Barr may have committed not to fire Mueller. But he did not make the commitment Elliot Richardson did—to stand in the way if the president fired Mueller himself. Indeed, his earlier writings—including the memo he wrote to Rod Rosenstein mere months ago—makes clear he strongly believes the president has the sole and absolute right to terminate the special counsel’s investigation—even though it concerns himself.
His “commitment” is thus nothing more than a convenient hook on which GOP senators can hang their hats when they vote to confirm.
1
In cahoots. The Cheshire cat (Barr), Trump and McConnell. Just watching the current political drama unfold and, so far, seeing that NOTHING has been done to stop it is the reason people don't vote. It is so much easier to put one's head in the sand to save their sanity, life their life, tend to their families, than be sucked into this evil game of power and money that has been repeated over and over in our world and will continue ad infinitum. One has to find some peace somewhere.
His biggest problem in regards to his credibility & honesty is he said yes to Trump....
3
Trouble is the republicans lie cheat and steal then pat each other on the back and blame the crazy liberals and the sheep Cher and chant. You simply can’t trust this President or this WH and the republican congress...forget it they are deaf dumb and blind!
2
Simply because Barr said the investigation will continue is meaningless. He used a lot of nice legalistic wiggle words which lead me to believe that once the report is completed it will simply be buried deep in the bowels of the "Justice" Department.
3
What Mr. Barr has not yet discussed, and we should be worried about is his attitude toward pardons. There are liable to be many requests for such action ... up to and including the self-described top law enforcement officer in the Oval Office. Will he be cooperative in those efforts?
2
Barr's "promise" looks good but is weasely and fails by its omissions as well. As the article points out, much could turn on his interpretations of the law, which could be balanced and fair minded, or could be strongly tendentious. Barr must describe the philosophical bases from which he would interpret the law. Further, Barr should _explicitly_ state that he will provide whatever funding and support the investigation needs to continue unhampered and that he will not countermand Mueller's decisions about the investigation's directions, techniques, and conclusions.
And even though this one falls into the realm of the hypothetical, I'd also like to hear Barr spell out how he will protect the investigation if/when the president tries to interfere. Will Barr resign, à la Elliot Richardson? If so, say so. If not, Barr must not be confirmed.
3
William Barr will replace Rod Rosenstein with Matthew Whitaker, as Deputy AG, and subsequently delay all investigations by the FBI into Matthew Whitakers past sins.
At his Senate confirmation hearing, Barr needs to vow under oath to retire Matthew Whitaker from the Department of Justice, until he is able to serve time for his felonies.
3
Under oath in front of cameras this guy needs to swear that he will not shut down the investigations, this includes NYSD, even if the president ORDERS him to.
He needs to swear under oath in front of cameras that NO ONE is above the law, and he is not the presidents personal AG, he is AG of the USA.
2
O swell, then what? He gets everyone pardoned and the issue goes away? Iran/Contra? He did a great job burying that one!
7
He promised. Can we get that in writing?
5
Barr has already written that the power of the President should
be greater than it is at present; and the conclusion is that he
would not support the investigation of Trump by Robert Mueller.
Barr cannot be trusted to uphold the laws written in the
US Constitution. He is unworthy of being Attorney General ;
and should not be confirmed.
9
If Barr is planning some sort of 'wink, wink, nod, nod' with the Donald regarding the Mueller investigation, he is not qualified to become attorney general. It will be up to Congress to get ironclad assurances that this is not the case, and prepare to deal with it if Barr proves to have lied to them on this issue.
4
@Paul fat chance that Chuck and his gang shares your opinion.
So far, Mueller has indicted about two dozen Russians, whose real "penalty" will be cancelled family trips to Disney World. One US "indictee," George Papadopoulos, spent 14 days in jail, and initially protested that even that was too long. Michael Flynn, the highest-profile official indicted so far, probably won't see a day in prison -- at least if Mueller has his way (he's asked for "no jail time" for Flynn). Indisputably, none of what Paul Manafort was convicted for had anything at all to do with Trump. The same is true for Rick Gates, Manafort's assistant, who pled guilty. Van Der Zwan was a lowly attorney working for a large law firm in London?
Am I missing anyone who's escaped Mueller's clutches?
If Mueller comes up with some evidence of Trump/Russia collusion, I'll be the first to line up against Trump. (Well, maybe not the first: There are many people vying for that #1 spot.) But let's not forget that Mueller hasn't come up with anything yet -- or at least he hasn't told US about it if he has. It's been over two years now, and so far nada. During all that time, all we've heard is "Any day now ..." and "Trump's going to fire Mueller if we don't protect him." But so far, Mueller has reported no Russia/Trump collusion, and Trump hasn't fired Mueller or interfered in any way with his investigation. Maybe that will change, but that's where matters stand now.
1
@MyThreeCents
"It's been over two years now, and so far nada."
I think most of us realize that we don't have access to what Mueller and his team have uncovered regarding Trump and Russia. Because Mueller runs a tight ship with no leaks, there could be "nada" or some very serious crimes already uncovered. We just don't know........yet.
4
@tom boyd "Tight ship, with no leaks," What do you call this report that we are discussing if not a leak?
@Bad Times are you referring to the Manafort's lawyers' redaction failure?
Can we just cool it with the "brave men" stuff?
"Let's remember that ... all that stood between Nixon being able to stop and bury the Watergate investigation and it's continuation we're a few brave men ...".
Trump's made no secret of his desire that Mueller just crawl under a rock somewhere, but Trump hasn't fired Mueller or interfered with his investigation. Even if he does -- which, again, hasn't happened -- I have utterly no doubt that Adam Schiff's House committee (and probably other committees) will almost instantly fill the void and will get whatever Mueller has found so far.
Mueller shouldn't be fired and his investigation shouldn't be interfered with. But Mueller SHOULD wind this up during our lifetimes. I know, I know -- don't rush the guy, but it's been a very long time and he's come up with nothing so far. Maybe he will, but I'm beginning to have my doubts.
2
@MyThreeCents mob investigations take a long time.
1
"William P. Barr, President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, promised on Monday that he would allow the special counsel to continue his investigation, seeking to allay Democrats’ fears that he might shut down the inquiry."
I must say that getting that promise from Mr. Barr is very, VERY reassuring. Mr. Barr has also no doubt discussed his commitment to non-interference with Mueller during his discussions with Pres. Trump about his memo on expansive executive powers.
It's just so good to know that we're all on the same page that Mueller's investigation must be free from interference by the subjects of said investigation. So since everyone, the soon to be head of the DOJ, the WH, Congressional Republicans, etc. are all in agreement, I'm sure the memorialization of that noble sentiment into a legislative document to that effect would be no big deal. Just a formality of course; you understand. In fact, as a show of good will, I think it would be nice if Mr. Barr was given a few minutes to appear with all of Congress and speak to the nation about why he supports the Mueller investigation and is promoting legislation to protect it. It'd be a nice show of bi-partisan agreement.
Again, SO glad we all agree on this point...
2
@Matt If we all agree, it needn't be documented in legislation, which would be legislative overreach and a breach of segregation of powers.
Everybody has biases including Mr. Barr. He has so many biases that the Democrats in congress should oppose his nomination for Attorney General. They mustn't be taken in by his snake oil assurances.
5
Democrats probably cannot stop his nomination as attorney general but they can require him to give reports to congress in open hearings. Will he follow the advice of the ethics lawyers at the DOJ?
4
Huh?
A commenter reports:
"My Yankee Republican grandmother once told me: 'Never trust a man who smiles all the time.'"
One still photo of Barr smiling means he "smiles all of the time?"
Barr's confirmation seems assured, and no amount of earnest promises from him will ensure that the public ever sees the Mueller report.
What we need is one patriot, just one person, who will act without concern for their political future. We need a patriot who will release the report to both House and Senate majority leaders, and the media, at the same time as it is released to Barr. I sincerely hope that Robert Mueller is such a patriot.
5
I bet a guy like this would never go back on his word. That would never happen.
2
Oh please!
"... Mueller, as brilliant as he has been during this investigation ;;; "
Mueller so far hasn't been brilliant or unbrilliant. He's just sort of been there. So far, he's indicted lots of Russians, none of whom is likely to travel to the US to be arrested, and a few US flunkies. One US flunky, George Papadopoulos, received only a 14-day sentence (which he initially protested because, he said, it was too long), and Trump's initial national security adviser, Michael Flynn, may spend no time at all in prison. The offenses that Paul Manafort was convicted of indisputably have nothing at all to do with Trump.
In short, maybe Mueller will show himself to be "brilliant" but he hasn't yet.
1
Let us hope he will look seriously into the fake dossier and exactly who presented it to which judge in Federal court in order to obtain a warrant to spy on presidential candidate Trump. What relationship did that judge have to the guy that initially preseneted it? Talk about two tiers of justice.... And shouldn't each FBI head who signed off on it, knowing all too well how it was phony, also be considered for prosecution?
2
A commenter asks, rhetorically and absurdly:
"What is the investigation worth if Barr edits [Mueller's] final report[?]"
What in the world makes this commenter think Barr will edit one word of Mueller's report? Nothing in the article even suggests that Barr has the slightest intention of editing Mueller's report.
It's getting more than a little tiresome reading complaints of what could happen but never actually does. Richard Nixon learned, the hard way, that a President shouldn't fire a special prosecutor or interfere in his work. (Nixon fired Archibald Cox, who was soon replaced by Leon Jaworski.) If Trump does either, most Americans (I included) will assume he (Trump) is guilty of something. Trump has often expressed his innocence, and his frustration that Mueller and others question his innocence, but he's never even threatened to fire Mueller of interfere with his investigation.
On the other hand, Mueller ought to wind up this multi-year investigation sometime soon, ideally within the lifetimes of most NYT readers. I've all but given up hope that Mueller will ever end this, but he should. His job wasn't meant to be a lifetime appointment.
Enough! If Trump wants to fire Mueller, he can -- whether his AG agrees or not.
If that happens, the key facts will be:
1. Trump fired Mueller.
2. Americans will wonder why, and most will assume that Trump is afraid of what Mueller would report.
If Trump fires Mueller (which he's never even threatened to do), many Americans will assume Trump is trying to hide something (I certainly will). But it won't be the end of the world. Either a replacement for Mueller can be quickly installed (much like Leon Jaworski was soon hired to replace Archibald Cox after Nixon fired Cox), or Adam Schiff's House committee can pick up the ball. Either way -- assuming Trump fires Mueller in the first place, which he's never threatened to do -- the investigation will be completed.
I'm mindful of the often-reported remark of Stalin's KGB chief, Lavrenti Beria:
"You show me the man, and I'll show you the crime."
Even so, I'd like to hear what Mueller comes up with regarding "collusion," if anything (nothing so far has been reported), and I won't like it if Trump interferes. Trump can complain all he wants about Mueller, but he'd better not fire him or interfere with his investigation.
On the other hand, is Mueller EVER going to finish and report? I've pretty much given up any hope of that. I advocated for Mueller to report whatever he's found, if anything, even on the day before the midterm elections. He didn't, and he hasn't done so since. I doubt he ever will, frankly, but he should try.
My fear (shared by some other people who commented) is that Mueller will submit his report, it will be kept under wraps and no one will take action. Ms. Benner, is this not in your story because they didn't ask questions about this? If so, I find that troubling.
He nowhere says he will protect the Mueller investigation. He says it should be allowed to continue. He nowhere says he will resist a Presidential order to fire Mueller. He says "where judgements are to be made by me" he will not let political interests influence. We need to hear he will be fired before he agrees to limit the Mueller investigation.
3
What is the investigation worth if Barr edits the final report so as to assist Trump’s defense team, again?
2
Two years and nothing to show for it, Yawn. Are we there yet.
3
@Chip
Thirty-three indictments or guilty pleas from Mueller so far. That's a whole lotta nuthin', brother.
1
What I want to know is if Mr. Barr is going to get to the bottom of the creation of the Steele Dossier - in particular, what role Brennan played in it its creation and dissemination to the media.
There are two issues: Will Barr protect the investigation through all prosecutions, even if Trump gets indicted AND will he allow the unredacted report to he released to the American public.
21
You forgot a very important question,
Might Mr. Barr directly or indirectly share what he learns about the investigation with Trump or anyone connected to Trump prior to its completion and any related indictments and prosecutions are completed?
13
This guy's grin is not really trustworthy.
2
My Yankee Republican grandmother once told me: "Never trust a man who smiles all the time." She had a 100% accuracy rate.
Can Barr impartially oversee the investigation, given that, before he was asked to oversee the investigation, he felt strongly enough about the investigation to voluntarily reach out and assist the defense team of the people he is now charged with investigating?
1
He is out Trumping, Mr. Trump.
He states that HE won't stop the investigation but that the PRESIDENT CAN.
(probably with his blessing).
2
Re: Interpreter notes of Trump-Putin meeting. Mueller needs to investigate Trump’s compliance with: 44 U.S. Code § 2203 which mandates that the interpreter notes Trump confiscated: “be categorized as Presidential records or personal records upon their creation or receipt and be filed separately.”
Mueller needs to issue a subpoena duces tecum to obtain the interpreter’s notes and the “chain of custody” logs showing when the notes were filed with the archivist. If the notes were not logged, then the notes have either been destroyed, concealed or altered, which is a crime.
Mueller should have the FBI or grand jury obtain statements or testimony from any witness that protocol would indicate would be in the chain of custody for such notes, such as the Chief of Staff, Secretary of State and the like. Were the notes filed with the Archivist per the Presidential Record keeping act.
If not, then Trump violated 18 U.S. Code § 1519: Whoever knowingly alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, covers up, falsifies, or makes a false entry in any record, document, or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States or any case filed under title 11, or in relation to or contemplation of any such matter or case, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.
4
@ Ben
Thank you for THIS IMPORTANT ANALYSIS.
Let's HOPE MUELLER READs and TAKES THIS ADVICE!
1
Let's hope that Barr will not invove in Trump's evil cover-ups.
2
The key question for me is: If Trump orders him to fire Mueller or bury Mueller's report, would Mr. Barr publicly speak out against that order and resign? Let's remember that at a critical time in American history, all that stood between Nixon being able to stop and bury the Watergate investigation and it's continuation we're a few brave men who refused to do a crooked President's bidding. Mr. Barr's promise rings hollow if the man making that promise will not put the Constitution and the laws of this country above any person, including the current inhabitant of the White House. If Mr. Barr promises to refuse any presidential order to shut down and bury the Mueller probe, he is the right man for the job. If not, he would be simply be what Trump always wanted: his personal lawyer.
5
A promise is nothing without the means to enforce it, particularly when dealing with the likes of many politicians and especially Trump-affiliated ones.
B
Does anyone know: If a nominee says something during confirmation hearings, a promise or not but especially a promise, and later goes back on his word or turns out that he knowingly misrepresented something, does that count as (crimina) perjury and could the individual's confirmation be annulled or could he be impeached or otherwise removed from office by congressional or judicial order? In other words, is there any meaningful recourse, other than one at the President's discretion, if/when a confirmed nominee is shown to have lied to Congress?
2
It's distressing to be reminded there are WAY too many criminals who've cut deals with the government regarding their involvement in counter-intel operations. We haven't a clue what half of those crooks are getting up to. Seems a crook's best bet is to get his case made in intel court.
Now I understand why we are selectively convicting folks on narrowed charged and keeping under wraps the real reasons they are going to jail. It's a massive Russian penetration of the nation's government. Most of the crimes will be tucked away, like Kim Philby's were by the Brits because arguing the bits in court would blow up the entire spy system.
So they just let him cavort like a real drunkard and kept an eye on him until he made a dash for the Russian's embrace to waste away in the USSR. Kim Philby, I mean. Trump is welcome to leave anytime.
2
The bottom line on this whole report is that all citizens of the UNITED STATES should be able to read it. All of it.
5
"...assure you...where judgments are made by me..."
Oh, please!! Another snake in the grass appointed by the chief snake oil salesman.
Next up (if confirmed): "Well gosh, golly, gee, I'm only doing what my boss ordered me to do. Now, excuse me please. I have a date to go wash my hands."
