Why won’t he simply pardon him?
4
If Cohen is waiting on a pardon he better hope Trump doesn’t have a heart attack or get impeached or that Mueller doesn’t drag his case out for 3 years.
7
By the way Stone talks, you would think he has never been around billionaires before.
4
I realize many NYTs readers are smiling and laughing about now. But I would imagine their expressions would suddenly change should their trusted attorney's office ever got raided.
3
But will he take a bullet when it's Trump holding the gun on him? In NY, it's a question of what the interim US Attorney will do and how much of Bharara's and Fishman's files he cares to read. The trail or corruption leads all the way back to the Port Authority.
12
What's that ole adage? Oh what a tangled web we weave when at first we practice to lie and deceive. Shrewd move by the OSC.
12
I don't seem to able to stop smiling and laughing.
15
If one is judged by the company they keep then you only need to look at the disgraceful charlatans, shysters, crooks and cronies in the Trump orbit to get a sense of the man. But it’s worse than that, because Trump is the boss of what is effectively a criminal syndicate. Cohen prides himself on doing Trump’s dirty work. They deserve one another and their fates.
39
It’s a sad state of affairs in our country when we hope a suspected criminal confesses his crimes, “flips” on our “President” and in doing so becomes a “hero”.
47
Not much I can add about this train wreck of an administration except this as the Good Book says, :You shall reap what you sow!"
25
As spring comes to America once again, it appears that the political worm is about to turn. Yes, there is a hint that right and civility may find a way to reenter the realm by way of an adult film actor, and others.
The greatest irony of all is that this narcissistic president would probably have not have had his sleazy past in front of the world if he had been able to restrain himself from his almighty quest to undo everything Mr Obama accomplished. Trump could not get over his birther claim and now it is going to cost him dearly. Justice is slow but eventually comes.
41
Another in a cadre of Smithers, willing to bow before Mr. Burns
7
At least 12 types of rove beetle have evolved to convince ants and termites that it is one of them, all the while stealing their food and eating their young. (From a piece further down the page.) Does this remind you of anyone in charge of our country?
22
"[Cohen] has told interviewers that he has never heard Mr. Trump utter an inaccuracy..."
I didn't know Cohen was deaf.
60
When I read that Cohen mortgaged his OWN HOUSE to pay off Daniels, I saw that Trump stiffed him just like he does everybody. Both are pathetic.
42
Mr. Cohen gets his validation from Trump. Trump picked him because of this and because, although Cohen is a blunt instrument, machiavellians like the late Roy Cohn aren’t going to be Trump’s tools. The fact that Cohen went to see Melania to apologize is the reveal, the man has no subtlety or understanding. He and Trump are living in some shared adolescent fantasy of Capos and foot soldiers. We need to hope that Cohen’s wife brings the man to his senses and we know nothing about her or their relationship.
22
The way Donald Trump treats Michael Cohen epitomizes this administration's constant denials of collusion and obstruction....Garbage.
12
If Cohen does take Donnie down, it would make for a great Shakesperian tragedy. He could recoup his $130,000 ... in spades. Just sayin'.
18
None of these people are going to take a bullet "for" Trump. Friendship, loyalty, concern are not in their value systems. But Cohen has plenty to be afraid of -- what Trump could selectively leak, what the Russians might do to him and his family, what other mobsters might threaten, and of course, what jail time he might face. Self-interest is all that matters to these people. We'll see how they turn.
32
Shouldn’t much of these shenanigans have been exposed by the press before the election?
22
A lot of them were, or at least hinted at. The problem is that his base couldn’t care less. Remember the crack about shooting someone on Fifth Avenue?
22
Most of this was reported, in the print news. The TV news was too much in love with the ratings of the trump circus to discuss anything serious.
26
Michael Cohen might repay Trump's abuse of him? Sad.
5
Donald Trump doesn't have the decency to stay off Twitter on the day of Barbara Bush's funeral.
47
"As you sow, so shall you reap...." Galatians 6:7-9
"In Islam, we have kaffarah. What you give, you'll get it back..." -- Koran
"You will not be punished for your anger but by your anger"...Buddha
No one on this planet can escape the ripple effect of bad behavior...not even Donald J. Trump. What a stunning fall we are witnessing but I am confident this country will survive and move forward. His behavior is a humbling lesson for all of us. None of us is above the law or exempt from karma...
39
Cohen saying he's take a bullet for Trump was nothing more than him trying to be the tough guy, Tony Soprano wannabe. He's going to have to put up or shut up soon. Let's see how tough he really is. Trump's another make believe tough guy.
16
Has Trump ever taken a fall for anyone? No, Trump would leave Cohen out to dry in prison, never to be heard from again.. As noted, Trump is a one way street. He cares and acts on behalf of one person - himself.
21
“Donald goes out of his way to treat him like garbage,” said Roger J. Stone
I don't get it. Why would Stone, Donald's principal policy maker and advisor, speak to a NYT reporter and say what he said? Does he think he is helping--what is he smoking? If anything he is throwing gas on the fire and pushing Michael tell the prosecution everything. What does Michael have to lose? The respect of the hero he worshiped? Obviously Michael never had that according to Roger. Wait, this is the Donald White House where insanity reins.
I can't wait until we toss all the Trump bums out. What a bunch of self-serving, egotistical vipers. They make the Nixon White House look a paragon of probity and virtue.
35
@Marc Carter
"They make the Nixon White House look a paragon of probity and virtue" - bet you never thought you'd see the day you'd type THAT particular sentence.
11
On the other hand, after years of abuse by Trump, why would Cohen suddenly change his tune and turn on his boss?
3
TDC: So as not to bankrupt himself and his family on legal fees, and so he doesn't get indicted for crimes. He can make a deal with the feds.
13
There's some poor money management going on. The president runs a real estate empire but with multiple bankruptcies, and he accepts investments from extremely shady foreigners. Mr. Cohen, attorney to the president, has to take out a loan to pay Stormy just over $100,000. That's lunch money for a guy like Scott Pruit. And given what she has, Stormy settles for a very small sum. I'm no accountant but something doesn't add up.
This may turn out to be another case where we look up to "successful" people, only to find out they're just ruthless. lucky and dumb.
17
Maggie is trying her best to influence an outcome. Is that the purpose of the news media? It shouldn't be.
Maggie is trying her best to report the truth.
21
Only a Republican would see the reporting of facts as a bad thing.
18
There is no reason to think Maggie Haberman is anything but an ethical, professional journalist. That said, the First Amendment explicitly protects the press’s right to try to influence public opinion and “the outcome.”
5
These stories write themselves. Neither journalists nor the best fiction writers could make this stuff up.
What’s the political equivalent of “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight” - whatever it is, the members continue to display their propensity to lie with impunity, gaslight, and undermine opponents, both real and assumed.
10
With his comment “Most people will flip if the Government lets them out of trouble, even if it means lying or making up stories", Trump is already laying the groundwork for his cry of "fake!" when and if Cohen turns. These snakes ultimately only have loyalty to themselves.
13
We are cheering for Michael Cohen to save himself from further abuse by
Trump;....and to show that he will choose to back his nation and redeem his
reputation...show courage to defend his nation and not a corrupt
man like Donald Trump.
8
Carol: cohen should save himself (and his family) from further abuse and association with trump, but clearly cohen is a corrupt man, just like Donald trump.
6
Carol b Russell
Donald trump is not corrupt.
Thanks for the best laugh line of the night. Oh wait, you were serious? Wow.
5
Trump today, like he’s hawking peanuts at a baseball game:
PARDONS! Get your pardons here, anyone need a pardon? I have pardons!
22
Michael fella
Trumps come and go
Just take care of your family
THATS All that Counts .
12
Donald, our word for the day is RICO. That’s spelled R-I-C-O. Your homework assignment is to find out what it means. Now don’t get all upset thinking you’ll have to read something, I’m going to give you a couple of hints that should make it easy:
Hint 1: Call your friend Rudy G. he might be able to help with a definition
Hint 2: It’s not that place you visited last year and had such great fun throwing paper towel rolls at those poor Spanish speaking people
Please be prepared to discuss the definition tomorrow morning.
Class dismissed.
21
Brilliant
2
We have learned that this president takes advantage of opportunities to make money and to gain power. That is where his loyalty lies.... not with those who helped him get there.
11
Next Newsflash: Cohen issued pardon by Trump and an appointment to the federal bench---in Guam. Sources say, Trump stated "This pardon is the biggest and widest one ever--Mike Cohen is a great guy he deserved it."
5
Mr. Cohen should be careful about his willingness to take a bullet for Trump. Trump may have his own interpretation of that... perhaps in Times Square.
6
Yes, Cohen did say he would take a bullet for Trump.
But he did not say he would take a Tomahawk Cruise Missile.
Mueller is the Cruise Missile.
11
Working in film I have seen this relationship again it is the Young Associate Producer trying to please their Boss by beating up on the help. Willing to do anything for approval and promise of future success but all that person ever gets is abused, used and discarded, and this motivates them all the more.
We are not all self aware, logical conscious actors in life.
12
This morning Trump was tweeting against this article and one of its reporters. Other former presidents and their first ladies were attending the funeral of a beloved first lady and honoring her memory. Watching the dignity, witnessing the love and the deep sorrow for an amazing woman is sad but inspirational. It is good to remember someone like this whose time in and out of the White House brought about much that has been good such as her literacy program, a lasting legacy.
Then there is Trump. On Easter Sunday and directly after Passover, he was tweeting against immigrants and Dreamers. Trump of course is now afraid of Mr. Cohen cooperating with authorities, but this article cites sources for the mistreatment which Cohen (like most in Trump's orbit) has received.
The most important thing Mr. Cohen should do is sit down and talk to his wife about their family's future. Usually women have a much clearer picture of Trump. I imagine he will do the right thing.
"When a man knows he is to be hanged...it concentrates his mind wonderfully."
17
While Clinton was being investigated he was able to get substantial government work done and was not constantly perseverating about his potential legal troubles. Trump is quite the opposite and will continue to fixate on his personal problems.
10
Wild speculation and media frenzy! It's all out of place and feeds Trump's themes of fake news and the established media out to get him.
The Times would do much better to say there is an investigation underway and that it will report the results once the results are known.
People who dislike Trump have become very emotional, and articles like this only feed the frenzy. I don't like Trump either, but letting our emotions run away with us and heap speculation upon speculation only creates the circus atmosphere which enables Trump. Wait for results; then discuss what they mean.
2
Machiavelli said the sole inspiration must derive from the demands of the circumstances. Hopefully Cohen's inspiration will include the welfare of his family if nobody else.
6
Might Mr. Trump's tax returns be somewhere in the "business records" seized by the FBI?
6
I fail to comprehend why Mr. Cohen would take a bullet for a man who has aimed many at him.
27
When Cohen said that he would take a bullet for Trump... I do not think that he was thinking multidimensionally. Was it not Trump that said "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters," Cohen forgot he could get shot in the back.
17
The day Mr. Cohen flips on Mr. Trump will be a good day for America and probably the only way to avoid decades of prison time in state prison or federal prison. State charges are not subject to presidential pardons. If Mr. Trump has done nothing illegal then Mr. Cohen will have nothing bad to say.
Mr. Cohen remember the words of Richard III (Act-V, Scene-IV of William Shakespeare’s play, Richard III), “A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!” I suggest you find the horse to ride out of harm's way. Your future depends on making the right choice.
21
Tump getting spastic about this article in his morning
tweets is very revealing. All this talk about Cohen flipping and Trump's seeming acknowledgment of it bespeaks his guilt of a criminal and illegal relationship with the guy. Must be a chock full of skeletons hidden in the Trump Organization closet.
20
I'm trying to figure out if a sitting president who is indicted in a RICO action for money laundering can pardon himself. There's no legal precedent that I know of on point.
I bet the phone call from Trump to Cohen, concerned how many of the documents laying out their money laundering had Cohen managed to destroy/eliminate before the "raid." If Cohen didn't get to most of them, the feds may not need Cohen's testimony at all, the proof will be right in those files "going back decades" that the FBI collected.
19
Trump is and always has been an abuser. Comey is correct to paraphrase. "he's not mentally unfit, he's morally unfit." He has no shame. no morals, no ethics. He is an abuser who manipulated his "base" into victims and who mocks them saying "he loves the uneducated." He has abused and humiliated all of his wives and does it in real-time with Melania. He abuses the people who work for him, his employees and contractors he never paid, his investors and Trump University students he defrauded. Like all abusers, they run scared when assertive people stand up to them and expose them for the insecure losers that they are. Hillary Clinton would have eaten Trump and Putin for breakfast, because she isn't fearless and no matter how Trump stalked her like prey on that debate stage and attempted to intimidate her, she cannot be intimidated. His abuse didn't work on her and he knew it. That's why he un-leveled the playing field and cheated with the help of the Russians and Assange because he knew his usual abusive ways were no match for his political opponent. Cohen, take a page from HC, stand up to your abuser. Do it for America, but more importantly, do it for yourself.
30
klowd9224: I think you meant to say that "Hillary Clinton IS fearless." I do not believe that she did anything that was illegal, and that is why she can be fearless. They can investigate her from today until time immemorial, and they would not be able to find evidence of crimes being committed, and she knew/knows that. They can certainly TRY to make up stories about things she was involved in, and CALL THEM CRIMES, but they will not be able to come up with any evidence, because there is none! And I was not a Hillary supporter, but a Bernie supporter, although I did vote for Hillary in the presidential election because I was interested in intelligence, dignity, experience, and compassion, vs. was trump was selling...which was BIG, BEAUJTIFUL, HUGE BOTTLES OF SNAKE OIL...and corruption, and con artistry, and lying, and arrogance, and entitlement, and elitism, and racism, and misogyny, and malice, and cruelty, and the harming and disenfranchising of the poor, the sick, the elderly, women, children, and minorities so he could make himself, the GOP, and their rich cronies even richer. PUTRID...THE ENTIRE LOT OF THEM.
11
INTERIOR INTERROGATION ROOM:
Michael Cohen sits on the cold steel chair, sweat beading on his brow. The rugged young prosecutor sits across from him. The fluorescent light flickers overhead.
A page from the New York Times with the headline "Michael Cohen Has Said He Would Take A Bullet for Trump. Maybe Not Anymore" lays on the table between them.
Prosecutor: After all you've done for him?
Cohen: You don't understand.
The prosecutor pushes the article closer to Cohen.
Prosecutor: Don't let him get away with it anymore.
Cohen looks away, knowing the depth of this humiliation.
END SCENE.
Is there anything about this presidency that is not made for, or from, television? For God's sake Michael Cohen, talk now and put all of us out of our misery.
28
How or why can Trump engender loyalty from some while treating them badly? Cohen is the example here, but there are many others that Trump insults. New York Times has listed 446 people or organizations that Trump has bashed on Twitter.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/28/upshot/donald-trump-twitt...
5
It's easy to say you'd take that bullet before they actually start shooting. When the ammo flies, it's a good time to reconsider your tactics. Choose your battles carefully.
19
It would seem Michael Cohen was the perfect associate of Trump for Mueller.
6
It's already been reported that Trump had a phone call with Cohen a few days after the search & seizure warrant took place.
Trump may have already offered his Ace card to Cohen, requesting he just keep his mouth shut in exchange for a guaranteed presidential pardon.
5
There are NY state charges he'll be looking at, as well. Those are beyond the reach of presidential pardon, I'm very, very happy to report.
11
Mr. Bantree, as Sixofone pointed out, there will also be NY state criminal charges against him, and trump cannot pardon him for those. cohen would be wise to consider the consequences of this debacle for his wife and his children. He could go bankrupt very easily from the legal fees he will incur. Better to make a deal with the feds NOW. trump cares not a whit for cohen and his family; he is only out to save his own skin. He will continue to use and abuse cohen, if he is allowed by cohen to do so. I am concerned that Cohen's family may be in physical jeopardy if he makes a deal with the feds...but his family's safety has to be part of the deal. How sordid life can turn out when people seek to deceive and deal in immorality and corruption!
4
The state of New York is investigating him. Trump can't pardon a person convicted by a state.
3
First comes the loyalty test, then comes the bullet test?
7
The big question is: As Trump stalks around the West Wing muttering, or spends endless hours talking to his friends on FOX TV and his growing group of lawyers, or sits in the bathroom tweeting... who is manning the helm of the Good Ship USA?
The answer should be both frightening and obvious. The momentum of our democracy, built by many years of hard working administrations both Democrat and Republican is moving the ship along. But we are rudderless and swirling in a world of dangerous currents. The con man is our ship's captain, but no one is at the con.
12
As north korea
They seem nervous
1
Michael Cohen has children, I don't think he wants to go to jail. H will turn. Also, I am confused with the Sean Hannity thing. If Sean is a client, what did he do for Sean?
7
I can't wait to find out...money laundering? Illegal real estate deals? Money from Russians? A couple of affairs? Stay tuned.
6
My theory is that Hannity was a client because Trump suggested setting up that relationship so he could leak things through Cohen and claim attorney client privilege to keep it hidden. It was a dumb idea, but none of them are all that bright.
5
I question whether Trump can claim attorney/client privilege concerning Stormy Daniels. Remember he said he had never spoken to Cohen about her. The attorney/client privilege protects interactions between the attorney and the client. If Cohen acted independently there is nothing privileged to protect.
6
All I want my lawyer to take, is less than 33%
2
The bus now has so many people under it the wheels not only don't touch the road any more, they're spinning so fast, they're about to fall off. And no one will be happier than I when they do.
9
Why would Cohen put up with Trump's abuse and remain loyal now that Mueller and others want The Donald's scalp? Money. There has to be a very large payday ahead for Mr. Cohen. Nothing else really makes sense.
6
The single best way to determine if something is true is if President Trump labels it false.
Keep up the good work, NYT
23
It looks to me like a lot of daddies and mommys forgot to explain to their kids that guys who swear up and down and loudly how much you can trust them cannot be trusted.
6
The absolute worst thing that Trump could do is pardon Cohen, because after he's been pardoned Cohen could be subpoenaed to testify - and having already been pardoned he would not be in danger of criminal liability and therefore could not assert a 5th Amendment Right to not testify.
Once you can no longer hide behind the 5th, if you don't testify when asked questions under oath, you are subject to being put in jail for contempt... so it looks like Cohen only has one way to avoid going behind bars: either flip on Trump or wind up in jail for contempt, even if previously pardoned for the crimes you're being asked to testify about.
GeneGrossman.com
11
Trump should not be concerned about Cohen "flipping" as Trump has told us he did nothing wrong. "No collusion, no collusion. No obstruction and, of course, all the women who have accused me of assault are liars." So, in your own words Donald, there is nothing to worry about. Relax at a golf course near you.
22
I thought he had said he was going to sue all the women who accused him of misbehavior?
5
Trump to Cohen: "I've been very loyal to you. We had that thing, you know ..."
4
what are the chances the word
pardon
was used in the phone conversation between them last week
11
j: Unfortunately, the state of New York could also prosecute cohen for crimes, and trump would be unable to pardon him in that case.
2
A Man for All Seasons: "It profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world ... but for Wales?"
Will Mr. Cohen give up his "soul" for trump (<<< Wales), at the cost of his family? This is not a religious question, but one of -- at worst -- pragmatism.
8
They deserve each other.
11
The fact that the “president” even needs a fixer is damning!
22
It's a hold over from those decades of bankruptcy scams . . .
