said as a means to bolster an argument. He says whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and only by pure coincidence do those words sometimes intersect with reality or truth.
There's no credibility added to any argument by involving a Trump statement. In fact, his connections to truth and reality are so demonstrably bad that it actually hurts the credibility of a person using his statements to support their argument.
2
It’s a probably more a comment on the general level of literacy and tenor of discourse in social media that elites believe that anyone who can string together a coherent sentence must be a very sophisticated Russian operative.
2
Republicans have become terrible at policing their own and worse and, more to the point they just don't care because Trump will sign pretty much anything they put on his desk if he thinks it pleases his base as and, they don't steal his thunder. Many republicans in the House aren't seeking reelection and have decided to go along with Trump to change, remove, roll back or suspend by executive order the laws and rules that will benefit them best after leaving office and returning to the private sector and, Trump appointed cabinet secretaries friendly to the republican cause to ensure it go's smoothly. It's a cash grab. In a way a conservative break the windows, flip and torch the cars on the side streets, less conspicuous, riot of pent up frustrations after decades of what they perceive as liberal government giveaways and attacks on liberty by giving people of all things liberty and, unfriendly laws that hamstring business profits which reduce stock dividends. The results of Mueller's investigation may provide enough evidence to bring articles of impeachment against Trump because of obstruction of justice or, expose criminal activity in his business dealings. But hey who are we kidding, because if republican leadership does anything to Trump it may be another three or four generations, ninety to one hundred twenty years, before the getting is this good again.
1
Nearly everyone seems to recognize that Trump would be foolish to fire Mueller. He'd quickly lose most of his support. Nor would that accomplish much, if anything: Mueller would simply be replaced, just as Archibald Cox was replaced by Leon Jaworski in the Watergate investigation.
Muelle is bullet-proof. One wishes he wouldn't exploit that knowledge by dragging his heels, but there's nothing anyone can really do about that. Mueller can drag this one for as long as he wants to, and he knows that. So does Trump. So does pretty much everyone.
3
For the life of me, I don't understand why Trump critics would want to prevent Trump from firing Mueller.
Only two events could hurt Trump:
1. Mueller finds evidence that Trump colluded with the Russian government.
2. Trump fires Mueller.
Obviously Trump has no control over #1. Trump doing #2 would almost certainly end his Presidency. So why would a Trump opponent want to prevent #2? Am I missing something here, or are others missing something?
Perhaps Mueller's honorable reputation and past as a public servant and Marine officer? Mueller does not deserve to be fired; and, I respect any member of Congress who opposes that possibility. That might be what you are missing.
4
Complaints that the Mueller investigation hasn't yielded results are absurd. The complete Watergate timeline took MORE THAN TWO YEARS to unfold. Trump's been president for one year.
8
@Bill C you are absolutely right: Why are the naysayers so impatient? Mr. Mueller was appointed in May 2017, making his investigation just short of nine months old.
6
Another commenter points out:
"Maybe if the fire Mueller incident had happened more recently than last June there would be more urgency."
I'll add this:
Let's not forget that Trump did NOT fire Mueller, either last June or at any other time, and that Mueller has never even suggested that Trump has interfered with his investigation in any way.
The June incident strikes me as an instance of Trump expressing exasperation but being talked out of doing any thing by cooler heads -- i.e. McGahn, who understood what Lindsay Graham said over the weekend and nearly all of us have long understood: Firing Mueller, or interfering with his investigation, would lead (fairly quickly) to the end of the Trump Presidency.
That ain't going to happen. Mueller knows that; Trump knows that, and each of them knows that the other one knows it. For reasons he considers sufficient, Mueller is dragging out the investigation longer than most people ever expected he would, but there appears to be little anyone can do about that.
1
Has anyone else noticed how the ostensible purpose of the "Russia investigation" has morphed?
"... one of the most important investigations into foreign interference in US politics ever commissioned."
Nobody has ever disputed that (1) the Russian government tried, and still tries, to interfere with US elections, notably including the 2016 Presidential election; or (2) Trump tried his darndest to win that election (and did). The question is -- or at least it USED to be –– whether Trump and the Russian government COLLUDED in that effort.
Remember those days? When we all thought Mueller (and the various Congressional investigations) were looking for "collusion?" Now many observers seem to find it sufficient if Mueller comes up with evidence of what we've all known for a long time: that the Russian government tried, and still tries, to interfere with US elections, notably including the 2016 Presidential election; and (2) Trump tried his darndest to win that election (and did).
Some quibble with the word "collusion," pointing out that "collusion" isn't a crime. I have no quibble with that word, though I'm happy to use "conspiracy" if anyone insists. I'm more concerned with whether it happened, not the label we apply to it if it did. One hopes that Mueller remembers too what he was hired to look for -- evidence that the Russian government and Trump worked together to accomplish a goal that they reportedly shared: to beat Hillary Clinton.
2
By refusing to protect Mueller, the Republicans have joined Trump's conspiracy to obstruct justice. What can we do about it? Nothing until November when we can get rid of enough House Repubs to begin the long overdue process of impeachment of the Obstructor of Justice in Chief.
2
What could they possibly pass that would be Constitutional?
The Executive Branch is under the President, not Congress!
They could no more pass a law that the President could not veto a Bill.
Trump is not stupid enough to fire Mueller. If he does there will be ample cause to impeach him immediately for obstruction of justice.
1
The stepping down of Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe today confirms that BULLYING TO GET YOUR WAY has become the preferred strategy for Trump and ELECTED Republicans. Never before has a president publicly singled out so many public servants by name and then tried to destroy their honor and credibility! Day by day democracy in America is fading into oblivion!
5
This may be a controversial statement, but given separation of powers, why would the Legislative branch be allowed to overstep its role to prevent the Chief Executive from controlling the Executive branch? This is a constitutional question that the administration will likely win in the SCOTUS.
If Congress wanted to stop Trump from abusing his authority as president - have a prescription for that in the Constitution: it's called "impeachment".
Senator Grassley said he's open to protecting Mueller but don't believe him. He was also open to releasing the Fusion GPS transcripts and we all know how that ended. I believe that Grassley would like nothing better than to see Mueller fired. He wants to protect Trump because as long as Trump is in power, Grassley is in power. The farmer with no expertise in the law controlling the Judiciary Committee. His thirst for power is unquenchable.
7
I know that conservative reporters will simply lump this article with all the other "fake news" pieces that refuse to paint a flattering portrait of the GOP. With that said, if one looks objectively at the facts and the pattern that they fall into, it is impossible not to see what an utter disgrace the Republican's are. They simply refuse to show any respect for truth, facts, and due process as long as they satisfy the lobbyists that feed their dark money hunger. People forget how it was the Republican's that led the charge to find out what Nixon was up to during the Watergate scandal.
Perhaps it's Pollyanna-ish of me to say it, but I remember a day when there existed at least the perception that a politician's obligation was to the people and the constitution before their party. Now being led by a crook doesn't matter if the promise is there to share in his spoils.
5
The recent tax give away to the top 10%, never to end, is the kept promise to big donors. The middle class also got small tax cuts, set to sunset in 2027. The bill for reduced revenue will also come due; the middle class and working poor will pay for that in increased taxes. This was passed in the middle of the night, no Democrats invited, in secret. The only way to reverse it is by Congressional repeal. The GOP Congress will never repeal big tax cuts for their donors.
1
What must the Republicans Mueller and Rosenstein think of their party today? It gives me some hope that, if they became convinced that their party would not upright itself, they might have left it by now. But their Republican roots are intellectually deep and their ideologies, while different in some ways, was most aligned with Republican views.
We are witnessing the internal struggle between a small minority of Republican public servants and politicians and the rest who are wavering at best and fully divested of their patriotism and their ethical and rational minds at worst.
1
Trump is NOT going to fire Mueller.
Undoubtedly there will continue to be speculation about that occurring, and about the consequences if it does, but it hasn't actually happened and never will -- unless, of course, Trump is politically suicidal, which he's not. He seems to be "politically homicidal," but I've seen no sign that he's politically suicidal.
Let's face it: There are only two ways that Mueller's investigation could lead to Trump's downfall:
1. Mueller finds evidence of collusion.
2. Trump fires Mueller, or interferes with his investigation.
If #1 occurs, Trump will be and should be toast. If such evidence exists, I'm confident Mueller will find it, and so there's nothing Trump can do about that. Trump has control only over #2, and, again, he's shown no sign of being politically suicidal. That being so, I can't imagine that Trump would ever fire Mueller or interfere with his investigation (and Mueller has never claimed Trump is interfering in any way).
Several commenters insist that prosecutors never release their findings until the end, that piece-meal disclosures might weaken Mueller's case, and so on. Two problems with that argument:
1. Mueller HAS released partial conclusions -- they just haven't been terribly impressive (his indictments of Manafort and Gates on entirely unrelated charges, and his indictment of Papadopoulos -- have you read GP's statement?).
2. Trump's critics feel justified in speculating right now about what Mueller might find.
The New Yorker magazine ran a series on Trump by an investigative reporter; the reporter stated that when Trump could no longer borrow money from established banks due to his credit history, Russian oligarchs arranged for 250M to be laundered through The Bank of Cyprus and Deutsche Bank; Trump received the loan from Deutsche Bank. More recent is the arrival of 95M delivered in a private jet to buy Trump Organization distressed property in Florida. Who, besides Putin, would have 95M to deliver in a private jet? I don't know any more about Putin than the average Times reader; however, what I do know about the former head of the KGB is that he keeps track; he uses threats and bribes to get what he wants. He has historical links to Tillerson, and to Don, Jr. Regardless of the current political arguments going on now, it would not appear to be a good thing for a President to owe a lot of money to a foreign adversary. And, Putin remains a foreign adversary of the U.S. and all Western democracies.
3
If they oust Mueller this country will see demonstrations that will make the Women's March pale in comparison. We would have no choice. Our country, our Constitution, is at stake. March we will. The ground will rumble and shake beneath our feet.
3
“It’s pretty clear to me that everybody in the White House knows it would be the end of President Trump’s presidency if he fired Mr. Mueller,” Senator Lindsey Graham
Thank you, Senator Graham.
6
There's little evidence that a corrupt president can be taken down by legislative action to prevent such action. I'm enjoying watching this republican president attacking republicans in his own cabinet and of his own choosing - such as AG Sessions.
A large net has been cast to catch the Liar-in-Chief, Trump. It's already been demonstrated that he has lied more than 2,000 times just since he has been president. Is it any wonder that, with that record, the obstructionist Republicans would do everything possible to avoid having the president testify under oath?
Would a pathological liar do well under oath? The Republicans don't think so, and they have become major obstructionists to the search for truth and justice.