7
The NYtimes is setting up its readers for great disappointment when it comes to this Mueller investigation. Do you remember what happened during the 2016 election when the Times had Clinton's chances of winning at around 90%? It was a bad time for the grey lady. I could tell "down here" in south Philly that Trump had a good chance of winning the election just from talking to people on the streets. But the NYtimes "up there" in the ivory tower with a great view of the political landscape could not see a Trump victory on the horizon. Now, in order for the Times to come across as prescient as it likes to, it's important to start easing it's readers into the idea that Mueller's report will most likely show no collusion between Trump and Russia and that the report will be anti climatic. This will certainly help the paper's reputation and prepare its readers for the coming disappointment.
1
Since so many of Trumps cronies/appointees have been liars there is no reason to believe this guy isn't cut from the same cloth. The guy earlier said he doesn't support Mueller or the investigations.
5
AG Barr advocated pardon for EVERYONE involved in the Watergate conspiracy. He’ll say whatever you want now to get the job. Then no one can do anything to stop him. He will just get everyone pardoned now also. Any words spoken at the confirmation hearing don’t amount to anything. Fool me once...
Have you paid attention to the transformation of Lindsey Graham - from John McCain’s best buddy to Trump’s poodle?
I have resigned myself to know that this system is rigged, indeed - for the corrupt. Our Russian President will make the most of it and the GOP will do NOTHING to stop him.
And they have the gall to question the patriotism of NFL players who kneel in front of the flag. Pathetic. Philip K. Dick is smiling somewhere. Or most likely crying that we didn’t pay attention.
7
"ensuring the integrity of elections"- the words of Mr. Barr as he tried to reassurd us all of his intentions to uphold the law.
if he actually accomplishes that - it would surely be a great reason to be ( somewhat ) more hopeful than we're today.
i, for one, am not holding my ( electoral ) breath.
2
Integrity of the elections -- for whom?
1
So Barr is OK enabling obstruction by obeying Trump, so long as he doesn't actually do it himself. Whatever happened to the patriotism and morality of Elliott Richardson?
5
If Mr. Barr is willing to work for Donald Trump, one must suspect that Mr. Barr's word is about as credible as Trump's -- meaning, it has no credibility whatsoever.
Promises from these people are meaningless.
7
A "promise" from anyone associated with Donald Trump is as valuable as a "promise" from Donald Trump himself.
Which means it's absolutely worthless.
And the reason it's worthless is because Trump and Associates know that "broken promises" don't immediately land you in jail. And that's the only reality they care about.
"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same: that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
If the American people had a dollar for every "promise" Donald Trump, his friends, or his abettors in the modern GOP had broken, we'd all be as rich as he claims he is.
"And Mexico is going to pay for it!!!"
5
He'll let Mueller finish his work. And then he (or others in the Administration) will use every trick in the book (legal or otherwise) to try to suppress the report, prevent it from getting into the hands of Congress and the American public.
It is my fervent hope that Mueller, as brilliant as he has been during this investigation, has a plan in place to prevent (or, as a last gasp solution, to subvert) that outcome. Our democracy demands it. Justice must be done.
5
Barr has shown himself to be someone who believes the President is the equivalent of a king. He has as many conflicts of interest on the Mueller investigation as Sessions did and yet all indications are that he would not recuse himself. Everything about his nomination, his unsolicated memos and his record as a former AG are deeply troubling. He should not be confirmed.
2
Will he allow it to be released though?
3
Well, at least SNL can call on John Goodman to play Barr.
3
Will that be after the tooth fairy visits me?
Of course Mueller's report will be released to the public. Take your pick: New York Times, Washington Post, CNN will all have it at the same time. Fox News might forget to release it.
1
Duh, Mueller's finished his report. He's just thinking of the most treasonous charges he can.
William P. Barr promised on Monday that he would allow the special counsel to continue his investigation, seeking to allay Democrats’ fears that he might shut down the inquiry.
Nice try, Barr. You have no choice but to let the investigation be completed.
But you do have power to squash the reports findings and take no action on criminal activity.
And by the looks of your Cheshire Cat grin , it's obvious that's just what you are thinking.
6
There will be no “big reveal” Trump will slip out of the knot only to be re elected .. that’s the way the world works..
He should be asked these questions: Why give up a lucrative job and big pay to work on the cheap for a lying president who colludes with the worlds most evil dictators? What's in it for you personally?
6
@Ed
Tea Pot Dome, the last time the GOP blew their own lids off acting less than democratic, was done on behalf of Big Oil, primarily. The GOP couldn't get national traction for a quarter century after that slick mess, but at least all the parties to the bribes and hand offs were domestic. OK, there was a Canadian connection to stash the slush fund in a foreign corporation.
Today, the same players dictate our politics, but they are foreign actors like Russia and the Saudis. Wasn't 19 percent of Gasprom shares to be brokered by Carter Page to somebody?
Barr simply wants a seat in the room. He sees the leaning tower of power is about to let fly some hellfire Jenga pieces. Who doesn't want a view to the fall out? That's when the biggest fortunes are turned over accordion to JP Morgan.
According to the UK, 80% of the spying in the world is done by firms hired by lawyers and the corporations who hire them to reign hellfire on anyone who makes them look bad. Only 20% of spying on domestic targets belongs to the tabloid industry, so Murdoch's not got a monopoly on spooky behavior for money's sake.
2
Russian Oligarch money. They are all getting rich that’s the only explanation for their treasonous deeds.
3
Would someone on the committee please ask Mr. Barr if he believes:
A sitting president can be indicted and face trial?
If not, why not?
And if not, does this mean the president is truly above the law while in office, and can commit any crime without suffering consequences from the judicial system -- not Congress?
Given the very possible criminal activities of this president with a Senate of the same party very unlikely to impeach, many Americans feel these are questions that need to be answered.
And if the answers indicate a sitting president is above the law, then the law and/or constitution needs to be changed.
5
If you believe this, I've got a bridge in Arizona I'd like to sell you.
3
Absolutely, let’s continue spending taxpayer money—on the investigation looking for a crime! In the long run the disharmony being created may cost us more than a wall along the Mexican border!
Please tell me how Mueller has wasted money. He has recouped the cost of his investigation on forfeiture provided due to conviction of Manafort in fact he is actually ahead financialy. He has also has already had multiple indictments and guilty pleas. Please tell me were you concerned about wasted resources during the multiple investigations of Hillary.
11
One word: Benghazi.
4
The disharmony springs from Trump himself. It lives within him and he flourishes in it.
You people supporting him have made your point: you were incensed that a man with an darker-skin African man became President twice over and at many of the (humane) policies put in place during his tenure. Rightly or wrongly (I say wrongly!) you've had your revenge, and then some. It's (passed) time to pull back now and to let the investigatory chips fall where they may -- for the betterment of our mutual country and well-being. If you all do not, the cost to our nation may be much more dear than the monetary cost of a border wall.
Pray it doesn't come to that.
2
Yes in the end the president decides about the muellar report
This is getting to be more funny than a smash Broadway Neil Simon comedy.
Mueller, Mueller - everywhere but yet no where.
I worked in oil patch - the most stodgy of American corporations - over 43 years.
When we wanted to drag a contract dispute with a supplier - we would always find a small print somewhere to drag the contractor for years - sometimes for a non trivial amount.
Mueller is becoming like that. It's not just a litmus test - but it's the only thing that matters.
After 2 years - when America is anxiously waiting - I am a Republican - and I also want to know - Mr Mueller finds time to tell us everything and many things - but not tackle the real 800 pound guerilla.
To paraphrase Sen Baker :"what did the (now) POTUS do with the Russians in meddling in 2016 ? And when did he lie about it? "
If I were a Democrat or even a Republican senator - I would demand Justice Dept provide this answer first before confirming an AG.
Otherwise, all his answers are just - answers - that can be changed once facts are known.
As an interested citizen and who wants POTUS reelected - it's beginning to look like Mueller is the ultimate "backstop" ( to use Brexit term) - for Democrats to defeat him in 2020.
...and he has until 5:30 tomorrow evening to finish it!
Didn't we just see a similar sham when the FBI was allowed to investigate the claims against Kavanaugh- but only for a couple of days, and then we have to hold those hearings!
That way they can say they didn't get in the way of the investigation, but they also make sure it isn't effective in any way.
All of these moves are so stupid and obvious, like a child slowly side-stepping out of the room with a stolen cookie poorly hidden behind it's back.
Why are we playing along with these farces? A misused people will only accept so much.
2
Loretta Lynch recused herself from the Hillary Clinton email investigation when Bill Clinton spoke to her for 10 minutes at an airport, simply because of the appearance of a conflict.
William Barr must recuse himself from the Mueller investigation if confirmed. His 19-page memo against the investigation is more than appearance of a conflict. It IS a conflict.
As a condition of his confirmation, Senators should demand that Barr will abide by the decision Justice Department ethics lawyers make on his recusal.
9
Mr. Barr's memo disqualifies him from being Attorney General, and if that were not enough his Cheshire Cat Smile is not going to give Americans any reassurances.
4
A promise from a republican politician is laughable, unless you're a corporation paying them.
3
Not one citizen should believe anything anybody in or tied to this corrupt administration says, vows, promises or pledges.
1
I think anything Mr. Barr promises needs to followed up by getting it in writing.
If he thinks he has to commit to following the President in shutting down the special prosecutor he could always resign like a true American hero”s Archibald Cox and Elliott Richardson.
The rub is he is a Republican and has no morals.
My fear is that Mueller will find nothing, exonerate Trump, and validate his wanton presidency. My second fear is that Barr knows this and has no reason to meddle.
Why would anyone want any position within this administration unless it’s because of blind devotion to Republican ideology or for personal gain?
1
Mr. Barr is as aware as the rest of us are that an oral promise is not worth the paper it is written upon.
And never was there an administration as fickle and mendacious as this one. Its promises are spun and re-spun with the arbitrary alacrity and agility of a sparrow's tail-wind.
The only chance Barr has is to recuse himself in writing at the beginning of his senatorial vetting.
1
A great concern about Barr in addition to his expansive view of executive authority is that he espouses a near-theocratic, extremely conservative Catholic moralism, advocating government subsidy of Catholic education and an antiquated and repressive "return to morals" traditionalism. (In that way, his views are similar to those of the DeVos/Prince cohort.) The combination with his extreme stance on executive power makes him very akin to a religiously-based royalist. That was anathema to the Founders. Is it at all appropriate that such a hidebound, blinkered and very dangerous authoritarian attitude be installed in the AG's office?
6
AG nominee promises...
Wait a second.
Do you really believe that William Barr would allow Mueller to continue the investigation and eventually to release the report to the American people?
If Trump's tax return is still a mystery, then imagine the secrecy about Trump's possible crimes.
2
Why are we even debating this? No one, even the president, is above the law.
6
That and $2.75 will get you a ride on the New York City subway. Anything less than recusal is unacceptable and disqualifying.
8
In my state, nothing is legal unless it is written down. A lot of marriages start with promises, and the best of loving intentions. While the circus goes on, picking the public's pocket is the first agenda of Trump Inc. Republicans too. Privatizing the VA will be big money. If it has a price tag, and can go to somebody rich, the new carpetbaggers are here.
2
Skeptical to say the least. Thankfully he still has to be confirmed. Hopefully he won't be. How anyone that has already published his bias against the Mueller investigation can even be nominated and considered shows the jeopardy that DJT is in.
2
Great. The proposed new AG will bow to the wishes of Trump. Exactly as Trump would have it. The Barr is being set at new low. Personal loyalty to Trump is more important than the Constitution and the good of the American people.
5
"Attorney General Nominee Promises to Allow Mueller to Finish His Work".
1. He's appointed by Trump.
2. Nobody who works for Trump tells the truth.
3 Ever.
4. That's all.
16
that sums it up very nicely
Every face tells a story. And the photo of Barr accompanying this article, along with his past right-wing record, shows me a grifter whose word I would never trust.
Trump chose him for the same reason he chose Kavanaugh--to protect Trump.
I hope the Dem senators stand up to him en masse and refuse to confirm.
Trump shouldn't be allowed to pick the attorney general at all--he's under investigation by the DOJ.
6
Trump is guilty of collusion and having a meeting at Trump towers with the Russian lawyer. Mr Cohen said also Trump was very deep into dealings with the Russian government during the campaign. Truth isn't the truth team think they did nothing wrong. We the moral side of America know they are wrong. If Mr Mueller is fired then our justice system is corrupt and it is all for the rich to get away with anything.
4
I don't believe any of them.
8
It doesn’t matter what Barr says/thinks. It’s up to Trump who will pull the plug when HE determines that Mueller’s job is finished, bringing in a new AG to terminate Mueller if necessary.
2
Barr's promise to allow Mueller complete his investigation means absolutely nothing. The only promise that matters is for Barr to pledge he will turn over the complete and unedited Mueller report to Congress. Judging from his lengthy position paper highly critical of Mueller's investigation, we should be highly skeptical of Barr.
11
This nomination would be sinister if it weren't so predictable. Trump would never choose anyone he thought might get in his way if his back was to the wall and he decided to stop the Mueller investigation and suppress the report.
Consider the Mueller report as being like a translator's notes of a one-on-one meeting with Putin. Trump won't want that out in the open, for all of us to see.
8
Barr's assurance to let Mueller complete his investigation reminds me of the Seinfeld episode in which a rental car associate took his reservation but did not hold the reservation. Barr's promise means nothing until he promises to release the unabridged Mueller report to Congress.
9
Wait, not so fast -- None of my friends or neighbors, were ever made aware that the President is or might, by fiat and without our voting on a Constitutional Amendment, be or become the chief law enforcement officer of our United States of America. If so, we want our votes back!
What's next, telling us that when we voted for members of Congress in the midterms, we actually were voting to get rid of democracy and to institute a non-Constitutional monarchy?
7
This concerns me:
"But Mr. Barr also suggested that he was aware that he could not stop Mr. Trump from ordering him to shut down the investigation."
Between Barr's reverence for executive power and the fact that he won't challenge the president if he shuts down the election should disqualify him period. The letter he wrote should disqualify him as well.
11
Here's hoping he isn't like Trump..."I say this, den I do dat."
3
Barr’s caveat—that he “will make [his] judgments based solely on the law”—may have been “subtle,” but it is an enormous one given his positions on executive power.
In his memo Common Legislative Encroachments on Executive Branch Authority, Barr made clear he believes the president’s power is absolute when it comes to appointment of executive officials—a constitutional authority he believes necessarily includes the right to remove such officials for any reason at all—and is also absolute when it comes to dealing with foreign sovereigns—another constitutional authority he believes cannot be subject to limitation.
Barr laid out a similarly expansive view of executive privilege: a president should respond to congressional demands for information only “as permitted by law”—a constitutional criterion he believes permits very little. He also contends “the power of the executive branch will best be preserved by vigorous opposition” to any and all “restrictions” asserted with respect to the president’s right to remove a special counsel.
So riddle us this, Mr. Barr: Given such statements, do you believe Trump has the absolute right to fire Mueller? Does Mueller have the right to investigate whether Trump acted against America’s interests in his dealings with Putin? Does Congress have the right to executive documents or testimony to see if our president committed treason? Or is a treasonous president insulated from such investigation by his own power and privilege?
15
Barr must also guarantee that he won't be sharing any information associated with Mueller investigation with Trump.
19
Call me skeptic but I do not believe anything that the GOP or people associated with the president say. They are a bunch of scoundrels and liars. The reason why Pelosi do not want to deal with him it is because he backed off form the DACA promise among many other. You can not trust the guy. The limit of his leis have a consequence and it is where we are. I would recommend Nancy Pelosi to exchange the wall for , his Tax Returns, all the illegal immigrants DACA , parents and everybody else, gets amnesty and citizenship proving that they have not committed any crime. Disclose all his assets and involvement and recluse himself. After AFTER AFTER he has completed and done all this, then he will get his money.
8
Information about Barr’s Involvement in the Pardons he advised need to be questioned
9
The title of this article makes it sound like Mr Barr is doing us a favor.
No one, let alone an attorney general, has the privilege to stop an FBI investigation about a person who is almost proven guilty by everything he does and says. Most of his appointies are crooks or hit men or both. His personal lawyer is a convicted felon!
Barr is not qualified for the job. Read his bio and what he has said about legal matters on record.