6
Makes you wonder how Roy Cohn treated Mr Trump
15
I wouldn't have thought that Trump would stoop so low to read something in the "Failing New York TImes"!!!!!!!
But, perhaps since he DID read the article ( or, more likely, someone read it TO him) I hope be browsed some of the 1400+ comments on this page...perhaps he could learn something.
He calls the NY Times reporter nasty names.
He reveres the "host" of Hannity Show.
Hannity by his own description, calls himself a "host"....as in a HOST of a game show.
Cohen has got Trump by the "short hairs". Cohen should YANK as hard as he can. He's got NOTHING to lose.
24
It's truly pathetic that Michael Cohen is so insecure that he would take abuse from the bigger insecure person Donald Trump.
22
Michael Avenati (Stormy's lawyer) didn't call Michael Cohen a "purse puppy" (on CNN) for nothing. Cohen is to be pitied and he will be milked dry of information by the feds.
20
I believe the NYT has lost all ability to distinguish news from opinion.
2
May I ask you to explain what they got wrong here? Thank you.
10
“Fox News.
3
I think you are projecting, jaco.
4
Cohen is going to flip like a circus seal begging for fish!
14
Round of Golf in FL. rather than Mrs. Bush's funeral. Could this guy have any more crass, sorry ,meant class/
14
unclejake: trump is not going to Mrs. Bush's funeral, because he was vile to her son, Jeb, and he has embarrassed himself to the nth degree, with all his stupidity, scandals, corruption, immorality, malice, and mendacity. He is ASHAMED to go to Mrs. Bush's funeral, PERIOD! And the truth IS, that he WOULD detract from the funeral, because most of the people there cannot stand him either. There would be a lot of finger-pointing and whispering. But he doesn't care about being a distraction from her funeral; he only cares about his own humiliation, and about being ostracized. This guy is like something from another planet! Definitely one of the biggest CON ARTISTS and LIARS ever.
17
Mr. Cohen states he would "take a bullet" but he doesn't realize that there are many bad actors who might literally take him up on that. John Dean was placed into protective custody, but that did not readily happen. Perhaps Mr. Cohen might want to reconsider his pro-bullet stance---very soon.
10
Trump hires "fixers". Mr. Cohen better hope he doesn't also hire "cleaners".
3
With every new revelation as to the core of trump, the true depth of his depravity and cruelty is stunning. He is a monster.
Sing Mr. Cohen, sing. Spill it all. Not only might you restore your own dignity. You have everything - every single thing - to lose if you don't. Live your life honorably with your family. Write a book (I'll buy it), and use the proceeds to recover financially.
For the first time in his whole sorry life, trump will have no place to hide. And for that, most of this nation will be eternally grateful to you.
34
No mention of how Trump, Cohen, Ivanka, and Jared are all tied to the Russian mob in NY (with tentacles back to Putin) through the Chabad organization? Politico did a good article on this with much new (at least, to me) information about how Putin has sponsored Chabad in Russia and around the world as a way of keeping Russian Jews in the diaspora connected to him. Also no mention of Cohen being the conduit for dirty Russian money into Trump's business and real estate? It seems that there exist lots of threads that could be pulled by Haberman and the other investigative journalists at the NY Times to reveal the workings of the corrupt Trump Enterprises. It is in this area of investigation that Putin's source of control over Trump will be finally explained. I hope the NY Times is hard at work on it.
28
The Times in general, and Haberman in particular, have consistently pulled their punches re Trump’s ties to the Italian and more recently Russian mafia. Very strange.
3
It seems odd to me that so much Russian money has been sloshing around Trump real estate deals in NYC for years, and the SD NY never felt like they should look into it? Could that have been Giuliani's influence at work? Is that why Giuliani is now part of the Trump legal team?
When I bought a rather expensive condo in AZ, and offered cash for it, the real estate agent required I provide banking statements proving where the money was coming from and its provenance. Not part of the Trump standard practice, I'm guessing.
3
For a major narcissist like Donald Trump it's "all about me" and only me 24/7. The tweet-ridden bodies alone since he's taken office should be a warning about the need for any further sacrifices on his behalf. If I were Michael Cohen, I'd immediately buy a bullet-proof vest, wear surgical gloves before opening any doors, and avoid diving your own car. The Don may not be a "straight shooter," but he seems to have friends who do.
15
Paul: If I were cohen and his family, I would enter The Witness Protection Program, and get my identity changed!
8
When Cohen flips, our 3rd rate President will just say Cohen's lieing. Blah, blah, blah. Expect same old Trump game plan. Time to take Mic away from unstable person.
11
Mr. Trump must not be too worried about Mr. Cohen--he spent Friday playing golf. And he will spend the weekend playing more golf.
5
Before the raid: "I would take a bullet for Mr. Trump."
Now: "A rubber bullet."
Soon: "As long as I'm wearing an armor plated vest."
6
Looks like a very bad case of mis-guided hero worship. 'If you lie with the dogs...'
5
Imagine admiring him since high school. What does that say about a person? What a cesspool we are swimming in, that's what.
21
Sing, Cohen, sing!
11
you call his news i.e. sources tell me this so called journalist is making up her sources to support her opinions
Of course trump treats Cohen like garbage. Trump treats everyone and, indeed, the entire country like garbage. As we are approaching the midterms there are fewer and fewer people who haven't figured this out yet.
18
Trump called Maggie Haberman a "third rate reporter" in response to this piece. It was a bit like calling Meryl Streep a "third rate actor."
34
Steel Magnolia: Which of course he DID; trump DID call Meryl Streep a third rate actor. Where, in the name of any kind of intelligence or discernment does he come off calling Meryl Streep a third rate actor, or Maggie Haberman a third rate reporter? trump hasn't the "chops" to be anyone of any kind of talent, be it journalistic or acting. He is a FAILED businessman. The only talent this man has is as a world class criminal, con artist, liar, serial adulterer, and sexual and financial predator. trump's opinion regarding anyone else is neither needed, wanted, nor warranted. It is a case of a stupendous LOSER, calling anyone who has any talent A LOSER! The art of PROJECTION by donald j. trump!
4
Cohen is a classic codependent and is in a dysfunctional relationship with the malignant narcissist Trump based on projection.
Cohen is as weak and shame based as they come. He is addicted to Trump's abuse like an abused battered wife with 2 black eyes who keeps making excuses for her abusive husband who keeps going back for more.
Trump, Trump's family, Trump's "friends" (a malignant narcissist has no real friends) and Trump's followers are VERY SICK PEOPLE THAT NEED SERIOUS HELP. Narcissism and Codependence are closely related and both are DEVASTATING psycho spiritual diseases with severe consequences if not addressed by years of psychotherapy and inner work.
Trump is like the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain. He acts tough and mean but is in actuality a frail, insecure little man pulling levers behind the curtain. People the Giuliani, Cohen, Conway, Paul Ryan, Devin Nunes, Sam Nunberg, Manaforte, Flynn, and all the rest of them are victims of their own unconsciousness and wounds. They are attracted to Trump like flies on dung.
15
Didn't think Cohen would flip, but after reading this, why wouldn't he. So what's the over/under now for Trump cohorts that end up in Witness Protection?
7
Be careful. When Roger Stone and Sam Nunberg say something negative about Trump on the record, we have to be suspicious. I’ll bet these guys are cooking up something. I don’t know what it is, but we should be wary. Our desperate hope to bring him down shouldn’t blind us to counterplots.
17
Roger Stone may well be at the center of ALL of this conspiracy, friendly as he is what that Russian agent Julian Assange. If he's not already cooperating with Mueller, I'd be very surprised.
9
So the question is: Will Cohen flip? If the only thing between Trump and a pile of indictments is a groveling underling who once boasted about taking a bullet for him and now faces the prospect of taking the fall for him, we're already in the midst of a constitutional crisis. Trump has turned the Oval Office into the Ravenite Social Club.
14
Devin Nunes and golf course in Fresno.... sounds like the deal didn't go down and Nunes owed Trump a favor?
9
The only "loyalty" Trump wants is to be solely directed at him. No one is "above the law" and Cohen should remember this above all else!
7
Could it be that Michael Cohen's worth to Trump is that Cohen comes as a package deal with potential financial connections coveted by his boss?
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/michael-cohens-ties-to-russia...
https://forward.com/fast-forward/399153/michael-cohen-owned-piece-of-mob...
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/04/michael-cohen-will-he-flip
5
Poor Mr. Cohen was a lawyer from a low end law school (Thomas M. Cooley Law School) who could do no better than to work in an ambulance chasing law firm. He idolized Trump though and worked hard to impress him in a Trump property dispute (Cohen betrayed the owners association), which he did using slime ball tactics. Trump then brought him on board to work on, no doubt, highly suspicious projects. Trump exploited Cohen's love for him, like he does to everyone stupid enough to work for him. Now Cohen has a choice. Do the right thing and save some level of normalcy for his family or "take a bullet" for a despicable criminal and destroy his family in the process.
206
The question is whether Cohen believes, deep down in his heart, that Trump will pardon him and reward him for keeping silent. If he doesn't believe either of those things, Trump is toast.
9
JAMES OSBORN
I would guess that like most others on the left, you have written fiction about Mr. Cohen and President Trump. I would also assume that you actually do not even know Mr. Cohen or the President.
4
Yup, James; cohen should do the right thing...but lawyers who use slime ball tactics deserve to have their heads handed to them. He went to a low end law school, but he had no trouble making high end disgusting and menacing threats on behalf of his disgusting client, who is a world class menace.
6
During Watergate, G. Gordon Liddy was one of the few co-conspirators that refused to testify against Nixon, and instead, served his time in prison. He was the kind of guy that would put his hand in a flame to show one how tough he was. Michael Cohen is no G. Gordon Liddy.
There are federal and state crimes here. I don't think he wants to serve time in a NY state prison. He'll most likely take the Fed deal offered.
120
J. Herman and Marcus: I certainly hope that cohen takes the federal deal; he has a family to think of. Right now cohen is BLEEDING $$$$$ money on legal fees. Even a wealthy man can bankrupt himself and his family like this. My greatest concern is that trump, or a trump henchman, will threaten cohen to harm his family if he talks. He is truly between a rock and hard place, but he has only himself to blame.
8
I just wanted to amplify this comment.
7
Not to focus on the wrong thing, but look at that picture? What is wrong with their tailors? Who told them those suits fit?
I know the cost of the suit is the same no matter how its cut, but getting the extra fabric is not a "good deal"...
8
"What is wrong with their tailors?"
What's "wrong" with Cohen's suit?
The suits probably fell off a truck somewhere in New York.
1
Donald Trump seems to be whining this morning at poor Maggie Haberman, who happens to be one of the best political journalists around and she has Donald Trump's number and he is whining like a little baby.
23
If Trump is whining about someone, you know they're doing something good for the country. It's a badge of honor to be called names by Trump.
14
There's a lot being written and talked about concerning whether or not Mr. Cohen might "flip." Mr. Trump has been vehemently protesting his innocence -- Russian collusion, "golden showers," Stormy Daniels, conflicts of interest, ad nauseam --- if Mr. Trump hasn't done anything wrong, why would he be concerned that Mr. Cohen might flip; what would Mr. Cohen have to "flip" about?
16
Trump acts ss if he is guilty, guilty, guilty.
6
Love how The Times is priming Cohens pump!! Wishful thinking, he will take a bullet.
1
Now the cadet should find out whether he can pardon himself. If not, big time for the big boss
4
In the dog eat dog world that surrounds Trump, loyalty is only as good as what's in it for the players. Cohen knows that Trump will let him rot in jail cause he knows too much. He expects loyalty when he needs something, but never expect the same loyalty when the shoe is on the other foot.
5
Wish I knew more about New York state law. Trump can't pardon Cohen for anything under state jurisdiction.
4
Did Trump Real Estate launder "borrowed" Russian or Ukranian mob money to finance developments? Was Cohen's father-in-law the connection?
11
Will Ms. Haberman still take Trump’s phone calls? She is a person of class and integrity, she might not want to associate any further with a juvenile Twitter troll like Trump.
Perhaps it’s time for Ms. Haberman to block Trump’s cell phone number?
6
As the fixer the big question is, what did Cohen get in return for his effort? Maybe some properties Trump didn't want, maybe access to some of his money laundering schemes, maybe access to the women Trump discarded. Who knows, but you can be sure it was more than what he was paid.
9
So Donald tweets code to Michael not to flip. Not so ingenious, Don.
8
Best of both worlds: "Thank you Mr. Cohen for flipping on Mr. Trump. Now you get only 10 years."
6
The sudden raid on Michael Cohen's office is really a life-line. He has gotten nothing from his ungrateful client, Donald Trump except insults, epithets and threats to be fired. Now's the time to turn tables. So Michael turn over all the dirty work you did for Trump, save yourself and your family.
You can also redeem yourself a little by cooperating with the authorities and perhaps saving our country from tyranny. And of course, don't take a bullet for this man. He is not worth it.
10
"Take a bullet" for Trump sounds the same as Michael Flynn saying he'd be "the fall guy" (take the rap for colluding with Russians). Trump obviously knows exactly what any of his people are doing. This is why his broken-record "there was no collusion" (by Trump himself vs. maybe someone else), is such a feeble refrain. It's pretty clear that Flynn has long since told all that he (and his boss) were up to with Russia, and the other Michael (Cohen) can't be far behind.
8
Not sure I understand the President's opinion that Michael Cohen is unlikely to 'flip.' Seems to me that for 'flipping' to even be an issue there must already be an instance of wrongdoing that will either be revealed or concealed. If the President has done nothing wrong, then Michael Cohen can speak with investigators until they all get tired and collapse without it constituting any threat to the President. But that would not be 'flipping.' That would be 'talking.'
14
Curiously, neither the New York Times article nor the President's tweets mentioned that jay Goldberg, one of the President's former lawyers, has advised Trump that Michael Cohen will likely cooperated with investigators. Trump's tweets represent a desperate, but likely unsuccessful attempt to try to salvage his relationship with Cohen before it's too late.
Keep up the good work NYT.
28
Jay Goldberg also advised Trump NOT to be interviewed by Mueller.
Rudy Giuliani, who Trump just hired as an Attorney, bragged that he would wrap up the Russian Investigation in a couple of weeks. Sic!
1
Trump already angrily tweeted, denying that Cohen would "flip."Remarkably, he didn't challenge the notion that Cohen would have anything to "flip" ABOUT!
40
Thank you. This article and the excellent article on Scott Pruitt's path of corruption are outstanding. Thank you.
29
This man is facing some very serious consequences if he's charged with a crime.
Disbarment and jail. Take a bullet for Trump? He'd have to be out of his mind.
21
I recall that Trump called Michael Cohen several days ago. I think it was the same day he pardoned Scooter Libby. I am sure DJT would love to pardon Cohen. We will leave it to Rudy Giuliani to explain the pros and cons of that to the boss.
9
Mr. Cohen is Trump’s Biizarro Mini Me. A big man with a small mind. After the horrible way he treated so many (in the Trump style) hopefully he will get convicted in State court and severa in the NY penal system. He’ll find out pretty soon that he is just a ‘catcher’.
11
If, as is likely Trump & Co lied on every single financial document he has ever submitted, he will be liable to civil lawsuits from co-investors and banks in all of his bankrupt enterprises. it might not be wise to make a "martyr" of trump through imprisonment, but he and co-horts will be crushed financially in ways his followers can't understand. I think he will have a heart attack or a stroke as the pressure and builds.
8
"He said that he is very loyal to Trump but after what happened on Monday, he'd rethink how he handled the payments to Daniels because of the impact on his family." - from CNN regarding the raid on Cohen's office
Cohen might want to rethink a lot of things because of the (potential) impact on his family. Like, is a con man who has treated him like dirt worth decades in prison.
17
It was off the top of his head thinking that if he was that loyal to Trump, Trump would just as loyal to him. I'm sure he's thinking differently now.
10
I am most curious about using Roger Stone as a source for this article; especially in light of the mean spirited public comments he made upon the death of Barbara Bush this week. Stone has shown himself, once again, to be a despicable character.
11
Yes he is despicable, and he is counted as a long time "friend" of the trump.
2
Why should Cohen apologize to Mrs. Trump for her husband's betrayal? This is what I mean by Trump making his problems everyone else's. He's blameless only because they let him unload his betrayals on them by lying for him or claiming his betrayals as their own.
I'm not carrying his burden around. I'm not Lucky for this Pozzo clown. Those who let themselves be used by Trump have something to hide. He prays on those who feel shame, but operates as if he hasn't any.
13
Congratulations to Maggie Haberman, et al. Keep up the good work! Clearly this is hitting close to home in Trump world.
27
Cohen’s choice is between ansewring a bunch of questions truthfully or a long jail term.
9
This is so much fun to watch, but so devastating in that all of this is aiming toward normalcy and a continued eroding of a great democracy.
14
I have great respect for Mr. Mueller, he manages to play a very tight and lethal game with seemingly very little effort. He manages to pick up the right rock at the right time and grab just the information he needs to hopefully upend one hateful criminal then another. He is stealthy and effective. We need him desperately right now. Maybe some of the information has fallen into his lap but like so many seasoned investigators, they have to know what is important when they see it or hear about it and put it together correctly or it will be lost. I impressed by what he is doing and wish him all the success in the world.
52
Here is an obvious question that the NYT and other nees media seems to be missing: isn't it fraudulent for an attorney to set up a contract using a false name of a party, i.e., "David Dennsion?" It seems that if no such person exists, then the contract is fraudulent or void. If it turns out that in fact "David Dennison" is Donald Trump, then Cohen is indeed representing him and should be compelled to disclose this information if investigated by federal or state regulators with authority to do so. The next obvious step with Cohen is to demonstrate that he negotiated illegally with intent to conceal the name of a party in a legally binding contract. The New York Bar should then move to disbar him from the practice of law. Then, and only then, will there be some real leverage to get him to turn on his master. Any associate of Trump is greedy and a coward just like their boss. I expect Cohen to roll over quickly once real pressure is applied.
22
'... isn't it fraudulent for an attorney to set up a contract using a false name of a party, i.e., "David Dennsion?"'
The contract has a space for the real names of the parties.
If you look at the contract itself, you will see that Peggy Peterson is identified as Stephanie Gregory Clifford, and that she signs the contract as Stephanie Clifford.
Do a Google images search for "David Dennison trump contract": images.google.com.
2
Cohen seems to be in a co-dependent relationship with Trump. Trump likes to kick the dog, and Cohen likes to get the attention, even if it's a kick. Time to snap back at him, Michael. You might have the biggest blockbuster book of all Trump's "friends." Write it. Write it for your own dignity, and write it for your family.
19
I sincerely hope he thinks about his Family and the effect it will have on their lives
Family comes First
11
What does Trump, Cohen, Pruitt, Kushner, Trump's (adult) children, Price, Shulkin, etc., etc, all have in common ..... they ALL think they are above the law. Sad!
25
There's a precedent for what's happening.
It also involved a head of state who believed he had a "divine right" to say or do anything without restraints.
He even had someone write a book for him to endorse his views to the world.
When his son became head of State, he interpreted his father's sense of privilege liberally and ignored all prior agreements & understandings related to the government -- agreements arrived at great cost.
The son's name was Charles.
The lawyer who opposed him was Edward Coke.
The punishment was that Charles (1) lost his head.
The result was a Commonwealth of England
and the development of New England.
The Book his scholars wrote was a translation of the King James Version of the Bible.