The large net may now be used to catch some of the fish swimming around him (his Republican defenders). I can't wait for the outcome. Good luck, Mueller.
3
It is utterly clear: Republicans are directly or indirectly accomplices of so many president's wicked or unscrupulous actions.
3
Mueller must stay. Why haven’t the Republican’s acted on a protective law for him? There is no excuse unless they too are as corrupt as their president.
3
Anyone that steps out of their echo chamber will realize that every day that goes by reinforces the fact that there probably was no Trump-Russia collusion, so now the Dems in order to keep this farce going are claiming that Mueller needs to be protected from a Trump firing, even though their is NOTHING that has happened in the last 9 months to even suggest that Trump or anyone in the WH has even discussed this as an option. You all look ridiculous for hyperventilating over this, and the media looks ridiculous for reporting it.
1
Unfortunately, the Republicans in congress are having a difficult time distinguishing between the United States of America and Greed. Really, at what cost do you keep and support Trump? After we determine he worked for the Russians or will that also be acceptable? Dear Republicans please read a book or two regarding Fascism. Or better yet hold it up in the mirror.
1
When the Legislative and Executive branches of Government are compromised -
as they sure appear to be - all that's left to correct the process of maintaining a democratic republic is the Judiciary and the electorate. And for my money that's all there is to save the nation from becoming a plutocracy. If that suits the GOP and their benefactors (who most certainly do NOT represent the majority of voters) then they have no rightful place in a Congress meant to serve the people. The spin doctors are dancing like dervishes to discredit the legitimacy of one of the most important investigations into foreign interference in US politics ever commissioned. It's not just Mueller and his investigation that are imperiled - it's the nation.
3
Gorsuch, who stole an appointment to the SC from Merrick Garland, is not the man to count on for protection from a plutocracy; he handed down a Decision protecting an employer who fired an employee for leaving his container behind during an ice storm, driving his rig to a safe place where he could get warm and not freeze to death. The employer sued for product abandonment; Gorsuch ruled in the employer's favor. Should the employee have died in sub-zero weather? Should he have driven a loaded container down an iced over public roadway with oncoming traffic? The employee did what he should have done on both counts; Gorsuch equated the employee's life saving action with that of a traitor in war time, as if a container full of commercial goods was actually full of humans.
One of the reasons that the republicans may be wary is that such a law would be unconstitutional. Trump runs the Executive Branch (including the DOJ). Mueller has been appointed by the DOJ to investigate. Despite this, Trump has constitutional authority to remove Mueller. That does not mean he would not be impeached (political) for something he could not be legally charged with.
Follow the money. There may be no solid evidence of collusion between Donald and the Russians, but certainly Mueller will find money laundering and that Donald and Jared, in violation of sanctions, sought pathways for loans from Russian billionaires. Neither care about government nor governing: they are interested in their respective businesses, and how to shore them up.
2
It isn't Mueller Trump wants fired, it's his knowledge. In the event he's fired, he should expose his knowledge publicly. Wouldn't that be a fine deterrent to keep him on the job?
Special Prosecutors are like athlete's foot. Terrible, itchy, irritating almost impossible to control and get rid of. Starr in the Clinton administration, decided that-after not finding anything to make an issue of- even after the end of the President's second term, when he was no longer in the Oval Office, Starr continued to dig and to see himself as indispensable.
One day, Trump will be gone. We won't need a special investigator. If we make special laws to protect the jobs and investigations of such individuals and their often peculiarly motivated investigations, we may end up with a new version of the FBI, but only to to investigate the President, whoever it is, for as long as he(she) pleases and with absolutely no need to report to anyone or any legal responsibility to even the Senate or House. A "protected" Special Prosecutor is similar to Mary Shelley's "monster" , created by her ambitious, but thoughtless Dr. Frankenstein, who then felt the need to spend the rest of his life, tracking the creature-all the way to North the polar sea, trying to destroy his own creation. He failed and died in the attempt. Let his death be a warning about the creation of immortal monsters, from scraps of dead, discarded bodies.
If Trump was not guilty of crimes related to Russia and/or obstruction of justice, he and his minions would not be so desperate to sabotage the investigation.
4
When I saw “Republicans show little urgency...” I thought the rest would say “to stop Russian hacking.” The party in power clearly does not want the truth to come out via Mueller, nor to thwart the Russians, nor to correct ludicrous gerrymandering, nor to have fair and open elections. We’re upside down and they know it. Skullduggery is the only way they stay in power.
4
McCabe now gone. Rosenstein next (just read the memo). Even though a FISA judge is the one who approved the surveillance on Carter Page, not Rosenstein. Republicans saying no need to protect Mueller, as they are in the middle of a plot to fire him?
If you want to see what the subversion of justice in a country looks like, just take a deep breath, and look around you.
2
It's not as though Democrats celebrated Ken Starr when he was investigating Bill Clinton.
3
Can you imagine Mr. McCarthy with the Founding Fathers? Why do we need a first amendment or a second amendment to the constitution. "Right now there is no issue, so why create one when there isn't a place for it?"
I'm a a loss to say how really dumb this sounds and he must know it too.....or maybe not......
1
The majority of the GOP had no problem expeditiously and unilaterally approving its "Tax Reform" bill, for the wealthiest in the US including loopholes for many of them to personally benefit financially.
Yet they are unilaterally going to wait until their is a constitutional crisis, instead of attempting to prevent one, as shown by prior history.
The majority of the GOP is refusing to move until it is too late. If, as and when that happens, it may be too late to save our democracy...However, of course, they will assuredly protect themselves.
4
Maybe if the fire Mueller incident had happened more recently than last June there would be more urgency.
3
Legislating that the executive branch cannot fire one of its employees is a terrible precedent to set. Impeach him if he does, but dont pass constitutionally vague laws like that.
4
Expecting Republicans to do the right thing is simply betting on long odds.
They have long since shown themselves to repudiate decency, morality, patriotism.
There is something they are afraid of.
Mid-terms maybe?
6
November 6, 2018 can't get here soon enough.
It's our patriotic duty to do some serious, and I mean serious housekeeping.
It's time to find the obstinate obstructionists a new zip code.
10
At least one version of the proposal violates the separation of powers inherent in the Constitution. The special counsel statute apparently empowers the AG (here read Deputy AG due to recusal) to dismiss for good cause. Should that happen and should the counsel wish to proceed to an appeal, the decision is probably reviewable because there is a statute governing and courts interpret actions under statutes. If the president had acted last year requesting Deputy AG to dismiss the counsel, there would have been litigation over whether or not the counsel had a real or apparent conflict of interest or was exceeding his mandate. That case has essentially been litigated within the Executive Office of the President, so the need for any bill seems to have evanesced. The usually astute Senator Graham should realize that the matter is now political.
1
It's apparent that we need legislation to protect the special counsel. This should not be a partisan issue. It certainly makes this independent voter wonder what's behind the Republican's failure to act.
6
Our Rep, Peter Roskam (IL-06) says nothing about Nunes and his partisan conspiratorial memo against our law enforcement agencies.
Shame on the GOP.
Looking forward to voting this November.
8
Work to defeat him.
3
At this point it seems Mueller is the only Republican who stands between the country and those who would do her in. The neglect (and interference) from the GOP with regard to the Mueller investigation is astounding.
9
Trump's presidency is highlighting the worst faults in our system of government.
1) the electoral college, which is flatly anti-democratic.
2) the absence of required job qualifications for anyone running for president. This characteristic even allows convicted criminals (Joe Arpaio) and proven frauds (Donald Trump) to run, whereas a conviction exposed through a background check would immediately disqualify anyone else applying for any other job.
3) the disastrously uneven administration of justice. There is no equal justice, period. Now we are watching the people who make the laws organizing to ignore the laws, or change the laws, and to cripple the law enforcement apparatus, because they find it convenient to do so. They are going to come up with a way, some way, to protect the criminal Trump.
4) The absence of a mechanism for the voters to force a change of elected officials that they do not want and do not trust with life and death political decisions.
Welcome to America. It is hardly the great democracy of its reputation. There's more justice for some than others. The citizens are subjects, and elected officials are lords and vassals. Money and power are all that matter.
6
It is a sad circumstance to see a democracy gradually slip away before our eyes as, in order to obtain all the things they desire, a group of Republican enablers will go out of their way turn-off all the checks and balances to protect a corrupt and vile President.
This is the REAL Republican Party and for a brief moment in time, it has always been this way.
5
I consider it a tragic situation anytime a President or other high ranking official is put under investigation. No matter how deserved or not, it is a sad situation. No one should feel glee about it.
2
Of course, there is no cause for glee but this situation calls for resolve. In a democracy it is critical to pursue the truth and as a society we must commit to that pursuit. Efforts to undermine that pursuit are destructive to our democracy and should be rejected. We should be encouraged by the process, not saddened by it.
2
How does Devin Nunes still have security clearance enough to compile this memo?
Didn't Devin Nunes recuse himself, months ago? Who does he think he works for?
Why does Devin Nunes see fit to continue a partisan gaslighting campaign meant to discredit his own law enforcement agencies?
Devin Nunes must have a lot to hide.
Shame on Mr. Nunes, and shame on those who voted him to his position.
Everything he does reeks of guilt.
Where is GOP leadership? Why do they continually abdicate their responsibility to the country and constitution?
Mr. Nunes should resign. Mr. Paul Ryan should announce it.
GOP = complicit.
8
Spineless to the core. History will be unkind.
9
Shocking how the Republican Party has sold out what's left of its honesty, intellect and morality by hitching itself to Trumpism when it could be rallying around what's left of its best members like Mueller and Rosenstein.
8
August 2017 – Repubs moved quickly amid speculation that Mr. Trump might fire Mr. Mueller. They introduced measures that would provide a layer of job protection
Last week – the NYT reported that “that Mr. Trump sought in June to fire Mr. Mueller.”
In other words, the very thing that Repubs suspected may happen – almost did.
Today – Kevin McCarthy says, after hearing of Trump’s June 2017 comments, “I don’t think there’s a need for legislation right now to protect Mueller.”
The joke’s starting to get old.
3
The Republicans stole a presidential election in 2000, then the Republicans stole a supreme court seat by blocking a sitting president from fulfilling his duty and now the Republicans are working on their biggest theft of all...stealing innocence for the guilty. And that's the state of the union.
3
Let's just say Republicans Show Little, or better, Republicans Show Nothing, and leave it at that.
Is this the plan now? Since shutting the government down over funding for amnesty and illegal immigrants didn’t hold, the liberals are now going to shut the government down over their Russian collusion fantasies?