Trump needs to be impeached as soon as possible. Allowing him to go on and appoint more of these ridiculously unqualified opportunists is not something we can afford.
7
Barr is there to smooth the transition to Pence and to do it quickly and with pardons so as not to effect the 2020 election and to hide the truth of other republicans who have ties to Russia
7
Oh William is about to have a very awkward call with EL Presidente.
He just can't figure out why he can't employ any loyal people like Putin and Edrogan can.
It's just unfair.
6
I don't believe one word that comes out of this jokers mouth. Anyone who writes the "performance for the job letter" that Barr wrote is definitely not to be trusted.
6
So we're supposed to trust the word of the guy who shut down the Iran Contra Investigation just as it got close to another Republican President????
10
"Sure, why not? Plenty of chances to disappear it after it's put into my hands. Heh heh,"
1
Dude looks like John Goodman...hopefully for the Republicans' sake he's good an actor.
3
Can we PLEASE focus on why this hack is so uniquely unqualified for this position? That his sole reason for being is to provide cover for Trump to issue pardons when the indictments come?
4
When I first saw the photo I thought John Goodman had been nominated for AG.
After reading the article I see he’s just another well fed member of The GOP (Grand Old Putin Party).
How could anyone not trust this guy?
3
That's a huge caveat and one which poses a great danger. If the Senate decides to confirm this candidate, they must at the same time pass the legislation protecting the investigation. If McConnell continues to refuse to bring that legislation to the floor, the Senate must not confirm this candidate.
4
For Mr Barr to say he won't interfere with the on going investigation is one thing. If the President directs him to interfere, he then has a "Green Light" to do the President's bidding. There is no Trust factor with either the President or his nominee to the AG position.
3
In the Trumpian world of spin and half-truths, letting Mueller "finish his work" could mean anything -- finish his work while obstructing important parts, finish his work while not allowing certain indictments, finish his work while cutting off essential funds. Lots of ways to let him legally "finish his work" but not let him succeed. Since Barr has bias, he needs to recuse himself and stop playing word games with this very important investigation.
6
If Bill Barr really wants to allay the fears of the Democrats in the Senate, then why wont he meet with them? It is hard to believe that Trump could find a candidate for Attorney General that could make the present acting AG look good, but he did.
3
I am glad that Bill Barr is prepared to allow Robert Mueller to complete his investigation. That is very generous of him. The investigation is reported to be nearly complete, with 30 indictments to date to show for the effort and more indictments likely to come very soon. The key question now is whether Barr is prepared to commit to sending Mueller’s report of investigation to Congress and to authorize its publication so that the American people can learn the full extent of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and the role Donald Trump and his minions played in what is shaping up as the worst scandal in American history. There are also serious ethical impediments to Barr having any involvement in the oversight of this investigation or its fruits, having previously gone on record as being critical of aspects of the Mueller probe, having taken a hard line on the ability of Justice to indict a sitting president, and having advised on the broadest use of the presidential pardon power in the Iran contra affair. Let Barr have his hearing, but a Senate worthy of its name and former stature would waste no time in reaching a conclusion to “throw the bum out.”
10
Is Mueller finished when Barr says he's finished? There's no such promise as articulated in the headline. It is not contained in the statement in any legally enforceable way, such that he could be indicted for perjury if he acted differently.
3
So trump, despite the black cloud of suspicion over him regarding about a thousand different things, somehow gets to nominate a person who will get to make important decisions regarding the ongoing investigation on HIM and his cronies as well as the release of information from said investigation to the American public?
Houston, we have a problem.
5
The Special Counsel regulations provide that: “At the conclusion of the Special Counsel's work, he or she shall provide the Attorney General with a confidential report explaining the prosecution or declination decisions reached by the Special Counsel.”
The Special Counsel regulations further provide that: “The Attorney General may determine that public release of these reports would be in the public interest, to the extent that release would comply with applicable legal restrictions. All other releases of information by any Department of Justice employee, including the Special Counsel and staff, concerning matters handled by Special Counsels shall be governed by the generally applicable Departmental guidelines concerning public comment with respect to any criminal investigation, and relevant law.”
1
@William Case
Hold that, Tiger. I see you prefer this info remain on the plane of counter-intel so you can sell a pile of garbage while calling it cabbage for the hungry.
I appreciate a LOT of information will never be seen, but you'll know what I mean when I say Pentagon Papers woke folk up to the fact too many facts were being held back, sir. Lots of facts meant to be kept from US while we paid with our blood, sweat and tears to be lied to all those years?
Trump thinks he can build a wall with 35% support? Popular demand can be made for details rather than walls, and then we'll all go to Church Committee together. See you in court over whether a leaked report can be published. If it comes to that. No way that report dies in committee.
1
@Abby
I just cited the special counsel law without commenting on it. I am amazed simply citing the statute trigger such an emotional response. I didn't wrote the statue. However, I did do a combat our with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam, I lived the Pentagon Papers. But they had nothing to do with the special counsel law.
The excerpts from that statement are in direct contradiction to words from his own mouth that Barr has publicly stated about his own actions over the years since leaving the GHW Bush WH. Reporting on those comments Charlie Savage's piece make that clear.
At this point in the country's history, it's absurd to believe any Republican can be honest about anything & even more ridiculous to think anyone Trump would nominate for anything could. We should know that from all the lies told by Cabinet nominees at their confirmation hearings & subsequent testimonies.
5
Mr. Barr might stop the investigation by the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, if Mr. Trump ordered him to do so.
That disqualifies him.
2
Bet they’re going to fight in an effort to not release the results.
2
The Republicans in the senate will confirm Barr because they want a partner in their obstruction. While they are responsible for oversight of the executive branch, Republicans have instead been overlooking the crimes of the Trump administration while undermining the FBI and our system of justice.
3
As far as Trump is concerned Barr (played here by John Goodman) has one job - his entire rosanne d'etre is to thwart or hinder the Mueller investigation.
6
Barr will be required to recuse himself in order to be confirmed. Nothing else will be acceptable.
1
How long will it take for Trump to sour on Barr? Independent judgment exercised by the Attorney General sure to conflict with Trump's sense of justice for him.
Why would the Senate hold hearings on nominations if there's no resolution to allow the government to operate?
2
Because they know exactly what Mueller's got and they'll defend this president as long as they get to destroy Medicare, Social Security and Planned Parenthood's funding, along with destruction of public owned lands, advancement of war and their constant meddling where they think someone buried a bone instead of putting to work those people here and wanting to be here who know what is right.
4
And Trump promised to release his tax returns.
4
If Barr cannot even promise that he would absolutely resist Trump's order to stop the Mueller investigation into Trump, then Barr is useless. Just for Barr to say that he would not originate such a stop does not matter and is misleading. Barr made his true motives clear in his memo to Trump months ago. Obviously, the Senate should go by that instead of Barr's misleading comments now.
3
Hmmmm. Sounds like a p/c hedge to me. A "promise" without substance. He obviously can't predict what Little Donny may do in defiance of this private or public statements. But, given Little Donny's track record, not much, if any assurance, that the "Imperial President" of the United States (is that a contradiction in terms itself?) won't haul off and create more chaos.
1
I disagree with Barr's interpretation of §1512(c)(2) as he explains it in his memo. Certainly clause (2) should stand alone. If it's still referring to the records, documents or objects of clause (1), it would be stated differently. It is clearly referring to a proceeding itself.
2
Hello, cynics and skeptics.
If you won't take Barr at his word to allow Mueller to finish his work, what would promises of his recusing himself mean?
I think Trump, Barr, et al, understand that pulling the plug on the Mueller probe is basically conceding defeat in the court of public opinion. Completely non-viable. GOP would be fools.
But Democrats and Congress trying to legislate to mandate that Mueller cannot be fired? A break of separation of powers, and legislative overreach. Democrats would be fools.
3
The separation of powers have already been compromised by Trump's grasp of the Republican politicians jewels. They are so terrified of his lying deceitful palabering to his paranoid base that they would walk on gilded splinters to ensure him not creating a 3rd grade name taunt about them.
Dems are still just typical pols, but the party of Lincoln is beyond being considered a true national party and are now simply an extension of Trump's Id and Ego. TRULY SAD!!!
4
agree on all except the last point. dems would be fools to try.to legislate it, but they will anyway because they are so paranoid and so hellbent on getting trump out of office.
1
Mueller can be protected but it was blocked in the senate I believe. So there you go.
Of course they could try again if republicans cone around but it seems something is vastly wrong with the GOP desire to have a healthy republic and democratic institutions. I’m surprised Mueller has been able to do anything.
2
We live in a world where words from or about the While house have no meaning, especially from its occupant in chief.
16
Considering his most recent comments to the contrary, I think he's lying.
13
I'll believe what he says when/if he gets into office.
I hope the Democrats on that committee put his feet to the fire. You can bet the Republicans won't.
Right now I don't trust anything he says. He could be like crooked donnie, say one thing and 10 minutes later change his mind.
5
So ...Barr is inviting Trump to order him to stop the inquiry?
16
Sure he promises to let the investigation finish. And the grifter from Queens said he would be too busy to golf, we would have a grand health care plan, and, presidents who allow shutdowns are basically failures.
I trust little this “administration” appointees and Trump promises.
15
I am no Trump fan, but not everyone he has appointed is a liar or crook as some of the other people commenting seem to suggest and imply that Barr is too. Mattis and Haley were good, and Barr was AG before. The fact is, Senator Feinstein and others can grill Barr all they want, but when it comes to a vote, the Republicans have the votes. Barr will be AG, but "Bob" as Barr puts it, will finish his investigation. And, the American people will see it for better or worse for DT.
4
But will we actually see it? That's not addressed by Barr.
1
Ok... so it's alleged to be WRITTEN.
Did he sign it in his blood in front of witnesses & have it notarized?
4
A prominent op-Ed writer of the Israeli daily Haaretz, Bradley Burston, had the headline:
"Was the U.S. longest shutdown in history Putin's idea?"
Followed by: "Without Trump's help, Putin could not do to the United States what the United States is now doing to itself.
This is a question to ponder. A man elected with the help of Putin is bringing the US to its knees.
20
What did Shakespeare write? "These are all Honorable Men."
"Trust me," says the Flim-Flam Man.
Gimme a break.
9
Say, isn't this the same guy who masterminded the end of the Iran / Contra investigation? Seems to me he had Bush pardon the perpetraitors, and the case . . . simply dissolved, for lack of conspirators.
Gosh, I gotta wonder if The Prez knows of this...
16
So, in the last couple of weeks, we learned that the FBI opened an investigation in 2017 to determine whether Trump is acting Russian operative, we learned that Trump confiscated and likely disposed of all documentation from his top secret one on one meeting with Putin, we learned that he hired seventeen defense attorneys, and we learned that he nominated an AG candidate who is on record describing the Mueller investigation as "asinine".
And now We The People are asked to believe there is no wrong doing and the investigation will be fine?
In the FOX Nooz Alternative Facts Universe this is called logic.
11
Those eyes suggest he’s got more than a few lewd comments, if not more, in his historical arsenal. I sense weirdo.
1
He should recuse himself based on past publications
8
Trump promised that Mexico would pay for the wall.
Promises are worthless among thieves.
4
Questions Barr must be asked directly:
If you are ordered by President Trump to fire Robert Mueller, what action will you take?
If you are ordered by President Trump to in any way interfere with Robert Mueller's investigation -- where interference is loosely defined as taking any action which has even the potential to in any way prevent Robert Mueller from reaching accurate and timely conclusions -- what action will you take?
Will you privately and publicly follow Mr. Mueller's recommendations as they relate to ensuing actions resulting from his report, including, but not limited to, those concerned with the release of the contents of his report, resulting indictments, and other constitutionally allowed measures?
Will you keep all aspects of the investigation secret from President Trump, until such time as the report is complete and Congress has determined what action should follow from the results?
Can you commit to these courses of action without any equivocation or belief that there is any circumstance by which you would not live up to these commitments -- knowing that by doing so, you will have committed perjury before Congress?
Clear and unequivocal answers to these questions, in ways that cannot be debated or twisted at some future date, are absolutely required for him to be seated.
8
I would suspect that Mr.Barr under direction from Trumps legal team will withhold enough information on certain revelations of the investigation and that will compromise the outcome for legal action. Most of that will probably be withheld until Mr. Trump leaves office were he will have indictments waiting for him and he essentially is immune from prosecution while in office. He may be the first U.S. President who will self exile to another country to escape prosecution
1
@Onward Thru the Fog Mueller has been submitting "speaking" indictments which serve to place information in the public space that would otherwise be confined to the report which may be suppressed by the AG and White House.
1
It's so sad how little analysis or attention was given to the substance of the 15 page memo that he wrote. The left wing media portrayed the memo as a political attack on the Mueller probe, but it was not. It was a very thoughtful and compelling legal analysis based on fundamental principles of separation of powers and presidential powers. Our country would be well served by having a little more discourse on the dangers that the Mueller probe can present.
The problem I have with Barr is he is a supporter of the imperial king like president. This is simply based on his past. Even if he doesn’t interfere with Mueller he would support the national emergency route of the president to build his wall and such. That’s my guess to what he would help Trump do.
2
Mr. Barr’s written statement strikes me as mostly a public relations gimmick. His statement includes an very carefully worded clause about “judgments to me made by me.” It’s an escape hatch. It’s completely unacceptable.
If Mr. Barr is to be confirmed as the Attorney General, he needs to give an unequivocal statement that the Mueller investigation will continue without inference. He needs to state under oath that he will make the final report public.
If he refuses to do so, no deal. Trump’s legal team has now floated the notion that the president will be able to keep the final report from being made public, or will even be allowed to redact it. Again, no deal.
If the Republican Senate shoves Barr down our throats in Brett Kavanaugh fashion, there must be consequences. If Barr attempts to block the investigation or conceal the final report in any way, he becomes a co-conspirator. The Democrats on the Judiciary Committee need to make things perfectly clear: block or obstruct the Mueller investigation and we’ll reserve a prison cell for you. The one right in between Trump and Michael Cohen.
The judge at Michael Flynn’s sentencing hearing finally dropped the long overdue T word. Treason. Reports over the last few days about the FBI investigation of Trump as a Russian asset, and Trump’s extraordinary efforts to conceal the contents of his conversations with Big Vlad emphasis the word. Treason.
3
you can't expect barr to say that he will do what you want him to do, regardless of the law, just because that's what you want him to do. he's going to be the AG, he has to uphold the law.
1
“Judgements to me, made by me”. Isn’t this similar to why Comey was justified to be removed by Trump?That he made a call without approval by those over him? Or am I looking at this incorrectly?
This is a perfect time for the government to do what it does best, move slowly. Given the current flow of information coming out about Trumps dealings, a few more weeks could make all the difference and give even the slimiest republican senator an excuse to vote 'no' on any Trump nominee.
Someone needs to ask Mr. Barr if he has any concern that the president might be acting as an agent for a hostile foreign power. If he answers that he is not concerned, he should be shown the door and bid farewell.
4
"He acknowledged that the President could order him". to shut down the investigation. Since if the President were to do that if would clearly be an obstruction of justice, how about refusing an illegal instruction.
3
assuming that the instruction is illegal. he said he would follow the law and do what was legal. if the instruction is in fact illegal, he basically said he wouldn't shut it down
The memo looked as if it was what draw trump to Barr. It looked as if Barr was sending a resume to trump. Also noting that if trump ordered Mueller fired he would. That's not letting the investigation continue, the same investigation Barr claims should continue for the betterment of our country. We need a justice department that tells trump no oppose to how he can get around the law. Trump looked at sessions as"his" attorney general oppose to the country's attorney general. VOTE NO
3
based on what I have read of Mr. Barr's previous opinions and actions to this point, I am not sure I believe him!
2
I find it hard to believe ANYONE that trump nominates for that position. Plus, would he not only take an oath swearing to not only let Mueller finish, but if trump ORDERED him to make Mueller finish, that trump absolutely would be charged with obstruction. This absolutely would have to be not said in a verbal oath, but signed and witnessed by all justices.
2
I want to believe that William P. Barr is an honest man, a man of his word. But if he is, how can he work for our current president, whose word is worth nothing? No one our current president appoints can be trusted.