One place where they took liberties was in the first sentence of the book of John
which says:
-- "In the beginning was the Word...."
where "Word" is a unique translation for "logos" which is in the original Greek text.
Neither Constantine, nor Greek Orthodoxy, has had difficulty translating it.
John was written in Koine (common) Greek.
As a Greek immigrant (at a Pizza parlor) easily explained:
"Logos" refers to reasoned articulation -- It requires thought.
Trump won't lose his head as Charles did unless Mueller finds he sought to overthrow our Constitution as Charles sought to discard the Magna Carta.
For more about England's most famous Jurist read:
"Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul"
The Independent Man stands on the RI State House dome.
5
There are always state charges. Trump cannot pardon state crimes. Odds are whatever federal crimes you have committed they can find a state crime to match it.
19
Soon, Conductor Muller will have a choir that rivals the Monteverdi.
HUGELY big and introducing new talent never before heard in the halls of justice; including a rendition of the Revenge Aria performed by Meister Michael Cohen.
15
Cohen says that "he has never heard Mr. Trump utter an inaccuracy or break a promise." Is this guy delusional, stone deaf or some other sort of disfunction for which I have no word?
28
For Donald Trump from Franz Kafka:
“Alas," said the mouse, "the world gets smaller every day. At first it was so wide that I ran along and was happy to see walls appearing to my right and left, but these high walls converged so quickly that I’m already in the last room, and there in the corner is the trap into which I must run."
"But you’ve only got to change your perspective," said the cat, and gobbled it up.”
18
Not only should he sing to the Feds, but he should write a tell-all memoir of his Trump exploits. That would be the way to get the last laugh.
15
Stop calling it “his Justice Department.” It doesn’t belong to him or any president.
32
I get tired of saying this. GOP voters: You have elected a horrible person.
52
Don’t forget: the Republican Party machine; they nominated Trump, they enable Trump, they cynically use Trump to achieve their long-term aims to slaughter everything the New Deal ever provides for working people, most especially Social Security.
13
Trump's early morning denial of this story is classic Trumpania, part insult-laden tirade at Maggie Haberman, part threat to the potential flipper Michael Cohen, part admission of guilt for unknown crimes.
Or, in the immortal words of Alfred E. Neuman, What, me worry?
32
Like the media's push for the public to sympathize with Stormy- a porn star who slept with a married man she wasn't attracted to because he promised her a role on the Apprentice and a condo- are we now supposed to feel sorry for Michael Cohen- who seems to have spent his career facilitating seedy arrangements between people like Stormy and Trump? Give me a break.
10
Being revealed as pitiful as he acts the pit bull doesn't earn him absolution - or friends.
8
I don't see anyone calling for sympathy for Cohen.
7
Mr Trump treats Mr Cohen in the same degrading way he treats his male sons. Mr. Trump makes it clear he is top dog. The dominant one in every male relationship. He even brags about seducing his friends wives. He is a very sick man.
41
if he were really alpha he wouldn't have to try so hard to look it
14
Trump and Cohen are more alike than may first appear. Both are weak men who have cultivated bully power: dominant bully and sycophant bully. Trump has his little bomb (Cohen) & Cohen has his big cigar (Trump).
Trump's demeaning treatment of Cohen is because he knows that Cohen may be the only person in possession of real power over him. It's his resentment hitting back twice as hard, because Cohen has this power, but he's no Roy Cohn. I think DT is experiencing true threat- for the first time. Trump realized his big mistake a while back: he thought Cohen was Cohn. (He's not much of a speller)
The deal: Cohen asserts he'll take a bullet for Trump and knows Trump will deflect bullets for him, because of this implicit standoff.
Now Trump really thinks Giuliani (formerly of that NY office) can be his Cohn? Negotiate an "end" to all this with Mueller? And keep the little bomb from blowing up?
DT's desperate times are clearly calling for desperate measures. Key word: desperate.
Poor Donnie: "Hoist by his own petard".
22
The shame of a mafia boss being president. I now realize that’s just what we have.
32
Actual Mafia bosses treated their lieutenants better.
4
Someone should read this article to Mr. Cohen.
7
The "stable genius" is demonstrating his intelligence by claiming his "bag man" won't "flip" on him. Why would anyone "flip" unless they are hiding crimes for someone? Is he really this dumb?
22
Here is Trump's response. The polls show greater approval for Trump every week.
“The New York Times and a third-rate reporter named Maggie Haberman, known as a Crooked H flunkie who I don’t speak to and have nothing to do with, are going out of their way to destroy Michael Cohen and his relationship with me in the hope that he will ‘flip,’ ”
1
Whoa, this is good journalism cum psychoanalysis. If Cohen sings, NYT will be able to look back and identify the point of no return.
4
It’s all so much like The Godfather, without the gratuitous violence.
Then you come back to the sobering reality that this is The President of The United States of America and one of his many shady affiliates. That is the shocker. The Americans who voted for him cannot possibility think that this is what is best for the country.
Running the government is not like trading real estate in the world of hookers and shady deals in which DJT grew up and has operated his entire life.
God save The United States of America from this group of thugs and the mob boss that dictates them.
25
Past presidents (certainly not all) have done deplorable things. The difference now, and the good thing, is that the bad things are coming to the public's awareness, where we can make sure the problems are fixed.
5
Trump has no loyalties to ANYONE. He degrades, denigrates, & insults anyone who doesn't express adulation, praise, concurrence. He is a pompous pugilistic creature. He deserves to be deserted by EVERYONE.
23
Why is dt even concerned about Cohen flipping if he has nothing to hide?
27
It seems odd that The Times can pack a Page A1 article with inflammatory quotes from so many insiders, but The Times couldn't bother with interviewing Mr. Cohen to determine how he views his long term relationship with the President.
It would seem that NEVER TRUMP has changed the jurinalistic standards of The Times from The Old Gray Lady to the Slander Sheet Tabloid.
Congrats on the three Pulitzers, A. G.
1
You really expect that Cohen would agree to an interview?
Nice reporting New York Times! “Presidential” tweeting this morning shows Trump is very worried that Cohen might flip (what would Cohen flip about if there is nothing to hide?) Also, Trump again throws Cohen under this bus this morning implying that Cohen might lie or make up stories just to get out of trouble.
17
All Michael Cohen needs is a tuning fork because he’ll be singing like his life depends on it, large portion of which will indeed depend on it.
8
I suspect that Cohen, and others who take such treatment in order to work for such an idiot, has to work for Trump because no one else would hire him. Either he's stupid or he's got skeletons in his closet, and for one of those reasons no respecting, legitimate law firm would hire him. So he's stuck being consigliere to someone with no moral compass, no intellect, whose income is unnamed because he doesn't want us to know how bad a business man he really is (although, really, isn't it kind of obvious?). It won't have been worth it.
7
it wasn't me: You are absolutely right. "Water seeks its own level." Isn't it obvious that crooks seem to find each other, and facilitate each other? Like most crime families.
1
D.J. Trump is, plain and simple, a psychopath with zero empathy, zero humility, and zero concern for anyone other than himself. He is - predictably - destroying the moral, social and political fabric of the united States, smirking and conning his way with Fox news, a blindly ignorant voter base, and cowered GOP pols in tow. It is a pathetically disgusting sight.
23
How delicious that Trump needs mercy from someone!...I hope he doesn't get it.
14
“I am not a rat.”
The first thing somebody would utter. The last thing somebody would utter as soon as the prosecutor mentions the name of his wife and kids and reminds him that little Johnny needs someone to throw him a ball at the park and little Jane needs someone to walk her to the altar someday and pretty Jenna would one day need the services of a plumber for a broken sink among other needs.
Of course Cohen is not a rat. The way Manafort and Flynn weren’t rats.
That’s what Trump is telling himself.
5
Mr. Cohen,
Worry no more, if you go to jail, Trump will come to your house,seduce your wife, eat your food and raid your bank accounts. Your wife will end on welfare, your children taken away by the state and you will get paid accommodations at the state prison. Everything will work out for Donald.
13
Flipping on Trump and revealing the shady side of Trump's finances over the last few decades may be the only thing Cohen can do to redeem what is otherwise an undistinguished professional life.
13
So, the big question is: who's the "drunk, drugged-up loser" Trump refers to as one of the sources in the article? There are so many fine people (Stone, Nunberg, et. al.) to choose from.
8
If this is true and Cohen has been Trump's doormat, he deserves what he's now getting and though he might take a bullet for Trump, Trump will make zero effort in his behalf. How sad.
4
If the situation were reversed what would Trump do? We all know. Trump demands loyalty and yet looks down on those who give it. Who does he admire? Putin! And in all this latest fiasco I would be willing to bet the person he admires is Stormy!! Cohen is just the willing lapdog, despised by his "owner."
5
It appears that there is no honor among thieves.
4
Why is this article about Cohen's loyalty? The history of Cohen is useful but the speculation as to whether he would flip doesn't seem worthy of NYT.
2
Because it is trump's "friends" who are speculating, not the NY Times.
1
If he was on the Titanic after it hit an iceberg, Trump would be the first one in a lifeboat with little concern for the 'little' people left behind. Most of his associates seem to be damaged or defective people lacking self respect but hoping for crumbs of validation and a few dollars in his wake.
As Comey mused, Trump seems more like a mafia don. And those people seem to collect an orbit of likeminded or weak minded individuals with no better options. It's also true there's no honor among thieves.
Cohen will roll over on Trump in a New York minute.
15
For those out there who have never known, or who have forgotten, what CIVILITY and HONOR are, characteristics totally absent in this Administration, it would behoove you to learn about Barbara Bush and her family.
What you are experiencing now is the antithesis of everything good in humanity - greed, hubris, delusion, lying, incompetence and corruption - the Administration of a fatally flawed sociopath who is systematically attacking every Constitutional freedom.
Although the Bushes, father and son, had detractors (no political position is perfect), and some pretty serious miscalculations were made by Jr., both are very honorable men. HW was married for over 75 years to the same strong, good woman, and their children emulate their parents' traits of honesty and integrity. The Dotard, in the opposite corner, cannot stay faithful to anything, as exhibited by his three wives, many severely flawed children, endless affairs and lying, incompetence, philandering, dishonest and fraudulent business practices and unworldly narcissistic ego.
His "Christian" conservatives should be ashamed to be associated with such a fraud, and his other inexplicable supporters obviously care nothing for a civil society from which they derive their freedoms.
Look at the life of Barbara Bush and decide for yourselves whether you stand for the best, or the worst, humanity has to offer! Vote accordingly. By the way, I am NOT the political opposition - merely a very concerned ethical American.
12
RealTRUTH: How honorable the Bush family is, is open for speculation. There was plenty of trouble in that family, and some entitlement and arrogance, too, but the Bush men seem to have been faithful to their wives, and that is to be commended, and I certainly don't see the Bush family as "a crime syndicate" like I see the trump family...and the entire GOP, at this point. GW Bush, who I felt was an awful president, was not truly an evil man, but trump is. Dick Cheney on the other hand is a masterfully evil character, and I actually heard about some good things he did, but he is among the ranks of the world class political opportunists and liars. Barbara Bush and GHW Bush cannot be compared to trump in any way, shape, or form! They did not conduct their lives like thieves, con artists, and low lifes! There was nobility to them, whether you like their politics or not. trump and his minions (his cabinet, and the current GOP) are in a sordid, nightmarish category unto themselves. What the lot of them are doing to this country is like reading a horror novel, but then realizing it is not fiction at all...
2
“I’m the guy who would take a bullet for the president,” adding, “I’d never walk away.” Things are a lot different since the no knock search warrant. Cohen is trapped and must cooperate. BTW, thank you Maggie Haberman!
11
Only if it is a rubber bullet.
2
Interestingly Trump is not saying aka tweeting that he’s elated that feds have Cohen’s records. He’d encourage Cohen to fully cooperate if he had nothing. For Trump to be tweeting about his confidence in Cohen’s loyalty is “mobsterish”.
11
Michael Cohen has confirmed he has no self-respect. He did all the dirty work for Trump, personal, political and financial. For all that he was derided, insulted, embarrassed, threatened to be fired, side-lined, not believed, treated like garbage. Was it worth all the money that came his way from Trump, a pittance surely? That he would take a bullet for a lying sociopath? Trump is right. Michael Cohen is stupid and inadequate He was defending an ungrateful man, a man morally bankrupt, a man who cared two hoots about his wife and two kids. Will Trump now pay his legal fees like he paid Stormy Daniels $130,000? This raid is perhaps is the best chance for Cohen to get a little redemption for all his nefarious activity. And if he has changed his mind about taking a bullet, he and his family should go into a witness protection program!
5
Lots of people claim they'd take a bullet for someone until that gun is pointed at them.
3
“He clearly doesn’t think that Michael Cohen is his Roy Cohn...” who Trump threw under the bus the moment Roy became a problem. Roy Cohn was quoted as saying that ice water flowed through Trump’s veins.
Michael.... flip for the prosecution. Now!
7
Pay back will come for the Trump family....they will reap what they sow sowed.
Michael, save yourself, taking a bullet for Trump will be a favor that is never repaid, in part or in full. But you probably know that by now.
4
It seems like this article really aggravated a sore spot for our President, as his nasty tweets directed towards Ms. Haberman demonstrate. Methinks that maybe the President doth protest too much? What secrets is Mr. Trump afraid will be revealed? I will watch with great interest, well done NYT!
11
He has an achingly sore spot for sharp, independent, insightful and indefatigable female reporters like Ms Haberman, who just keep turning up where he doesn't want them, with their excellent memories and research.
8
Money can't buy you happiness when you're growing old or cold-shouldered by one of your "best friends".
1
This co-dependent relationship Cohen has with Trump can't hold him. A little more abuse from the master and threat of jail, will certainly help Cohen see the light of day!
5
Why would The New York Times prominently highlight any quotation from Roger J. Stone?
3
If Trump hasn’t done anything wrong, why is he so concerned about Cohen flipping?
7
...but one coming from the barrel of a toy gun or, at most, a soft, rubber specimen. Given his longtime employer, whatever this "fixer" says cannot ever be taken at face value.
...unless corroborated by, say, seized attorney-client records?
1
Kind of like the relationship between Saruman the White and Gríma Wormtongue.
1
And without a doubt, Trump made himself the center of attention at the bar and bat mitzvahs of Mr. Cohen's children. Cohen would have had no choice but to invite the Trump show lest Trump feel insulted. Thought sycophant Cohen undoubtedly wanted him there, you can imagine Cohen's wife's exasperation during the proceedings as Trump diverted attention away from the children. Of course I am speculating. Trump may well have uncharacteristically comported himself like humble and honored guest.
Mr. Cohen is obviously a man of considerable talents and ambition. Raising millions of dollars for a presidential candidate is not something most people can do. Why he has hitched his and his family's fortunes to the Trump Circus will be an interesting thesis for several future books. It would all be amusing if the fate of democracy were not at stake. Like most Americans, I am watching, mouth agape, in stupefied horror, but also with, I have to admit, a high degree of satisfaction at seeing Trump's selfish and crooked world beginning to unravel.
4
Why do so many feel that Cohen will “flip” on the Donald ?
Does anybody really know how many untold hundreds of millions could be sitting in hidden offshore accounts ? With what is at stake,even Trump might be willing to pay a steep price indeed for Micheal to take the dive. Trump has enough money to corrupt nearly anybody.
Without cooperation from Cohen, Donald has a much better chance of keeping his job. Then Donald can issue a pardon, Cohen can be a much wealthier man.
2
A little hard to enjoy those "untold millions" if you're sitting in a prison cell for the next 30 years.
7
Werephahckt: I also mused about untold hundreds of millions parked in offshore accounts. However, if cohen is convicted of New York state crimes, trump cannot pardon him, and he will go to prison if he does not cooperate, and maybe even if he DOES cooperate. (He will/might just get a reduced sentence for cooperation.) But Cohen's FAMILY could benefit from untold millions parked in offshore accounts. Also, we don't really know if trump has enough money to corrupt nearly anybody. First of all, he LIES about how much money he has. And I am not sure what "nearly anybody" means. Many people are truly decent and would not commit crimes or foul deeds no matter how much money was in it for them. Anyway, the issue at hand is PARDONS. trump cannot pardon state crimes. And, aye, there's the rub!
Michael Cohen's a grown man who made his bed and now he faces some challenges that may be tough, considering most of the comforts in his life are due to a most common and extraordinarily corrupt boss. I suspect his choice will be to turn, and perhaps Trump's treatment of him lo these many years for his servile service will have some retribution.
3
It's time for Trump to start seriously exploring what he can get in return for a resignation from office. He has to know that this would be his best chance to come out of this whole situation without suffering serious ruin. If he can negotiate a full pardon, as Nixon did, he can turn the whole episode into the launch of an 'alt-reality' media empire that can make him money for a fair amount of time. If he is removed from office via Impeachment, and no pardon is granted, he may well lose everything..... the bulk of his fortune could go due to the negative impact on his brand, spiralling legal fees, etc.
In a way, a resignation/pardon deal is just another way of 'taking advantage of our wonderful laws'.... just like his many bankruptcies. It wouldn't be 'losing'... or 'giving up'''' it would be 'being smart'.....
Time to SERIOUSLY start looking into this Donald....
3
If this were a movie, it would be the director asking us to feel a little sad for the right-hand man of a mafia don being denounced by the mafia don. Or, I suppose it is like having some sympathy for Henry Hill in 'Goodfellas' because he just might give testimony against his former crime bosses Paulie and Jimmy. But let us not forget that Michael Cohen is a spawn of the Trump plague: his appalling, threatening remarks toward a reporter from 'The Daily Beast' pretty much reflect the man he serves (d). So, who knows, this might be the right comeuppance for both Cohen and Trump. Let the snake pit poison itself.
4
Trump just called ROger Stone a "drug addict" in retaliation for his remarks to Haberman.
Imagine of Roger Stone flipped?
9
I think he was talking about Nunberg.
Law’n’order politicians are always reminding folks that if you’re innocent, you have nothing to fear. Trump appears to be fearing much.
5
The Nixon is strong in this one.
4
As I read this piece, John Lennon’s “ instant Karma” was playing in my head
4
This article doesn't give us any information on how the Cohen / Trump relationship got started. First mention of a business relationship is 2007 when Cohen went to Fresno, California with Ivana to scout out a golf course.
But a pundit on one of the commentary news shows said Cohen was brought on board to fix the problem of not getting bank loans from American banks after the bankruptcies of his casino properties in New Jersey.
The article says the FBI seized business records "dating back decades" but gives us nothing to appreciate what Cohen could have related to Trump, or his business dealings that goes back "decades..." Two decades before today would be 1998, but the pundit suggested the relationship was cemented when Manhattan bankers wouldn't lend money.
It is helpful when the NYTimes runs timelines showing dates and significant events. Run one showing the true course of the Cohen / Trump relationship.
4
Ever wonder what's in the top drawer of the desk in the Oval Office? Why, it's a list of all of Trump's family and friends on a to-be-pardoned list. Cohen knows this. Could it be that Cohen is holding back so his own memoirs will command a higher price?
Seems in the US there are two easy ways to make money these days: sue the pants off someone OR write a memoir.
1
"Ever wonder what's in the top drawer of the desk in the Oval Office? Why, it's a list of all of Trump's family and friends on a to-be-pardoned list."
And I bet he keeps lots of cookies in there, too.
Mr Cohen should see an audiologist if he “has never heard Mr. Trump utter an inaccuracy or break a promise” since he clearly needs hearing aids.