Good. Do it. Maybe next it can something related to transgendered bathrooms, or global warming. Just like the GOP did at its nadir, the Democrats’ progressive fringe needs to show us all just how nutty they are for a disruptive Trump to come along and defeat and humiliate their leftist ideologues.
The more they push on fringe issues, the more likely they are to be taken over from the outside, by a populist, like the GOP was.
"Both bills under consideration would empower a panel of federal judges"
This is why trump is frantically trying to get his slate of sycophantic ultra right wing judge nominations approved.
2
They're trying to pretend Trump is innocent of wrong-doing when they know darned well he's a crook, cheat, liar, and more than likely in bed with hostile foreign powers.
When Trump creases to be the necessary face of anger that can get the Republican elite what they want — more wealth — they'll feed him to Mueller with pleasure.
3
Each day, my faith in finding any sane and ethical Republican is shaken.
The party of "law and order" is attacking the FBI. The party of family values, gives a "mulligan" to sexual pedophiles and predators. The party of the McCarthy congressional hearings that fought viciously against communism, is refusing to take the Russian interference of our 2016 seriously. Who are these people?
3
So...
Beyond a law protecting "Dreamers", the Dems want a law protecting "Muellers"...
Why not an omnibus law protecting anyone who doesn't work for - or isn't related to - Trump...
Alternately, they could imbue Mueller with "chain protection", where - once statutorialy protected himself - he could reach out in any direction and protect a person working with him simply by pointing at them...
1
The Republicans are undermining the Russian investigation. They need to reflect on the history of those who gave and still put their lives in danger to protect America!
Patriot Nathan Hale Was Hanged
September 22, 1776
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
1
Republicans have a strange notion that if they can save Trump et al from justice, they will assure themselves of getting what they and their constituents want out of government. Trump is going to crash and burn as an effective President before the end of his term in office. He hasn't got the right stuff to be a good President, and he's not an ethical person. He does not lead, he does as Congress wants if they stroke him nicely, he agitates his audiences, but he is incompetent and he keeps screwing up and will continue to screw up. Meanwhile, the Republicans are following an agenda designed to turn our republic into some kind of pseudo democracy of the powerful where not law but personal power determines how free or subservient are people.
1
Republicans are out to get Mueller (a Republican); why would they shield him?
The protection of Mueller from Trump shows the level of incompetence of Trump. Trump is under no threat from Mueller. The fact is that Trump hates to be investigated and he figures that since he is the president he can end them without any consequence. The Ds and Mueller have no case against Trump and the investigation will eventually have to end. It seems the Ds and Mueller are hoping that they can get a break from an unrelated issue like Monica Lewinsky did for the Starr investigation of Bill Clinton.
1
I guess, c harris, that is why Muller gave Flynn that "sweetheart" deal...because he has no case against trump?????
3
The GOP has the same mentality when it comes to dealing with climate change. Just because we have massive forest fires, horribly destructive hurricanes, rising sea levels and record setting heat waves doesn't mean something needs to be done now. "Let's wait and see" must be their new mantra for everything except tax cuts.
3
Slowing down legal proceedings is famously known as "justice delayed is justice denied." Republicans know all about justice denied and firmly believe in it.
5
Add Republican complicity to Republican mendacity, all to protect a professional liar and phony who refuses to abide by his Constitutional duties and the separation of powers. Ken Starr was given literally years to construct a case against Clinton, all to please Gingrich and Hyde, so add hypocrisy to the list on the Republican side of the ledger.
8
If Admirals can be court martialed for Dereliction of Duty (when their ships run into freighters or tankers)...
If our Republic is often referred to as the Ship of State...
If the CIC in the Oval Office is prone to erratic and dangerous behavior....
If GOP Congress people are derelict in recognizing the danger to the Ship of State.....
2
That posted before I finished....
The QUESTION is: Who is watching the CIC - the man unfit to sit in the catbird seat - if GOP Congress is AWOL?
Only Mueller & Crew! Duly appointed.
Can we afford to have the Ship of State crash?
This is politicized nonsense. Everyone by now knows Trump didn't - and won't - fire Mueller. Keeping it on the front pages - and hyperventilating CNN panels - just amps up the flailing "Resist!" movement and inadvertently benefits Trump by making his opponents look desperate.
4
There's that word "everyone" again. Trump's favorite misdirection and lie. If anything, EVERYONE is aware that he is narcissistic sociopath who lies with abandon; detached from reality, unaware of anything except $$ and ego. This abomination cannot be trusted with anything - THAT is what EVERYONE knows.
3
I would like to suggest to Trumpists that they try getting their "facts," from some other source than FOX.
I mean, it's pretty silly to swear up and down that decorated Marine and lifelong Republcan Mueller's a biased leftist who's come up with nothing after the three indictments, or that courts never protect their informants, and all the rest.
But I suppose if you're trying to defend the indefensible because you've bought into the notion that a greedy billionaire cares about you...
4
Several different views of Mueller's "timing" are expressed here.
Some point out that Mueller was appointed only last May, and it's now only January, not all that long. Others, however, stress that collusion has been alleged since during the campaign, nearly two years ago, and that several separate investigations have been, and still are, going on, with no meaningful restrictions on the sharing of what they may have found.
Those who recall Watergate may remember that Nixon was on a helicopter, the first leg of his journey back to San Clemente, in August of 1974, just over two years after the Watergate break-in -- and THAT investigation seemed to drag on far too long.
The equivalent month this time would be August 2018 -- i.e. Trump actually leaving office in August 2018.
Mueller appears to be just warming up, however. So far, the fruits of his labors -- at least the reported fruits -- are indictments against Manafort and Gates, based on conduct that was reported long before Trump ever hired them and which indisputably had utterly nothing to do with Trump's campaign, and an indictment against George Papadopoulos, a third-tier volunteer who apparently tried to arrange a meeting that never happened between Trump and some unnamed Russian official, and who was so important that he couldn't even get his travel expenses covered by the campaign.
Americans don't want to "rush" Mueller, but we WOULD like to hear what he's found, if anything. We're paying his salary, after all.
3
My three cents - I've read several comments from you on this article, some points I agree with, some I don't.
This is true, this is a multi-year investigation. Watergate, Iran-Contra, cum on Monicas' dress, HRCs email server.
As Americans we hate issues that go on longer than 3 - 6 months, but it is what it is.
2
MyThreeCents: You cannot hear ANYTHING about the findings in this investigation until it is terminated/completed/decided. Federal investigators, especially in a case like this, do not release intermittent updates on their findings. You have to understand how that might impact the case and their work...to occasionally release their findings. It would not be smart at all, and would harm the entire investigation. It would be tantamount to showing all the players your hand during a poker game.
2
Mr. Mueller must be allowed to finish his investigation without any obstruction or blockage and he can then present his information and findings, whatever they turn out to be. Anyone who wants to stop, block or obstruct him means they have something to hide or fear what the findings will yield. This is a major moment in American history and it must be allowed to play out properly.
7
I have a probably naive question:
IF Trump fires Mueller, what happens to all the investigation material to date? Can it just be ignored, or is it in Justice Department records forever?
1
More likely, he will be re-appointed by some entity. I don't know how that would work.
I think Republicans would be content to let the investigation proceed if Robert Mueller was replaced by Sheriff Joe.
7
We seem to be seeing the demise of our long standing democracy. If the Russians, Trump and the Republicans did not manipulate our 2016 campaigns why are they so adamant about stopping an investigation that will clear up these accusations?
4
I am losing all faith and hope in the repub party, despite being, ideologically, more aligned with their (selective) views of small/limited government. They are blinded by power, and seem to care more about repub rule than in our country, the constitution, and a commitment to separation of powers that mandates Congress act as a brake on the Presidency. In the state of Pelosi, I normally vote repub out of fear that dems never find a problem that doesn't warrant government action. But I'm very close to going straight ticket dem, for at least the dems aren't a threat to our republic.
37
Jim R: Democrats seem much more willing to 1. admit mistakes, 2. learn positive lessons from mistakes instead of how to be even dirtier and nastier, 3. negotiate in good faith, and 4. tell what they perceive as the truth, even when it hurts them, instead of lie for the good of the ignorant, stupid masses or deny, deny, deny no matter how many accusers come forward (e.g. Trump-Moore vs Franken). Not perfect, no, but more of the qualities to be trusted in those leading our government, perhaps.
2
Our democracy is on the precipice of devolution into a degraded version of that mode perhaps our own version of autocracy or even the totalitarian rule that arose in some Latin American nations. The rule of law is being flouted by Republicans defending our incompetent and erratic president who seems already a dangerously autocratic bully who sought to fire Mueller last summer. Our threat level is beyond defcon extremes and seems, in fact, to be made explicit by traitorous conduct amongst the Republican ranks. It is gravely uncertain that we will survive this crisis.
7
There is no valid reason to put protection in place for Mueller.
First, that violates the concept of separation of powers. Mueller's investigation is funded by and employed by the Executive Branch, the head of which is the President, who has final authority on hiring and firing throughout the Executive branch.
Further, it leaves the door open for unbridled prosecutorial misconduct, something that Mueller's hiring party - Rod Rosenstein, is intimately familiar with.
That there is so much noise coming from Chuck and the Schumerettes, is simply an indicator that they wish to string out this pointless exercise as long as possible. I wonder, if they will be so eager to shield the prosecutor who will go after the Clinton Foundation-uranium scandal.
5
This is just the latest signal that the Republican Party has sold its soul to Donald Trump rather than tbeir Constitutional oath to act as a "check and balance" to his executive overreach. It is equally ominous in foreshadowing their unwillingness to impeach Mr. Trump. Another very sad moment in how democracy can be so readily diminished and potentially demolished by men who value party and power over their country.
6
Are referring to the Republicans or the Democrats including those on the SCOTUS who walk in goose step fashion with anything the leadership expects them to vote in unison on?
1
The GOP is simply promoting a dictatorship and are behaving like thugs.
5
Yea they don't want to protect Mueller right now , they have changed their focus to the assistant attorney general Rob Rosentein to pressure him to resign so trump can appoint a rubber stamp who will do the deed on Mueller (aka Nixon)
5
Robert Mueller is a registered Republican, who was nominated to serve as FBI by President Bush in 2001....Then President Obama asked him to stay on 2 more years until Comey was hired in 2013....Both times the senate vote was unanimous.....He is about as non-controversial as it gets for such a high profile position.....
If Mueller was fired at this point, it would be the biggest story since 9/11....
3
This doesn't make any sense: if the Bill isn't necessary, why not pass it anyway so that you can distance yourself and your party from Trump's Russia problem?