6
that mentality is just out of control. you don't think that someone might take the job to do the right thing? are you truly saying EVERYONE trump has nominated or appointed is no good? we know that there have been some good people trump has put in place. Flynn, Kelly, haley. please stop talking in such ridiculous absolutes. it's the reason dems lose there credability.
You needed three examples and you included Flynn, an admitted felon.
3
@bored critic
Do you really want to stick with Flynn on the “good people” side? His decline into an agitated state of Islamaphobia cost him his career, his reputation, and his clean criminal record.
Don't trust him. President Cheeto appointed him for a reason.
4
As many of the comments have made clear, these superficial assurances should not give anyone the belief that Muller or Mueller's report are at all safe. In confirming Elliott Richardson in 1973, the Senate made him promise not to remove the special prosecutor investigating Nixon. 6 months later Nixon ordered him to fire the special prosecutor, thus starting the "Saturday night Massacre". Richardson refused and resigned and then Nixon ordered his second in command to fire the prosecutor and Ruckeslhaus also refused and resigned. The order then went to Robert Bork who fired Cox. This string of events mobilized the nation and lead directly to the strong public reaction and resignation of Richard Nixon. In this case, I quess we can expect Trump to tell Barr to fire Mueller and he will fire him, leaving any further action up to the Republican Senate. Barr's entire application was about how ideal he will be to act as the presidents hatchet man. We should believe him.
3
Barr really didn't do the President any favor with this written testimony. He made clear that any termination of the Mueller investigation is the act of President Trump and not his as AG. The Saturday Night Massacre by Nixon put Bob Bork's otherwise excellent legal resume in a very negative light for the remainder of his career - notwithstanding the fact that he was just following a valid order of Nixon exercising his powers as President.
Barr won't want to end up in a similar position, so when Trump makes the demand to stop Mueller, Barr will resign because there is no upside in executing Trump's order in this situation.
This is not good news for Trump.
2
In other words, “I am going to let Mueller continue his work but if the President orders me to shut it down, I am going to shut it down”. This President and the Republican Party are apparently above the law.
8
Ah, the law. The Supreme Court is at its soul, a political body. FDR knew that when he tried increasing its size in order to stack it with DEMOCRATS. Many of the Trump voters appreciated his electoral promises re his Supreme Court CHOICES. Obviously, Attorney Generals are nominated with their political views in mind just as much as are NYT journalists. Can we stop the charade about purity by one side or the other in these so called choices? While we are examining bias in the upper levels of the federal government how about the riches REPUBLICAN and DEMOCRAT legislators can amass as the are not restricted from insider trading. Isn't that worthy of examination as well? There's a lot to clean up folks in us and them. Don't you think?
1
Isn't the real headline:
Mr, Barr...was aware that he could not stop Mr. Trump from ordering him to shut down the investigation?
And what Mr. Barr would do if that happened?
This guy is a dancer and should not be confirmed.
The citizens paid for Mr. Mueller's work and, as such, the full report should be made public.
3
Said the Cheshire cat in the suit coat: "most everyone's mad here."
5
We already know that Barr will say absolutely anything to get this position. We also know that most/all Republicans in the Senate will rubber-stamp absolutely anyone Trump sends down.
A Barr promise or statement is more likely to be a lie than a statement from Trump is. It is fair to ask: "Which one has the least concern for the USA and the rule of law?" No matter which one wins, Barr should be dis-barred, not put in a position of authority.
3
"Promises to allow Mueller to finish work" is trump speak for; we are doing everything we can to sabotage Mueller.
5
Given the string of questionable appointees put before the Senate in the last year and Mr. Barr's recent, lengthy, unsolicited public statements condemning the Mueller investigation, I find it hard to believe he is non-partisan and would not trust his future actions as Attorney General despite what he says now.
27
So he will let Mueller finish his work, but will he let the report be disseminated to congress and the publuc?
1
This guy is completely dishonest and has already told Trump that he will shut down the investigation on Trump;s order. He is evil and disgusting.
33
As we often ask Trump, what evidence do you have to support your claims?
I only have an opinion, and it’d that Barr will make a much better and less partisan AG than Sessions.
The notion that the mafia Don Trump is our \highest law enforcement officer' is something out of Alice in Wonderland.
What an insane pickle.
20
Every Horace Mann grad, put pressure on this guy to protect Mueller and allow the report to be made public no matter what the manchurian candidate whines about.
15
Barr should recuse himself. Anything less than that is suspect
29
Trump would does not want anyone who would recuse themselves. Don Trump wants to prove his innocence by hiding the truth.
2
He look very very happy for new job helping our friend mr. trump..
2
By now Trump is already threatening his job so he might as well forget his future in the WH. In fact leaving as fast he can is the safest thing he can do if he mistakenly hooked up with Trump. Beats prison time!!
9
Mr. Barr's willingness to become a member Donald Trump's administration says all that we need to know about him: obviously, Mr. Barr does not think it is important for a President of the United States to be truthful or respect the rule of law. One must consequently wonder what else Barr feels is acceptable or appropriate behavior for a President. We already know that Mitch McConnell thinks it is OK to have a compulsive liar, grifter, sociopath and cheat as President. One would hope that any Attorney General shows a bit more concern for what is and is not appropriate behavior for a President.
21
So Mr Barr is planning to use the Adolph Eichmann excuse "I was just following orders" if Donald Trump orders him to shut down the Mueller investigation, regardless of the ethics of a criminal being able to serve as his own judge. The only promise that can be acceptable to congress for them to confirm William Barr as Attorney General is that he promises to step down from his office if Donald Trump orders him to shut down the Mueller investigation.
12
William P. Barr's assurances are as worthless as the words of his would-be boss.
19
Yes, but....will Barr promise to reveal all the findings in the forthcoming Mueller report and not redact anything that may displease the president?
10
Exactly! That is the bigger question. He's not going to fire Mueller or openly shut down the investigation. He's smarter than that. It's how he will control the report, send it to the White House to be reviewed and "corrected" and keep portions from the view of Congress or the public.
2
"I will make those judgments based solely on the law" is not a an objective statement as the law is interpreted. His memo already outlines his legal interpretation and his interpretation, obviously, gives the President spectacularly broad powers. He could easily feel that the law allows the President to halt the investigation.
This statement, though it sounds reassuring at first, is not.
9
We all continue to beg the real question.....
WHY is the POTUS NOT trying to get to the bottom of Russian interference in an American election?
Why is he thwarting inquiry?
What is he hiding ?
19
Barr's promise is a very weak olive branch extended to Democrats and the nation. What about the rest of William Barr's philosophy?
This is the same Attorney General under the first Bush presidency who crafted the War on Drugs, mass incarceration and prison-building binge;
"In 1992, Barr signed off on a book by the Department of Justice titled The Case for More Incarceration."
"Ames Grawert, senior counsel at the Brennan Center, which supports criminal justice reform, tweeted, “Barr is one of the few people left in policy circles who could reasonably be called as bad as, or worse than, Jeff Sessions on criminal justice reform.”(www.vox.com 12-7-18)
I have no doubt, Democrats will view this as acceptable and vote to confirm this man; to our peril.
5
Barr must recuse himself, once he is appointed. The investigation must be fully funded. Barr must agree to release the entire Mueller report to the public. Congress must pass legislation protecting Mueller.
It sounds to me like Mr. Barr has implied that he will go along with whatever Mr. Trump, who is the target of the investigation, wants.
I don't see how that could ever be a "credible resolution of these issues."
What does Barr mean when he says "allow Mr. Mueller to finish or complete the investigation?" That could mean anything.
I am skeptical, and rightly so. The corruption, dishonesty, opportunism, bat faith, immorality, and wrongdoing of Trump, his associates, his administration, and the Trump Republicans is unprecedented.
Bland assertions by the Republicans that the president won't interfere with the investigation are laughable. He interferes every day.
Yes, I know that the Republicans are digging in. They believe that if Trump goes down then it will be the end of the Republican party.
They are right, of course. If Trump stays, however, it will be the end of our democracy, and the end of any decent form of the Republican party.
It's your fault, fellas. (The GOP Congress people are almost all white men.) You made a deal with the devil. And that sort of thing never works out.
This is what I believe: nobody is above the law, neither the president not Barr.
8
Mr. Barr is the one who orchestrated the pardoning of those involved with the Iran-Contra scandal.
He shouldn't even be considered for A.G.
15
The position of attorney general is so important that even the appearance of a conflict of interest in any case is disqualifying.
Barr has not only met but has exceeded the appearance of a conflict of interest with his unsolicited 19-page opinion of the Mueller investigation.
12
So, he won't shut down the investigation unless he gets told to do it.
And then it will someone else's fault.
Sounds like he'll fit right in with this administration.
10
The fact that Trump wants him should be enough to trigger a criminal investigation and disqualify him from any public office.
10
And I've got a bridge to sell in Brooklyn. This guy can't be trusted from here until Tuesday. I mean, come on, he's a Trump appointee.
9
Translation: I'm really keen on getting this job. And when I do, all bets are off.
10
I’d like to have this promise in writing, signed. Trump’s lying can be contagious. Thanks in advance.
4
Mr. Barr asserts that the President had offered no preconditions on his appointment either explicit or implied.
He doesn't need to. Barr's memorandum which was supposedly unsolicited has already poisoned the well and sealed the deal. As with so many aspects of this scandal, Trump has engaged in obstruction openly and therefore apparently is immune to charges. How can this be?
9
Why would the Senate hold these hearings when the government is shut down?
It MUST do its job and seek to re-open the government before taking any other business.
9
Mr. Mueiier has been conducting his investigation for almost two years. Trump has criticized him but the investigation has gone on unabated. Repeated skepticism from the media has not been backed up by meaningful interference of the Nixon sort.
Unfounded media fear is not news. It is speculation. Mueller has not stated that he has been unable to complete his investigation. News accounts stating that, who knows, but maybe Barr will change this even though he promises he won’t, are fear mongering.
There is nothing more important to the future of our nation right now than allowing the Mueller investigation to proceed unimpeded to a conclusion with a report that is made public to the maximum extent consistent with national security. Anything less will do unimaginable long term damage to our democracy. A quick politically motivated termination of the investigation and a subsequent cover up will lead to lasting hostilities that will rival those from the civil war. This must be made clear to both Barr and Senate Republicans.
6
Whether or not Barr is confirmed (and I agree, at least at this point, that it’s likely he will be), the Mueller Report will become public. If attempts are made to quash it, it will be made public by other means. If public outcry doesn’t force release, then there will be some other avenue by which we’ll learn of its contents. The Pentagon Papers were never supposed to be released either.
5
Remember the big warehouse at the end of Citizen Kane, or at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark, where Kane's Rosebud sled or the Ark of the Covenant disappear, never to be seen again? That's where Barr intends to put Mueller's report.
12
@Linda Possibly so. But the Pentagon Papers weren’t supposed to be made public either. There’s no way that the Mueller Report will remain secret once it’s issued.
2
Have we finally reached the point where a seemingly qualified nominee to be attorney general is automatically assumed to have assured President Trump that he will act as his protector and defender, irrespective of the facts pertaining to the Mueller investigation? Based on Mr. Trump's conduct in office thus far, the answer to that question is, regrettably, yes.
Add to the list of ways this man has demeaned the office of the presidency the fact that anyone named by him to serve in any capacity whatsoever can be assured that their professional reputation is forever tainted.
To paraphrase President Trump, sad.
12
"nobody intends to erect a wall", said walter ulbricht,
then chairman of the east german state council,
at an international press conference in june 1961
[as the cold war slowly took its course].
the berlin wall was built almost exactly two months later.
now, mr. barr promises not to bar
mr. mueller from investigating further?
12
Don't trust him and especially do not trust Trump. Just as "Mexico is going to pay for the wall", there's no way Trump will let Barr allow Mueller to finish the investigation.
11
Barr, Bork, What's the difference?
8
If Trump orders Barr to shut down the investigation, isn't that the same as admitting guilt? Trump might as well admit he's been money laundering for and colluding with Russia.
20
I don’t see how anyone is going to stop this nomination and appointment unless some Republicans in the Senate do not vote for this candidate. He certainly has experience and qualifications. The memo that Burr sent makes me question why he sent it unless he was perhaps “auditioning”. Thorough questioning and vetting by Congress is important. I look at who is “acting” AT right now and have a lot of concern there. I think Rosenstein has been really good at maintaining a neutral position and in overseeing the Mueller investigation. He made some statements in support of Barr.
2
Yes I hear he was recommended by Rosenstein. That’s the only thing that in some way wonders if he will be okay. Even so I don’t see him as a voice of reason to protect our republic.
Barr, Bork, hat's the difference?
Letting Mueller finish his work is necessary but not sufficient. The report Mueller produces must be released to the public.
If Barr cannot promise that his assurance is worthless and he should not be confirmed as AG.
363
I don't think they will finish for years. They keep looking for anything on Trump.
1
the article states: "Mr. Barr also said that he would provide as much information to the public as the law allowed about the results of the inquiry."
you cant ask for any more than that.
7
@Alan
oh, it most certainly will be released.
one way or another r
of that we can be very sure.
6
When I think about Barr or anyone attached to this dumpster fire administration, I am haunted by the sage advice a late 99 yr old friend told me:
"Characterize people by their actions and you will never again be fooled by their words."
18
So, Mr. Barr says that he will not stop the investigation.
Mr. Barr does not say what he would do with the report of the investigation, apart from applying his unbiased, objective judgement to the contents.
One step forward, one step back . . .
4
the article says: "Mr. Barr also said that he would provide as much information to the public as the law allowed about the results of the inquiry."
2
As if Barr was going to give an answer of no!
9
Either he recuses or the Senate refuses. Do not let him snake his way into this crucial appointment.
10
"...,Mr. Barr also said he would follow the rules governing Mr. Mueller’s appointment and work to allow him to finish the investigation into Russia’s 2016 election interference and whether any Trump associates conspired with it."
Another subtle caveat: Mr. Mueller's mandate also extends to any crimes that are discovered in the due course of the collusion investigation as well. The rules governing his appointment must be re-stated and made clear at the very least.
1
Who among us would be surprised if Barr himself is fired by Trump once crunch time comes?
5
So Barr pinky promises he'll let Mueller finish his work (despite the fact that he wrote that unsolicited memo questioning the very legitimacy of the investigation). Gosh, do we believe him?
What's really terrifying is realizing that we are living under a ruling party whose mindset is not only "when the President does it, that means it is not illegal" but "when Republicans do it, that means it is not illegal." They will do and say anything to protect their own - the Constitution, the rule of law, and their fellow Americans be damned.
4
It's absolutely mind-blowing that just pledging to allow work to continue is a surprising promise in a job interview.
12
It is very late in the day, not only for the USA representative form of government, but also for survival of the human species.
We must not only impeach. We must also convict. Senate: DO YOUR DUTY AS HOMO SAPIENS!
4
What's happening in the country these days is wrong. The president who is under investigation is nominating the person who holds the authority to kill the investigation, suppress the report, or whatever.
I hope the next president will be righteous enough to curb his or her own power by passing in laws and make constitutional amends necessary to prevent this from happening again.
4
Democrats-media are mostly angry that Trump has not taken the bait and fired Mueller, so the "we must protect Mueller" idiocy continues, to gin up their base.
3
Of course this is a prevarication. His qualification for the position is clearly that he will find a way to derail the investigation, bury its findings or otherwise make it go away. The only vetting that goes on in this WH is whether you're willing to play ball with the brat President.
6
Barr has pledged to let Mueller continue his investigation unfettered. And yet what's to happen to Mueller’s report, itself? Has Barr directly pledged to not, nor to have others not, obstruct, stall or in any other form of word-play, so to keep Mueller’s report, in full, moving through all appropriate and legally-bound agencies and departments? And being read by all appropriate people?
1
I'm frankly less worried about Mr. Barr as AG for Trump than I am for a President Pence. Mr Barr represents more the conservative world view of Mr. Pence (and Koch brothers), than for Trump.
I can Barr being totally transparent with allowing Mueller to conclude and publish his report knowing Pence would be a better "client".
1
It's like when Trump says "Believe me"--you know there's a huge whopper coming. You'd have to be an utter fool to trust anyone who wants to associate himself with this president.
6
Yes, but did he pinky promise?
