People have said they wanted this country run like a business - we’ll, we’ve been acquired.
2563
@Becca Another sad day for real Americans thanks to Trump's duplicity and questionable loyalty to the United States. Why he would have this conversation with Putin and then brag about it on Twitter shows how estranged he is from our history with Russia.
326
@Becca I read many many comments trying to understand other points of views, but I have never laughed like I did reading yours. That was put very succinctly and well. Thank you.
174
@Becca
I bet Trump was named employee of the month by the GRU.
246
GOP Senators and Congressmen support this effort by Trump and Putin 100%. And the GOP voters also support Trump and Putin 100%. That is jus the way it is.
16
Once again, watching CNN and MSNBC all afternoon, and all their lead stories are about this Trump-Putin phone call and exclusively that Trump didn't admonish Putin for his interference in the 2016 elections. (I don't watch Fox and am no Trump supporter.) There is no mention on these channels of other critical world issues like Ukraine, Korea, reducing nuclear weapons, Venezuela, etc. that were evidently discussion on this phone call There is a one-track mind operating in these media organizations, a "Johnny-One-Note" narrative. Putin was warned by Obama to "cut it out" and others have as well. Russia has been sanctioned. Let's move on.
Putin will not dare to intervene again given the backlash he and Russia has suffered and those who say they will do it again in 2020 have no basis for saying this. And intelligence officials are not saying that Russia is still doing this today.
There is too much Russophobia. Get some balance. Putin has a lot to answer for but so does Trump, the younger Bush, and several other world leaders. Get some perspective.
2
Actually our intelligence experts say Russia continued their attacks in 2028 and they anticipate more of the same in 2020. What in the world makes you think they would stop when it’s worked so incredibly well?
25
The Times just can't stand the idea of peace and good relations between the United States and Russia. They make sure to remind everybody that the Mueller report says Russia "interfered" in our election, which is just as much of a lie as the statement that Trump colluded with Russia. President Trump, get back to your campaign statement that getting along with Russia, China and everybody else is a good thing, not a bad thing. Fire neocons Bolton, Pompeo and Abrams. Work with Putin to help Venezuela instead of starting a civil war there. Work with China to help the people of Latin America develop their economies.
4
I hope to God either the FBI or the CIA or the National Security Agency wiretapped that call with Putin. On top of the lying, the vulgarity, the amorality, the corruption, the nepotism, the incompetence, the obstruction of justice - we forget that Trump is very much a national security risk. For all we know he is spilling secrets to the very people who will disrupt the next election. He's that capable.
36
Maybe we should all just relax and enjoy our interesting albeit annoying conversion from a democratic republic to a dictatorship. We have this rarest of opportunities to watch the tiniest details of its metamorphosis. And we get (also rare) views into the little manipulations and deceits that enable it as it trundles along, seeing and hearing the personalities play their hands and reveal themselves, how they think and behave. An experience of a lifetime - that wasn't available to any of the former autocracies of the world.
860
@Paul O Congratulations -- that's the most cynical thing I've heard all week.
80
@Paul O
Like Chinese water torture. Drop by drop until America goes insane.
110
@Paul O
With this President it's better to be cynical and aware than look through rose colored glasses and be caught blindsided.
86
A bais investigation was done by Mr. Muller. I would agree with President Trump on this one matter Mr. Mueller needs to interview Mr. Putin to be an unbiased investigation.
2
The idea that Russia "interfered in our elections" is as big a lie as that Trump "colluded" with them to do so. The whole Russia hoax was an attempted coup by the the war party that has run this country for more than fifty years and its treasonous intelligence agencies. Obama and Biden knew all about this operation and were at the center of it. All involved must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Meanwhile, President Trump can proceed with his original intention of normalizing relations with Russia.
2
While Candidate Trump may have not met the bar of illegally conspiring with Russia during the 2016 election, he certainly welcomed their help. Now he seems ready to roll out the red
carpet for Russian interference in 2020 by calling the whole episode the "Russian Hoax". Meanwhile, his fellow Republicans, former Russian hawks, only can talk about further investigating Hillary Clinton. What has happened to former security conscious Republicans such as Senator Graham? Ironically, when former Representative Michelle Bachman was warning about 2016 as our last real election, she was referring to a Clinton victory, not the real threat, a Trump Presidency.