If the Trump Family Syndicate isn't guilty, then they are the most incompetent innocent people in history, given the many many lies they have all told denying a variety of Russian contacts. Shouldn't the Republican Party make a record distancing it from the Trump-Russia train wreck? I really don't get it.
7
This is not about Trump and this is not about Russia. A line has been drawn in the sand and you either support a full blown investigation to determine if Russia or any other persons or organizations colluded with the Russian government to undermine the American electoral process or you are a Republican obstructionist.
5
I think Trump would do so much damage to himself firing Mueller that Democrats should hope he does it.
6
No!!!
It’s never good to hope the end justifies the means.
The problem is that it would make little difference if the Cult-of-Trump Republicans, in the temporary majority, choose to do nothing, as they have so far. Impeachment, prosecution for high crimes and misdemeanors, obstruction and collusion would only be prosecuted if Congress permits. The key would be to nail him on a state level for prosecutable crimes. He cannot be pardoned for these, and can be imprisoned. GO GO NY, CA, NJ and any other state with the courage to do so.
1
The Russian penetration of the Republican party precludes its action.
4
Where there's smoke there's fire, the majority of the time. The GOP needs to face the music. Time for America to realize the GOP isn't concerned with thier welfare at all. It's all about what's good for them and the radical right wing money who is paying for and poushing these ideas.
America is ours and they have to pry it out of out of our cold dead hands, or their's. Stand up and fight America and fight back!
4
You can tell that Mueller is getting closer to Trump by the Republicans' hysterical conspiracy rants
7
Republicans using the Putin playbook to take down our democracy.
5
To date few Republicans show the slightest concern about Russian hacking of our elections and how to prevent it from happening again. Putin must be rubbing his hands in glee at the total chaos he has caused by helping to install in the Oval Office a preening, self-serving narcissist who cares nothing about governing or the people he has sworn to serve. Meanwhile, the Republicans run interference to protect the puppet who will "sign anything we put in front of him," even if it means selling out their country and any vestige of honor still left to them. They have made a Faustian bargain that will damn them in history for all time.
4
MAGA = Mueller ain't going away, regardless of what Trump & Co. try to do to him. If they're so innocent, they would cooperate. But they're fighting, they're scheming, they're threatening. Why? What are they hiding? Collusion? Treason?
Money laundering? All of the above?
4
Until the unnamed sources who accused President Trump of wanting to fire Mr Mueller are willing to go on record it is all just hot air. Last I knew the courts could not review a claim by unnamed sources that someone discussed doing something and decided not to.
4
And yet when Trump completely makes things up, that's fine, right? Selective outrage.
2
The special prosecutor is a member of the Executive Branch Under our constitution, the president has the right to fire anyone in his administration and no legislation passed by Congress can limit that right. Firing the special prosecutor might be politicly unwise but it would within the president’s authority under the Constitution. That’s a significant reason why the Supreme Court declared the independent counsel act unconstitutional years ago.
5
That was my take on the controversy also. People can claim that President Trump wanted to fire Mr Mueller, but Mr Mueller has not been fired.
Mr Mueller will do his job and years from now, when he delivers his report, President Trump will be vindicated.
If the Republicans are throwing things out there like FBI accusations, FISA memo, etc.. (the accusations are coming from Republicans but not Trump) and they claim it's not important at this time to protect Mueller, it seems like they are trying to incite Trump to do something stupid, like fire Mueller. Perhaps that's what they are hoping for to get Trump out of the WH. I think they are aware with Trumps mood swings and late night television viewing he is easy to manipulate.
Yep, sure.
"The consensus seems to be that if Trump fired Mueller, it would end his presidency. Are we really sure about that?"
The only reservation I have relates to timing. Americans don't want to "rush" Mueller, but if we're in the same place 6 months from now, or 12 months from now, Americans might feel different. Most Americans expected Mueller to investigate AND REPORT. I have no doubt that he's been investigating, but at some time fairly soon we'd like a REPORT. This investigation was intended to have a beginning, a middle, and an end -- not to be lifetime employment for Mueller and his staff.
So if your question is about this moment in time, the answer is "Yep, sure." If you ask the same question 6 months from now, or 12 months from now, and Mueller still hasn't reported, the answer might be different.
4
Americans want instant gratification. Investigations take the time needed. A prosecutor doesn't typically make reports as he goes along.
2
Watergate went on for 2 yrs., at least. This has just started.
You don't need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why the GOP has become so panicked by the Mueller investigation over the past few months.
As the recent story about the extensive ties between the NRA and the Russians indicates, the Russian money and influence trail in the 2016 "email" election may extend well beyond Trump and into the RNC organization and GOP Congressional races as well.
The Congressional GOP has much to fear concerning the Mueller probe. That is why they are spending so much time and money trying to discredit Mueller and in constructing their own Russia counter-narrative.
17
I'm confident most Americans feel this way:
1. They don't want Trump to fire Mueller or interfere with his investigation, and would punish him if he did either (by supporting impeachment, for example, or calling for his resignation). They much prefer to let the chips fall where they may.
2. They'd like to see the chips fall.
The appointments of Mueller and his staff weren't intended to confer lifetime jobs on them. The investigation was expected to have a beginning, a middle, and an end. As best I can tell, Mueller and his staff never made it to the end of that sentence when reading their marching orders. They seem to be stuck somewhere in the beginning or middle.
Eager minds are curious to know. Did Trump collude with the Russians, or didn't he? If there's evidence that he did, we'd all like to hear it, and chances will be pretty high that Trump will soon be toast. On the other hand, if there's no such evidence, we'd like to hear that too.
Bottom line: We'd like to hear. It's been long enough.
3
Some of us want him to take all the time he needs. Only people worried about what he might come up with want a rush.
2
Why is time suddenly up? There was clearly collusion; we've all seen it. The question is if it was criminal conspiracy.
1
It isn't that Republicans lack urgency. It's that they have no intention of lifting a finger. The last thing they want is Mr. Mueller protected. They want him gone. If they feel urgency about anything, it's about blocking attempts by anyone else to protect Mr. Mueller.
This isn't the behavior of people with nothing to hide. I'm glad to see the results of the uptick in investigative journalism, which show a pattern of behavior that walks a tightrope along the lines of illegality. That suggests that we haven't seen the half of it.
I wish Mr. Mueller all the best.
10
Why would they? Trump considered firing Mueller six months ago, but he didn't. Not an issue. Please all get back to work
4
Nice to hear a voice of reason.
If Lindsey Graham is saying that there is no need to try to legislate this issue, then his legacy is on the line also. I have little respect for Sen Graham, but he knows politics.
The investigation will still take several years to resolve, so be patient.
Besides the Democratic Party is so toothless, they won't be able to retake the Senate in Nov and they will not be able to field a viable Presidential candidate for Nov 2020.
The entire Republican party is now complicit in the usurpation of democracy from the American people by the Trump Administration.
18
The Democrats still think the GOP will govern in good faith. How adorable.
Just kick 'em out in 2018, if we're not thrown into war by the commander-in-tweet first. Justice needs your vote, more than ever.
12
The Democratic Party was dealt a fatal wound in Nov 2016. It is now a dying dinosaur, which will never regain more power. Unfortunately, The Party will continue to be a decrepit, flaccid remnant of its former self for the next 20 - 30 years.
The Democratic Party will fall further behind in the Nov 2018 elections, mainly because the people who vote will see that the Democratic Party is not a choice, but the worse alternative.
Your best hope is to work to form a Party which will represent its' voters, not the ruling class which can buy and monopolize the agenda.
1
This is amusing. The Dems represent the ruling class, but the Reps are the party of the people. Yeah, that's what's happening!
1
GOP is complicit in the cover up. Much of this is bordering on treasonous behavior. Nunes, McCarthy, Ryan and McConnell should be investigated as co-conspirators.
9
Let the investigation proceed. It will take years.
Meanwhile the Democratic will lose more power in the Nov 2018 elections and be seen as the fraud they are in the Nov 2020 elections.
President Trump will be re-elected in 2020.
1
Where are all the honorable men and women who call themselves "republicans"? Do they think it's someone else's problem? Do they think it will all "sort out" over the course of HIStory of hate-anger-fear-Lies,Lies,Lies- WAR- rape-pillage-plunder?
Sorry boys and girls. This is MY live. This is the life of MY children, grandchildren and future generations. I will not let you destroy OUR lives for your insatiable greed. I will do everything in MY power to stop you right now.
NO. The International Mafia Robber Barons will not destroy civilization once again in their demented, insatiable greed. Not now. Not ever again.
6
History is likely to judge the Trump era GOP traitorous, but its hard to take much solace in that. We all need the recognize that the people running this country literally don't care about honesty, integrity or responsive government. We now live is a plutocracy. Or a kleptocracy. The jury is still out on that one.
We need to turn this around. Not only for America, but as a symbol for a world that our democracy cannot be as fragile as it seems right now.
14
The fact that Republicans and their various media mouthpieces are trying to discredit Mr. Mueller's investigation before the results are public tells you everything you need to know.
It staggers me, in a year that has had so many staggering events it's a constant earthquake, that establishment Republicans so brazenly enable the Trump presidency. The only conclusion one can reach is that they've never cared about the people or the welfare of the country, it's just now more out in the open
If anyone in Washington D.C. has an unsullied reputation, and is known for adhering to the highest standard of ethics, it's Robert Mueller. Let the man do his job. If there's no wrongdoing, no sweat. If there are charges to be brought, let them be brought.
Anyone's assurance that Mueller is safe from interference is absolutely worthless. Lindsey Graham sees no evidence that Trump wants to fire Mueller "now". Well, wait a couple of minutes and you'll have a different answer.
EVERYTHING Trump, his staff, his GOP enablers & media mouthpieces have said and done (like lying) tell me Mueller is at risk. Trump would dearly like the whole thing to go away, it's just too politically perilous for him to do so. If he ever deems the risk worth the reward, Trump will remove him in a heartbeat.
Pass the legislation. Pass it when things are calm rather in crisis. Make a judge's approval BEFORE removal a requirement, and enable the decision to be appealed all the way to the Supreme Court.
13
The consensus seems to be that if Trump fired Mueller, it would end his presidency. Are we really sure about that?
14
Absolutely not!
“Right now there’s not an issue. So why create one when there isn’t a place for it?”
Huh? That's the logical equivalent of "I know there's no lifeboats on this ship, but right now there's not an issue."
Talk about collusion!
21
We are talking about collusion, but so far nothing has been proven.
Mr Mueller will proceed with the investigation, it will take years. My God, does anyone remember Watergate and Iran-Contra?