2
Barr engineered pardons for all of the Iran-Contra perpetrators. That’s all we need to know.
“"It demonstrates that powerful people with powerful allies can commit serious crimes in high office, deliberately abusing the public trust without consequences," said Lawrence Walsh, the independent prosecutor in the case, at the time of the pardons.”
https://www.npr.org/2019/01/14/684553791/william-barr-supported-pardons-in-an-earlier-d-c-witch-hunt-iran-contra
8
Do you trust him?
Yea sure. Look at the smile on that face.
Promises mean absolutely nothing in this despicable administration.
5
They should make sure he allows it to be published and disseminated to Congress. Finished and off limits to the world is of n use to anyone.
1
Yet another example of Orwell's "double speak", this time by a lawyer who has no trouble lying - his lips are moving. Apologies to lawyers who do uphold their oath, especially those who have declined to bow down and kiss the ring of the liar in chief.
2
“I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decision,” he wrote."
Ohhhh sure, we can trust Barr's word as much as:
*Mitch McConnell when he promised Susan Collins he would allow a vote on her plan to help insurance companies cover the most expensive patients.
*Jeff Sessions saying he had no contact with the Russians
*Kavanaugh upholding Roe V. Wade
*DeVos trying to improve education
*Zinke overseeing the Dept. of Interior
*Pruitt overseeing the EPA
*Trump saying he's not Putin's puppet
8
Mr. Barr may believe that the POTUS is the top law enforcement official of the land, but that's NOT what most people believe or understand or were ever taught in civics class. Thus, most people voted (chose their candidate) in the presidential primaries and general election with the understanding that POTUS is NOT the chief law enforcement officer of our country. If we had had this understanding, we may have chosen someone else to fill that office rather than one for whom we cast our ballot (regardless of party affiliation). In other words, a reasonable person (most in fact) wouldn't consider the President to be the Chief law enforcement officer, and thus would not have voted in accordance with such an understanding. For Mr. Barr unilaterally to decide that America doesn't need an Attorney General and unilaterally transform the presidency into a role that includes the rights and responsibilities of the USAG, would be, IMHO, a negation or stealing of our votes (whether or not we voted for Trump). Seriously, how many of us would've voted for someone who has so very little knowledge of (let alone respect for) the law to be our country's chief lawyer and law enforcer? Would you choose a shoe salesman with no medical education or experience to do brain surgery on you or your child? Probably not. If you (s)elected a shoe store understanding that you were going there to get shoes only later to be told that you in fact chose your brain surgery provider, we'd all cry BAIT & SWITCH!
2
We can watch in very real time as the noose tightens around many WH and cabinet necks ...and some many more necks already gone.
I wonder how those who sat home on election day in several states are feeling today - other than chagrined.
2
Haha. The buck stops -> there.
1
"WASHINGTON — William P. Barr, President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, promised on Monday that he would allow the special counsel to continue his investigation........".
And there is also a Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny.
4
He'll be approved because he will let Mueller proceed, and when Trump has the rug pulled out from under him, Barr will be there with a nice soft pillow to soften the fall.
https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/1224.html#article
2
If Barr doesn't swear to release the entire report to congress and eventually to the public, than his promise isn't worth spit, and he knows it. Hopefully, Dems won't buy into weak promises.
1
@sunrise It doesn't really matter what the Dems think since the Republicans have the votes to confirm Barr without any help from the Dems.
1
Actually Mr. Barr, you are in error that you can't prevent the President from ordering you to do something, particularly if that order is unlawful or unethical. As we are all aware, Nazis who claimed at Nuremburg that, "I was just following orders" were held accountable.
American military officers are given moral autonomy and obligate to disobey and order deemed immoral or unethical. Our military forces recognize this moral autonomy to be an important check and balance to execution of policy. see https://www.army.mil/article/47175/breaking_ranks_dissent_and_the_military_professional
The AG takes an oath of office and is charged with doing what's best for America while respecting the integrity of the US Constitution. Therefore if Trump gave Barr an order to curtail Mueller's special investigation into Russian collusion and/or obstruction of justice, Barr MUST disobey such an order. See https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/3331
4
Yeah -- he'll allow Mueller to finish his work, and then bury it somewhere or tie it up in a legal fight that will end with the illegitimate Kavanaugh Supreme Court. Does he think we are stupid?
4
Here's a scandal that Barr will have to get to the bottom of and prosecute those who broke the law:
On Friday, the Times ran a story indicating several days after Trump fired Comey the FBI started a counter intelligence investigation of the president for aiding Russia to the detriment of the US. The probe was initiated by Andrew McCabe, former Acting Director of the FBI. The key source was Jim Baker, former FBI General Counsel who read to reporters some of his Congressional testimony. Ye
Saturday the WAPO ran a companion story of how Trump hid his private conversations with Putin, citing the first story a number of times. Yesterday, all the Sunday TV News Programs, featured these two stories - watched by many Americans.
So in sum, you have Trump possibly charged as a Russian agent who tried to cover up the facts,including secret talks with Putin. This was then made public to as many Americans as possible - all in just three days! This despite the fact that the purported illegal activity took place almost two years ago. Trump vigorously denies the stories as Fake News.
Therefore, the troublesome three questions are 1). Are these treasonous acts fact of orchestration; 2). How and why did all this become public and 3). How did NYT, WAPO and television networks do all this in 3 days?
Coincidence or Orchestration? If it's the latter, then that's the REAL scandal!
You care more about how the info was gathered than the fact that Trump is not working in the u.s. best interests?
3
@jeffk?
No I don't believe that for a second.
How would you feel if McCabe, Baker, Struck and Paige stated FBI investigation of Trump just because they were angry about Comey firing. Then after two years Baker contacted NYT after his concern about Barr and gives Times his House Intelligence Committee confidential testimony about "sham" investigation. Someone from Times makes a courtesy call to WAPO about their story. WAPO tells Timers they will have a Putin story soon.
Both decide to coordinate when stories appear so that they will have maximum impact on Sunday news shows (ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC and Fox). I watched all those shows and all spent t least 1/3 of your program on the two stories.
Would you say that process is a conspiracy to hurt the President with a made-up treasonous charge?
That's why it's important!
If you look back a lot of this was in the news in some form before this. You also have to realize the president constantly denigrates everyone who disagrees with him. Democrats are now in office and getting information to the Public. There has been movement on the Mueller investigation. Wouldn’t this be the time to release and rerelease this information? Go check Bloomberg and other news agencies on the past convictions related to Trumps admin and the presidents actions of talking with Putin alone. A lot of this isn’t new. You just got caught up to the present.
The senators should ask Barr, if MFT order him to fire Mueller, would he or any deputy he appoints, resign instead of carrying out the order, a la The Saturday Night Massacre.
It doesn’t matter. We’re all pawns. We have no idea what’s really going on behind closed doors. Do you think the New York Times or any other media outlet politician out there is going to give you the truth? This is politics and power. The world is mad. Humans are evil. Keep your head down and try to survive.
Trump & Co - and all those within heir orbit - have zero credibility. Barr’s word is worth garbage!
Why would anyone want to work for DJT? His schemes all go bankrupt, and everyone around him is left holding the bag. And he’s a terrible liar.
3
Gosh, did he cross his heart, hope to die, stick a needle in the Constitution?
3
Barr is an extremist and does not understand the Constitution of the United States. An intense and profound message was put into the Constitution that religious freedom must be a founding stone for America. All of the Founding Fathers fought for the religious liberty concept be placed into the document.
After Barr became attorney general in 1991 during a previous stint, he delivered speeches in which he blamed secularism for a “moral decline” and called for American law to be based on “God’s law.” He repeatedly attacked Americans who value a secular government, such as those who work for and support the Freedom From Religion Foundation, as “clearly fanatics.” He even argued that preventing public schools from organizing and imposing prayers on children, which is required by the Constitution, moves the nation away from Judeo-Christianity, causing “soaring juvenile crime, widespread drug addiction, skyrocketing rates of venereal disease, [and] 1.5 million children aborted each year.”
Call your congress person now!
2
How sad that this headline even needs to be used.
It is impossible to get objective opinions from a man like Barr who regards the president as king.
2
DIRECTOR MUELLER will be "relieved of duty" by valentine's day. william p. barr is the saturday night massacre "hatchet-man".
Unless Mueller finds 100% of Trump's 2016 campaign efforts were in collusion with Russia, Trump and Pence are immediately impeached and Pelosi becomes POTUS, the (D)s won't be satisfied with the outcome of the investigation. Even then, why did it take XXX days after the midterms for the report to be released?
The Circus Peanut in the Oval Office is flying by the seat of his pants and, while the initial shock wave of his election was positive, it lasted only so long and is now merely rippling ashore. Its now time for the three co-equal branches of gov't to work in tandem and do the work FOR the PEOPLE.
End the shutdown, cover the bruised egos and do what you were elected to do,
“...planned to say...”. What’s he “actually” saying? Sounds like he’s already walked back Mr. Mueller’s protection. Having written a memo supporting almost unlimited legal license for an incompetent president, he should recuse himself. Sigh. Two more years of this baloney?
If Trump orders Barr to fire Mueller, in my opinion the House Judiciary Committee will hire him to finish the job.
Mr. Barr, stop and think about this for a minute. Do you want to be yet another honorable man to be tainted by the stench of corruption coming from the White House? Are you able to follow the lead of Elliot Richardson?
I'm sorry but I just don't buy your "need to serve the country". No one else has been able to fix this mess, what could make you think that you can?
This article would be encouraging except for Barr's attitude towards the presidency, which makes it very frightening.
For one, he holds"...the notion, popular among executive power maximalists, that the president, not the attorney general, is the prosecutor in chief."
( Quick question: Can the "prosecuted in chief" also be the prosecutor in chief?)
From an exchange with a past president/boss: “Would it be O.K.? Well, I work for you; you’re the top law enforcement officer. Of course it’s O.K.,” Mr. Barr recalled marveling.
(An internal Tweetiiloquy: I am? Do I get a badge and...well, I already have a gun. But do I get another gun? My friend Duterte packs, why shouldn't America's top cop? ...which, by the way, is me."
Barr's words: “Generally, under the laws of war, absent treaty, there is nothing wrong with coercive interrogation, applying pain, discomfort and other things to make people talk,” he said, pausing, then adding, “as long as it doesn’t cross the line...."
(So who decides where to draw the line beyond which we must not go? Our "top law enforcement officer" perhaps?)
Barr won't fire Mueller, but he'll back our present president's right to do so. In the end, what's the difference?
1
It’s true, Barr cannot stop Trump from “ordering” a close to the Mueller investigation.
But he could resign under protest before carrying out such an order, if given.
1
Now WHY would anyone find it hard to take any Trump associate at their word?
Yes but did Barr have his fingers crossed?
Yes but did Barr cross his heart and hope to die?
Yes but did Barr promise to disclose the Mueller report to the American people?
1
Once again Trump is reckless beyond comprehension, which we have felt 100 times before, yet he gets worse and worse. Barr along with Giuliani and Bannon in Trumps ear every day will advise Trump on directing Barr to fire Mueller. Thanks GOP for standing by your man oops I mean standing by your maniac. Thanks GOP for ignoring illegal immigration and border security for decades. All caravans shucks settle in Mexico. The immigrant pitch by a Honduran man about how he will be killed if he goes back is meaningless to me. They don’t need to trek to the US when they can stay in Mexico. We don’t need them to get on our welfare rolls after often arriving with 2 kids and pregnant or have a new birther baby if they get on in within the first year of their asylum review.
Democrats s Republicans ignored our illegal immigration problem for 40 years. The demographics have been affected negatively. There is no talent involved with making a baby. None. Every baby is not a beautiful blessing. We see in California communities like Van Nuys in the San Fernando Valley where you head north and it’s a separate country - non English speaking, on welfare and social services, all babies born and cared for on taxpayer dollars. Illegal behavior is normal. Driving is more reckless than one can comprehend.
Laden with resentment and entitlement. The kids do not generally have good skills and the young men I see at the gym who are pleasant, are so intellectually limited that my idea they’d be is wrong.
45's working on Barr's replacement right now!
2
He is servile to Trump, and appears to have the same morals and ethics as his boss does.
1
Trump castigated and bullied Sessions every time he picked up his phone. There is no way Trump would follow that up with the nomination of Barr unless he has assurances Barr will ultimately do his bidding.
1
America should trust William Barr as far as we could throw him.
America will not see the report of the Special Council's findings until the 24th Century, because America would be very upset at the number of Republican congress women, who conspired with Russian Intelligence officers against our Democracy.
If the president orders the AG to fire Mueller, the AG could refuse and resign. It has happened before. It mattered!
It is clear that the nominee is limited by the Constitution and the threat of a president gone berserk. Barr can do no more.
But has he yet said anything about recusing himself?
2
What this article calls a "subtle" caveat renders the headline half true if that.
Barr has a history of writing long, unsolicited memos to government officials in order to secure high ranking positions:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/14/us/politics/william-barr-executive-power.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
Apparently, he has a long-standing opinion that the U.S. is a monarchy.
1
This, from a NYT article published on Friday:
“No evidence has emerged publicly that Mr. Trump was secretly in contact with or took direction from Russian government officials”.
It’s been 2 years already! Where’s the beef?
2
@Shenoa Almost every singe person around him has been proven to have contact with the russians AND to have lied about it! Sheesh, what do you read, for news?
3
Sorry, just not buying it.
2
"Mr. Barr, do you share the belief of some that that Special Counsel Robert Mueller is on a witch hunt?"
The progress of the Republican Party: 1973, "I am not a crook," Richard Nixon. 2019, "I am not a Russian agent," (paraphrase) Donald Trump.
1
A man of integrity apparently loses it automatically when he accepts appointment to an office in the Trump administration, or so the NY Times says. Maybe folks on the left have trouble seeing past their noses.
1
@Joe@Joe Let's be objective, sir: how many Trump appointees have been forced out for ethical/legal reasons? How many of his closest associates have either pled guilty or been convicted?
You may wish to consider that these men were the closest of his associates, not tangential parties: Flynn; Cohen; Manafort; Gates; Papadopoulos.
For reasons of space, I'm not naming the appointees forced to resign because of ethical or criminal investigation.
1
@Joe Let's be objective, sir: how many Trump appointees have been forced out for ethical/legal reasons? How many of his closest associates have either pled guilty or been convicted?
You may wish to consider that these men were the closest of his associates, not tangential parties: Flynn; Cohen; Manafort; Gates; Papadopoulos.
For reasons of space, I'm not naming the appointees forced to resign because of ethical or criminal investigation.
Barr will do everything Trump wants, as has everyone who came before him.
Should the day come to throw him under the bus, then so be it.
That's all there is to this.
What are the odds. The Attorney General nominee's name is Barr and he looks just like the actor John Goodman. I wonder if the reason Trump nominated William P. to be the A.G is because he thinks he's Roseanne's brother.
1
We’ll see what he says on Tuesday.
1
With the caveat being Trump must be allowed to finish his "work" in Russia.
“It is in the best interest of everyone — the president, Congress, and, most importantly, the American people — that this matter be resolved by allowing the special counsel to complete his work,”
I can't help but feel William Barr winked after saying that.
It's one thing to state the politically correct thing but it's another to hide behind the powers of his boss, the president, to make the final ruling.
This is just another GOP dog and pony show. All mouth but no chops.
212
@Marge Keller. Agreed. Barr will let Mueller run free until he decides he won't.
11
@Marge Keller
Isn’t Barr the one that told pres. Bush to parden all the criminals in the Iran Contra deal? Something like that.
9
@Karl LaFong The GOP have become the masters of the dog and pony show. Let the games begin Mr. Barr. He's bad news.
7
"Attorney General Nominee Promises to Allow Mueller to Finish His Work"
It doesn't matter what Trump's enablers and goons pledge or promise, they always lie, and eventually—or immediately—go back on their word. Even if Barr does protect Mueller, it would be the last decent thing he'd ever do, having been snared in Trump's Horror House web. Barr is just like Sessions, McConnell, Graham and the rest the Trump's deplorable ministers who do the would-be dictator's bidding.
By raising up Barr, Trump lowers the bar once again.
1
A man who was born in New York City, raised in New York City, and lives in New York City roots for the New England Patriots. Could he also have sold his country out to the Russians?