3
Why do President Trump's words indicate that he does not distinguish between A) the issues of Russian interference in the 2016 election and B) the interactions of his campaign personnel with agents of the Russian government?
6
Our president has alienated our closest allies, broken defense treaties, started trade wars, and accepted the pronouncements of dangerous enemies as fact over the assessments of American intelligence organizations. How else will he put America at risk before a Republican speaks out. I understand that Trump gives them judges and throws out regulations and makes decrees they want and he helps them keep their jobs. Because of what Trump can do for Republicans, it seems there is nothing he can do or say, even in foreign affairs, that will break his hold on that party.
3
In spite of the proof and evidence displayed in the Mueller Report and the administrations acceptance of the findings, Trump and Putin call Russia's attack on America a "Russian Hoax". Together they constitute the real Russian hoax. Time for impeachment.
6
So now if the FBI investigates anyone and they are found not guilty or not enough evidence exists to prosecute they can say they were spied on.Should be interesting when applied to common criminals.
2
Mr Trump again demonstrates his extreme narcissism. He has no principles or moral values. His only criteria for what is good or bad is how it affects him. To him, Russia is good because it helped him in the last election. He will continue to support Russia because he wants it to help him in the next election.
3
It seems reasonable to expect that they planned their approach to the 2020 interference. The next election has been his entire focus since the first election, while riding on the coattails of Barak Obama's healthcare and economic successes. Given trump's business record it will all come crashing down after 2020, too late for his maga hats.
2
In theory, there is nothing wrong with good relations with Russia, considering that both the US and Russia are now capitalist countries. The old fear of Soviet-style communism is no longer a valid political motivator. Under a different leader, say, Gorbachev, a solid alliance of ethically-based commerce between Russia and the US could result. But, who said capitalism was the perfect ethical antidote to communism? Capitalism's predatory nature tempts the worst part of human nature on all sides with easy possession of enormous personal wealth. A vacuum was created with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Putin's endgame has always been to re-establish the power, influence and even territory lost. To do this, he has attempted to undermine the traditional alliances in the West—NATO and the European Union—through whatever means possible. If there is a stooge on hand, all the better, especially if that stooge is one who puts money and power above all. Trump, stooge or not, has never established any moral authority. As a result, he tumbles from one crises to the next and the US is weakened. Perhaps it was better when the mutual enemies were capitalism vs. communism. At least the battle lines were clearly drawn. What we're witnessing is the magnification of the worst in modern Western society working against the best of that society. Until the US has a strong leader with moral authority, who understands the underpinnings of the current Russia-US situation, we will continue to falter.
3
In this phone call Trump delivered two invitations to Putin: First, contrary to the statements of his administration and the intelligence community, Trump invited Putin to interfere in our 2020 election to help Trump. Second, despite his administration's warnings that Russia must stay out of the Western Hemisphere, consistent with the Monroe Doctrine, Trump invited Russia to continue its interference in Venezuela.Then Putin instructed Trump to remove sanctions on North Korea without any concessions. Trump is brazenly selling out US foreign policy and taking instructions from his puppet master out in the open.
3
The scariest thing to me is that Trump might really get re-elected and re-elected again for a three year reign. But by then we all will have succumbed.
1
“Getting along with Russia and China … is a very good thing, not a bad thing.” President Trump deserves to be applauded for saying this. But the question is: Should it be done at the cost of undermining the honor and credibility of those working under him?
He joins the Russian president in derisively dismissing the two-year-long investigation lawfully conducted by his own Justice Department, which concluded that “the Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election ….” According to him, Putin dismissed it as a mountain that “ended up being a mouse.”
He says that the Russian leader “is not looking at all to get involved [including in Venezuela], other than he’d like to see something positive happen.” Just two days before that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called the Russian foreign minister and warned him that his country’s interference in Venezuela was “destabilizing,” both for Venezuela and for the U.S.-Russia relationship; and National Security Adviser John Bolton had said, “This is our hemisphere — it’s not where the Russians ought to be interfering.”
What message is he sending to Russia? That the words of those who work under him are not to be taken seriously? No wonder self-respecting people started leaving his administration one by one. They did it not because they don’t love the country, but because they don’t want to be part of an administration that is besmirching the reputation it built over more than two centuries.