6
Are we to feel sorry for Mr. Coen? You sleep with the dogs and you're gonna get some flees. He doesn't exactly come off as a nice man either. Maybe we can just hope he has some loyalty to his family.
3
Think about it. Winning the WHite House will be the biggest disaster in Trump's entire career of lying, cheating, stealing and defrauding. We would never have known all the dirt we do now if he had lost.
6
It's apparent that Trump is treating Michael Cohen just like Trump's father treated him--like an inadequate piece of garbage. As a family therapist, I would love to know about Cohen's relationship with his own father or lack thereof, which may give us clues as to why he has become Trump's whipping boy.
5
Many have pointed out that Trump is a sociopath. The way he treats people like Cohen, demanding loyalty but seemingly unwilling and even unable to reciprocate, and worse actively disrespecting them, is surely strong evidence supporting that view.
7
He'd be a fool to protect Trump. Trump already thought he'd slither away by throwing him under the bus. Alas, "coming home to roost" is on the horizon.
1
After reading how Trump has treated him like dirt for many, many years it's inconceivable he would take a rubber band for Trump let alone a bullet.
Because Trump is so pathological, he attracts so many others around him who have deep-seated pathologies as well.
2
I love the Times, but you guys are shooting yourselves in the foot on this one. The angle of this story is pure conjecture: it’s certainly possible Cohen could turn given the context, but there is no actual evidence to suggest he is considering it or that the Trump team is worried about it. This kind of reporting lends credibility to the Trump people’s “fake news” narrative about the mainstream media.
72
The fact that Trump is obsessed with the raid on Cohen's office and the subsequent news reports is enough "actual evidence" that the Trump team or, at least, Trump himself, is worried.
18
It seems to me that a pardon is granted to those that are convicted of a crime. The trial that leads to a conviction will reveal a lot of Trump's dirty laundry, which I am sure Trump is worried about as it will add to the long list of scandals.
9
The story is based on solid reporting, including quotes from named sources. Trump attacks it as fake but in the process told another lie—that he has never spoken with Maggie Haberman. That is demonstrably false. In fact, he’s telephoned her in the past.
19
The President says this story is false.
7
Which of course means that it’s true.
8
He would say that regardless of the veracity of the claim.
2
So it must be true.
5
In a my high school senior English classes, exploring the relevance of Hamlet to our times has certainly been enriched this year by Trump and his circle. Discussions of Claudius and Gertrude have been particularly lively. Now we have Polonius. Considering the scope of this article, the pertinent quotation would surely be, "Thou find’st to be too busy is some danger."
13
To Trump, Hamlet is a breakfast item at McDonald’s and Polonius is the weapon North Korea threatens to launch. #lowiqpotus
9
As with any person who has had an abusive boss, after leaving the job you wonder how you had ever put up with it and are so relieved to be away from that person.
He will flip.
53
So Trump pardons Cohen. End of problem.
6
Not for state prosecuted crimes!
1
Trump can’t. Cohen’s being investigated by SDNY, and if he’s charged/convicted it’ll be by a state, not federal, court. Trump has no pardon power at state level.
3
State charges are sure to follow, and there’s no way he’ll get a pardon from the NY governor, whoever that may be at the time.
1
Such a great article. This and the resultant tweet storm got me off the fence. I’m now a subscriber. Keep up the great reporting NYT.
52
Cohen just realized, a bullet is quick, but 30 years in custody is 30 years in custody.
Cohen isn’t truly in love with Trump, it’s more like puppy love.
21
And what a sad looking puppy, beaten, ignored and left out in the rain on a leash.
4
When the rubber hits the road and Cohen is looking at substantial prison time, he will be faced with the primal choice of saving himself and his family, or sacrificing all he holds dear for someone who would never do the same for him.
46
For The Donald, loyalty is defined only one way and in one direction. He doesn't have a clue about returning it.
The million-dollar question: why would anyone want to be included in his inner circle?
51
Len asks the key question. Given that Trump gives no loyalty, stiffs people on pay, enjoys humiliating people, and is unpredictably erratic on policies, why does he generate such intense loyalty within the GOP? When did we last have a president with such a large, blind following? I can't think of any in either party since WW2.
3
Now Maggie Haberman, who tried so hard to protect Trump, or at least not hold him accountable in any substantive manner, now is the recipient of Trump's vulgar and immature, name-calling rants on Twitter. Hope this tirade by Trump helps Maggie rediscover her independence!
25
Disagree, not that she needs a defense. She managed to get access, and has very much stuck to the facts. She managed to give us a fuller picture of Trump than otherwise could have been secured.
3
With all due respect, the price paid for access was to sanitize her coverage of Trump. I do hope she can now provide that fuller picture of Trump of which you speak of.
I think Michael Cohen makes the mistake most make from giving a call based
on NOT actually being in the situation.
The calls we make are different when we are actually in the high-voltage situation v. being an arm-chair observer. I'm betting he would flip, BIGLY!!
8
How is Cohen treated any differently than all the others is Trump's orbit - Sessions, Tillerson, Kelly, all GOP Presidential candidate, etc. - they all stick with him and kiss up regardless.
11
WashPost says Sessions has just shown some remarkable backbone, saying if his deputy, overseeing the Mueller investigation is fired, he’s resigning as Attorney General, leaving the Justice Department with NO leadership, and facing the departure of several Deputy Attorneys General, and rank-and-file assistants.
I applaud his realization he did not leave his head and spine at the White House, and, I would hope many Federal District Court deputies would follow suit, along with their assistants down the line.
But Trump has expressed no love for Sessions or anybody else in the DoJ or the agencies it oversees.
He has shown contempt for just about all federal employees, apparently his corporate practice too, except at the IRS, who he seems to fear. His non-reason? ongoing audits he, his family and companies, face, the excuse he gave for NOT releasing his tax returns during one of the Presidential debates.
I wish some IRS secretary with access to Trump’s and his corporate entities’ submissions would turn loyal enough to the nation to drop copies to our surrogate experts with the 4th Estate - not anything about any really ongoing investigations, just his and his federally employed family’s and businesses’ 1040s and attachments.
And a change be made in federal campaign finance laws requiring any Presidential candidate release the past 5 years of their tax returns. It WAS a post-Nixon practice until Donald said no.
3
A recent NYT report indicated that the IRS has actually locked the Trump documents in their own special safe, clearly with very limited access. I don't think we'll be seeing anything.
1
Trump doesn’t need to worry about Cohen. He can always pardon him and he know this Congress won’t do anything against him.
6
He cannot pardon Cohen from state charges. He cannot pardon Cohen if trump was part of the crime. He cannot pardon Cohen if he is no longer President.
5
Wouldn’t that pardon impede the rule of law so thoroughly that the few still holding him down that a subpoena could hold all records directly related to the Mueller investigation and NOT actually covered by attorney-client privilege?
It would also deny Cohen any 5th Amendment privilege against self-incrimination because a pardon would have to be made like Ford’s blanket pardon pf Nixon.
If you can’t be charged for a past crime, you HAVE to tell everything you know if put on the stand.
1
Please, let his wish come true...
3
John Dean.
18
It’s just a big, dysfunctional mob family.
33
Loyalty? Trump could not find it in a dictionary or if it were spelled out to him, but he demanded it of people like Cohen and Comey endlessly. As he has shafted everyone around him, it is a fit image of this man sitting around in his bathrobe alone watching FOX news where he learns more methods of conning others. Why do the tax payers need to pay the electric bill for his TV much less the millions we pay every week for him to cheat on his golf course.
50
Mr. Cohen probably has Stockholm syndrome.
28
Michael Cohen, it's time to be a man.
35
Cohen and his grifter clients (the twit in chief and his dinner buddy Hannity) could make a dark comedy.
Trump should have learned one thing from another flashy N.Y. crook, John Gotti, don’t keep evidence.
25
There is no reason to worry about Cohen flipping unless you've got crimes to hide. It's pretty clear that the "mob boss" Trump does.
13
Whenever I read a phrase with "Maybe," or "Apparently" or similar terms, I think that maybe or apparently it is just wishful thinking on the part of the author. It certainly isn't news from a professional journalist.
2
If he won’t take the bullet will he at least make his cell bunk every morning?
12
I have never been so hopeful-is this nightmare almost over? Please Mr Cohen - now you can do the right thing.
22
Cohen must be a saint
look at all the pro bono work he does... pays hush money on behalf of his billionaire client out of his own pocket, never expecting reimbursement, gives a cable TV star free legal advice, never sending an invoice. How does he eat? Saint Michael must be above corporal needs!
29
Maybe the New York Supreme Court will take the pro bono work into consideration as a mitigating factor at his disbarment hearings.
14
These two deserve each other. Like so many others, Cohen lets himself be insulted, demeaned, disrespected by Trump. Is it worth the money, Michael, to be such a public loser?
21
I thought I was reading an article about four year olds seeking parental approval. What a loser.
13
Have patience; let Mueller finish the job. Few things are worse than an unfinished criminal investigation.
21
Can anyone spell lapdog? Wonder how he feels now that the gun (and bullet) are pointing directly at him, and his "hero" is nowhere to be found?
19
Must be one of those Nerf bullets
10
Cohen has the chance for a Shakespearean role reversal. He can go from a repugnant man to a national hero by taking down the cancer that afflicts us all. Do it Michael.
18
Well, perhaps not anymore!
If he were smart, he wouldn't because its clear to the rest of us, Trumps more concerned about himself and how much he's compromised more than Cohen and others.
2
in other words, more succinctly, Mr. Cohen has been Trump's lackey in all his affairs, including the shadiest, and now, as he no longer feels like his favorite, instead of taking a bullet for him, is ready to shoot all bullets he's kept secret so far... a real prince of the forum, deserving such a long ovation on the NY Times!
3
Oh, so Mr. Cohen is a 'Fredo" too.
4
Sounds exactly like the Mafia that James Comey has been talking about.
11
Just the tip of the iceberg. People all over the country pulled Trump's lever.
4
Michael Cohen has spent his career being abused and gaslighted by Trump. When the bullet comes, he will duck for cover leaving Trump exposed.
8
What a terrible time for our nation. 3 years ago, I knew nothing about money laundering, fixers, Russian oligarchs, the art of the deal, and all things trump. I believe that about that time Justice Scalia died and all of this mess began. Can we, the moral majority who did not vote for 45, ever take over this nation again. Can it be saved from 45, or have we reached a point of no return?
24
World's shortest poem:
Prison
Cohen
Goin'
18
Lie down with dogs you get up with fleas. Mr Cohen brought this on himself.
11
Let me give Michael some food for thought.
Why should you take the fall and do 10-15 thinking that will save Trump when you don't know if Mueller or the NY office already have enough to do the job? They already have plenty and keep on digging. What if you take the bullet and it wasn't necessary? They get Trump anyway and you are behind the verticals, away from your family, for 10-15 just out of stupidity on your part. Think about it.
But maybe, if you do take the bullet, you and Trump will be in the same prison and then you can show him some real loyalty, prison style.
12
Trump is an egotistical bully and can only raise himself by lower others, this is his nature and certainly not one that America should be comfortable with. This man treats all around him surely like garbage. In many ways, this plays out also in his hires, he has no respect for knowledge or education. His belief is that he, his family and political choices involve only loyalty to him certainly knowledge has no bearing. The problem here for trump is that behavior leads to chaos and finally to rebellion. As Nikki Haley said, she is not confused about the understanding of her job. Sessions, as well, appears to have drawn a line.
It still my belief, that America, Congress, and many citizens will finally turn on this bully and oust him from this office that he is unable and quite dangerous to lead.
10
Now Cohen learns what so many before him have: even brushing up against Trump is toxic and, sooner or later, a life sucking career killer.
5
Perfect lead. Great reporting. Thank you.
4
What's wrong with people who don't like or support this "president? Dignity, self-respect, patriotism, common sense, basic reading and critical thinking skills. What's wrong with trumpsters? Apparently none of the above.
4
Does anyone remember G. Gordon Liddy?
"Gordon Liddy, who used to entertain party guests by holding his hand in a candle flame for some time. “What's the trick?” shocked onlookers would ask. He would reply stoically “The trick is, I don't care.”"
5
I wonder if they’re related.
1
Trump was born with a silver spoon in his toilet mouth yet despises all who exibit any classiness, and style, with a sense of contents to their characters that comes from starting out with zero dollars, but upon their mental talents became titans in their field, two good examples: Michael Bloomberg, and those two political titans, Barack and Michele Obama.
I hold Trump went through a traumatic social experience that severly stunted his mental growth, at age 14, and that is why he appears today: a boring self-centered 14 years old.
But we don't know what that trauma was. Regardless, Trump's true biography, the chump Don al Dough Trump is not a leader and does not inspire.
Not in a million years is Michael Cohen going to throw away his own personal wealth, turning his wife and children into paupers while he languishes in jail, to protect "Mr." Trump.
Such a cover-up activity on Cohen's part, refusing to tell the truth, also violates the Talmud and Torah, As his daughters and others will remind him.
Nor can Trump run a presidential pardon in a state court where Cohen will be prosecuted, found guilty and jailed, unless he answers all the prosecuter's questions and tells the truth.
"What goes around comes around," is an old saying. Trump is cornered, all of his screwings coming around Trump's corner to haunt his presidency into a near-unanimous double impeachment, Pence included for being, like Trump, a public liar in public places, that, in our Constitution, a high crime.
13
Maybe he had a close encounter with Roy Cohn. That would explain a lot.
1
What I wonder are Mr. Cohen's children telling Dad they think of him and think he should do to make their lives better. Has Mrs. Cohen said to her husband, "Michael, enough - for once, be a man and set an example for your children who will have to live with this the rest of their lives."
14
It would be much more to the point if Trump would take a bullet for Cohen.
Now is the time, Mr. Cohen. Put an end to America's nighmare.
5
Cohen's got to know Trump would betray him in the blink of an eye, if it suited him to do so.
7
Hardly surprising that Cohen is probably going to sing like a canary.
The sad thing is that the corruption and improper dealings alleged against Cohen, provide a snap shot of the corruption in the WH, and the destruction of our values by the Trump effect.
Fox News, his corruption defense arm, and Republicans who continue to watch the decline of our standing in the world, and the blatant Kleptocracy of this president will NOT EVER be treated kindly in our history.
They will be judged, as will Trump and his cohorts, for this violent debasement and violation of our country's mores.
10
Of course the Donald doesn't like people who loose money in deals gone bad, it shines a bad light on his own losing deals like buying the Plaza in NYC for too much and then 3 years later selling it at a loss. Wonder how he feels about his son-in-law Jared Kushner of Kushner Enterprises that are stuck with 666 Fifth Ave. (666...humm). It hasn't turned out to be a great deal. Speaking of turning, Mr. Cohen do yourself and us a favor and turn on this despicable man who has treated you so badly.
1
We will not learn anything new about Trump from Cohen, we will only confirm what we already know about both Trump and the agenda of the republican party that brought him to power that he has always lied and pretended he already had achieved by his own devices we now know are totally lacking. Little boy lost is not to be trusted for he will sell out to the highest bidder and has no moral compass to protect others from his greed. Trump really believes hi9s "wealth and power" will protect him from the reality of war and the death irradiation brings, a very foolish notion indeed!
Machiavelli from Firenze asked: "What if Pres Trump pardons Cohen now? A broad and all inlcusive pardon. Is that possible?"
Yes, it is possible. Cohen would then not be subject to penalties for offenses prior to the pardon under Federal law.
The downside for Trump is that after being pardoned, Cohen could not invoke his 5th Amendment rights, because he is no longer subject to being accused, tried and convicted.
Therefore, Cohen could be questioned under oath (so that any lies he tells after the pardon CAN be prosecuted) and be asked all manner of questions about what took place. To the extent that he knows about illegal acts by Trump or anyone else, he can be obliged to answer or to sit in jail for contempt. That would not serve the interests of Trump.
Cohen would have to count on being pardoned, which may or may not happen. He can also count on being asked about everything he has done, has seen, or knows about.
5
Look at that photograph. Do those people look innocent? Even with their color coordinated suits and ties, these are not the good guys in this movie.
5
Alex, I'll take "Acrobatic Lawyers for $1000."
3
The pile of garbage sitting in the Oval Office today should expect to be treated with as much respect as he has treated everyone else. Turnabout is fair play. Good luck Mr. President. May you get all of the loyalty you deserve.
13
In the end it's going to come down to a simple decision for Mike Cohen, and the sooner he arrives at this decision, the better; do you want to watch your kids grow up or miss their lives in prison living behind bars and only seeing them on Danbury's visiting days?
Let's all hope for Mike Cohen and his family's sake he cuts a deal fast and soon so the Cohen children don't lose their father to federal prison.
The alternative is Mike Cohen puts his and his families entire future in the hands of an irresponsible overgrown child who might or might not give out a pardon and Rudy Giuliani, who is going to make Mike Cohen out to he a deranged disturbed Donald Trump fan that Donald took pity on and threw a few bones to now and then. Papadopolous was a coffee boy, what will Trump call Mike Cohen? The nobody guy who brought donuts?
Mike Cohen, whatever his sins, shouldn't have to watch his kids grow up from behind bars for his client's crimes, and that's what's going down.
1
We tried to warn you all.
4
Falling on your sword for the likes of the Trumps obviously comes with little or no reward.
Save yourself and your family Mr. Cohen.
3
The only word that comes to mind is "pathetic."
2
Geez.
Couldn't the people who work with and for him see this coming?
trump is and always has been all about him.
I wonder just how he treats his family in private.
This man is a God-awful mess and our country is slowly sliding into the trump made swamp.
4
It comes down to Trump’s colossal hubris. He knew the secrets behind his “Empire” - the connections to less than stellar operators, the multiple instances of adulterous activities (yes I believe the women).
Did he really think he could bully people into silence like he did when he ran his company? I guess he did. He didn’t release his taxes and people voted for him. The Access Hollywood tapes were released, women he abused came forward - and people, including women continued to support him.
A free press is his enemy - thank God we still have one.
6
The question Mr. Cohen is likely facing is "does my blind loyalty to Donald Trump outweigh my loyalty and love for my own family." I am not convinced, yet, that Mr. Cohen will indeed pick his own family over Donald Trump. What a guy.
4
Does anybody believe Trump is such a hypnotic person people don't have free will, freedom of choice? Why do these followers of his go along? The answer is they feel they have the right to act illegally. Cohen could have said at anytime, Donald, I can no longer work for you. These people were and are adults, mostly educated, worldly. Why would anyone have any sympathy for someone who has helped for years , get by with acting as this man has in business , now in government? The destruction of this country's standards as one of the leaders of human rights, quality of life , environment , etc. is unforgivable. Cohen was not a weak little captive. What he did and does is on him.
6
Interesting -- but is anyone actually trying to deal with the 63 million Americans who actually voted for Trump?
4
As a former prosecutor, I can tell you that Mr. Mueller holds all of the cards. Not only will the search warrant reveal illegal actions on the part of Cohen and Trump, but the documents will contain some extraordinary embarrassing things Cohen will do anything to suppress. His marriage, his fatherhood, indeed his entire life will be on the fulcrum, and if he leans the wrong way, he will go to jail for a very, very long time. Conversely, if he cooperates with the investigation, he will be a convicted felon but will be able to continue as a husband, father and son. The choice is patently obvious to those looking in, and the danger to Trump is so real that Cohen may need to be in protective custody soon.
11
Not sure if I actually believe his is so definite yet.