1
The NYT reported that Trump wanted to fire Muller back in June. Of course the next day, in Davis, he denied it.. Keep in mind he also fired Coney because he wouldn't let Muller go. Then, like now, he also denied it...
5
Only massive public outcry will save our country from the threat to our democratic nation of laws if Mueller is fired and Trump/GOP axis tries to suppress investigation. Join the MoveOn rapid response team in your area to ensure the united voices of the people are heard, if the firing happens: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/search/
8
This is one of the most Anti-Patriotic things I have ever seen in our country. It has been proven the Russians meddled in our election through various media sources. To not care how much and where they meddled to prevent it in the future is a crime in itself. The Republican Congress does not care about the country, all they can think about is loosing possible voters, how despicable!
14
WHOAAA!!! better think carefully about legislating to protect any one particular person!
2
It's the kind of action this president has made necessary.
All the protections Mueller has, or needs, are in the Constitution and past legal cases. Do you really expect the Congress, so ensnared in the cash of their Party's, to do anything about anything? Now, rather than proposing protections for imagined crimes, why doesn't the NYT get busy reporting on the Obama Administrations misuse of FISA rules and their application in the non-existent past, illusionary crimes of collusion which Mr. Schumer wails about and which also don't exist.
6
Wow. The Republicans really have no ethics and not an inch of the moral high ground they have claimed since Reagan.
But let’s all keep in mind that - with the conservative flock’s lack of critical thinking - a Trump presidency will be much easier to beat than a Pence or Ryan one. As much as I can’t stand the man, Trump remaining in office is the best chance for a sweeping Democratic victory, if we can just limit the damage he does in the meantime.
77
Pence is guilty of perjury and conspiring to obstruct justice. At this point the same may hold true of Ryan. Especially when we don't know what new material facts might emerge from an indictment of Trump and Pence.
6
Because even if Mueller is allowed to continue and puts together an airtight case, and even if Democrats get a slim majority (best case scenario) in 2018, there still won't be enough votes to impeach and remove him. Sigh, 2020 it is, then.
Well, of course Republicans don't want to protect Mueller and his investigation. Republicans don't care about their country or about justice. They care only about being in power. There isn't a patriotic bone anywhere in that party.
11
Fact: Rs are in power and want to keep that power in the midterms.
Fact: Russians meddled in the presidential election.
Fact: The Mueller investigation into Russian meddling threatens to undermine Trump’s legitimacy at best. At worst, it will prove that the Trump campaign conspired with Russian trolls to make millions of anti-Clinton social media posts during the campaign.
Given these facts, it’s no wonder the Rs are afraid of what Mueller will find. They don’t want Mueller to be fired but it’s no surprise they also want to undermine his legitimacy to blunt the blow of any of his findings.
Americans should be concerned that while the politicians in Washington are bickering, our democracy still has a bullseye on it’s back. The Russians and others can continue to freely meddle in our elections as there hasn’t been any measures put in place to keep our elections safe from meddling and hacking.
11
If you were innocent of course you would want investigation to conclude. Republicans are afraid Mr. Mueller has their guy dead to right. So as they have since this farce of a president was elected they drag their feet in doing anything. From speaking out, to actually doing their jobs they turn their backs on our country. Do what legitimate congressmen do, "Your Jobs." Protect our democracy,our government, our country. What did you think your jobs were? We all know the answer to that from the Koches to Wynn. Straighten out. Truly make our country the democratic society it was meant to be. Protect this system.
3
Why would they support such a bill?? It removes a card they can play.
Stop being outraged and start acting. Contribute, vote, protest, argue, reason.
3
Mueller is CORRUPT! So is the FBI! They all need to go!
1
Trump is apparently not the only elected official who has been or is being aided by Russian oligarchs and government officials. The Republican Party has rotted and is being kept alive by appeals to the ignorance of their base and a select group of attack dogs like Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan and Ron Johnson and Kevin McCarthy and other idiots they trot out in front of Fox News cameras. Republicans don't hate Democrats as much as they hate democracy. They are evil and ignorant, a dangerous combination.
8
“Based on his statements from the last couple weeks, he and his lawyers appear to be cooperating with Mueller.” -- Grassley
No. Based on Trump's many statements, for public consumption and otherwise, there's every reason to believe that Trump will attempt to subvert any charge against him, and by any method he can get away with. His public comment on whether or not the Mueller investigation is "fair" is "we'll see". It's clear that by Trump's definition, conclusions are "fair" if he finds them favorable; otherwise they are "unfair". And, if "unfair", he'll feel required to "fight back", not only legally, which is appropriate, but by any and all means he can muster, however extra-legal and inappropriate.
That's my current but hardly unique guess as to why the Mueller investigation should be completely and irrevocably protected. If that guess is correct, Republican members of Congress will face a decision, a test: Justice or "loyalty"? Currently, it appears some, perhaps many, will fail the test and will be so noted in history books, just as in Watergate.
9
There may not be a majority of Republican Congressmen and Senators who have ethical standards and care more about country than they do about the Party and this bizarre president. But there must be a sufficient number (hopefully) who will not tolerate further tearing apart the country and the Constitution which would result from a Mueller firing. If the investigation does not go forward unimpeded without lawyering by Republican congressmen then there will be Hell to pay. Most Americans are listening and there is no way that the majority who now disapprove of Trump's performance during his first year in office will approve of a Republican-led attempt to undermine the Mueller investigation. The Republicans in Congress are playing with hazardous material here.
6
The country is hanging from such slender, fragile threads. If not for a Sally Yates here and a Rosenstein or McGahn there, where would we be right now? We can't bank on a continued series of individual actions and decisions being taken to help hold things together.
If Mueller and/or Rosenstein are dismissed and the GOP does nothing, the flame that was lit with McConnell's handling of Judge Garland's nomination will become a raging inferno. Nero will not have time to call for his fiddle.
122
Among the 63 million Americans who voted for Trump were 58% of white American voters including 62% of white men and 54% of white women. Those are two strong spider silk threads tying America together. Trump is no emperor. America is no empire. "We" are the fools if we as the American people don't stop on our elected and selected hired help.
1
FYI - The fiddle did not exist in the time of Nero.
So the GOP has learned and adapted since Watergate. In other words they have become more corrupt and devious. Mueller is objective, not political, but they will try to make it appear that he is so they can get away with stealing the election.
9
The panic from partisan hacks like Nunes should be signal enough that where there’s smoke there’s fire.
Trump behaves like a guilty man.
All members of the GOP are complicit.
13
Lets face it the GOP is so corrupt its beyond anything we can truly grasp as Americans. Most of us can't imagine not supporting an investigation into the very likely manipulation of our election by Russia but here we have the GOP leadership supported by Fox News attempting to block an investigation. The GOP appears truly fearful of facts coming to light which makes you wonder what the facts will tell about the GOP.
-Has there been Russian influence of the NRA?
-Do the Koch's and Russia have parallel interest in supporting the hydrocarbon industry and climate change denial?
-Obviously Fox News feeds propaganda to their viewership but is it just for their corporate profits?
We the people need to know how deep corruption and treason runs in our Country .
12
I think the Republican Party as a whole needs to have a come to Jesus moment.
Just think about what it means when Donald Trump's lawyers and people close to him are trying to stop him from talking under oath to Robert Mueller, because they can't trust him to not perjure himself.
What does that say about Donald Trump when the people closest to him are petrified of him going in front of Robert Mueller, because they can't trust him to tell the truth....be honest.....not lie.....not perjure himself.
Donald Trump the pathological liar, you couldn't make this up, it's a long way from George Washington not being able to tell a lie.
11
They have. Trump = Jesus.
2
Republicans lawmakers proving themselves out of touch. Watching C-Span2 these days is terrifyingly. Cornyn, Cruz, Thune, those Utah idiots, the list goes on. Of course they want to curry favor with corporate extremists. They've on a role, but like Wiley Chayote they have run off a cliff. They're improvising in space. Their position on Mueller is unpopular.
3
Trump must fire Mueller since he is guilty and he knows it.
We need to pursue this bill and other measures for the future to assure that our Democracy is protected against the next Trump. These measures would also include requirements for candidates: to reveal their income tax returns, submit to physical and mental health exams by independent expert panels, clarification of impeachment and succession rules and to submit detailed position papers-not ghost written-on critical issues. The latter to insure the candidates are sufficiently informed on the background of issues rather than on the political approach to solutions. Perhaps an examination focusing on facts would be an appropriate substitute.
Let's use this time to learn our lessons and build protections for our successors.
2
Republicans are only concern with protecting themselves and not the people they serve. The correct thing to do is to ensure Mr. Mueller completes the investigation. The other side of this is when trump is removed from office they will stand by a say they did what they could to protect him only because they what to get re-elected .
3
Gee, just like Republicans in Congress have shown zero urgency about any of the Trump-Putin connection. If there wasn't one, you'd think they'd be speeding to get it over with and for Trump to be proven innocent.
I think America is not going to stand for Mr. Mueller being abruptly fired, like James Comey was via CNN news. I think in most peoples' minds, if Trump goes ahead and interferes with this investigation in a major way just one more time, then he must be guilty.
I don't see the catchphrase, "I am not a crook", being a big boost to the midterm elections either. I would bet quite a bit that until then, 282 days from now, Mr. Mueller will not be fired by the Firer-in-Chief.
6
One thing has baffled me about this whole story:
If Pres. Trump gave an order to fire Mr. Mueller, why is there no written record and why didn't it happen? I fully understand the President could have discussed it and even said he wanted it done, but I can't understand how a presidential order is given and just disappears. If verbal instructions are given and then rescinded upon advice from others, does this constitute an official, legal order?
Whatever the answer to that question, it seems very clear that President Trump is not going to fire Mr. Mueller now. In my mind the talk of passing a law prohibiting firing Mr. Mueller is simple grandstanding and fear mongering by both politicians and press.
2
The Republicans will do whatever Lord Putin tells them. This is the deal they apparently made.
2
Doesn’t the lack of urgency seem like a trend with the GOP when it is something they don’t particularly want to deal with? When it’s a debate on gun control, as an example, it’s always “too soon”. But a tax cut? They will ram that through in lightning speed.
It’s time for the American people to wake up. The GOP only cares about what their donors care about. The donors like Trump. They don’t like the Mueller probe.
See a trend?
5
Given that Trump has not acted at present to remove the special counsel does not mean that if he sees something concerning the special counsel and the investigation on his favorite Romper Room show from a real fake news channel that offends him possibly will not stop him from doing a "Nixon" and possibly ending his so-called presidency.
So, I side with the GOP-let him fire Mr. Mueller because the fall out could be very interesting.