Personally, as someone who was born, raised and lives in San Francisco, I'm pretty sure I'd conspire with the Russians before I'd root for the Dodgers.
@Wonkronk
I would never root for the Niners.......
His posturing means nothing. He speaks with forked tongue in order to worm his way in and then pave the path for ever more autocratic executive abuses by 45. "Mr. Barr also included a subtle caveat, limiting his assurances about the Mueller investigation to the issues under his control: “I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decision,” he wrote. That qualification could be important because Mr. Barr has long advanced a philosophy of strong executive powers under which any administration decision is ultimately the president’s to make. His views also include the notion that the president is the nation’s top law-enforcement official, not the attorney general."
137
@Marjorie
Exactly. The subtle, but oh so important caveat you site are crucial to whether we, the American people, can put our trust in William Barr as A.G. This applies not only to to his promise to not impede Mueller’s investigation, but also his assurances that he will release its findings—given that Mr. Barr included a similar caveat with respect to the latter claim.
The decision about whether to confirm Mr. Barr as our next Attorney General is one of the most important crossroads we face that will determine the future of our great nation.
16
@Jane Harris - Yes, we truly are at a critical crossroad. Especially in light of the upheaval ahead with the legal challenges Trump will face. The lashing out and heedless disregard for precedent and the law we have seen so far are nothing compared to what is to come when he is trapped and desperate. We need leaders who will defend our institutions against the onslaught of his reckless lawlessness, not cave in to the assaults.
6
Dems should push exceedingly hard on not only getting guarantee of a completed unmolested report but also the rock solid assurance that we the taxpayers are able to read it in full without redactions and not 20 years from now!
I am a Navy Vietnam veteran ('65-"69} and and a retired federal prosecuting attorney (1995-2010). Barr's statements/promises are of no moment for several reasons.
First, his unsolicited June 2018 memo condemning the Special Prosecutor's investigation, demonstrates that his intention was and, I would argue still is, to end Robert Mueller's investigation.
Second, he's agreed to work for an individual who lies every time he speaks.[And while Barr has essentially stated that #45 placed no quid pro quo for his appointment, this comment cannot be taken seriously.]
Third, in light of his zealous advocacy that led to all Iran-Contra criminals being pardoned, one can rest assured that he will advocate for the same gift for all Trump officials who have been convicted,and who have yet to be charged, will receive the same "get of jail free" card.
Finally, I suggest that tomorrow, every Democratic Senator demand that Barr promise to, among other things, recuse himself and any like-minded subordinates, from overseeing the Mueller investigation. Such a promise under oath, and on live TV, will surely make #45 explode with rage.
4
I think if a new Attorney General is to be picked it should be from a list sent to Trump by Congress, vetted in part by Nancy Pelosi. Otherwise, keep the acting Attorney General where he is.
1
The hope of 66% of our country rests with Mr. Mueller. We pray he can save us from the tyranny we are experiencing.
1
I'd get that in writing, notarized, sworn on a stack of bibles, with imprisonment if he goes back on his word.
2
Reject Mr. Barr for DOJ chief posting as his MEMO to the president contradict what he says now.
He will OBSTRUCT Special Counsel as he promised the president in his MEMO.
2
This is a not-at-all "subtle caveat" since there is only one person other than Barr who can stop the Mueller invesitgation: But Mr. Barr’s written statement also included a subtle caveat, limiting his assurances about the investigation to issues under his control: “I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decision,” he wrote."
I'm surpised the authors put it this way since they must know what subtle means: so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe,
'His views also include the notion that the president is the nation’s top law-enforcement official, not the attorney general."
This view flies in the face of the balance of power on which our democracy is based.
Vote this horrible nominee down!
1
Where is the money behind this abominable nomination?
Who is paying it and how is it being paid?
This is the trump administration.
Show us the money.
1
Has anybody ever seen Barr and John Goodman in the same room?
Roseanne Barr - William Barr - John Goodman?
Twilight zone stuff here.
2
What's the problem...because both Democrats and Republicans confirmed him by a big majority before...what changed, well it is a vote again Trump, the left and Democrats hate Trump so much they will say and do anything to discredit him...they could care less about the every day American.
1
I hate Trump because he is destroying the US. For example his new acting EPA administrator is getting ready to remove the requirement for scrubbers on coal fired plants thereby putting more mercury into the environment. You support an administration that is contributing directly to brain damage in future generations. At least half the country is democratic. Plenty of regular Americans there who care about what is happening to our country. It seems you do not.
1
@Tony J Mann
Whats changed? Twenty years and the fact that we KNOW more about him now than we did before. No one has to hate Trump his actions of hate towards the American people are right in your face. Putting children in cages, two children are dead because doctors didn't try to help them? Barr wrote the memo no one else did? You cant blame this on people who hate Trump. People go to law school to understand the law. Barr is not the only one whose interpretations we need to listen to. He is not the beginning and the end of the law. Why does he want this job?, he is making plenty of money at the firm he is with. Another old man who wants to be in charge.
Do you believe that domestic abusers change? They don't and neither do corrupt individuals who live off of hate.
Get real. This administration doesn't care about anyone but themselves and American -people are not going to stand by and let him destroy democracy and Barr is going to have a difficult time being confirmed. He is no Eric Holder more George Wallace.
1
If you need to know how twisted things are, ask yourself why an attorney general needs to promise to uphold the law.
4
Maybe a "Pentagon Papers" moment might happen; if Mueller senses Barrs loyalty only to Trump?
1
Trump appoints a man to be AG who sent him an unsolicitated memo stating that the President has “complete authority to start or stop a law enforcement proceeding,” even one that is looking into possible crimes committed by that President. This makes Trump look guilty. He keeps trying to cover himself, taking notes from one of the only people in the room when he met with Putin, appointing an AG who believes Trump can stop investigations into his actions. Surely even Republican Senators can see how fishy this looks.
144
@Galfrido
They can see it all right. They just don't care. Democracy is not the Rs long suit.
26
@Galfrido Because the Republicans take just as much money from the Russians as Trump does. It's laundered through the NRA. They're as guilty as Trump.
28
@Galfrido
Looks guilty? Walks like a duck, talks like a duck......
7
It's pretty simple - he must recuse himself from oversight of the Mueller investigation.. He has demonstrated obvious bias, and involvement prior to taking the job. He must recuse himself.
1
Barr's "audition" letter to Trump for AG included a lengthy argument that special counsel Robert Mueller appeared to be “proposing an unprecedented expansion of obstruction laws” that he claims could have “grave consequences” to the executive branch.
Since Barr already divulged his negative opinions concerning the Mueller investigation, should he not recuse himself? I hope one of the Senators asks this question during tomorrow's hearing.
196
@EN Now the "obstruction" charge is ,in part, merged with the conspiracy charge. Putin may very well have told his "asset" to fire Comey. And that is what Trump, Lavrov and Kislyak were laughing about in the famous meeting in the oval office.
4
Once Mr. Barr is confirmed all bets are off as to what he will deem appropriate within the limits of the law. He was chosen specifically because he believes strongly in the use of presidential executive powers. He also has not stated whether or not he will allow Mr. Mueller's report to be released to the public, once the investigation is completed.
There is no reason to trust anyone Mr. Trump has selected to fill a cabinet position. Mr Tump and others in his administration breathe lies out of their mouths every time they speak. Each choice made by Trump of a person to fill a position in his administration is based on what's in it for him and his elite cronies.
We are in dangerous territory now. As someone stated yesterday (wish I could remember who stated it and give him or her proper attribution) that "Robert Mueller and Chief Justice John Roberts are the two most important people in the country right now."
1
More than this 'promise' is required.
The AG nominee needs to commit, on record, to allow the funded investigation to complete without any deadline/restrictions.
Then the 'Mueller report' needs to be produced and provided to Congress without restrictions/redactions/censorship.
153
@independent thinker That so-called "investigation" is a crime in progress: it never had a whiff of suspicion of illegality on the part of Trump. It was and is an investigation in search of a crime. It doesn't have a semblance of impartiality, being loaded with Democrat activists and contributors. It has already wasted $17 million of our tax dollars. How about doing some independent thinking?
@independent thinker
The unredacted report needs to be released to the American people at the same time it is released to Congress. This country is currently in a crisis of faith in our democratic foundations. That faith must be restored, and it won't be if we are only soon fed the report through Congress. If this harms the Trump presidency, that is acceptable. No one is above the law. Not even the president. Don't forget the president and all of our government work for We the People.
3
@Michael Holland, M.D.
I supposed your opinion is formed on the basis of having seen a draft of the report, right? Well, don't be shy. Share it all with the rest of the class. All the indictments and convictions of people connected directly or indirectly to the Trump campaign begs the question. What did Trump know or authorize or say, when, and to whom?
4
I'm looking at that picture. What is the Cheshire Cat always grinning about? He bamboozled Alice in Wonderland. Will his word mean something if given under oath to members of Congress? Can he be held to it?
He might actually do what he says and let Mueller finish the investigation. But I bet we won't see any of it. They will tell us it is classified and that trump was exonerated.
1
Ahhh, but will he guarantee to turn the report over to Congress and the American people? Or will he deep six it as trump did with the translator notes of his meeting with putin? I hope Mueller has those notes.
1
I don't trust any republican that promises anything anywhere for any reason whatsoever. Just to agree to work with this administration requires a level of putting party over country that the United States has never seen before. (even during the civil war)
At any time, this President (and all subservient yes people) may or may not decide to go against the law, norm or just civil judgement in his quest to squash all investigations into himself, his family and his backers.
Don't trust and WILL verify.
1
Confirmation hearings for Barr seem unnecessary when it's inevitable that Trump will fire him within six months, as he has with most of his Cabinet.
The real question is, when people go the polls on November 3, 2020, will anyone care about the "Mueller Investigation"? I doubt it very much - no evidence been found against Trump. After all this time, we haven't even been told, exactly what it is, that he is supposed to have done.
"Helping the Russians" is not a viable charge, anymore than "Stealing Money" is a viable charge.
Taking $23,925 at gunpoint from the Citi Bank on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 30th Street at 10:15am on January 10, 2019 is a viable charge. That can be investigated, and proven - how do you investigate "Stealing Money"?
Mueller has found nothing. Investigating a theoretical crime is a witch-hunt; a 100% political act, not a search for justice.
Trump is the worse President in our history, so I can easily understand why so many people are enthused about Mueller. But the Mueller investigation is coming from a bad place, and going nowhere. It's not a success at all.
Think - why is it called the "Mueller investigation"? Because it can't be called the "Missile Codes" investigation, the "Army Battle Plan" investigation, the "Secret Code Theft" investigation, or anything else that is real.
2
I believe you missed the 30 indictments and people who are going to jail, etc. Let's see how it turns out.
1
@jeffk
Since none of those 30 people are named Donald Trump, it matters not a wit.
And a whole pile of them, are Russian citizens living in Russia. who may, or may not, even exist. Total farce!
And the guys who cheated on their income tax? If we took 10% of our U.S. Senators at random, and subjected them to an investigation of the same intensity, you would get similar results. Maybe we should do that every year.
And what would happen if we jailed every American who got caught cheating on their taxes? The Mueller investigation is the worse form of fascism. No liberal should support it.
So will he FUND the investigation fully in order to allow the investigation to continue? Will he allow the white house to nullify evidence using the premise of national security concerns to the house investigation committee doesn't get a complete report? Will he allow Mueller to seek a criminal indictment if he is found guilty of treason and high crimes?
Inquiring minds would like reports to ask.
117
The problem is that Barr can "edit" the report, or even bury the report. So, of course he will testify that he'll allow Mueller to finish his work, since Barr has several ulterior plans to suppress the truth. Of course, the Congressional pols would never think to ask those follow-up questions!
13
They obviously need to schedule Mueller for House hearing’s after he is done. Also they should request a unedited copy of what he submits to Barr(aka Trump).
This is quite interesting. This really puts some pressure on Trump to shake things right now using his acting FBI chief, or risk Mueller completing his report when the new FBI chief gets sworn in. Between this and Graham saying he’ll fight tooth and nail for a conservative judge to replace Ginsburg could very well be the impetus to start Trump’s impeachment proceedings once and for all.
Trump will soon be in the biggest negotiating fight for his life-the get out of jail free card. How’s he going to play this? There is a lot at stake for the Dems too. Pass the popcorn.
3
And exactly whose fears have been allayed by Barr's testimony? He is already on record calling Mr. Mueller's investigation a sham. He is simply saying what he needs to say for his appointment. And as Attorney General, he has absolutely no obligation to accept Mr. Mueller's recommendations.
Barr is nothing more than another fig leaf for the Trump dictatorship. Another toady just masquerading as a public official who is acting in the best interest of our nation. Just like every one of Trump's senior appointments, Barr is there to do his dirty work, and nothing else. He knows it, and the Republican Senate knows it.
Barr's appointment is what will lead to Trump's easily cruising to a second term and possibly indefinite tenure as dictator. He will obtain Mr. Mueller's report, falsely claim that most of it cannot be published for "security reasons" and reject Mr. Mueller's findings. And Trump's base will accept this, hook, line and sinker.
Because of Barr's certain rejection of Mr. Mueller's recommendations, there will be no impeachment proceedings. And this Supreme Court has already shown that it will toady to Trump, in affirming the expansive powers of the executive. Five justices there will continue to toady to him.
And Trump will emerge stronger, because he survived Mr. Mueller's investigation, and claim that his Attorney General cleared him. The fix will be complete. Oh, and one more thing -- Trump will leave at a time of his choosing, and not before.
5
@Nicholas Rush: what an outlook. sad. true.
no one left to change that course of events?
who cares any longer? who doesn't?
He will allow the investigation to continue with perhaps a 90% budget reduction for Mueller’s team?
2
" the president is the nation’s top law-enforcement official, not the attorney general. "
really ? what does he knows about law enforcement ?
5
DJT knows how to dodge the law and has done so for decades. Barr is going to wish he was never selected.
1
The senators had better press Barr about whether the American public or at least the congressional leadership will see Mueller’s full report. Also Trump should not be given an advance copy to censor as DJT and his staff, family are the ones being investigated. Barr also should not take any action against either Mueller’s or the Southern District’s Investigations that he is ditected to take by Trump. In short, Trump needs to stay out of the process.
3
I expect the relevant question is whether Mr. Barr would promise to resign if the President ordered him to interfere with Mueller or with Mueller's investigation or with Mueller's report.
He says he will allow Mueller's investigation to continue. Will he allow the findings to be released to Congress and to the public?
Regarding his caveat: he is admitting that he would be complicit in obstruction of justice in an investigation into corruption of justice. He essentially thinks the president is above the law.
3
He claims he will let the Mueller investigation continue unimpeded. Equally important, will he allow the findings to be made public? Or allow them to be buried or heavily redacted by the administration or senate republicans?
1
Here's a question for the lawyers who are reading this: How is it not obstruction of justice for someone under investigation, including for criminal acts or omissions, to derail, or to attempt to derail, that investigation?
And if Trump succeeds in stopping the Mueller investigation, will Congress, or at least the leaders of the Oversight and Judicial committees, have ready access to the fruits/work product of the investigation up through its last day? Given that Trump (improperly, possibly illegally) confiscated the only English-language records of the content of his uber-private 2-hour in-person discussion with Russia's Putin, what can and needs to be done to stop him or his underlings from confiscating, withholding, tampering with or destroying any or all of the records of the Mueller investigation?
4
William P. Barr, President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, promised on Monday that he would allow the special counsel to continue his investigation...until Trump tells him otherwise.
For Gang GOP, another fixer. Congress needs to pass a bill, veto-proof, and bipartisan, that protects the Mueller Investigation. Whether you know it or not, we are fighting a civil war. Historians will name it, but we must win it.
3
Why would we believe a Trump appointee about anything? The track record pretty much tells us they all imitate their leader--they lie and lie some more.
2
I definitely have concerns with his thought that "the president is the nation's top law-enforcement official, not the attorney general", but frankly, I was fascinated by his braided fingers...
What Barr has not said is that he will not interfere in what or who Mueller is investigating or whether or not the report will be released to Congress and to the public. The public has a right to know what is in the report.
The right question to ask is would he shutdown the Mueller investigation if ordered by Trump or would he resign.