When considering how Cohen can be silenced- - it seems as if the only bad guys likely to have both the means and skin in this game - who wouldn't even need a call - would be from the Russian/ Eastern European sphere. . . That could generate pretty substantial fear.
1
The questions Michael Cohen should ask himself is: If their roles were reversed would Donald Trump do the same for him?
5
Cohen would take a bullet for Trump, and Trump could shoot someone on 5th Ave. without objections, according to their bravado boasts.
Hmm, think of the "honesty test" for these two gentlemen.
1
Must be what it was like in the mid-1800s each week thrilling to an installment of a Dickens' novel delving down into the depravity of the villain.
4
Trump spoke to Cohen with his pardon to Scooter.
2
Well, Mr Trump, if there ARE no witches (or warlocks), everything is cool.
IF there IS a witch/warlock or two hanging out in a broom closet in Trump Tower, in a file cabinet at 666-5th Avenue, behind a palm true at Mar-a-Lago, or under the desk in the Oval Office, we should let them enjoy their First Amendment right to free speech. [The First Amendment doesn't specifically exclude warlocks and witches, or attorneys for that matter.]
And, it appears, Mr. Cohen was a gymnast in high school: back flips and such.....probably doesn't mean a thing.
1
So essentially Michael Cohen is a real life Waylon J. Smithers Jr. Yep, Trump has nothing to worry about.
1
Hiring Rudy Giuliani is a move to steamroll over Mike Cohen, and if no one out there sees this but me, I'm obviously in the wrong line of work and should get on somewhere else. Mike, if you're reading this, cut a deal with the Feds fast, whatever they offer, and get in from being out in the rain, now. Don't delay. Do it now, for your family, for the hope of having any kind of a future, do it now.
Rudy Giuliani is going to be driving the bus that runs over, and then backs up over Mike Cohen. Rudy is going to put on his credibility cap, we're going to see soft slow pitch interviews with Rudy, a whole host of articles about what a great job Rudy has done, about how Rudy busted up the mob, about how Rudy ran the City, all of these articles are coming, you wait.
Then, Rudy's going to put on his bus driver's cap, and run down Mike Cohen in the middle of 5th Avenue, and then throw it in reverse and back up to make sure he got Mike.
6
Don't know: making Giuliani a legal advisor is as effective as making Larry Kudlow an economic advisor. They're toothless dinosaurs with some old stories they keep repeating.
4
Anyone tired of winning yet?
4
I don't see any reporting that backs up the headline that Cohen is considering flipping and giving evidence.
Am I supposed to feel sorry for this guy? Yeah, he'd probably rather take a bullet than spend years in a Club Fed, who wouldn't?
1
Cohen: "I'm the guy who would take a bullet for the president." It now seems that Cohen is the "somebody" that Drumpf could shoot in the middle of 5th Avenue without losing voters. Be careful what you wish for, Mr. Cohen,
4
Anyone who has "admired Trump sincee high school" deserves all the abuse and humiliation he gets. That's the price you pay for idolatry before a tacky idol with obvious clay feet.
4
Trump tweets Cohen “won’t flip”. We all know Trump should just keep quiet but shouldn’t he say Cohen has nothing to flip about.
28
Maggie qualified as top tier journalist today as Trump called her third rate in his usual nasty tweet. Congrats Maggie!
42
Trump always boasts about how he knows the "best people." By which he means people like Michael Cohen, Roger Stone, Sam Nunberg and Corey Lewanowski. These so-called best people belong in prison, along with the so-called president. Let karma deliver its mighty blow on all of them.
28
Cohen is like all the other planets in Trump's orbit. They are attracted and held in place by Trump's money. Trump knows that and so do they. If you take away Trumps money he wouldn't have a friend in the world. And we elected this soulless cheat and womanizer as President of our country. Talk about sad.
46
Completely correct, Silence Dogood, unhappily so.
Trump doesn't have nearly as much money as he'd like the world to believe.
4
I don't see the benefit to Trump's money. Do you mean that he pays his employees so much more than they could ever make in comparable jobs elsewhere that they can never leave? Or, do you mean that people work for him because he's rich himself, even though they don't personally benefit from his money? I just don't see why hanging around with a rich person is so desirable that people are willing to be insulted and humiliated every day of their lives. Who would do that, just to be around a rich person? Doesn't that kind of behavior qualify as some kind of mental illness?
We should brace ourselves for a major tweet storm that's on the horizon. When Cohen flips on Trump -- as he most certainly should -- Trump very well might bust his stubby fingers pounding away on his phone, spewing Stormy anti-Cohen invective throughout the Twitter-verse.
19
The legal gun has already been fired and the bullet is heading toward him. Well see if he ducks.
12
Cohen finally has the trump card. He should use it well. The raid of his office may have been the best thing in his pathetic life. Just do it, man, and come clean. Let the chips fall. You are not going to get a better hand.
32
And Trump runs this country? A man that treats the people who do the most for him, like he does, runs this country now?
Thanks Trump voters for putting your misguided, shallow and ill-formed interests over your country.
You are now an entire voter base of Michael Cohens. Thus making all of us a country of Michael Cohens.
So let's all throw this creep under the bus where he belongs. I'm talking about Trump that is.
29
Nothing but the finest New York has to offer.
Thanks for giving the world President Donald J. Trump, New York.
Some day we’ll return the favor!
9
As much as he tried, he was never a real New Yorker.
2
You mean the New York that voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton?!
That New York?
NYC voted for her, as well, by an overwhelming margin!
Don't blame New Yorkers!
5
as far as i could tell, the good people of new york and new jersey did plenty to warn us about this... "man." that 63 million people were willing to ignore them is a testament to right wing media.
2
WAY to many “Mr” in the article.
3
The idea that Michael Cohen will turn on Trump the President is almost too good to be true. And, as the saying goes, I suspect that Michael Cohen knows were all the bodies are buried.
The idea that karmic law will effect justice through what Michael Cohen has on file on the President will be worth the wait to see this president reduced to his appropriate size.
15
I want JUSTICE for Trump to be pilliored just as he hurts so many of the poor, sick, elderly and dispossessed. If only Cohen would do his nation a favor and land hard on this mendacious, ruinous president. Nothing less than democracy itself is at stake.
5
One Good Rat deserves another.
(sorry you missed all this, mr breslin...)
8
trump is a cornered rat (with rabies no less). Very dangerous for many, many reasons.
10
So, Cohen thinks he's a macher, but actually, he's a nebbish, so far as Trump is concerned.
Seems to be Trump's tactic: make people think they're machers, but REAL machers are immune to his blandishments. Only nebbishes fall for it.
16
Macher was right but Nebbish is the wrong word. Cohen was a first class bully who threatened and harassed people in really heinous ways. He was more of a chazzer. Chazzer was made famous in scareface. You know Frank, a pig that doesn’t fly straight..corrupt. That’s Cohen.
2
There was a time early in the law career of Michael Cohen that he, too, might have believed in the rule of law. But he succumbed to the cunning sales pitch of Donald J. Trump. He bought in just as many others have, i.e., wives, business partners, acquaintances, and the voters of 2016 that sent him to the White House. Here is the thing about a truly good salesperson. They excel at reading your tells and they spin you the story line that you desperately want to hear. I pity the Trump children. Their infamous brand is about to be ruined.
16
Wonderful to see how this article has trump shaking in his boots this morning. His tweets are sounding more and more desperate. Good job Maggie.
26
Classic case of misplaced loyalty. Difficult to feel sympathy for Michael Cohen, but he and his family are about to suffer for his allegiance to an unwothy master.
7
I'm sitting here, far from this madding crowd, watching deer fawns play in the snow, listening to soft music, a hot breakfast on the stove. I like the folks out here and they like me. The night sky is spectacularly full of stars. I step outside and see a landscape 100 miles away.
Enjoy the Life you alone built, Mr. Cohen, as I am enjoying mine.
23
I believe that might be state charges against Cohen. Thus, a pardon from Trump won't help him on those.
8
"Michael Cohen Has Said..."
So what?
Nothing that any Trump associate says means anything. It is what they do that means something. And what they do is almost always something other than what they said.
8
Who has Donald J. Trump, Himself, ever taken a bullet for.? Just look at the carnage, all of the bodies that have been thrown under the bus by Trump in the past year. Only really desperate fools could expect loyalty from Trump if the tables were turned.
12
At least during Watergate we had the illusion that the chaos in the White House was some sort of classical tragedy. Parallels to Richard II and Oedipus were drawn in abundance.
This is just a cheap parody of a gangsters-n-dumbbells flick.
21
I guess this story by the Times surfaced on Fox & Friends this morning.
Trump is directly attacking and slandering Ms. Haberman and is obviously very frightened and paranoid about Cohen facing Federal indictments.
The tweets are also a public and direct message to Cohen - don’t flip. Take the bullet.
10
The article has made the big time. Trump has tweeted about it.
13
As they say, you can only be taken advantage of if you allow yourself to be taken advantage of. People like Donald Trump get ahead because hangers-on like Michael Cohen want to bask in the light of reflected glory, and are willing to sacrifice their dignity to do so.
14
"reflected glory" ... and the reflection he is basking in is off a septic tank.
2
Well it seems that the worm may have the opportunity to turn.
4
Is there any reason to believe he has evidence of election collusion between Trump and the Russians?
Some people are born to be toddies--unhappy unless kowtowing before their mentor.
Enter Micheal Cohen and David Nunes.
4
But not a hot toddy !!!
(I assume this commenter meant “toadies” rather than “toddies”...)
What goes around, comes around - eventually.
It's cosmic law.
It's justice.
It's Nature.
Call it what you like.
Simply put, in this world there are two kinds of people
those who understand this and those who don't.
In the end, the bad guys shoot first, the good guys shoot last.
14
Lapp dogs tend to say lapp dogs.
4
Lapp dogs with toupees !
Consider my mind blown (or was that meant to be “lap dog” with one p only ?...)
1
Two pp's in this occasion.
Cohen, a misfit lawyer if there ever was one. This guy is just a patsy for doormat for Trump. He is supremely unqualified to even call himself a lawyer. He doesn't have enough brain cells to know that Trump just wanted him around so that he can take the fall for him, to go to jail for him, and to be eternally disgraced for him. Cohen has not one iota of self respect for himself, just flunky material with a law degree from one of the worst law schools in the nation. Nobody goes to Cooley law school unless nobody else wants you. Trump knew that and selected him to be his fall guy. Cohen accepted thinking it was an honor...lol, lol, lol. Not smart at all.
23
Like my mother used to say when we got too rambunctious as kids, “It’s all fun and games until somebody gets hurt!” or “Laughing turns to crying!”. Michael Cohen has the look of a very scared dog on his face these days. I guess playing thug is a whole lot different than actually being one. Whitey Bulger didn’t look like he was going to cry.
19
Mr. Cohen is used to being poorly treated. Perhaps he has become a masochist trained by a sadistic Trump.
6
Who HASN’T Mr. Trump treated like garbage?
The only people Trump temporarily pretends to treat well are... his co-conspirators in whatever cons/scams/frauds he is currently running... (and running from)... with utter, buffoonish, laughable, incompetence... and the current ‘mark‘ of said con job(s).
Mr. Trump is going down hard Mr. Cohen. Do you want to serve 18 months for him, or 20+? Your choice.
: ) L
27
Who HASN’T Mr. Trump treated like garbage?
Answer: Ivanka
3
Michael Cohen, boy from the outer boroughs, obviously hitched his wagon to the wrong star.It's quite apparent that he has severe inferiority complex issues to have associated himself with such a sleazy organization for so many years only to receive abuse and ridicule in return.
Cohen might still be thinking that either trump will pardon him ,or, if convicted on State charges will reward him with a huge financial bonus after completing his sentence. If Mr. Cohen has any shred of intelligence he should remind himself how his boss rewarded others who protect trump or cover up for him. He would be wise to cooperate fully.
14
Which group below would you trust LEAST to run the country?
A) Cohen, Nunes, Pompeo, Pruitt, Trump
B) Brazi, Clemenza, Tessio, Hagen, Corleone
C) Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo, Zeppo
D)
29
Group "A", Jeff. A solid group "A" on that one.
Next question!
4
I'd already decided my answer the day Trump announced his campaign.
1
Of all the causes in all the world to devote your life and loyalty to, why, oh why would you lay your soul down and be a doormat for THAT?
30
What if Pres Trump pardons Cohen now? A broad and all inlcusive pardon. Is that possible?
1
How can you pardon someone before he or she has been convicted, let alone indicted?
3
Ford did it with Nixon!
So, it is definitely a possibility...
However, apparently, it only applies to *federal* crimes, not state ones. So, there’s still hope.
Another fawning, dispensable Trump cult member who is helping destroy our Democratic institutions brick by brick. Cult leaders are afflicted by malignant narcissism personality disorder; its incurable. Weak and greedy personality types are drawn to the cult leader like moths to a flame and are eventually burned up in the process. The cult leader knows all too well that there are others waiting in line for the opportunity to worship him. "Rudy, how nice to see you!"
15
The Self Righteious came to clean the Swamp, this entire presidency is nothing but a Swamp.
7
How long can one orange man get away with such corruption and abuse?
Mr. Cohen do the right thing for your children’s sake.
9
If Trump showed respect to the garbage man, he would have to admit he needed one.
5
And, apparently, Mr. Cohen was, if you believe his version, using his own money to pay off the woman (women?) Trump had an affair with. And now Mr. Cohen can spend millions defending himself and go to jail while his wife and children enjoy their lives? Oh I am sure there is someone else out there who will pay Cohen's legal fees so the mud never splatters onto the top of Trump's shoes. But eventually prosecutors will take a look at what's on the soles of those shoes. Sooner or later, no matter how rich you are and no matter how many suckers who work for you, everyone steps in it. And all the shoeshine men in the world can't get rid of every piece of the fecal material you've stepped in. The base may give Trump yet another mulligan. But there aren't any mulligans that I am aware of in federal sentencing guidelines. And let's see how the base responds when the loyalist goes over the cliff and Trump cuts the lifeline when Cohen goes into free fall. Oh that's right, Cohen was doing what he THOUGHT Trump wanted him to do like every other time, not what he was actually told to do. Bad, Michael. Remember, there are plenty more where Cohen came from. Just ask Steve and Michael, and Roger, and Chris, and Paul, and Jared, and Devin, and Rex, and .. ....... . Absolutely amazing how many will sell their souls to the devil.
10
Please, Republicans will do nothing! Hard core conservatives see a chance to impound the country with their brand of government, a slope back to the pre civil war south of the 1850's and Trump will sign anything that gets to his desk...
We are all responsible for this.....help!
3
Anyone who's married knows that Cohen's wife is telling him that he's facing decades behind bars, while his kids graduate, get married and have grandchildren he won't be able to hug. Plus, she might not hang around, waiting for his release.
Trade everything for for one of the most disloyal men on the planet? No way, Jose!
14
It seems Cohen is acknowledging there's a live bullet.
3
Maybe he meant “from” not “for”?
3
Trump is a snake eating his own tail. It won't be the Russia investigation but women and his own lawyer that bring him down. Go ahead trump make your deal with Kim, it's going to be the last deal you make, so make it a good one
6
Mr. Cohen recently declared sanctimoniously something to the effect that "those who deserve my loyalty will always have my loyalty." Perhaps he will wake up to the fact that the vile person in the White House doesn't deserve loyalty from anyone, and that Mr. Cohen's wife and children certainly do deserve his loyalty. What good will he do them from prison?
One hopes the family will immediately sell off all of that over-priced Trump branded property and move to less tainted places. It's unlikely that Trump or his sycophants will help Cohen's family while he's taking the prison "bullet" for his ungrateful boss.
11
I am sure Mr. Cohen could sure use that 130000 dollars he paid Stormy Daniels as hush money for his legal fees, but who knows perhaps Trump has slipped it to him under the table somehow. Perhaps that is what this investigation is all about.
1
Life around Trump is a see-saw. Trumps problem? He never heard or believed the song by Chicago. So sad!
1
Sad state of man than men would find niches in the world to fit like this. And that the world would accommodate such niches for want of better visions than its ill defined and perverted meaning of wealth. That men would follow such paths and find followers does not say much for the future of this world. The world is sick for this brand of winning.
2
We can only hope that the old caution to overly ambitious people - you meet the same people on the way down as you climb over on the way up - will apply here.
8
From a behavioral psychology perspective: intermittent reinforcement is the most sick-making and stuck-making schedule one can be on. A rat who never gets the cheese will likely languish and give up. A rat who always gets the cheese is less stressed, but less focused on the task. A rat who sometimes gets the cheese, sometimes gets shocked, despite cumulative stress, keeps hanging in there; occasional nuggets of cheese taste so wonderful. I hypothesize that Michael Cohen and other loyalists who are regularly abused and occasionally rewarded by Trump hold fast to their boss because he has them on a variable reinforcement schedule.
13
The Public Theater got it wrong when they did that production of Julius Caesar with a lookalike of Trump in the title role. Trump is more King Lear: arrogant, hurtful, divisive, blinded. And like Lear, his lieutenants are falling around him...
9
Apparently Cohen has realized there's a maximum number of fleas he can endure.
2
Well, it's one thing to take a bullet for someone--an immediate event. Is very different to contemplate for weeks or even months whether or not you will spend years in jail for someone.
5
If Trump thinks Mr. Cohen has the key, then he does. Putin has the other one. Trump is President due to this nations's total, and complete, delusion about power, wealth, race, and gender. It's all garbage, but for the Republican Party, this smells to high heaven, and no billionaire loyalist can remove the stain. No one has that resume, except Mr. Cohen. You can do this, Mr. Cohen. You can stand between this President's rancid decay, and us. Sing at last.
12
A pathetic story about what happens when one makes a pack with the devil. Even more pathetic is the fact that a few votes in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin put Trump in the White House.
9
While those who failed to vote are culpable, we must remember that the larger failure was the Electoral College, which followed their governors' orders, instead of doing what was best for the country.
3
The clear and simple truth is that Donald Trump is just pure evil.
10
Sounds like wishful thinking to me.
1
I'm waiting to see a Broadway production about the Trump era similar to MacBird.
Anyone have the right Shakespearean play to superimposed the Trumpians on?
I find the optimism of other readers surprising. While I would LOVE for this to be the source of info to take our so-called president down, why does anyone not believe that, under direction from Trump, Cohen takes a plea bargain and is subsequently pardoned by Trump? He already pardoned Arpaio who has nothing on the Trump, with ZERO political consequences.
5
The right to a speedy trial begins after charges are filed. trump is only around for another couple of years. It could reasonably take that long to investigate trump's crimes and misdemeanors and those of his networks of cronies (including children and children-in-law.) By time indictments come raining down trump will be mouldering in Florida, or dead (because he's already pretty old and he's fat, too.) trump won't be pardoning anyone and there's no parole, no time off federal sentences. Bummer. Mr. Cohen may be as loyal as an old dog, but 25-to-life is a big sacrifice for a boss who'll be long dead before you have any hope of freedom. See, trump isn't actually a Mafia don and as history shows, omertà and I'll-die-for-you loyalty was a immigrant and 1st-generation attitude. Everybody knows everybody rolls.
2
Trump only respects dominant alpha male authority. Cohen is the lowest form of subservient omega male to Trump: the type that are better manipulated when they're abused by dominant males. That's why Trump hired omega males and women to work for him, as he has been quoted "they work harder". That's until they're cornered, with no upside, then they bite back!