We know the Russians hacked the DNC e-mails and Wiki Leaks published. The RNC was also hacked, but that data was never released to the general public. Are the Republicans being black mailed by Trump and/or Russians to release damaging information about themselves? We need to vote out as many Republicans as possible in 2018 to remove their threat of protecting their Russian black mailers. First to go should be Nunes.
11
The GOP is aiding and abetting Trump. The GOP is corrupt to the core. This should surprise no one
11
It's perfectly obvious that Trump and his GOP support is knowingly scheming to install a Putin-like dictatorship (i.e. 'democracy' in name only). Indeed, by the time they really get rolling, it might be full blown (rigged or suspended elections, end of free press [only FOX News permitted] ). The GOP is salivating.
3
There is no urgency among Republicans to defend Robert Mueller because seven months ago Trump heeded his legal counsel’s advice and decided not to make that political blunder. The wonder is that Democrats are not calling for Mueller to be replaced. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed Mueller “to oversee the previously-confirmed FBI investigation of Russian government efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election and related matters.” In announcing the appointment, Rosenstein said, “My decision is not a finding that crimes have been committed or that any prosecution is warranted. I have made no such determination.” The investigation has now dragged on for a year and a half without producing any indictment related to Russian interference in the 2016 election or any evidence of unlawful collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. In fact, as far as we know, Mueller has yet to discovered a crime related to the 2016 election was committed. Two people have pleaded guilty to making false statements to FBI agents during interviews conducted after the election, but no one has been indicted for anything they did during the election campaign or as members of the Trump campaign. What crime is Mueller investigation?
.
1
That the Trump campaign conspired with Russian trolls to create millions of anti-Clinton social media posts during the campaign. Why else did all those meetings with Russians take place, at least the ones we now know about, and then they lied about them, repeatedly?
In its report to Congress, the U.S. intelligence community said only Vladimir Putin and Putin alone could have ordered and orchestrated the Russian propaganda campaign. What role could the Trump campaign have played in the propaganda campaign? Why would Putin need the campaign's help.
The only documented meeting between Trump campaign and Russians is the Trump Tower meeting between members of the campaign and a Russian lawyer who offered documents she said showed the Clinton campaign accepted illegal campaign contribution from Russian corporations. There appears to have been nothing unlawful about this.
I can understand why Trump wants this bill tanked. What I cannot understand is the continuing slavishness of the Congressional GOP faction in the form of action or inaction. To the detriment of the country, Republicans got their long-sought tax cut. With that legislative priority out of the way, what underlies to need to continue down a path of domestic and international gallimaufry?
1
The Mueller investigation is federal overreach; it is first and foremost an effort to hinder the Trump Administration by perpetuating the phony Russian collusion story. Mueller needs no protection, and as far as I concerned, as well as the rest of clear thinking Americans, he needs to get with problem, become part of the solution, not the problem. Thank you.
3
What Republicans should be cautious about is enabling Trump. Without legislative/constitutional boundaries, Trump is dangerous for this country and democracy. If Republicans contribute to the dismantling of this investigation they they are signaling to Trump, that all legislative and constitutional gloves are off, do what you want with this country--we are in the driver's seat.
2
I suppose that the real problem that president Trump will face is financial, that is massive tax fraud by doing secret business deals in Russia. He will try to defend himself by saying that this was not the purpose of the Mueller III investigation. While there will probably be no smoking gun as far as the political collusion concerns, the discovery of black holes in Trump's business empire could be devastating for his reputation and, finally, his presidency too. Will the Republicans try to save him?
2
Perhaps if we change the name of the investigation to Benghazi, more members of the GOP would show some interest.
Funny how finding nothing and spending millions on Hillary never raised a fuss.
Now that something actually involves a foreign government trying to upend our voting process, the GOP is budget conscious and disappointed when only a little information is found.
Sure. they're honest and legitimate.
10
The cravenness of republicans seemingly knows no bounds. They pay lip service to supporting the investigation, and Mueller, but don't back it up with any actions.
Indeed, Ryan by not doing something about Nunes, like remove him as chairman of the House intelligence committee, are choosing to do nothing. They must be made to pay in November.
2
This is all so anxiety producing on a daily if not hourly basis and the outcome is almost a forgone conclusion: Get Mueller, or get Rosenstein in order to get Mueller Twin attacks by the House and Senate and a 'secret memo' (written by the Republicans) to help glue all their efforts together.
But will the public react or be passive as the FBI is 'purged', sitting back, numbed as we have become to the slow chipping away of our Democracy?
All the marches and focus on identity politics has been laughable for Dems who are drifting nowhere with no cohesive vision to regain a majority. They have been digging their grave for the past twenty years while the Republicans have sat back and smiled.
Will we all take to the streets together as a collective group of every demographic to protest this? I sadly don't think we have the energy or will at this point. I hope I'm wrong.
32
No! https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/search/
I do believe you're seeing this from your own unique "enervated" perspective...
plenty of energy and will out here: wait & see...
Try protesting? Remember the Occupy movement? They locked them up.
Trying going violent. If they don't lock you up the news media will label you another lone wolf wacko. It's such a wonderful system: spies to watch us; goons to kill us if we step out of line; the fourth estate to judge that our actions are meaningless.
Fifty years from now these people will be considered the Benedict Arnolds of the 21st century. If nothing else, you'd think they'd at least have enough of a sense of integrity to not want to permanently disgrace their family names for the sakes of their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
3
Firing Mueller would be the best gift that Trump could give his critics (assuming Mueller doesn't find evidence of "Russian collusion," of course). Trump instantly would lose the support of most Americans. It utterly escapes me why Trump's critics would do anything to prevent that possibility.
19
You underestimate the power of GOP talking points.
"Trump instantly would lose the support of most Americans"
His sycophantic supporters, the truly deplorable trumpers, will stand by him through any crime. They really do not care if he lies and cheats. Indeed, that is what they like, nay, admire, about him.
Trump hasn't had the support of most Americans for the duration of his presidency. His approval rating was 45% during his first week in office, stayed in the low 40s and high 30s from then until the first week in May, and hasn't been above 40 since.
Kevin McCarthy says “Right now there’s not an issue.....” when referring to particular legislation to continue to move Robert Mueller forward.
Wondering what it would take for the right time to come - that is, to protect our democracy.
1
Why would the government protect a "council" that poses a greater threat to Democracy that any elected politician? Giving you person the freedom to do anything they want unchecked is not called Democracy. Can anyone think of what this idea is called?
1
More evidence that speaks to the ethics of the Republican Party, or lack there of. I am sure, given their recent history of dealing with this presidency, most would love nothing more than to see this whole investigation disappear. We still have not reached the point at which the Republican Party sees the writing on the wall concerning their complicity in the coverup associated with “their” presidents term in office.
The ultimate guardians of democracy are not special counsels, certainly not Congress, and not even the Supreme Court. It is and always has been the American people.
2
Early in the Trump campaign , his proponent, then Senator Jeff Sessions may have shared campaign intelligence with his fellow Congressmen, thereby impacting their conduct in investigating the campaign and their current resistance to protecting Mueller from firing.
Could the entire Republican party be indicted for Obstruction of Justice?
1
Yes, in the med-term elections.
2
The three words of advice for the Mueller team are the same as in the last Republican fiasco that captured the nation, "Follow the money." Some things never change...
1
let's try to put aside the situation of the moment re: the special investigation into the Russian influence question, difficult as that is to do -
this story shows that today's Republicans, as expressed by Sen. Grassley, are consumed with their hold on political power and the situation of the moment to the exclusion of all else. they appear to be viewing the proposed legislation in terms of what's going on right now. Grassley doesn't see any urgency in acting because it looks like the President is not firing Mueller today and it seems like the White House is cooperating, or at least hardly impeding, the ongoing investigation.
meanwhile, back on planet America, this looks incredibly shortsighted. the sitiation we find ourselves in now may be resolved expeditiously, but it shows us a weakness in our laws that may make a huge difference to us all in some future, now unpredictable circumstance - and that's why Congress needs to wake up from its doldrums and get cracking on their actual responsibility of making laws, instead of being paralyzed by the power play of the moment.
this is comparable to waiting until a president dies in office to figure out what to do next. imagine if the Founders sweltered in the Philly Summer to hammer out a Constitution that didn't even attempt to imagine what might happen beyond that Fall.
if Congress is only about the short term interests of a few wealthy donors, what good are those clowns to the rest of us and why are WE paying them?
5
The President is a loose cannon and it is just a matter of time before he decides to ignore everyone and fire Mueller. If he has to fire everyone in the FBI from Rosenstein down to the mail clerk to finally find someone who will fire Mueller he will. For Trump, being passive is anathema to his nature. He knows Mueller is coming after him and he knows what he has done is criminal. If nothing else, firing Mueller buys him time. The Special Counsel investigation ends and the matter goes to the House for impeachment hearings. It's possible enough Republicans in the House would vote for impeachment for a bill to pass as it only requires a majority vote. However, the House may not have the raw material from Mueller's investigation or Ryan might not allow it to be entered into the record. But the Senate needs to vote by 2/3 to remove, i.e., 67 votes. Republicans hold 51 seats, which means 18 Republicans would need to vote to remove, assuming all 49 Democrats would so vote. Trump would be betting that less than 18 would vote for removal.
Therefore, for Republicans not to protect Mueller is a tacit statement that they will not impeach if he is fired. Once fired, the horse will have been stolen and Congress cannot lock the door even then.
2
Amen. If Trump senses an opening, some way that he can eliminate Mueller and the investigation, he'll seize the opportunity. Especially as the heat from the investigation increases. The Republicans hold the key. If it looks like enough of them won't impeach Donald even after firing Mueller or Rosenstein or both, Donald will likely pull the trigger. At which point the GOP will look more like the Baath party than the party of Lincoln.
Why should we be shielding anyone? Sorry, but a President should be shield far before a Special Prosecutor, and we are not shielding him, nor should we. Let's investigate and let the chips fall were they may.
When the framers of the constitution devised our system of checks and balances, they surely did not foresee a day when the representatives of The People would lack the interest or fortitude to use it.
142
The "Cowardly Congress".
They would rather sit back and see how the wind blows.
If DJT fires Mueller, they are not directly responsible.
If he doesn't, well, they will say there was no need for them to take action!
I call that Dereliction of Duty!
If they were in the military, court martials would be in order!
Not only are the GOP congressmen complicit in the destruction of our institutions, but their voters are even more so. The Fed government, state governments, school boards. GOP majorities across the board. (so, of course, it is all the liberals'm fault)
We have met the enemy and he is us.
What harm would passing a bill to protect Mueller do? Are these people so scared of Trump or Fox News that they don't want to do the prudent thing?