1
Given Barr's outrageously expansive view of executive power, he cannot be trusted to keep this promise.
1
What about recommendations made in the Mueller Report? If the Justice Department chooses to ignore them, because this man believes it impossible for a President to obstruct justice, Barr will completely remake American law.
He completely disqualified himself by discussing the Mueller probe during his 2-part interview with Trump.
1
It is one thing to vow to let the investigation to continue but after it's completion will he turn the findings over to Congress?
It's sad that the Senate would even consider a tarnished nominee as William Barr. He has stated, in writing, that Mueller's investigation is unlawful. Why should anyone interpret his oral equivocal statements as anything other than what he's already stated publicly?
It is becoming increasingly clear that Trump is loco - he shows obvious signs of psychopathic tendencies by constantly lying knowingly for devious ends. And, even more concerning, his other behaviors and body language border on schizophrenia.
It's time to invoke Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. Those who care about our country's future need to demand using constitutional mechanisms available to oust Trump now even if (which is likely) the Republicans will refuse.Trying is better than the blabber we are now getting.
3
The most pressing issue before this nomminee is not the Mueller activity.
It is, the initiation of a special prosecutor to investigate any and all criminal activity leading up to and resulting in the investigation of the President of the United States by the FBI without authorization of the Attorney General.
1
He will allow the report to be completed. And will he allow the release of the report? Or will he see that it gets buried?
1
Democrats have no choice in this matter. If all vote "Nay" the Republicans will give approval, with a simple majority, with their 53 Senators. All the Democrats can do is get him to say that he will allow Mueller to complete his report on the probe and that doesn't mean Barr will abide by those words.
But if Trump orders him to shut down the Muller investigation what will he do? The answer to that question needs to be clear and unequivocal.
12
The evidence of Barr's long record, and that of his written statement to the Committee, make it clear that if Trump orders him to shut down the Mueller investigation, that's exactly what he will do.
1
@W.A. Spitzer Unclear message. What we used to call "weasel words"
Politicians and political appointees always keep their promises don't they?
53
His Cheshire cat grin says it all.
96
I am as anxious as anyone to see Trump go back to making real estate deals in Jan 2021. Funny though how many of the comments here are at odds with the notion that someone is innocent until proven guilty. I'm also betting that Barr, a smart guy, has one eye on his legacy. Reneging on a promise to allow Mueller to complete his work will put him on the wrong side of history. He knows that.
1
Facts speak to law. Assessing anyone by his smile is meaningless and tells all about your thinking.
1
@William Berk
Regarding your comment, "Funny though how many of the comments are at odds . . . ."
Of course! He's innocent until proven guilty. That's why all, not just some, of the evidence must be made available.
2
That is not good enough. As soon as he is sworn in, he will do the bidding of Trump and will not stand by the comments he made during his confirmation hearings. And at that point, nothing can be done. More questions need to be asked, including why he sent the unsolicited memo to the Department of Justice. Was it a way of currying favor with Trump in order to secure the nomination? Where exactly does he stand on executive privilege? A lot more needs to be known about Barr's views before he can be confirmed.
116
@gailweis Spot on! His assurances are not good enough. This guy will be a puppet for Trump, that's why Trump chose him.
4
Regular folks like us would never be allowed to obstruct an investigation about us. Yet, Trump is obstructing the most serious crimes investigation ever regarding a pesidency. And, Trump is obstructing justice right in front of our eyes. Where is the Constitution? Where is our government? Where are the rights of the People!
153
@simon simon Dead, gone, buried. The America we thought we knew never existed, or if it did it’s dead. The game is up.
3
Narratives repeated over and over seem to have become fact for those who only read headlines. Usually when reading the NYT it is necessary to go about 700 words in a story where invariably you will find the words,"no evidence".
After 2 yrs there is still no evidence of collusion or obstruction.
1
@Lane If it were any of us telling Trump’s lies and covering up, we would already be in prison. Our American presidency should be held to a higher standard. Looks to me like it’s being held to a much lower standard than for the rest of us folks.
5
The notion that a president who's being investigated for possibly conspiring with the Russians to steal an election should be allowed to nominate an attorney general is positively ludicrous.
The notion that the Republican co-conspirators in the senate should have the option to confirm such a nominee is equally ludicrous.
326
@Richard Wilson
I believe Mueller was appointed to issue a report on Russian Interference, with extended authorities to prosecute crimes uncovered during his investigation. Comey admitted to Trump on 3 occasions he was not being investigated. We know many FBI agents and department leaders have been fired for illegal misleading leaks, lying, and biases. An Inspectors General report details the gross misconduct of many agents. Can you please give a named source to your allegations of an obstruction or collusion investigation? The unnamed sources could very well be people fired, with biases, or gave “insurance policy” assurances to their paramour. Who is your source of information?
1
Yep. End of our constitutional republic staring us in the face. We have to ask ourselves how much we love it.
I would say it’s all hands on deck. I would say democrats in the House need to most really fast and aggressively, or they really should take seriously what Pelosi said about the illegitimate tyrant wishing there was no Congress.
It’s extremely dangerous at this point.
4
@Richard Wilson
'Ludicrous' is their Motto.
Absurdity is their Game.
And in their lust for Power,
they'll NEVER feel Shame.
At. OUR. cost.
And our progeny's.
4
What a wink and a nod approach.
52
I don’t trust him. There was no reason for him to send trump a 19-page unsolicited memo defending executive privilege except to ensure his selection and probable approval from a complicit senate.
136
I trust nothing from either Trump nor anyone who associates with him.
108
And yet he won’t recuse himself...hmm!
72
If so ordered (to stop the investigation), Mr. Barr, if he is a man of principle and lives his country, ought refuse to carry out the order and resign (or give Trump the option of firing him).
26
*loves his country...
1
“It is in the best interest of everyone — the president, Congress, and, most importantly, the American people — that this matter be resolved by allowing the special counsel to complete his work . . . I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decision.”
That proclamation is all well and good but I feel a snow job coming my way if he gets appointed. At the end of the day, Barr’s “long advanced a philosophy of strong executive powers . . . is ultimately the president’s to make” including the notion “that the president is the nation’s top law-enforcement official, not the attorney general” pretty much sums up his view and belief that Trump will have the final word – regardless of Mueller findings or Barr's opinion. He is setting the stage for passing the buck to the president even though his purports no “improper interests [which could or would] influence his decision.”
Frankly, it’s difficult for me to take Barr serious when he looks more like John Goodman than John Goodman .
24
Someone needs to ask him if his assuarance re Mueller being able to complete his work means that he will resign if Trump tells him to fire Mueller....
43
Barr is a Trump crony and sycophant, and I put very little stock in this unenforceable assurance.
65
Anyone who thinks that “the president, not the attorney general, is the nation’s top law enforcement officer,” is not to be trusted, especially under a president to whom the rule—and the respect and honor for the law—is whatever Roy Cohn told him that it was. This “promise” has the fable of the frog and the scorpion written all over it.
Promises—word of honor—have no credible tracking history in the Trump administration.
William Barr’s word is no good. When his president learns that his attorney general-designate has “promised” to allow the Robert Mueller investigation to proceed without threat of discontinuance, he will pull the nomination, stew in his juices and retreat to Twitter until he has a Brett Kavanaugh-type on the line who will vouch for the unfettered imperial presidency, one without checks or restraints.
The Republican-heavy Senate will confirm Mr. Barr—only to do the president’s bidding. No one’s fooled, here. No one.
45
What is up with Barr? What is in this for him? Or what do they have on him? Are Republicans so desperate for complete power that they overlook potential treason? Seems that way.
18
@LFK
What is up with Barr?
He likes money a lot, and power even more.
What is in it for him?
Money, lots and lots of money created by power and influence.
Are Republican's overlooking potential treason?
Yes, in fact, entire hordes of them in both the House and Senate are complicit in it and going through great lengths to cover it up and block prosecution of the traitor.
Do most Americans know?
Yes, if they eat right wing propaganda for breakfast lunch and dinner listening to Rush Limbaugh and watching Fox Newsless.
Don't believe a word he says. Believe what he has written
58
Why should we believe him?
24
He thinks the Presidency is a dictatorship and he cannot be trusted. We're to close to tyranny now, this cannot stand.
25
My guess is Mr Barr is there to process the pardons and ensure that Pence is installed once Trump is removed
22
Step right up folks and welcome to the circus.
Inside we have a world class contortionist, able to twist and turn through fantastic obstacles. It’s going to be stupendous. It’s going to be huge!
But first we need your support. We need you to help him get in the door. That’s right, only you can push him through. Once inside, we can handle the rest.
So what do you say folks. Let’s all push him in now. After all, you have plenty of free time since the government is shut down.
Step right up!
13
Should we believe anything coming from a member of the Trump administration? I think not.
Ed
19
How many crossed fingers is that in this photo ?
18
assume that everything he expresses is a lie.
18
Lol, how quickly does this guy want to be out of a job?
6
Trump nominee = Liar.
Enough said.
25
Caveat empty.
20
And you believe this guy??? The veracity of any Trump pick should immediately be suspect.
28
Anyone who would serve under a President who regularly lies about everything, makes up statistics, and blames every mistake on someone else (not to mention being a racist), has no sense of morality. There is zero reason to trust Barr. He's just another con man in a administration full of incompetents and liars, dressed in a business suit with a law degree.
37
I guess Barr doesn’t mind smelling up his reputation by swimming in the eau de trump toilet water that so many others refuse to sprinkle on their stellar resumes. Wonder if he’s related to “Roseanne”? Personally, I think he just wants to be a future contestant on Celebrity Big Brother like Omarosa and “ the Mooch”. Wow! Is this really MY Country I’m talking about?
9
“...Putting out fire with gasoline! ”
16
Of you believe this then I have a nice slightly worn bridge in Brooklyn that I'd like to sell you.
11
Mr. Barr really has no alternative but to pledge this. Otherwise, his chances of confirmation, even with a Republican majority in the Senate, are low.
We should also give him the benefit of the doubt at this point about his commitment to the rule of law (even though some of us might consider his interpretation of the constitutional powers of the President to be somewhat overreaching and possibly dangerous, especially if those unlimited powers are in the hands as someone as unstable as Trump.
Yes, it's true that he "applied" for the job with that syncophantic opinion that he gratuitously sent to Trump; but we can be sure that the Democrats on the Judiciary Committee will cross-examine him on that very extensively.
The unanswered question is whether, once the Special Counsel's report is prepared, whether he will acquiesce in what is sure to be a White House led cover-up. I would be much more impressed by Barr if he'd grin less and give us a solemn pledge, right now, to keep the black marker in his desk drawer and to turn over the entire report and its exhibits, without restrictions or qualifications except as necessary to protect foreign intelligence sources. That will be the test of whether he is fit to be Attorney General, as I hope that he is, or is just another Trump stooge.
14
In other words, he won’t actively attempt to shut down or interfere with the inquiry, but he won’t try to prevent the President, aka the target of the inquiry, from interfering to whatever degree he, the President, desires. How is that even subtle?
30
"...I will make those judgments based solely on the law"
That would the law as interpreted by Barr.
No thank you.
29
No one should vote to confirm Barr unless he makes an unqualified promise to resign if Trump orders him to interfere with or stop Mueller’s investigation. There is no law or rule that prevents Barr from making such an absolute guarantee.
11
@Irving Franklin But no law that could force him to keep it.
Oh, I so very confident that Mr. Barr and the president will make the right decisions and that everything will be fine. What could go wrong?
8
Mr. Barr:
America doesn't need your 'promises'. It's part of your job.
You threaten the Mueller Investigation, you suffer impeachment proceedings of your own.
14
I would not believe a word Barr says. He is clearly biased against Mueller and any hedge on executive power, unless it involves a Democratic President. What we need now is true objectivity and a progressive sense of the world, or we most certainly will have a constitutional crisis. The constitution assures the very freedoms we all need, want and experience. Preserving the American dream at this point of Trump's erosion of the American vision will take a lot of resilience, courage, and hard work. Barr did this once under George H.W. Bush and he does not deserve a second chance now. We need new a visionary with new eyes--someone who can clearly see Trump is weakening the American dream. Beware Barr and his conservative past. We need an enlightened and forward looking AG to deal with racism, sexism, a new and ever changing economic landscape, and to " preserve, protect, and defend " the very freedom we all so deeply covet and cherish.
18
My expectation is that Barr would be happy to let the Mueller probe proceed -- appearances require that -- while he quietly strangles it, and then suppresses its findings.
16
This isn't a sufficient assurance!
10
I am amazed but not surprised at how the concept of fake news now prevents most of us from believing whatever Barr promises. He has also not provided a penalty for breaking his promise.
4
As his attorney general, Barr advised George H.W. Bush (just before leaving office) to pardon those involved in the Iran-Contra scandal, just as Bush himself was being implicated.
This, along with Barr's 19- page audition memo for the attorney general position, should be scrutinized by the Senate.
Barr should have to recuse himself from the Russia investigation since this memo basically told the Trump administration that he was good for a get out of jail free card in exchange for the job.
37
Lawyers are expert at seeming to take a position while leaving flexibility within the phrasing to later take a different position. Mr. Barr’s seemingly comforting words do not protect against the evisceration of Mr. Mueller’s essential investigation into Trump’s misdeeds, including the obstruction of justice elements that Barr earlier criticized.
12
Remember playing the “opposite game” when we were kids? Well, if the president and his men and women were not so keen on playing this game, I would care more about what they said.
9
The real question is, what happens to the investigation report after it's done?
5
Why does Trump get to nominate the person who has control over the investigation into his suspected criminal behavior?
This is wrong. It shouldn't matter that he is acting as president.
Barr should not be confirmed. Who can trust him?
357
@kj
I'm sure the Democrats have someone like "1-beer Ford" lined up, just in case...
3
Revelation of all aspects of Mueller's report may require a "Pentagon Papers" event. Where is our 21st century Daniel Ellsberg?
11
How can the law possible allow for a President to personally end an investigation into his own criminality? How can an Attorney General possibly believe such an act could be legal. I'm sorry but no one is above the law and Mr. Barr should be disqualified because he apparently refuses to accept this basic fact. Next.
16
So, basically, it sounds like Barr wants to recuse himself from Mueller's investigation, but if Donald Trump asks him to interfere, all bets are off. Pretty nominal assurances.
9
@NM -- if Barr doesn't interfere with the Mueller investigation he'll get the Jeff Sessions treatment...death by a thousand cuts.
Barr's promise not to interfere with Mueller's investigation...unless ordered by 'criminal-minded' Trump (i.e. obstruction of justice) is a joke. By his own admission in 'seeking' the job of AG, Barr attacked Mueller injudiciously and prematurely, a far cry from justice (and just as Trump ordered, to hide his graft). Empty promises are akin to demagoguery.
12
Of course as a crafty lawyer, he left himself more than a wiggle room. He also sent a subtle message to Trump: "it's your call".
11
Yes, there may unwritten words between the words. But we have little choice but to hope that Barr will follow the Constitution and his responsibility as the chief law enforcer for protecting our democracy and its people.
It seems at this point the only certainty we have to speak truth to power is the Mueller investigation and the Democratic House. The House can only do so much in the face of an intransigent GOP Senate, led, I dare say, by a maliciously minded Mitch McConnell. But let us not overlook the unhinging mind of a weak and corrupt president. Ultimately, it will be Trump who will cause his own downfall. The writing is on his metaphorical wall.
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@Kathy Lollock
Greed, Graft and Power, an unholy combination. Hope is the first to die.
“I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decision,” he wrote." - Barr
Yah, he'll leave those decisions up to Whitaker.
13
I trust him as much as I trust the Kavanaugh will uphold Roe v. Wade. They can say whatever they want to get appointed and then they will find a way around it.
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Some people trust Barr. Consider that if Barr allows Mueller to finish his investigation but then does nothing with the results but keeps it from the Congress, he will have fulfilled his word.
12
He''l let him finish it, but will provide his own summary then mark everything else executive privilege. Everyone else will have to sue for it.
10
The unsolicited 19 page memo (aka job interview) he sent to the justice department disqualifies him from overseeing the Mueller probe. It shows overt bias, and means he must recuse himself. All the cute answers to confirmation questions in the world do not change that.