4
I don't see the point in making a deal with Cohen. The judiciary has the evidence. Cohen should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for all his crimes and for enabling Trump.
6
In all of this kerfuffle, there is an underlying assumption that Cohen is a criminal. No one NO ONE is asserting otherwise or even saying “innocent until proven guilty”. He’s not even saying it. His lawyer’s not saying it. Trump isn’t saying it. We all know the guy is dirty.
5
Interesting parallels: Cohen is Brooklyn all the way and Trump is Queens. Cohen makes no bones about who he is and Trump has always wanted to be accepted by the NY elite - and failed as the epitome of "gauche" and "nouveau riche."
Cohen is a street guy whose code is (was?) that you stand up and take the heat. Trump has always blamed others and has a genetic predisposition towards accepting any responsibility for his myriad mistakes.
Most of all, Cohen reminds Trump where he really came from - from an accident of birth and his father's money - and that all the gold leaf and marble fixtures still can't take "the Queens" out of the boy, Trump.
4
Cohen’s relationship to Trump seems similar to a battered wife continually returning to her abusive husband. Clearly, whatever Trump pays this pathetic figure is not the sole reason for his allegiance, but perhaps something much deeper and more personal. Is Trump some twisted father-figure for Cohen, or is their something nefarious within Cohen’s soul that is energized by the dark recesses of Trump’s psyche?
I guess we could pose that last question to any of the millions of people who continue to see Trump’s behavior as perfectly acceptable.
6
CNN reported yesterday that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein told President Trump “he's not a target in the investigation of his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.”
Why would the FBI be investigating Trump’s alleged affair with Stormy Daniels? Adultery is not a federal crime. If it were, many former presidents would be in prison. Perhaps the FBI is conducting opposition research for the Democratic National Committee?
The Federal Election Commission, which has its own investigators, is investigating whether the hush money Cohen paid the porn star constitutes an unreported or illegal campaign contribution. However, it will probably rule the hush money is a personal expense. Campaign money cannot be used for personal expenses.
1
Perhaps my first crack at responding was deemed not civil enough. I'll try to control myself better, sorry.
The FBI is not "investigating Trump’s alleged affair with Stormy Daniels." The SDNY US Attorney is investigating Cohen's alleged crimes in paying hush money to Stormy Daniels, like various kinds of fraud, money laundering, maybe conspiracy, etc. Adultery, as you say, is not a Federal crime, and the Feds are not investigating or going to be prosecuting anyone for this.
The suggestion that the FBI is helping the DNC is, of course, baseless. The FBI isn't running this investigation, as noted, and the lead prosecutor has a long record of non-partisanship (though he spoke at the 2004 Republican convention).
The FEC investigation is neither here nor there at this point, and bringing it up looks like just another effort to distract.
4
Oh dear. You really have lost the plot if you think all this had anything to do with adultery. Perhaps it's time to take up a nice hobby like basket weaving.
In my life, those people with whom I've had the misfortune of coming into contact who exhibit some of Trump's characteristics (none share all of them) are invariably people who are obviously incapable of love, and who were no doubt themselves unloved, especially as children. I have come to the conclusion that Trump is filled with self-loathing, and his narcissism is a mask to hide that fact. If he were not so dangerously destructive, he would be one of the more pitiable and pathetic human beings I've ever seen. And there is a word for Cohen, which generally applies to all those who deign to associate with Trump. And we all know what that is. What a tragic state this nation is in.
22
Oh Rudy G.......Hope you're paying attention!!!
Vrooom Vrooom!!!!
That's the bus you hear....sitting just over the horizon waiting for the SECOND you stop worshipping Trump and licking his shoes....
And you won't even know when that is, because Trump is loyal to NO ONE.
One day you'll wake up, and there will be a tweet making YOU look ridiculous.
Look at Cohen's face. He has awoken to what a horrible mistake he has made. His family is also going to suffer. ANd you can be sure that Trump will not care, and has NO feeling of any culpability in his fate.
What amazes me is that there still are a few people out there that think "it will be different for me".
Here's a list of people Trump has squatted over in public: Sessions, Flynn, Mueller, The Press, his wives, Karen McDougal ( one of the saddest since she says she "loved: him), his kids, Cohen, Theresa May, Hillary ( who TRUMP used to socialize with back when he was a Democrat), Comey, The FBI, the Justice Department, Mexicans, DACA, US taxpayers in the blue states, farmers in the red states, ...well, you get the picture.
73
One word- sycophant.
14
Wow. Pathetic. Find some dignity, Mickey.
21
Looks like Cohen is no longer living on Park Avenue but on the Boulevard of Broken Dreams. But unlike most people I believe that somewhere in the back of his mind he knew this day would come. Even if Don the Con promised him a pardon, Cohen's legal bills will devastate his finances and the SD will press on. If Schneiderman can pass legislation to help prosecute Cohen on the State level with the help of his friends in Albany, Mikey Cohen is a dead man walking, pardon or no pardon.
24
"Michael Cohen Has Said He Would Take a Bullet for Trump."
Well... to be fair... he ever said where he'd take - or deliver it. No doubt we'll soon see what he metaphorically meant by that.
7
Three thoughts.
1. In the basement of the whitehouse a printer is printing pardons.
2. The conversation that Cohn will turn assumes illegal activity by the President.
3. Depending on what was in his files, Cohn may not be needed to
Trump treats Cohen badly and Cohen says he’d take a bullet for Trump.
Obviously a normal relationship for Trump - convoluted, weird, sick. Donald seems to have a lot of those.
24
Trump likely sees himself in Cohen... the codependent... desperately trying to win Daddy's praise... and that may be why he thinks poorly of Cohen.
Trump thinks poorly of himself, and he's right. He would know.
14
When they tell him he's facing 20 to 40, he'll fold like a card table.
14
It appears that Mr. Cohen is willing to be a doormat for Mr. Trump.
It's tough to think of something more pathetic than that.
15
And the Maffia thriller, ahem the USG chronicle continues, one chapter-a-day.
The Trumpfather has become too powerful, after all isn't his other title "the most powerful man on earth"? Do not count him out because his most asiduous Consigliere may be willing to spill the beans. The Pyongyang Capo has just came up to give a hand to his Soul Grandpa from the East Coast. And then that son of a true NY Maffiioso, Rudy the 9/11 has been called back from retirement, where is Robert Duvall when you need him?
9
Sam Nunberg and Roger Stone not exactly exactly the most honest of people. This stoty seems to be more conjecture than anything else.
2
Since Trump endlessly treats a wide array of people like garbage, why wouldn't Cohen get similar treatment? Perhaps the 35% turnover of key White House personnel was partly because they got tired of the garbage treatment; conjecture wise, that is.
2
I wouldn't take a flu shot for one way Donnie.
17
It looks to me that instead of taking a bullet for Trump, Cohen more likely shot himself in the foot.
7
Out of a fairytail or a Greek tragedy?
THAT is what he went to Law School for?
5
We are talking about the POTUS and his personal lawyer and the concern that he will come clean, i.e. spill the goods on illegal activities. How in the world is this even happening that the highest office is in this state? What a disgrace to this country.
43
Where is it all--The Great Trump Debacle, headed?
It's not just political intrigue. No, it is a steady
eating-away of a democracy's core values.
The hammer of history will come down hard on the
Republican Party; and so will fed-up, really fed-up
voters.
23
'Michael Cohen Has Said He Would Take a Bullet for Trump."
And DJT said he could shoot someone in the middle of 5th Avenue and still be elected. On the whole, I'm rather tired of living in a country where casual banter about shooting and killing has become the political norm. Both my husband (who is working on a book about Trump) and I said from that moment onward, the phrase, "there are skeletons in the closet" may not be a safe metaphor in his case.
Let me put it this way: DJT has an uncanny habit of letting his Freudian slip show. Chances are enormous that what that man blurts and brays about is what he's actually done. Who knows what Mueller is unearthing?
Perhaps it's time we paid attention to what people say in aid of attaining power and took them at their word. It's not as if they're being subtle. I dunno; call me crazy, but maybe we could have a new benchmark (one slightly above the cesspool line) where casual threats of death are NOT a selling point for a presidential candidate or his "fixer."
The way you distance yourself from a criminal swamp is by distancing yourself from it, not institutionalizing it and installing it in the White House.
23
Why isn't Fox reporting on the real deep state: Putin, Trump, Fox? Ever the optimist, Cohen ... will hopefully be the tipping point and Trump will be gone soon....
7
If you watch fox none of this is happening
I have thought about this since the FBI visit to cohen ‘s office and apartments.
I think DJT stands a better chance legally if he sits down for an interview with Mueller and the special counsel than if cohen does.
I see the special counsel eating cohen alive and him either folding and incriminating himself and DJT or becoming a cooperating witness that ultimately burys DJT.
Cohen has shown little competence in past dealings and any exposure to the special counsel is likely worse for DJT than it is for cohen himself.
Karma, like facts, is stubborn and unavoidable!
8
Cohen is an ironic figure, not a sympathetic one;he made his Faustian deal - a guy from a 5th tier law school who has no pride or sense of moral center; someone who perceives "success" as being a water carrier for money and power. Proof that Cohen is weak is that he lets Trump step all over him; he likes it! "Insult me again, Mr. Trump! It feels so good! I'll do anything to get your attention - whether it's negative, or positive - or, even be a whipping boy to make you feel better". Yes, Michael Cohen a perfect masochistic foil for Trump's malignant, sadistic narcissism.
An even greater irony is that Trump is also weak, to the core, as are all narcissists - desperately dependent on the adulation of others for their very identity.
Trump, as a narcissist, has the advantage of being born rich, which enabled his cruelty and insensitivity. Trump and Cohen are the perfect couple; the fit like a glove.
Perhaps Cohen, if he is broken down by a clever prosecutor, will roll over on Trump. I would pay to see the look on Trump's face the moment he learns that that has happened. Priceless!
13
How encouraging! Hopefully, the FBI will stay the course. Trump has refused to be forthcoming and perhaps we will begin to see why!
4
It's now very broadly evident that Mr. Trump is a self motivated person. He just want to play the game for power, wealth and ego. For that he would not spare his own son. He has already spared his two wives for his lusts and for his physical pleasure. Mr. Cohen should not ignore these facts and free himself from the abuses, exploitation and prey of Mr. Trump. It would be better for him that he should run for the Governor of NYS.
2
The more you learn about Trump, the more bizarre it gets. There are plenty of people in politics who have their flaws, but Trump is over-the-top disturbing. He is a like a character you only thought could exist in fiction. If his situation had been different I could see him being a cult leader like L. Ron Hubbard or Jim Jones. In a sense he's running the country much like you'd expect a cult leader to do. He's shown so many signs of being a psychopath over time that you could fill book with examples. His behavior during the debates was so twisted that it seems like people were not prepared to know how to respond, and the riveting drama it created had everyone on the edge of their seats waiting for what he'd do next. His sadistic aggression towards people, along with his unapologetic arrogance gives him power over people in a very malicious and cruel manner. Psychologists will be analyzing this subject for a long time.
41
A crescendo is building. Which Shakespearean plot shall it be?
10
I don't know if Michael Cohen would really take a bullet for his cult leader Trump but I am very sure that Trump wouldn't hesitate to crucify Jesus again without blinking an eye-lid if it serves Trump's interest. And what's ironic is that Trump's so called evangelical voter base knows this and still support him.
14
The rich powerful will attract their servants. Once in the inner circle these are trapped. Strokes have servants lap; slights have servants cower. Going between the 2 -- he loves, he loves me not --is maddening. Occasionally the indignity has someone say "enough!" Cohen will mistake grovell for loyalty.
1
Cohen knows where every skeleton is hidden. Can't wait for the inevitable plea bargain.
7
Trump and Cohen are more alike than may appear on the surface. one is a dominant bully, the other a sycophantic bully. Trump's demeaning treatment of Cohen may be due to resentment. He knows Cohen had (and has) leverage over him. And could use it.
That's why Cohen was always making those statements about taking a bullet, etc. They both knew he had the bullet(s) to take Trump down. (Trump was never going to let anyone with power over him into his campaign!)
Trump's privileged background gave him a deeper & broader skill set in how to become the consummate bully. But he may have met his match in Mueller, who knows how to use power in a legitimate way. Referring Cohen out to the NY office was one brilliant power play: now Trump can't pardon Cohen and his money is no longer enough. And Cohen can't avoid jail time by 'coat-tailing' Trump. They are now both powerless in their relationship.
Power belongs to the NY prosecutors and courts, so DT is bringing Giuliani on board- a desperate attempt to play a New York power card. (Giuliani was once a prosecutor in that same office.) Trump still thinks everything is negotiable. But "desperate" is the key word. The Times has reported that Sessions told the WH that he may be forced to resign, if Trump fires Rosenstein to get at Mueller.
So- the consummate bully may be cornered. Hoist by his own petard: little man Cohen.
We'll see.
Working title: Trump: The Consummate Bully- And His Downfall
9
Of course, most people would not have treated Cohen poorly for all the cleaning he did.
But whose surprised that our illigit Pres. has. Then again, he's the greatest man on earth, who has told us he has all the best words. and that only he can fix it. Fix things here, fix things there, fix things everywhere. with all the best words and a few criminals like him to help.
6
This guy has been brutalized today on the cable stations. I don't normally feel emphatic with someone who has allegedly threatened people or carried the water for a despot. But, I do. This will not end well, regardless if he flips or not. Amazing how many lives Trump destroys of the people who surround or have surrounded him.
5
To sing or to sink, that is the question.
6
The ultimate sycophant and apathetic lap dog is about to become POTUS' biggest problem - beyond me how anyone with an ounce of sense or principle would grovel at the feet of such a loathsome person, repeatedly allowing themselves to become publicly humiliated and scorned. Let's hope Mr. Cohen can somehow comprehend that blowing the whistle on Trump will earn him the accolades (and a footnote in history) and respect he has never gotten from POTUS.
9
This column is interesting not just about Trump's personal, Michael Cohen, but also Nunberg's and Stone's comments. It is not so much about the content of their comments but the way they commented it. Maybe these opportunists have sensed Trump's invincibility is waning. Their loyalty is waning too. Why not make some smarty pant comments to show they were a player, right?
Another irony is that Cohen is receiving a tactic made famous by Roy Cohn. Cohn was notorious in bringing lawsuits against his clients' opponents. Out-lawyering the other side is not about justice. Cohn did it to bankrupt the other side. Scientology used it very effectively to fight government investigations. Ken Starr's fishing expedition of the Clintons' personal life is one of the reasons why Clintons have been trying to earn as much money as possible as soon as President Clinton left office. Now, Cohen is feeling the pain. Not just from Special Counsel Mueller, but Stormy too. And his taxi medallions situation. If he were on the right side of history, he might deserve some sympathy. But he is not. Karma rears its righteous head!
So he is truly stupid if he decides to take a proverbial bullet for Trump. Let's hope he has at least an ounce of moral moral fiber left in him to walk about from the bully when he has a chance. For his children's sake if not for his own
39
"featured a Russian Army veteran named Fedor Emelianenko."
Come on now, that's what you're gonna reduce Fedor to? The man was the undefeated PRIDE Heavyweight Champion, and by all accounts the greatest mixed-martial artist in the world for nearly a decade. He was undefeated for nearly 10 years fighting against the best fighters in the world. It's not altogether surprising that Trump would have some admiration for him.
7
Michael Cohen has had some sort of a long term fetish with a school bully. This odd, but not unheard of, phenomena usually ends when the subconscious of the sufferer revolts after years of disdain, abuse, and supporting falsehood. Finally a real person asserts themselves, and that real person expresses a fairly honest version of what has gone on. This is an absolutely necessary catharsis for recovery from the stress of years of supporting a criminally fraudulent version of reality.
45
very well said. Thank you for your astute observation
I would be interested to know what kind of relationship Mr. Cohen has with his father. Much of what Mr. Cohen says is reflective of someone who has an exceptionally great need to please a father figure (and a father figures who at best ignores him, and at worst belittles him constantly).
29
The slow reveal continues. These days, everything comes out, you have to assume it. Especially about politicians and the super rich. There are always tapes, witnesses, documents. Trump's disregard for US law for years will reveal him for the pathetic criminal he allowed himself to become. He can cry witch hunt while they're leading him to Sing Sing.
31
How about Guantánamo?
As the old saying goes, 'if you kick a dog long enough he'll bite you'...Trump seems to have an affinity for abusive relationships where he is, of course, the abuser. He expects blind loyalty with giving nothing in return. This all adds up to him being a terrible man full of hypocritical narcissism. But we already knew that, how can 60M people have not seen this too? How can so many of them still not see the err in their judgement?
57
Like Trump, they double down on their mistakes, hoping for a different result. BTW, isn't that also the classic street definition of insanity? On a more serious note it shows just how far people were willing to go to get something different than what they had and were offered in Washington in 2016. Even though Trump was actually worse, at least he was different. From here forward let those offering themselves up for public service be warned that a reversion to business as usual in Washington, at least in Congress, is unacceptable.
I am thoroughly confused. There is enough evidence to show that we have in office someone who is blatantly dishonest and involved in shady dealings. The election was obviously compromised. The result is a mistake. There is all sorts of evidence of unfitness. Journalists and commentators of many different political inclinations agree on this, as can be seen by looking at not only the NYT but also the National Review or the Red State blog or the WSJ. So, how is it that he is still in office? In Congress, Republicans are responding either by quitting government altogether (Ryan, Flake, Corker); or ignoring everything (McConnell, Graham, Grassley); or openly praising Trump (Cruz). Meanwhile, the Democrats are refusing to launch impeachment resolutions (Pelosi), or concentrating on what I would regard as comparatively trivial issues such as legalization of marijuana (Schumer). I just don't understand. The most effective fight-backs are coming from Mueller and the SDNY legal team and the AG of NY state and several judges. The most eloquent and effective speakers on behalf of the public interest and American democracy itself are an adult-film actress and her lawyer. She, in fact, is turning out to be America's Joan of Arc and he, the lawyer, is turning out to be the new Patrick Henry (the American Revolution's most eloquent orator). This seems to tell us that the judicial system is the real representative of the American people, which makes me wonder what Congress is for.
113
I have wondered about this too. However, I have decided that conviction is beginning to look like a possibility, and conviction would be better than impeachement. Trump wanted to drain the swamp, a promise that might come back at him. Bob Mueller is our best hope for a just finish to the reign of this monster posing as a person. And if Trump can be convicted, his swamp will likely drain considerably because it will take down his toadies, henchment, and one could wish that Pence will be included. If we only impeach Trump, then we end up with Pence. Pence is easier for most people to digest because he comes across as honest and mannerly; however, his ideas are even scarier than Trump's. At least with Trump we all know what we've got. Careful what you wish for.
15
This is extremely well put. It is a shocking state of affairs. There is a chance, as we don't know for sure, that the pathetic Republicans will be buried by the American people in Nov. They may be knowledgeable and more concerned about their country than the GOP cynics imagine them to be. Those Republican with conviction are leaving. Those remain will be a minority who will end up in the dustbin of history.
7
why launch proceedings if they will be unsuccessful? The Dems are in the minority, and if there is one thing this entire shameful episode demonstrates, it is that the GOP congress puts party over country. I'm sure the Dems are waiting for the 2018 election, when they might at least take back one of the chambers, and for Mueller to finish his work. To initiate impeachment proceedings now would be a great election issue for the GOP,
4
Just as Trump looks out for himself does it ever occur to anybody that he is always looking out for his own country and all of us? When voters voted for him they knew exactly what they were getting. They do not need the Times to tell them. The alternative was simply less palatable. Just who do you think put the voters in this most unfortunate position? Guess!