1
We can either put a fence at the top of the cliff, or an ambulance at the bottom. Why would any responsible person choose the latter? We no longer have to convince Republicans who Trump is. They know full well. They’re the ones calling him a spoiled child, behind closed doors. So they’re willing to take the chance knowing the dangers. If any one of them were about to be pushed off the edge, maybe they’d be a little more careful. But if it’s Mueller, let him fall.
“I see no evidence that Mr. Trump wants to fire Mr. Mueller now,” Mr. Graham said. "
"I see no evidence that the horse is interested in fleeing, so let's leave the barn door open."
Trump is the most unpredictable president ever. And his words have no credibility whatsoever. His advisors can tell him that it would be a really bad idea, but he's barely smart enough to know that he can't fire congress.
4
Sure, get rid of the special prosecutor. Files can be copied, distributed and publicized. The truth will emerge. It always does.
1
Why should congressional Republicans act to protect Mueller? The answer is that a large number of their Republican cohorts in Congress are promoting false conspiracy theories in a transparent attempt to undermine Mueller's investigation. Their activities are encouraging Trump to fire Mueller while providing a pretext for him to do so. Failure to protect the special prosecutor under these circumstances is to enable obstruction of justice.
1
Easy explanation: "Republicans first, Americans second." Oh, except for Mike Pence where "American" seems to have been pushed a bit lower: "I'm a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order".
Congressional Republicans are suffering from pathological amnesia if they assume that the stability of the Mueller investigation is assured. The " wait and see" approach does not work well with the impulsivity and vindictiveness of the current President.
2
The state of this country has deteriorated to the point at which I worry that Trump would be allowed to declare martial law, on the grounds that there is a conspiracy among Democrats to overturn the will of the people and remove a democratically elected president from office on flimsy grounds.
Trump has surrounded himself with generals. What actions would Mad Dog Mattis, John Kelly and McMaster take and what would the Republicans do to shield this puppet?
I can’t believe I’m even considering this as a possible scenario.
4
Rule # 1 - Do not make enemies with law enforcement.
They know a lot more than you think they know. Expect a lot more revelations about the administration and the Congress if they continue messing with FBI or with Mr. Mueller.
1
Mueller had more than a year now but has shown absolutely nothing - empty space galore.
20
Do you recall how long it took to prove Nixon was guilty, at least 2 years, these things do not happen overnight, the absolute truth takes time to dig out and be proven.
2
Well, two indictments and two guilty pleas of Trump’s inner circle is hardly nothing and he is not close to being finished. The scale of money laundering by Trump (maybe Kushner, too, who was surely shown the way by his own family or by his father in law) will be jaw dropping. And guess whose money was laundered? Big surprise - Russian oligarchs closed tied to Putin. Are you OK with this? OK with our president paying hush money to a porn star? Like a suspense novel, you have to wait until all the clues are tied together before the complete picture emerges.
1
How would you know? He hasn't released his report yet.
1
Our only hope to save our democracy is the ballot box. The GOP has gone power mad and abandoned all pretext of constitutional duty.
1
The real nightmare will begin when Mueller issues a report showing both coordination with Russia and Obstruction of the investigation and maybe a little money laundering for a topper. When the Republicans then yawn and say so what we will find ourselves in deep trouble.
This thought that there is nothing there just does not pass the smell test why have they all lied from the beginning if there is nothing to hide?
4
There is no urgency on the part of Congress to put forth legislation to protect Mueller , because they don’t want to protect him. They don’t want to do anything that will disrupt the economy that is bursting at it’s seams. If it means firing Mueller as he he is about to blow the cover off Trumps obstruction of Justice they will take their chance, rather than impeach Trump.The fat cats of America on both sides of the aisle are wallowing in green.Suddenly Trump can do no wrong.Success and wealth Trumps everything else. It doesn’t matter how we got there, all that matters is that we are there.It’s called Capitalism.
1
Sorry Senator Collins, Trump will first go after Rosenstein - a warning shot across Mueller's bow. Mueller will ignore it, and continue his investigation until Rosenstein's replacement removes him, over Trump's vehement objections.
I am so sick of Republicans being too afraid to do their jobs. They swore to uphold the Constitution, and we have a separation of powers.
That means the Justice Department must be unimpeded to do its lawful work.
Get some backbone for justice, Republicans.
2
So, hypothetically, if Trump fires Mueller because he is getting too close to obstruction of justice charges AND, if the Republican Congress chooses to do nothing, are they not guilty of collusion to obstruct justice? Politics disgusts me.
2
Our government under Republican leadership is in a sad state. I dare say it is vulnerable to corruption and moral decay. It is bad enough that we have a president who has created a paradigm built on dishonesty, exploitation, greed, and indecency. Let's face it,,,if left alone he would self destruct. But he is not only being supported by but also protected from himself by his Congress which has sold its soul to the highest bidder, In this case, this Grand Old Party of "family values and law and order" is handing our democracy to our oligarchs and those of a foreign, hostile nation. We speak of Trump's possible obstruction of justice? What about the McConnell's, the Ryan's, and company? Sad, sad state of affairs...
6
Well, it wasn't a big transformation for the "Party of Obstruction" to add a couple of words and become the "Party of Obstruction of Justice."
"Complicit" was 2017's word of the year.
Let's hope this year it's "guilty."
What a disgrace the right-wing Russian Republicans are.
12
I say let trump be trump. Give him all the rope he wants. Go ahead and fire mr mueller. Protecting mr mueller only says we are afraid of the big bad wolf of Washington. This country needs trump out of office as soon as possible, by whatever legal means necessary. Bob mueller I think can conduct himself no matter what befalls him. Firing the special prosecutor only feeds the delegitimization of our fearless leader.
1
If we've learned one thing throughout this horrible saga, it's that the Aussies, Brits and Dutch are more American than Republicans.
8
Why does Trump claim it’s a Democratic witch hunt?
Every person investigating Trump is republican.
237
They are all Never Trumpers!
Well they're suddenly Democrats now, because they're against Russia controlling the US government... or something. I dunno, knowing stuff is not Donald's strong suit.
Just watch as Democrats get their bluff called again.
The Republicans are now clearly in bed with Trump and their obstruction of justice related to the Mueller investigation. Republicans are quick to remind Americans of their patriotism at the same time they are doing everything they can to undermine the our democracy. What hypocrites! Between Republicans and right wing evangelicals our democracy has never been under a greater assault from the hypocrisy of the right wing in this country. Vote the Republicans out in November!
2
If Trump fires Mueller, most Republican lawmakers will write “stern” statements and say a few “tough” things. A day later they will say “it’s old news” and we “need to move on”.
For Republicans, Don the Con “trump’s” all, including country.
2
I heard Joe Scarborough say that Donald Trump is a remarkably ignorant man as to how the checks in balances work in government, I'd say in Donald Trump's case his ignorance extends far beyond the function of government.
3
It appears that many in Congress and former members -- like Sessions -- will be caught up in whatever Mueller reveals about Trump because of their actions over the past two years which have shown them to be allied with the Russians. Sessions lies and non-answers about his meetings with Kislyak -- who was conveniently transferred back to Russia after his dirty work had been done in DC and Trump was elected. Devin Nunes -- a suspected Russian operative who was tossed from the intelligence committee but is now running around the Hill with his "memo" that could compromise the US intelligence community, McCarthy and his band of lunatics defending Trump at every turn, Cotton and Perdue lying about what Trump said at a meeting in order to protect their brother in Russian collusion.
If there was a decent Republican in DC they'd want the investigation to continue until Mueller presents his findings but the Repugs know that the information that Mueller has will bring down Trump and all of them who have protected and abetted him -- so of course, they'd like to see Mueller fired and will not lift a finger to protect him.
These are some of the same Republican Congress who allowed Ken Starr to spend millions on prosecuting and persecuting Clinton over an affair with a staffer but are trying to stop an investigation into the Trump campaign's collusion with the Russians to steal an election.
3
Republicans are as guilty of obstructing justice as Trump himself, and are treading pretty close to treason when it comes to ignoring the Russian threat to our democracy.
13
Murller's investigation(s) involves legal questions, not political questions. If the Republican Party is unwilling to protect Bob's investigation from going forward, they are not acting in their official capacity and their sworn constitutional duty as public representatives.
In such a case the GOP, as a private enterprise, should be investigated for possible RICO violations. Attorneys general in "little RICO states" should be encouraged to press forward with such investigations in the event the DOJ does not.
Maurice F. Baggiano, Member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court
9
They're not "republicans".
They're Cowards.
Mr's Ryan and McConnell hide under the GOP tent claiming to do the 'will of the people'...as long as you count the super wealthy, their prime money men as the constituents they care most about.
Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell are aiding and abetting the destruction of our Nation, while kneeling at the feet of an uneducated fool masquerading as a "President".
10
There are many Republican's who are showing their true colors by consorting with some right wing crazies on Fox News and radio to circle the wagons to try a protect a pathological, corrupt liar like Donald Trump.
Hypocrisy have never been more on display in my lifetime as it is with the current majority of the Republican's in the Congress that are totally closing their eyes to the rule of law, conflicts of interest, integrity and moral leadership when it comes to abuses of Donald Trump and his family, never in my lifetime would I ever thought such of disgraceful, incompetent and corrupt man like Donald Trump would be allowed to rape the government and the taxpayers of the United States.
9
Remember folks this is simply the public face of the GOP...imagine what goes on behind the scenes. Treasonous.
27
Republicans, the party that always beats Democrats over the head with patriotism, and sells its snake oil to voters under the guise of patriotism, are a party of traitors. Simple as that.
14
This is a case of harassment by sore losers.
We just put Putin in charge and get it over with. Thats what these people want, a real strong man.
1
When Republicans thank it is more important to protect this President than in the truth and in protecting our nation from Russian involvement, then they ae nothing but traitors and should be treated as traitors, charged and imprisoned. Our democracy should NEVER be for sale, whether to this abomination in the WH or to a foreign adversary. They truly stain the words...patriotic Americans.
2
"Right now there isn't an issue. So why create one when there isn't a place for it." So sayerh Kevin McCarthy. Right. We should wait until AFTER Trump fires Mueller. Or maybe until AFTER Nunes accomplishes his mission to can Rosenstein.
Republicans have NO interest in a fair own investigation by Mueller. They've dragged their feet at every turn. They are desperate to hold onto a pathological liar, a flaming fascist and fraud in the White House as long as he's on board with their plans to dismantle the social safety net and make America white again. Along the way they are happy to undermine the FBI and dispense with a free press. A once respectable political party has morphed into an evil enterprise bent on the destruction of comity, decency and fairness in American politics. Friends don't let friends vote Republican.