Stop trying to let him out of the box he created for himself. He let Trump know he'll be a loyal soldier, which is the only thing Trump is interested in. How else do you think Trump even knows who Barr is? From reading the NYT?
Sorry Bill, time to recuse, and let's see Trump's blood pressure spike.
19
He is Trump's pick...Trump's toady. Why should we believe a word he says? Are we really that naive? Have we learned nothing in the past two horrible years? Barr will say anything to get the job. Then those "caveats" will suddenly appear and that'll be the end of it. And the end of Mueller. Count on it. His last name is already tainted.
14
So we're supposed to be comforted by the fact that Barr and Mueller are "friends"? Aren't Comey and Mueller "best friends", as the charlatan-in-chief keeps saying as he tries the discredit an investigation into malfeasance that most sensible Americans already know took place between Putin and our head of state? What a sad and sorry situation this country has been brought to, ladies and gentlemen, and think that there are still mindless minions - millions of them - who still support the president and his foul policies, starting with every Republican senator who continues to empower and embolden him.
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@ManhattanWilliam
It is absolutely incredible how easily brain washed and partisan our citizens have become. It's what has enabled so many traitors and thieves to become elected officials to begin with. They have priced citizens out of picking like minded representation and priced mega donors and corporations into our law and placed themselves higher in the order. It's becoming harder to believe in god in this country every day.
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@Devin Greco
"It's becoming harder to believe in god in this country every day"
And what about the constitution? You can pick and choose which God you want to believe in, but the Constitution is the only one we have, and it's a really big deal when you can't believe in that.
5
Promises, promises.... He's already admitted that Trump could order him to do something else. Count on that. He's letting us know he won't refuse Trump's orders.
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Barr's "assurances" are insufficient. Even if he allows Mueller's work to be completed, the AG would have the power to keep the results from the public and, if I understand correctly, from Congress, as well as the power to determine what to do with the results of Mueller's investigation.
Knowing that he has a bias, which is most likely the reason Trump chose him, makes clear how Barr would handle it.
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There needs to be some specific questions concerning his view as to the role of the President in determining what is the proper role of the Special Prosecutor as well as the Attorney General in evaluating the decisions that will soon have to be made regarding Mueller's work.
I remain very suspicious that a person who wrote the kind of personal unsolicited memo on these issues before he became a candidate, could ever be truly unbiased. He has nearly the same conflict that Sessions had in the first place- especially with regards to the relevancy and correctness of numerous Trump tweets and statements concerning Trump's perception of what he is allowed to do as President.
He needs to state under oath that he has examined his personal conflict and received now an okay to handle the supervision of the Mueller investigation. And if he cannot say that he must withdraw or be turned away.
There is something very weird about this whole thing, which is likely just a reflection that the President is really not competent and who knows what he is going to do.
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It doesn’t make any difference.
He will say “sure”, “yup”, “uh huh”, “yes ma’am”, “yes sir”. Whatever it takes.
And then he will whatever “trump” tells him to.
In short order, it seems, we very likely will have a radical re-configuration of powers. I wonder what we will look like, I wonder what rights will be curtailed.
We would have had a chance if we won the senate.
3
Not good enough. If trump asks he will accommodate. Who is he kidding? That unsolicited ‘application’ letter from last year said all.
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A sane Senator in the Committee thus ought to ask Barr:
"We are aware that you have said *you* will make judgments based solely on the law. But do you think that generally, as Nixon said, 'When the president does it, that means that it is not illegal', even if their act contradicts the laws as written by Congress and interpreted by the courts? If not, and the current occupant of the White House orders you to do something that *is* illegal, will you disobey the order or resign?"
An equivalent of "yes" to the first question or "no" to the second, or inability to clearly answer either, ought to be an automatic No vote for any aspiring attorney general.
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Were Barr's fingers crossed behind his back as he dictated the written statement?
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It's unlikely that many Dems will vote to confirm Barr and especially not given his slippery language regarding ending the Mueller probe if ordered to do so by the person in the Oval Office. Rod Rosenstein wants to leave, I believe, and even if he stayed he couldn't override the Attorney General. It's a mess and increasingly I wonder if we're looking at 1968-style civil disobedience as our only recourse. How did "The Manchurian Candidate" end, I've forgotten.
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@Blue Girl The film "Manchurian Candidate" ended in spectacular, bloody violence, 1968-style. Is that how we want the reign of Trump to end? Are we now replaying 1968? I was young back then, and I still remember the horror of the times and the disillusionment that followed.
Somehow, we've got to get Trump and his enablers out of power--and away from future power--with peaceful and democratic determination. Whether we still can--that's the big question. But it would help if we could block glib, smooth-talking ideological lawyers like Barr from becoming AG.
Barr must not ne confirmed unless he actually promises to resign, as Richardson and Ruckelshaus did, should Trump carry out another Saturday Night Massacre. Without a majority in the Senate, that's probably the maximum that Democrats can extract.
5
@James Miller I do agree with you, James. I don't want to see that either. But I do think we need to be louder (if peaceful) in order to get the Republicans to do what needs to be done. Appreciate your perspective.
Too many caveats. What use will Barr be if Trump is allowed to do anything he wants?
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Mr. Barr definitely sounds like he is more interested in up holding Trump's self serving interests than upholding the law.
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“I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decision.” Well, Barr has already shown where his judgement lays and how he interprets the law when he wrote his "unsolicited memo" to Trump's attorneys. If that does not show where his allegiance lies, you need to buy a vowel, and I doubt that even that will help if it's not already clear to you.
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@The Sanity Cruzer
“I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decision.”
Glad you copied that. This is a lawyers way of saying nothing.... What a crock. I am anxious to hear the questions, such as 'Will you recuse?"
1
His NOTION that the President is the nation's top law enforcement official - his NOTION alright! And a pretty cockamamie notion at that. But I'm so relieved he will "allow" Mueller to complete his investigation. What, trump appointed him God?
14
Get him to sign a written document that dileneates exactly the scope of his limitations. Under oath.
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"William P. Barr, President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, promised on Monday that he would allow the special counsel to continue his investigation,....". NOT good enough. Mueller may be allowed to complete the investigation, but then what? Options to edit? Suppress parts of the findings? Unless total and unrestricted access to all documents prepared and submitted as part of the investigation is guaranteed then Barr has effectively said nothing. Stay focused, America.
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Uh..huh... And Candidate Trump assured us voters he would release his tax returns. As they say, "birds of a feather flock together." Just because Nominee Barr says he won't waylay the investigation doesn't make it so.
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Mayhaps you might not be able to stop him from ordering you to do whatever he wants. But there's always option # 2:
Tell him you refuse to do any such thing, so you hereby submit your resignation.
Thereafter you will go down in history as one American who chose to do the right thing, a rarity when it comes to The Donald's cabinet.
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The big question now is: If President Trump orders him to stop the investigation, will Mr. Barr refuse the order?
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@Robert Marvos I really hope someone asks just that!!
3
He obstructed justice during the Iran Contra scandal. He's unfit and can't be trusted.
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A white collar fixer, plain and simple.
20
Mayhaps you might not be able to stop him from ordering you to do whatever he wants. But there's always option # 2:
Tell him you refuse to do any such thing, so you hereby immediately submit your resignation.
Thereafter you will go down in history as an American who chose to do the right thing, a rarity when it comes to The Donald's cabinet.
Thereafter, may you be remembered for honoring truth, justice and integrity over ego.
5
hope his 'promise' isn't made with his fingers crossed behind his back.
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Sure... Barr will allow him to finish his work and then they will destroy and manipulate it. Personally, I like Presidents and AG's who aren't compromised...
"When government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny." Thomas Jefferson
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@2muchcofveve
Im a conservative republican, but I agree with Thomas Jefferson.
Regarding manipulating documents Jim Comey and Loretta Lynch set a new standard. Trump is the closet we will ever have at an uncompromised president. You/we my not like what he's doing but he doesn't owe anyone favors. Unless this Putin thing proves me wrong.
1
If he won't resign if ordered by Trump to fire Mueller, his promises are meaningless. His advocating pardons for the Iran-Contra conspirators and essay application for the AG job criticizing the Mueller investigation prove he is corrupt. The reason Trump picked him.
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Mr. Barr's "judgments" on the law and executive powers appear to draw more from the doctrine of the divine right of kings than the U.S. Constitution's principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.
Unless McConnell and the GOP Senate agree to join the Democratic House in passing a bill to protect the investigation, any assurance by any member of the executive branch is meaningless when led by a President with no respect for the rule of law.
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@LT. Excellent analysis!!! This whole mess reeks of the "Divine right of kings.". We fought a revolution over this. Must we do it again?
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@LT Well put. Of course, the GOP is the King's lackey - as they are the lackey of the oligarch class in the US. So, I don't see them switching over to democracy's team anytime soon.
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@LT
Your comment points to a very salient issue. Can Senate Republicans unseat McConnell? If they don't, they will be seen as complicit with him when 2020 elections roll around.
10
"Finishing" the work isn't the same as "you may take the investigation into a new place, if you're lead there." And that's disturbing. So is the fact that he clearly interprets the law in a canny way that preferences presidential privilege above the nation's interests, even if that president is a lawbreaker. Or a Russian asset.
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But in the end Trump is the law in his mind, every Republican president is. And the Pardon is there to defend his cronies.
11
I don't trust anyone who wants to be Trump's nominee for Attorney General after they auditioned for the post by submitting papers to the White House saying the Special Counsel is overstepping.
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If this administration attempts to stop the special counsel from completing his investigation, I will join tens of millions in the streets. I’m 71. Republicans had better watch their step.
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@Tom your sentiment is laudatory, however even if 100 million or 150 million Americans “went to the streets“ it would not budge Trump or the Republican Party 1 nanometer. They don’t care what “the American people” think and they don’t represent the American people. They represent their base: a group of afew tens of millions of Americans strategically scattered in Red-state America who have successfully been deluded by a decades-long, well-oiled propaganda effort in the form of Fox News, and all the associated apparatus of the right wing noise machine, into supporting politicians and policies that are directly against their own self interest.
They have installed a con man, grifter, and obvious traitor to the United States in the Oval Office. Very soon they will have a 6 to 3 majority in the Supreme Court of rigidly right-wing ideologues who will do the bidding of the Federalist Society and their fanatical brethren.
The rest of the country is held hostage by these people, in a thousand different ways, but most dramatically when yet another group of innocents is massacred by a crazy person with an automatic weapon — thanks to the NRA and the Republican Party.
10
I am more concern about Barr blocking full investigations results to congress that the investigation itself.
On the other hand if "Barr" were to try interfere in any way Mueller does have the power to send FBI agents to question anyone in connection with the investigation, and given enough reason to indict anyone trying to obstruct justice.
4
Sorry, but I just don't believe him. Barr has too much baggage already in the public domain showing that he dislikes things such as the Mueller investigation. And just because he says, now, that he supports Mueller means nothing. Just to pick the first example that comes to mind: Go back to Jeff Sessions' hearings and how he promised to uphold the law equally, for all citizens. He had to say that because his past history showed his opinions otherwise. And then look at what policies his pursued or cancelled once he was the Attorney General. Just like his past and in direct contradiction to his statements during the hearing. None of the Trump appointees have ever changed their stripes once in office. I doubt that Barr will, either. He should not be allowed to hold this position.
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If we interpret the President as the highest law-enforcement officer in the land, then he automatically becomes above the Law. And that can hardly be considered Constitutional.
24
With the recent Manafort attorney's filing and the national security investigation of Trump revelation, no Trump appointed AG should be allowed near the Mueller Investigation.
A Senate confirmation of Barr must also include the absolute protection of the Mueller investigation as a matter of law.
18
So, he won't impede the investigation, he'll just obey orders when told to do so.
Trump tried already to fire Mueller, multiple times, and only did not do so because the people in place at the time refused to do so. This toady will do it. The question isn't if he would stop the President. Would he refuse that order. Would he push back. Or would he consider himself an employee who takes orders, whether they are right or wrong?
11
@Details Or is he a new "fixer" for Trump??
2
So is he saying that he will let Mueller finish UNLESS Trump directs him to end it prematurely??
Why should Barr protect Mueller if Congress won't?
Are we now already negotiating the terms of Trump's departure?
6
Will he resign if ordered to do something that he has vowed not to do?
15
@A S Knisely - That’s the relevant question, isn’t it? When he says that he won’t generate the order to kill the investigation, it means nothing if he is willing to FOLLOW the order to kill the investigation.
5
I trust William Barr to behave ethically and without partisanship as much as I trust Donald J. Trump to do so. That is, not at all, ever.
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Barr is just one more step by trump to obstruct Mueller's investigation. He is very untrustworthy. The question is not that he will stop Mueller, but what will he allow to be released. Do not confirm.
16
Then when he decides not to or trump says no then all that's been said before is gone. Never trust any republican politician to speak the truth. Their truth is all malleable as we have seen time and again. They have no ethical or moral centers.
8
If Barr is to believed, the president will withdraw his nomination. He doesn’t want another AG who’ll recuse himself or refuse to run interference on his behalf.
Besides, with confirmation hearings beginning tomorrow, what else would Barr say to assure Senators of his impartiality in the Mueller probe and his adherence to the rule of law?
2
Ahh, the caveat...we know how this is going to play out, don't we. The whole pitch is a knuckleball.
12
What would Mr. Barr do if Trump shutdown the investigation on himself? Would he concur Trump is above the law and do as told or would he take another action?
5
"Mr. Barr said he would follow the rules governing Mr. Mueller’s appointment and work to allow him to finish the investigation into Russia’s 2016 election interference and whether any Trump associates conspired with it."
What about the obstruction part of the investigation?
9
"I won't stop Mueller's work. But I can't stop trump from ordering me to stop it".
OK, Mr. Barr, next question: if trump orders you to shut Mueller down, will you refuse his order?
No? I thought not
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@mancuroc
This should be memed.
1
He says he "will follow special counsel regulations scrupulously". But those regulations are subject to interpretation, especially regarding the scope of the investigation. We need further clarification.
85
No assurances by Barr are worth a penny given that he is willing to serve under Trump and there is an extensive written record of him promoting the idea that a President is basically above the law.
He needs to state explicitly that he will not end Mueller's investigation if Trump orders him to do so and is willing to resign if push comes to shove.
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@serban My concerns exactly. 'Be allowed to finish his work' could mean 'be allowed to finish a scope of inquiry which I diminished in the interests of justice'. Picking nits here but this is what we've come to.
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@serban
Thank you.
7
@serban
Yes, not worth a penny, but just enough for Susan Collins to hide behind and vote for him.
5
"But Mr. Barr also included a subtle caveat, limiting his assurances about the Mueller investigation to the issues under his control: “I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decision,” he wrote."
We are dealing with a lawyer here and a devious one at that. The caveats in this paragraph alone leave about a mile's worth of room to wiggle in.
I would accept nothing less than a set of precisely-worded commitments from Barr.
Those must include:
- No revising or rewriting of Mueller's report
- Publication of Mueller's report as soon as it is completed, without redactions or other alterations.
- Mueller must be free to prosecute anyone he deems prosecutable, without hindrance from the DOJ.
- Rod Rosenstein should remain for as long as Robert Mueller is actively pursuing cases related to his investigation.
Anything that is left to interpretation of the law must be spelled out. Barr is purposefully using tricky lawyer lingo that disguise the noncommittal nature of his statement when you read between the lines.
Barr's statement is unacceptable. No Democrat should go along with it as it is.
---
Things Trump Did While You Weren’t Looking [2019]
https://wp.me/p2KJ3H-3h2
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@Rima Regas
Your list is quite thorough, but all that notwithstanding, I would recommend NOT confirming Mr. Barr at all for the sole reason of keeping Rod Rosenstein in his position as long as possible. He did say he would stay until a new AG was confirmed.
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@Rima Regas I agree with you 100%, however there two factors at works, one democrats can subpoena Mueller and get 100% of the facts out to the public, and two if Mueller saw any thing that might indicate obstruction of justice from Barr part, Mueller would have full power to question Barr and if needed indict.
31
@L. Amenope
If we had enough Democrats in the Senate to block him, I'd agree. But we don't and, barring some kind of bombshell, he will likely be confirmed.
Better pin him down to exact language.
51