2
Let me guess, it's all Obama's fault? Oh wait, it's the broad in the pantsuit! Of course, the drama we're dealing with is the result of a grand conspiracy cooked up by Obama and Clinton. They deliberately lost the election so Trump could win, fire Comey, unleash Mueller and bring down anyone and everyone surrounding Trump. The only part I don't understand is how this benefits Obama and Clinton. Trump does not care about anyone but himself - not coal workers, not farmers, not women, not his children, no one. Certainly not Americans.
2
No, reading the article, it occurred to me, Trump treats the entire country like ... Michel Cohen.
1
'Confused' is an appropriate heading: there is no logical connection whatsoever between trump's narcissism and looking out for the country or any of us. Thus, you may be the only one to whom this has occurred.
8
Always go with the truth, and never the tribe, because most people will turn on you, if you out the truth, and I believe that Michael Cohen, should finally see that his time, money, and energy was expended on a person who will treat him, as he has all the wives, and women in his life, like a piece of meat, to be thrown away when it starts to rot, because of what Trump has done to them!
15
On the one hand, people are speculating that Mr Cohen has very damaging info on Mr Trump. On the other hand, Mueller's office has recently stated, since the FBI raid, that Trump is not a target. This just doesn't add up.
1
Trump is not CURRENTLY a target. That could change in a heartbeat.
4
Manafort wasn’t a target- until he was
Flynn wasn’t a target- until he was
Cohen wasn’t a target- until he was
And we all know what kind of legal peril they are in now.
The FBI is saying DJT is not a target - for now
9
that Trump was not a target .."at that time"
2
This administration is a confederation of scoundrels, the chief one being the occupier of the White House. Hey, Middle America, we New Yorkers who knew Trump all too well tried to warn you. I have little to no sympathy for Michael Cohen and the others who aligned themselves with Trump. I just hope they turn on him as hard or harder as he has turned on them and save the country and the world from this unending nightmare.
41
How very true. You are absolutely right.
3
I can’t figure out if this whole sordid affair is more humorous or pathetic. People who adore Trump really are almost in a cult-like trance. Its almost as if, like Donald himself, they spent their childhood despised by their fathers and are trapped in some Freudian prison, straining to please a selfish monster who returns none of their affection.
35
Definitely pathetic...with more than a hint of dark humor.
Trump loves to surround himself with yes men and fawning admirers, while treating them like a piece of "garbage" if they lack a strong personality or qualities he admires.
Michael Cohen has endured years of humiliation, because he loved the idea of being linked to Trump. But it didn't bring him the fame and fortune he anticipated and was just a "loyal fixer."
Now he has the opportunity to turn the tables on his former tormentor. Trump has reasons to worry, should Cohen cooperate with Robert Mueller and reveal his dirty laundry.
27
If the Igor-like Cohen where just doing what he did for money or power, I have no doubt he'd turn to save himself. But he's apparently doing it for deeper psychological reasons and so, sadly, I'm not at all confident that he'll cooperate, even though it's clearly in his interest to do so.
Such a person really may throw himself under the bus for his master, and the more he's abused, the harder he will try to please his boss. This despite the fact that his boss, a sociopath who admires strength and sees generosity as a sign of weakness, will merely have more contempt for him.
That's a shame, as it's in both Cohen's interest and that of the country for him to give a complete and honest accounting of Trump's actions, but in someone who is motivated by Daddy issues rather than self interest he's found his ideal lackey, like some of Hitler's most dedicated associates ready to go down with the boss.
74
I agree that there is some deeper psychosis going on with Michael Cohen. But I see him more as Icarus. He got too close to the sun (he SO wanted to get close to the big boy), got burned, and now he’s falling.
Like many Trump stung and humiliated officials and aides earlier cooperating happily with the investigations against Trump why should it be a surprise if Michael Cohen too does the same, specially when the attributes like trust and loyalty have always been a one way affair- Trump always demanding but never reciprocating.
40
After all the deceit and muscling of others on behalf of Trump I nevertheless feel somewhat sorry for the guy who risks taking the fall for Trump Inc. This is what happens when the situation he has brought on many others ultimately gets reversed. Trump's discarded him like a used tissue. Trump and his family, have been operating with impunity for years. Don Jnr and Ivanka should have been charged over the Trump Soho affair but bought their way out. Jared and family have been playing fast and loose for years. It would be a typical lopsided state of affairs if Cohen went down but the others went on without penalty. He should lay it all out on the table, come clean with SD of NY and Mueller's team, take his knocks and then move on with a better class of client.
82
Don’t feel sorry for the guy. He made his bed, now let him lie in it. He has had choices, and HE made them.
1
Don't disagree, but no matter what happens, Michael Cohen will likely never "practice" law ever again.
Why in the world does Trump attract such loyalty? Trump has never cared about another person, and never been loyal to another person. He'd throw his own kids under a bus if he thought it would help him.
220
I know...it's hard to understand. However, many people tend to be drawn to narcissists...narcissists are great at presenting a false sense that makes them seem charming, smart, confident and super-exciting to be with. Maybe Cohen felt the relationship with Trump would make him look good? Narcissists are also experts at hooking people in, manipulating them and then exploiting them. Once you are hooked, it can be hard to get out. Just a thought.
11
Maybe just maybe there's more of an relationship than we know.
1
Most of the people in this world are followers.
Followers look for alpha-male kind of guys to latch onto, hoping to gain some power and/or prestige of their own.
Such people are not interested in facts or results, just what's in it for them.
Donald Trump draws these people like moths to a flame.
4
If Cohen wants even the slightest chance of finding future employment, much less a modicum of redemption in the public eye, he has to do all he can to bring down Trump. Bigly. Otherwise, he’s a ruined, dead man walking for the rest of his life.
168
You can bet your life the NY Bar Association yanks his license. Once disbarred in any state, you are virtually unemployable in any state as an attorney. Furthermore, a disbarred attorney is prohibited from working in any law office in any position, under any circumstance. All State Bar Associations are part of the American Bar Association, and those regulations are those of the A.B.A. which means, all state bar associations. In short, Michael Cohen needs a new line of work. He'll never be able to practice law again in the USA. Ironically, he never did practice my LAW in his practice, anyway.
2
Michael Cohen doesn't have will to be brave or courageous. As a follower, he will protect his mentor, Don Jr and Ivanka like Barry Bonds' trainer.
19
He doesn't need brace or courageous to squeal. He just needs scared.
1
When will the ugly tweets undercutting Cohen’s credibility begin?
117
Keep in mind that Cohen has a lot more dirt on Trump than can be found in any document.
Meaning: Trump will treat Cohen as Putin. There will be no nasty tweets.
1
As soon as Cohen decides to cooperate with the Prosecutor.
2
is it bad that I am looking forward to watching trump throw Cohen under the bus?
There is a job opening. Another Trump aide will have to pay hush money to buy Cohen’s silence. He clearly cannot pay himself. Especially with his own money.
29
Interesting. I always thought Cohen was the golden child but it looks like he was the step child and treated like dirt. I wouldn't be surprised if he choose to turn the tables on 45.
79
Trump may learn the hard way that, eventually, loyalty does not live on a one-way street.
I sure hope that he learns a very hard lesson!
83
Agreed. People like Trump nearly always end up with no one left to support them. Eventually, even the meekest of sycophants wake up and realize they have been seriously abused by a bully who knows no sense of personal feelings for others. When the tide finally turns on The Donald, it will be a tidal wave and he is so self unaware that he will not even know why it happened since, in his opinion, he is such a Great Man.
6
It would be nice to think that he could eventually learn that lesson, but he won't. Trump's narcissism runs so deep he's essentially a criminal sociopath.
Nothing seems able to ever heal such people; prison will at least take them out of circulation so they can hurt no others.
Imagine the horrors we would be witnessing if Trump truly had the power he covets. With absolute power, would he be different from Nero, Caligula, Ivan the Terrible, Henry VIII, Stalin, Hitler or Mao? (To name a few). It is not enough that Trump just wins, he must humiliate in the most petty, hurtful and vindictive ways. Watching others suffer appears to be his main life's pleasure, along with acquiring power and wealth.
For all the flaws of Nixon and Johnson (who could also be vindictive at times), or the foibles of many other presidents, I can usually find good things to say about each, and point to positive things they left the country despite their flaws. Even the most tragic, Richard Nixon, helped create the CAA and EPA, opened up relations with then North Korea-like China, and held talks with the cold war enemy Soviet Union. Eventually--though thru a lot of shenanigans to get there--he ended the Vietnam War for the U.S. He appeared faithful to his wife Pat, who provided him unending emotional support; tellingly, he did not live long after her death.
Can anyone identify any such positive attributes in the "assets" column Donald Trump has left the world in his 70+ years of life? I can't.
Trump treats Cohen the same way Selina Meyer treats Gary Walsh on Veep. That show is way too on the nose.
29
There are quite a few homeless everywhere in the world. But you know there aren't many beggars here in Japan for some reason while quite a few in the US (from my poor experience). This article and my previous knowledge suggests the both countries are common in that there are plenty of servile people around the wealthy and/or powerful.
25
After reading the Rolling Stone article on Cohen and the Russians, I wonder if Cohen’s worry is not so much Trump, but that these other unsavory types might not want him spilling what he knows about their activities
93
This is one of those personality profiles based purely on outside sources, so it's difficult to say whether there's any accuracy. But if it IS accurate, it paints an extremely sad picture of a twisted wannabe sycophant (is it even POSSIBLE to be a wannabe sycophant?) whose fondest wish seems to be to live as Donald Trump's lap dog -- a guy who would even be willing to be the dog that Trump kicks when he comes home from work after a bad day at the office. The closest literary figure I can analogize with is the Tony Curtis character in "Sweet Smell of Success". Not very flattering, but perhaps real-life Michael Cohen could be the basis for a fascinatingly creepy and sad fictional character.
21
Time for Cohen to decide who to protect Trump, or his family. An honorable guy would flip on Trump to be there for his children. Maybe in the midst on chaos Trump will take time to pardon Cohen. Then again maybe not. Hard to put your kids through college making license plates in NY state prison Michael.
33
Trump does not have the power to pardon Cohen for State crimes. That is the big problem.
3
Cohen isn't being investigated for a state crime. SDNY is federal.
Donald Trump keeps complaining about a "witch hunt".
But what if there *are* witches (and warlocks)?
18
Seems to me Mr. Cohen has already taken many bullets for Trump already. No one who affiliates w. Trump remains clean or sane.
43
For AND from!
What is it about celebrities that makes otherwise intelligent people declare their willingness to "take a bullet" for them? What could they possibly be getting in return?
25
Cohen has probably just watched “Dave” one too many times while trying to work out how the White House operates...
Good luck Mr. Cohen, you're going to need it.
28
I am confused about who Cohen is. Based on earlier descriptions I thought he was an in-house lawyer for Trump or the Trump company. But then when his office was raided it was described at being at Rockefeller Center. So what is he -- some type of sole practitioner or is he with a firm and, if so, which one?
7
Until Trump went to DC, he was an Executive VP for Trump Organization and special counsel for Trump. He left the company after that and was Trump's personal lawyer, with an office in another law firm.
2
Cohen had some kind of arrangement with the international law firm Squire Patton Boggs whose offices are at 30 Rock. As soon as his office there was raided the law firm dumped him.
1
The article ignores the 800 pound gorilla in the room: the presidential pardon. Pardoning Scooter Libby send an unmistakable message to Cohen and Manafort to not cooperate with Mueller. Unlike Flynn and the others who chose to cooperate Cohen has a long and close relationship with Trump. Predicting Mueller will flip Cohen is wishful thinking.
18
The wishful thinking is by the Trump supporters that think this will all go away. As time goes on they have mostly stopped proclaiming Trump's innocence and predicting the imminent indictment of Clinton and Obama. Now they are down to pinning their hopes on technicalities, people not turning over evidence, and their imaginary statute of limitations on the Special Counsel.
4
A presidential pardon wont protect him from state charges, with equally long sentences. If anything, it will make the conviction easier, since SCOTUS has ruled that accepting a pardon is an admission of guilt.
3
Wrong. He will be tried by NY State. Not Federal. Trump will have not sway. A presidential pardon means nothing in this case!
4
Trump treats other people like garbage? That cannot be right. Trump is all about kindness, class, selfless service, and deep empathy for his friends, employees, and the American people-- especially the working class.
Oh, wait-- that was President Obama. Sorry. Never mind.
205
The majority of Americans now realize that thanks to Russia and voter ID actions, we have elected a criminal to the office of the Presidency. The question is, how are we going to extract ourselves from it?
93
Get out and vote in 2018 and 2020 like your life depends on it, because it does.
4
I don't believe that Donald Trump will go away quietly. The worse his legal situation becomes, the more likely he is to start a war. And when the ensuing public protests become intolerable, I won't be surprised if he attempts to impose martial law. The real question then will be whether law enforcement and the military carry out his commands or ignore them. I wish I could be confident that the rule of law will prevail, but Donald Trump believes he is the law.
39
I would imagine that Cohen is also at risk of state charges. Does Trump have something on Cohen? Is more devastating that spending time in Sing Sing?
11
"For years, a joke among Trump Tower employees was that the boss was like Manhattan’s First Avenue, where the traffic goes only one way."
Most Manhattan (NYC) avenues are one way. Notably 5th Avenue, which fronts Trump Tower.
So indeed it is hard to believe any Trump Tower employee ever said anything like that regards 1st Avenue.
14
I want to see all of Trumps real estate transactions over the last 20 years and the names behind the LLC's that may have bought from him. Then I want to see his tax returns for the last 15 years. That should be enough to bury him.
71
Tax returns will be a piece of the puzzle. Forensic accounting of all Trump bank statements will provide the most information.
37
I agree. Follow the money!
A theme in this article is the oneway street nature of all Trump’s relationships.
It occurs to me, he is, in fact, the distilled essence of today’s Republican Party.
It’s all oneway, to no one’s benefit except himself/itself and their 0.01%er backers.
3
My own wish is to see him atone for shafting the small contractors in Atlantic City.
3
If Trump proclaims friendship with you it is almost over. It is like when the pro sports team starts pumping out positive noise about the coach days before his removal. But then, if you think dealing with him on any level is a good idea you deserve what befalls you.
18
Again, this is nothing surprising when it comes to Trump. He'll demand every degree of loyalty there is from his underlings but there is absolutely none flowing in the opposite direction. This is the way Trump operates. If you can't do anything for him, then you're disposed of.
14
Cohen "told interviewers that he has never heard Mr. Trump utter an inaccuracy or break a promise."
Stop right there -- and think about that statement.
How many inaccuracies. How many bombastic promises never fulfilled.
28
This report doesn't say anything about Trump paying Cohen. How did that work? Did he regularly stiff Cohen?
12
To Michael Cohen, on the off chance that you may read this: You are an American. Maybe a lapsed American in your own mind. Maybe ashamed. No matter, you have friends in America. Real friends who know that a nation of laws can find an honest and honorable place for you. It is never too late to become a true American for yourself as well as others.
9
Can someone please get Mr Trump a spell checker , "witch hunt". Doesn't he mean "which hunt"? Isn't it "which" law I've broken or "which" sleaze-ball thing I've done , has been found out now?
26
Great comment from Confederata Helvetica—Switzerland.
[I just wish we could export Trump. He likes gold—could there be something for him in the high-end watch (now jewelry, with cellphones) business?
2
"Particularly hurtful to Mr. Cohen was the way Mr. Trump lavished approval on Mr. Lewandowski in a way he never did for Mr. Cohen. "
There's a good chance this article was encouraged, or fertilized, by FBI as collateral in it's desire to flip Cohen.
5
Why would Cohen behave like this after years of being abused by Trump?
Stockholm syndrome?
12
It’s a sick, unhealthy world.
7
The relationship between Donald J. Trump and Michael D. Cohen is straight out of Hollywood's central casting. Tony Soprano and his murdering minions would be proud of TeamTrump. From Michael Cohen and Gen. Michael Flynn, to Stephen Bannon, Roger Stone, Paul Manafort and Rick Gates — not to mention Donny Jr. and little Eric — this is a crime family in the mold of John Gotti and Gotti Jr.
As for Michael D. Cohen, he will flip for Mueller because he will never "take a bullet" for his boss. He will not give up his role as a father and husband to spend 10-15 years in prison to save The Donald's ego. He will flip. He may even be the lynchpin TeamMueller has been seeking.
In other news today, Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of NYC and attorney for the Southern District of New York, has joined the Donald's "legal team." I would suggest Rudy is willing to gamble the rest of his future on the prospect of rescuing the boy-king from impeachment for the possibility of a book deal on "How I Save Donald Trump." And given the amount of evidence collected from Michael Cohen's home, office, and hotel suite by the FBI, Rudy has his work cut out for him. Maybe his next book title will be, "How I saved America, and myself, by handing Trump over to Mueller."
15
Giuliani is willing to join Trump's legal team because Giuliani wants to be near the center of power and visibility ... and this is the only possibility open to him.
1
Remember he too dumped and humiliated his wife. They're birds of the same feather
Abusing those who love, revere, and slave for him? He is not a sociopath, but a psychopath. I overheard someone saying, "If ever an American comes to the Third World to preach moral and ethical behavior, I'll tell him to shut up, you have lost all moral authority since you elected Donald Trump as president."
20
This paragraph was glossed over by most commenters:
"Some of Mr. Cohen’s efforts to help only led to embarrassing rebuffs in front of those in charge. A month before the election, Mr. Cohen approached Mr. Trump outside his Trump Tower office with photographs of Bill Clinton and a mixed-race man alleged — without any evidence — to be the former president’s illegitimate son. Mr. Trump knocked the papers away, angrily telling Mr. Cohen to “get that out of my face,” said one former campaign official who witnessed the incident."
Interesting response from the ever-looking-for-fodder Trump. Can it be that he has one or more illegitimate children out there and didn't want to call attention to the possibility by taking advantage of Clinton dirt? After all, NO ONE is more blackmailable than a 'billionaire' who hates condoms and has been promiscuous for the last 50 years.
36
"Michael Cohen Has Said He Would Take a Bullet for Trump"--It seems he just did, and it was fired from the Southern District of New York.
12
Sound a bit like a homo-erotic relationship with masochistic tendencies, resulting in what is known as the 'Stockholm syndrome.' It will take some time for him to realize what is going on. Better keep him on suicide watch by that time, as his self image and everything he believes in will collapse completely.Eventually, Trump sucks the life out of everybody around him.
16
Trump tweeted "NO COLLUSION." But big picture suggests otherwise, & also implicates #Cohen in Russia saga. And Mueller is onto it! See my deep-dive here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/think-you-know-how-deep-trump-russia-goes...
3
Brian,
Thank you for reposting your research.
One wonders with all this info, why it is taking the government so long to get
to the core of this fiasco?
Amazing!!
Why do you think Cohen is such a patsy? My guess is that a patsy would not stand by his own words to take a bullet for his overlord, that it is the textbook definition of a patsy to say such a thing, but then wince when the big moment comes.
4
Cohen is to Donald, like Donald to Fred Sr.
Always lookin for Daddy's approval.....
6
My first reaction was that the New York Times was cheapening itself by publishing this disgusting hit piece.... but then I realized that was just a form of denial. It's only a hit piece if it distorts the record.