7
It is hard to imagine that the Republicans would accept any report by Mueller that Trump had obstructed justice. They are already laying the groundwork for disbelief of the FBI.
My fear is that the Republicans would not vote to impeach Trump no matter how dirty his hands. They love the power they have with Trump n office, as unstable as he is, and they seem unlikely to be willing to give it up.
53
Party over people no matter what the cost. Isn't that how it works, Valdimir?
46
Susan Collins might have faith in Rod Rosenstein to protect Mueller, but who's going to protect Rosenstein?
Then again, Lindsey Graham's words are stronger than they may first appear. To say that firing Mueller would end Trump's presidency is essentially a threat. That almost makes me want Mueller fired … except for wanting a thorough and sober investigation to come to a just conclusion.
Not mentioned in this article but all too related is that Congress also had to pass legislation to ensure that Trump didn't lift sanctions on Russia. Not that there's any collusion with Russia for Mueller to find!
Our legislators know what's up far better than we do. Republicans are just loath to give up the unprecedented amount of one-sided governmental power they've amassed. They're just dragging their feet and maneuvering to contain the damage to themselves.
29
I don't have any faith in Susan Collins or anyone else in the GOP to protect Rod Rosenstein or Mueller anymore, they keep softening their stances and seem to be embracing this odd ball partisan conspiracy theory being pushed by Trump sycophant's and Fox News.
3
The notion that there is no need in this moment for measures to protect the special cousel completely misses the point - that is, to prevent interference from the administration rather than react to it once it happens. Oddly, the Republicans who are dead set on protecting this president should be enthusiastically supporting this legislation in order to protect him from himself. Once he pulls the trigger it will likely be too late for them to help him.
But in all likelihood it won't matter since the investigation is so far along that Trump has already done himself in. The midterms will determine what's next.
39
All members of Congress take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies both foreign and domestic. Well this enemy is domestic The President of the United States. This President does not care about the truth or any consequences to the country of doing wildly inappropriate things repeatedly.
The GOP's abject failure to insure the President cannot fire the Special Counsel is nothing short of a failure to uphold their oath of office. No President should be able to fire the special counsel investigating them it is an inherent conflict of interest. Can the Republicans not see a day where it may be an unscrupulous Democratic President where they are the concerned party.
75
If Trump does firer Mueller, then that would definitely show obstruction of justice.
That would show Trump's hand that he believes he is above the law, which he's not.
Bye, Trump.
12
The report that he attempted to fire Mueller is all that's needed. Shows intent to obstruct and that's all that's needed. Just have to have someone swear it happened.
2
The Republican party has proven time and again that it cannot be trusted. Accordingly, the word of someone like McCarthy means less than nothing.
Pass the legislation.
32
They are putting politics over country, so what else is new.
48
Why would anyone on Earth try to solve a problem before it's too late?
22
I have seen no evidence that today's republicans are capable of passing any legislation unrelated to tax cuts.
80
Exactly!
2
Go ahead Republicans, let Trump fire Mueller and see how your side fairs during the election. You won't like the results.
30
An interesting argument can be made that it might be in the interest of the Dems to have Trump fire Mueller and have the Republicans do nothing. How that would play out in the 2018 elections could be very positive for Democrats, though it would be at the cost of seriously weakening our democracy and the rule of law.
1
What does the RNC have to hide from Mueller? Did they get Russian money from the NRA? Considering how they are trying to discredit the investigation, it does make me wonder. It isn't like they would lose anything if Trump fell.
Pence would actually be better for them. Like Trump, he will sign anything they put under his nose. Like Trump, he isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he is a tool! He will appoint anyone to the bench the Kochs tell him to appoint. He lacks all independence, and he makes a great lackey. Finally, unlike Trump, women won't be coming out of the woodwork to say he abused them.
So given such a stellar, Koch hand-picked second string, why are the Republicans turning themselves inside out to save a man few of them even like? I suspect they have been complicit in the Russian affair from the start.
73
Why should they take one step to keep Mueller from roasting in his dish of deception.
Look at the stacking of the deck, did Mueller really believe people would not be able to see through this sham. If Mueller has something now is the best time to let us see whats up, otherwise go home Mr Mueller and stop wasting our time, money and agenda.
2
"If these latest reports are true,” he added, “it seems to me that they show the president listened to good advice from his advisers.......“Based on his statements from the last couple weeks, he and his lawyers appear to be cooperating with Mueller.”"
Wow, and all this supposedly eases the concerns (assuming they have any) of Republicans should Trump try to fire he Special Counsel again.
Without a law, this nation is vulnerable to allowing a despot to quash the truth. If he did it once, he'll do it again. As for all his "cooperation" with Mueller, every day he spins conspiracy theories, lies about his innocence, and yelling that the "Fake News" is behind this "Witch Hunt."
He who controls the argument usually wins it, even by force, Nobody can match the impact of an increasingly angry, cornered man, who will try to get his supporters (And Congress) to buy that this is all a "hoax."
There is no hoax, but unless Democrats beat that drum to protect Robert Mueller, I think this country is in for the test of its life,
What will the country do if Mueller is fired? Yawn? Laugh?
Or take to he streets all over the country, trying to mobilize popular support for the truth?
This is without a doubt the most pivotal moment in our history. They said that during Watergate, and justice prevailed. But now?
I have serious doubts.
141
This is a bad sign. It shows Republicans are going to be OK with Trump firing Mueller. They are basically signaling to Trump to go ahead and do it.
118
Great. I've been looking forward to quitting my job and dying in front of tanks with millions of other citizens in Tiananmen Square, I mean, the Washington Mall.
1
Well Lindsey Graham said that if Trump fires mueller that it would be the beginning of the end of his presidency. I believe there are enough republicans that would side with the country under those circumstances.
I wish you were right, scott k. But Graham is one of only a small handful of Republicans who have frequently (not always) stood up to Trump over the past few months (Collins, Corker, Flake, et al). The silence from the rest of the Senate and House Republicans is deafening.
1
Protect him from what?
The President who has complete discretion to keep or fire him? And who would be destroyed unless he had proof of malfeasance.
This chatter is just baseless politics. Dem's desperate to to keep alive the notion that Trump is out of control, to counter the very real resurgence in Trump approval ratings.
4
Um, Galllup's latest weekly average has Trump dipping to 36 percent approval, 59 percent disapproval. Last week he was at 38/57.
4
First, if one removes the blinders that hide the facts, and truth, the person becomes more enlightened. Having said that, Trump is out of control. Should he see something on Fox and Friends Romper Room that offends him, one tweet and the person or persons are flogged electronically.
Second, that surge in ratings you speak of is not supported by, well, facts.
2
Did they break the 30% threshold? The man is a walking disaster.
2
Why is the practice of defending our country from foreign invaders so darn difficult? How do you come to a presumption of no collusion before a full investigation is completed? Why wouldn’t you want a full and thorough examination of all the facts before you espouse an opinion? Why should the American people have faith in their leadership when Congress shows no faith in our rule of law? Just having to ask these ridiculous questions indicates how far our government has pulled away from its constitutional moorings.
168
"If conservatives become convinced that they cannot win democratically, they will not abandon conservatism. They will reject democracy.” - David Frum
Looks like they already have.
9
It is because they are guilty. That is the reason for all the obstruction, gaslighting and deflection. Donald Trump, his inner circle and the Republican Party are wholly complicit in the attempt by a hostile foreign power to subvert our democracy. This basic fact must be stated loud and often.
8
Do you mean foreign invaders such as the millions of illegal aliens in the country?
Why would the president take seriously any warnings from Republicans about dismissing Robert Mueller? He already has them in is pocket so he'll just ignore any caution expressed by the GOP regarding the Special Prosecutor. The president is also aware of the open rebellion by Capitol Hill Republicans towards the FBI as they attempt to shield him from scrutiny of all things Russia. Besides, the president knows how dysfunctional Senate and House Republicans are. Even with the passage of his tax bill last year, Republicans still couldn't agree to disagree, with last-minute posturing and grandstanding by a few Senators to get the bill passed.
30
Why would the Republicans move to protect the man who has the potential to take down the man who's finally--FINALLY!--enabled the GOP to have the power they've been desperate for for generations? They're just happy to take this power to 11 for as long as they can (until the 2018 election perhaps?). They could care less about ethics or law or the long-term health of our democracy.
96
If the gop is breaking laws, obstructing justice, or committing maleficence of office then they ALL deserve not just the scorn of the nation but any and all jail time determined and have their retirement and healthcare stripped completely.
2
Devin Nunes is lugging around a wrecking ball throughout the halls of the once-esteemed House of Representatives. Most--if not all--Republicans on Capitol Hill, but especially in the House, have to be acutely aware that Donald Trump, the president for whom they have been willing to ransack the Constitution, has a great deal to hide. They have to know that Robert Mueller III is holding face cards very close to his vest while fearing that the president has a handful of nothing-burgers.
Simply put, the Republicans are wholly owned by Trump and his family and his administration. They had the field all to themselves in his first year and the only tuft on their tent-pole is a tax cut for corporations and the already-rich. Not much of record there. But, goaded by the Mercer and Koch families, plus ALEC and the state-run television network (Fox Noose), the Republicans are hungry for more deregulation, more voter suppression, more of everything for themselves while unashamedly throwing off the trappings of responsibility to the Republic.
Some Republicans maintain that "there is no need" now for protections for Mr. Mueller. They prefer to wait until the water has breached the levee before they will act. Some "moderates" like Susan Collins of Maine are on record as saying they want Mr. Mueller to continue, but all the while they smile and demur and behave as if his investigation into Russia's takeover of America was a lark, a stroll on the beach.
Republicans are all-in on Trump.
230
You make a good point that Susan Collins is especially despicable here. She pretends to be a moderate, but she is a political coward of the worst sort.
32
The Grand Old Putinistas are more than happy to let the current oligarchy drive America into oblivion....as our Matryoshka-Doll-In-Chief prepares to give America its first State-of-the-Soviet-Union address tomorrow night.
The Republicans wouldn't recognize an American flag if it hit them in the face.
Party First: Country Last....to hell with America.
GOP 2018
181
I think it is donors first, then party. The country is the Sweet Little Miss tied up on the railroad tracks.
Why do the donors want Trump, who is an embarrassment and a loose cannon, when they could have Pence? Unless Pence is also caught up in the Russian affair. He headed up the transition team, so he could not have been unaware of the activities concerning the Russians - unless he is even more clueless and incompetent then he seems. Maybe all that would be left would be Ryan, but he belongs to the Kocks, too.
Really, how could they fear being any less liked than they already are? It never bothered them before.