The too-horrible-to-contemplate alternative is that this is accurate reporting on the behavior of a truly disgusting man that conned his way into the White House.
The danger is that people are ashamed to admit they were conned. Trump's base may become as devoted to him as Cohen is/was. Then we will have a real Germany-in-the-1930's style mess on our hands.
18
Several of us having been pointing that out since before the election...and yes, we do have a mess, getting messier everyday...
2
So, does Michael Cohen have Stockholm syndrome?
3
While not a big believer in karma, I can only hope that these lessons will demonstrate, beyond any doubt, that Trump is not a trustworthy person with whom to do business. He will be out of the White House eventually. Let's hope that the rest of the world turns a cold shoulder to this man and his modus operandi. That would be the ultimate justice for this snollygoster.
10
It's sad what an absolute doormat Cohen has made himself over the years, as depicted here - almost as if it's a masochistic compulsion. The "diversity coalition," while false in its intent, demonstrates that Cohen is a smart and capable guy who could have done a lot of good if he hadn't glommed onto the bottom of a heel.
Sadly, Cohen's personality might find its greatest expression in figuratively "taking the bullet" for the real heap of garbage, by letting his own life be destroyed rather than cooperating with the authorities.
9
In the spirit of evenhandedness, non- partisanship, restraint, and fairness, we are not supposed to make accusations or judgments about trump’s mental state. But he has patterns of behaviour, - the article describing just one- that taken together are not the sign of a well-adjusted individual.
26
Actually, even if you are a mental health professional, there are instances where the "Goldwater Rule" is waived....Trump may be one of those instances.
4
We get what we give. Donald J. Trump's getting is long overdue.
56
Mr. D'Antonio's title of his bio of Trump ("Never Enough") has held true in his greedy grasp for power in the White House. As Trump's girth has grown in the presidency, rather than his stature, I am reminded of the portly rich man in our small town during the great depression. My brother was about six years old when, on confronting this man one day, poked him in the stomach and said "You got money in there?" That's Trump, to whom money means more than what sustains the rest of us.
13
Hear hear!!!!
What caliber?
19
Obviously of very low caliber, extremely low caliber with this crowd
4
Reading this article was disgusting.
I hope everyone around Michael Cohen tells him to roll over on Trump.
This country is waking up to the fact that Donald Trump is a sociopath. Many of us have believed this for a long time but some people are watching this unfolding nightmare and finally catching on.
Trump can't be forced out soon enough. Hold faith that its coming....
159
Much ado about nothing. Michael Cohen will never see a day in jail and he knows it. Why do you think he appears so relaxed, smoking cigars. He knows he'll never go to prison because Trump has the power and will use his power of presidential pardon to save his own skin by pardoning Cohen. As Alan Dershowitz has already argued, the president as chief executive and commander in chief is not subject to law. Nixon was too cowardly to act on this assumption but Trump is not Nixon. Trump will leave no stone unturned, no constitutional check unchallenged to save himself and his family. And there is nothing anyone can do to stop him. We are headed for a constitutional crisis.
26
Cohen is being investigated in the Southern District of New York. The one in the Whitehouse can only pardon for federal crimes.
20
I thought Cohen was smoking cigars because he knows he won't be able to buy them in the prison commissary.
21
SDNY is part of the US Justice Dept. Any charges it brings would be Federal not State charges.
Someday it might be interesting to read about someone with whom Donald Trump at some point in his life actually had a healthy, mutually admiring, respectful and affectionate relationship. Most of Trump's so-called friends and associates seem to be greedy, mean spirited and sycophantic people who feed Trump's nasty ego and engage in mutual hate fests. The aim always seems to be bringing someone down, or aggrandizing Trump at someone else's expense.
If there ever has been an F O D that contributed to making them both better humans, I have yet to hear about him.
42
We call them shameless opportunists with jot a moral bone in their body
6
The holder of the most powerful post in the world is openly fretting- so we're told - over the prospect Cohen might turn state's evidence. Much of this sad saga is beyond the pale, but none more so than the tacit admission by Trump that what Cohen knows could jeopardize not only his presidency but indeed his personal freedom.
A president with nothing to hide would show complete indifference to what Cohen or anyone else from his past might have to say. That kind of president (like Trump's predecessor) wouldn't be up nights anguishing over his vulnerability to impeachment proceedings if not criminal charges.
Undoubtedly this is the most expensive presidency in American history from any vantage you want to consider. Most presidents are preoccupied with the weighty issues that confront the nation. Trump has little time and even less empathy for that. His near total focus is protecting the house of cards on which his presidency - like his fortune - is built.
The naive voters who put him over the top will have little to show from it when Trump is finally evicted from the Oval Office.
1049
A president who has nothing to hide wouldn’t have so many people from his inner circle gunning for him.
24
Donald Trump's focus has always been in exactly the same place since before he was potty-trained --- HIMSELF!
I believe he has no idea of the true meaning of the term "Public Service"
23
So well said. Trump while pretending to be a predator is only an animal that constantly needs to watch over his back to protect himself from his dark past. That his angry fearful face constantly haunts us daily is a travesty.
14
Cohen was loyal to Trump, so what, that's what his job at a small organization required. I don't think his situation is unique and I recommend people who criticize him ask themselves if they would quit when their boss is mean to them or when they disagree with company leadership decisions. Look at how loyal people remain to FB even though they know their data was not protected. Look at people who remain loyal to Wells Fargo despite the bank cheating millions of customers.
Let's first see what Cohen, a life-long democrat, is guilty of before we judge him. Let's give him a chance to come clean.
9
"Lifelong Democrat" huh? Neither Cohen or Trump have been a lifelong anything. Cohen is one of those pathetic people that have to latch on to someone to feel they are someone. Trump is simply a narcissistic who takes takers advantage of people like Cohen.
10
ask themselves if they would quit when their boss is mean to them or when they disagree with company leadership decisions. "
...............
When I worked in a public civil service position, I used to tell people who were rude, that I was a civil servant, NOT A DOOR MAT. anyone who doesn't stand up for themselves DESERVES what they get. If they treat like garbage, you must be or as the saying so, "if the shoe fits.....'
1
But Cohen was very wealthy long before he met Trump. Putting up with a terrible boss when you need the money for your family is one thing. But I get the impression that Cohen was looking for something else.
the chickens are coming home to roost
33
I pray God for it! This is such a shame for this great country. That dynasty can disappear and nobody will care.
What I’m beginning to sense is the strange involution of paradoxes – Trump stands alone on the American stage and by dint of our trained eyeballs, has (oddly) united the country. What I fear is the chaos when he falls.
Saddam Hussein’s statue tumbling comes to mind.
I fear the horror hasn’t yet begun to unfold...
11
“I feel the horror hasn’t begun to unfold”.
Janet, that horror has a name:
President Pence.
1
With the kind of cowards we have in Congress I expect nothing will happen to POTUS. They don’t even do their JOB which is CHECK and BALANCES, they became all professional corrupt politicians!
1
Why are the American people excluded from entering the court? (see sign accompanying pic)
Shouldn't the courts be open to the public -- a founding principle so that justice can be SEEN to be done? OK, it will be packed ... but so? Murder trials are packed, and the courts cope with that.
7
Thanks for pointing that out. I hadn't noticed that sign until you mentioned it and I went back to the picture and looked at it more closely. Good question!
3
You misunderstand the sign. The restriction to attorneys and law enforcement officers there applies only to that particular entrance, not to the building, which of course is open to the public.
7
What about bullets from Mr. Trump?
4
Trump = Lies x Billions...
11
That we elected a man who treats anyone including Mr. Cohen in such away is disgusting. if he will treat a 'friend' this way it goes a long way to confirming that he treated others especially women as garbage. Cohen's 'gift' to Stormy Daniels of 130000 dollars in hush money to cover up his misdeeds would only make him a patsy in trump's eyes.
The same goes for anyone who voted for him. That they couldn't or wouldn't see his corruption and abuse of others as disqualifying him for the presidency only makes those voters a laughing stock in his eyes, rubes all, and marks that can be used for his own purposes, but part of this fiasco is that they can never acknowledge how this man has taken advantage of them, just as Michael Cohen can not see how he has enabled the Trump grifter.
28
Didn't Trump call Cohen when all this flared up (was reported on CNN)? What do you think they talked about? Trump told Cohen 'he'd have his back' I'm sure. Meaning, he could count on a pardon should any of this come down on him. So why would he cave and give up Trump? He won't.
5
no the opposite, He wanted to make certain that COHEN WAS STILL LOYAL. e.g he would NOT be a snitch. O/W trump could care less about anyone other than trump.
2
The Whitehouse resident can only pardon federally prosecuted crimes. If charges are brought on Cohen, they will be brought by the prosecutors of the Southern District of New York.
6
Who are federal.
Embarrassing, pathetic, inexplicable. Why does Cohen subject himself to trump’s insults? It’s gobsmacking tomread about trump’s casual cruelty and contempt for everyone in his orbit. Oh, I am so hopimg for a comeuppance.
17
somewhere in all the groveling, he was probably well paid. some folks lack personal pride and Cohen may be one such person.
1
It is a classic case of psychological abuse, beated up and broken spirit. BULLYING! can anybody imagine what Melania’s life is inside the golden cage? Her choice, though.
What can't we expect of someone who treated his children's mother's the way he treated them??
18
The fixer’s final fix. The Donald. Do not bet against it.
15
He's a poor attorney and his "fixes" are more like botch jobs.
1
Cohen is the Smithers to Trump as Mr Burns
52
Alan:
You do know the Smithers character on "The Simpsons" is gay? And Smithers has a massive crush on Mr Burns.
3
Why would Cohen have to take a bullet for the President if Trump has done nothing wrong. Fools.
35
that's a very very big IF -
2
Where's Haldeman and Ehrlichman when you need them.
19
Dead, fortunately, or we'd be in even bigger trouble!
3
Oh the sagas of the Trump crime family...enough already.
27
It's not clear from the article what leverage Trump had over Cohen. Is it just that Trump was a source of income and prestige? That's an important piece missing from this puzzle.
23
Every shark needs their remora sharksucker. No one else would hire him - Hannity thought he was only worth ten bucks.
2
Is Michael Cohen planning to write a book?
What would the title be?
7
My Life As a Lackey: The Trump Years
6
The advance payment will be bigger than the Stormie payment.
Behind door #1: doing right thing. Being a patriot. Freedom. Redemption. Cost: The image in the mirror and the wrath of the Don.
Behind door #2: global contempt. Being a turncoat. Jail.
Which would you choose?
25
For Cohen's sake, he should save his own bum for his families sake. For whatever reason, Cohen has been enamored with a cruddy "friend". Either he enjoys being a bully and crook for trump or he is simply is one too.
19
Couldn't Mr Cohen let Donald take 3 or 4 in the noggin before he steps in? Just sayin...
10
To paraphrase Capitan Renault, that is his least vulnerable spot.
5
The only relationship that (so far) has not had the 'Trump Treatment' of throwing the person under the bus is the one with V. Putin. Trump doesn't really own the sanctions against Russia, and curtailed a second round of them. I think he is trying to keep Putin away from a major harm. Cohen, as written about in this piece, has been ridiculed, used, abused and thrown aside. Until now. With the raid on his hotel room, home and office, the secrets to Trump's possible crimes and bullying behavior will come to light. So, who will be there for him then? Putin?
21
Yes, Trump has long treated Michael Cohen "like garbage".
But Trump has long treated EVERYONE in his life, "like garbage".
The only person in the world that Trump hasn't treated "like garbage", is Putin.
45
treated like garbage? Big surprise. That is what he does, always. Wake up America.
21
Cohen's book on Trump would make Comey's look like Anne of Green Gables. Hope you have your ghost writer lined up, Michael.
31
Flip this script and lay out the treachery. Life is short Mr. Cohen you can be footnote or an historical figure. Your choice...
17
Cohen, Trump, the Clintons and all actors in this drama will get their just desserts from their accumulated karma. What is distressing is the miserable and stressful lives (imagine yourself being spat upon by Trump every day) they have all lived through almost their entire lives, and how deceptive their immense wealth, power and fame is. They are all as miserable (indeed, more miserable) as the homeless man living on the sidewalk in front of Trump Tower!
15
don't put anyone in the same class as trump - to get some party equivalence - trump is the worst actor by far -
5
How are the Clintons actors in the Cohen-Trump drama? You have your story lines mixed up.
What is this bizarre hold trump has on these people? I’ve never heard such groveling as I’ve read in these quotes from Cohen.
Whenever I’ve met a bully, an alpha dog, I’ve slapped them down in one way or another. Of course, we all know trump is a beta desperately trying to be an alpha. That’s why he needs wimps like Cohen around him.
27
This is all very interesting tabloid material. Leave something for The National Enquirer to publish.
4
"Michael Cohen Has Said He Would Take a Bullet for Trump."
Comey, not so much.
1
Ready to flip...
Get him and Lennie Briscoe 1:1 in that room with one-way glass...
Have Anita Van Buren poke her head in, "looking beat up" - saying Trump called for the third time asking why he's not already in Sing Sing and lit up before Indian Point goes dark...
Briscoe pushes him a yellow pad - legal-size - to recall contemporaneous memos-to-self he'd written over time...
Lost in a recent fire...
Cut to the solitary figure watching...
Best legal mind ever to work the beltway...
Only one ever to make Roberts fumble words...
Cut to the hacked surveillance feed being watched by...
One of the best Kremlin spymasters ever...
Solitary figure looks into the lens and smiles - yanks the camera's cable...
Let us pray.
Lord let there be tapes, and loads of them.
Amen
47
Sorry, god is on trump’s side. Just ask his supporters.
(Ironic note: as I typed “god”, predictive spelling suggested “godfather.” It really does learn.)
5
Oh, for God's sake. I'm sure he flipped last Tuesday. He's already told us how nice the Feds are. He wants to keep having his photo taken on Blue Tie Day.
8
Good job NYT of making Mr. Cohen feel even worse. Wink wink.
5
" ... [Mr. Cohen] told interviewers that he has never heard Mr. Trump utter an inaccuracy or break a promise." Sheeesh. The NYTimes listed a couple of thousand lies or misleading statements Mr. Trump made in the first year of his presidency. Mr. Cohen would never make it here in Texas, where we believe that if a man ever says he's never had a roach in his house, you can never believe anything else he says. Of course, we elected Mr. Cruz, but we're working on that ...
29
Trump is a despicable human being. However the problem is not Trump or even the spineless Republican leadership. The core problem is that many many of our fellow citizens want a man like Trump to be their president. The very things that we find so abhorrent are the very things that Trumpersters admire and are drawn to. Unfortunately I fear that all the sleeze and sewage that will be revealed won't change the mind of one trumpster. Therefore the only course of action that can have any impact is at the ballot box.
72
Yes
7
Why is he worried? Pres. Trump can pardon him?
4
Case is being heard in the state of NY court. Trump can't pardon in state cases, only federal. Yay!
15
Anyone who thinks about the question can only conclude that just as the pardon power doesn't allow the president to pardon himself, it also doesn't allow him to pardon co-conspirators. So Michael might not want to put his chips down on the card that a pardon would work. Not to mention, he would have to trust Trump not to leave him twisting in the wind.
7
Unfortunately, NY still has that 'double jeopardy' thing in place. Hopefully being overthrown soon.
I hope Cohen flips and by flipping he brings down “The Donald” AND the Trump Organization. It would definitely be a payback for all the honest, hard working Americans the Trumps have lied to, cheated and taken advantage of over the years. Afterwards, someone should start a go fund me page to help Cohen with his legal expenses. Cohen should then do a year of FREE legal council for the working class Americans to show his appreciation.
17
He'll be disbarred. Anyway, I would not want him doing my legal work, even if for free. He apparently went to the least selective law school in the country and has not really practiced law for years. He fixes things, does Donald's scut and dirty work and gives real estate advice to Sean Hannity. No you can have his pro bono work. No one deserves to be exposed to legal efforts that are probably incompetent.
15
And Trump said he'd make America great again. What these guys say is not news, it's what they do that is worth talking about. Guys like this are only able to climb their way to the top because all you focus on is what they say.
I mean, come on, of course Cohen said he'd take a bullet for Trump. But let me ask you this, has he ever taken a bullet for anyone? Does he have any history of throwing himself between a bullet and a target? I don't know for sure, but I'm gonna guess no.
10
Why would anyone believe anything this crew of liars say?!
Roger Stone, Michael Cohen and Donald Trump couldn't ever be reliable for telling the truth!
I always assume if Trump or any of these characters say something then they are either lying or trying to manipulate the story for their own purposes.
It is a sad state of affairs that we cannot trust this president but that is the TRUTH!
16
If they told me what time it was, I would check my watch to be sure they weren't lying.
2
I cannot believe these are grown men. Whatever happened to honest, trustworthy, thoughtful, brave, and kind? Come on, Boy Scouts would do a far better job of governing than these baby gangster men.
19
I just can't comprehend loving the Liar more than America.
14
First you have to recognise that there is a difference.
Trump and his entourage will be case notes on damaged human beings and dysfunctional relationships for decades to come.
13
This seems a remarkably fitting situation for Mr. Cohen to find himself in. The prosecutors may effectively be saying "Hey Michael, that's a beautiful family you've got there. It would be a real shame if something bad, like a long prison sentence, were to happen to the beloved head of that family."
27
I hope Mr. Cohen's new theme song will be James Brown's great song, "The Big Payback"...
Lyrics:
The Big Payback!
Revenge!
I'm mad!...
Do it Cohen....do it!
5
Cohen was very well paid. He, on the other hand, paid an even higher price. Now he's faced with the worst life-staining dilemma, betrayal or jail.
What a waste of life is the pursuit of riches and power. And I'm not even religious.
16
If as reported in a newspaper Michael Cohen is the son of a nurse (mother) and surgeon (father), a Holocaust survivor, how did he end up being a Trump acolyte. Cohen, according to this same reporter, graduated from a private school in an affluent area, and this too makes one question why he signed on as Trump's pit bull when he (Cohen) was not in financial despair. How these two lives converged remains a sorry tale.
20
More more I think Donald trump could not sink any lower, he does.
The most dispicable human being on the planet Earth.
39
aaaww...I'm just crying in my milk for the poor fella :( They all need to do time in the clinker. If your interested in getting a fuller picture of how trump's crime family operates take a listen to a Podcast called 'Trump, Inc.' by WNYC. It's a coordinated journalistic investigation into trumps business dealings.
11
In this summation, Cohen comes across as pathetic, a desperate little boy-man trying to gain approval from the man he admires and wants, at some level, to emulate. Trump, of course, comes across as he is - a thoroughly vile, corrupt, bullying miscreant (there are far less polite words that better capture Trump, but I'm trying to keep my comments within the bounds of civility). Comey is right to compare Trump to a mafia boss - thuggishness and ignorance combined with a raw animal cunning. The fact that so many Americans continue to idolize this man is such a horrible comment on the nature of the American public and electorate that it is easy to conclude that American democracy is an utter failure. Cohen simply exemplifies the kind of people who surround Trump and with whom he is comfortable - desperate bottom-feeders who cringe and mince in their desire to gain his attention and approval. I suddenly realized who Trump and his gang remind me of - the Baron Harkonnen from David Lynch's Dune.
38
We will find out what Cohen is made of. If he drops for immunity, he is a weasel. If he stays quiet, he is a fool. Which would you rather be?
3