1
Trump is not only openly and defiantly rubbing our noses in this, but this phone call that included conversation about the "Russian Hoax" is a green light for further Russian interference in 2020.
4
It's not as if there are no solutions - Congress can get Robert Mueller to testify in front of the American people, broadcast the testimony on all networks (well, maybe not Fox News). Robert Mueller can tell ALL. That, plus MANY OTHER examples of high crimes and misdemeanors by this president and his administration can force impeachment hearings. Then, we can take to the streets, en mass. 65% of us are not delusional. We can not wait for November 2020. We are deep in the rabbit hole and need to get out. The Republican Senators who do not vote to convict should be held accountable for violating the Constitution and the demise of American democracy as we once knew it.
2
This call between Trump and Putin seemed more like a celebration between two political allies.
Every member of the US Senate, of any political persuasion, should rebuke this President's dealings with Russia, even ignoring Putin's acts regarding the 2016 election.
Mr. Bolton, how do you tolerate such conduct?
Secretary Pompeo, was your time at West Point irrelevant?
Putin is out-maneuvering the United States by exploiting Trump's character defect in accepting words from anyone, of any background, who is "nice to me". Mr. Bolton and Secretary Pompeo do not suffer that personality defect, have no excuse and must take a stand for this country, while the President sides with those who are nice to him.
To the military and their families, you cannot ignore that US lives have been lost and blood shed protecting interests of the United States worldwide as it advanced freedom and liberty. Ronald Reagan recognized Russia as a nation committed to authoritarian rule and communism, which supported Iran, North Korea and Castro's Cuba. Both Bush administrations followed Reagan's lead, as did Clinton and Obama. Russia has unified liberals and conservatives in our country, until this President.
Mr. Trump's conduct insults our military and should infuriate military families who suffered the ultimate sacrifice opposing the regime and its leader that this President warmly embraces. Shame on all of us. Whether we voted for him or not, we free people of the United States elected him.
3
This phone call, soon to be the basis for a major motion picture: Collusion – The Sequel, shows that Trump is nothing, if not consistent. The one topic that should have been raised, Russian interference in our elections, which is the greatest current threat to our democratic institutions from a foreign adversary, didn’t come up. I can see Putin smiling now, even without a video call.
3
I cannot fathom how retired or active duty military members keep their cool.
I never served, but the actions taken by DJT just erases so much of what prior generations lived and died for.
I can never speak from experience in the military but it is nothing short of treason to publicly side with a US foreign adversary while on US soil.
4
If Trump has learned anything from the Mueller report, it’s that conspiracy in plain sight is the best strategy.
Besides, with William Barr in place, everything is permitted.
2
Had we watched a movie 3 years ago with the exact story line depicting events like we have lived through we would leave the theater thinking nothing so wretched and grotesque could happen here. How did Trump know Putin smiled? Was it because he heard laughter? Essentially 320 million people are defenceless and held hostage by this Administration, Republicans in Congress and their Super Pacs.
1
“They pledged to deliver humanitarian aid to Venezuela. They vowed to boost trade between the United States and Russia. And they talked about a potential three-way deal on nuclear arms that could include China.” Is this so bad? The Dems, however, would be running around screaming “Russia! Russia!” One thing both Putin and Xi can see is that Trump stays on course even when buffeted on all sides by his enemies. With the hoax of Russian collusion behind him, Trump is now in a stronger position to deal with them. Dems may not like it, but the affinity between Trump and Putin gives Trump an inside edge which leaves Xi at a disadvantage. The article only fleetingly mentions trade, but a trade deal with Russia is obviously the big thing both Trump and Putin want. The potential of such a deal between the USA and the biggest and most important as yet untapped market in the world is vast and earthshaking in its historical implications. Yet the Dems are running around like a bunch of crazed Neocons. Even the. Neocons have moved on.
If you are not worried about the future of our Country regardless of party then you are wrong and not paying attention. Donald Trump is following the dictator's handbook play by play, and we all know it, so don't say you were not warned when our democracy ceases to exist and all the freedoms you enjoyed are obliterated thanks to Donald Trump and the so called Republicans. The fact that the president of the United States continually sides with Vladimir Putin, and his Secretary of State is now creating disingenuous terms such as "short range projectile" to mislead the American public from the fact that Trump has failed miserably with all of his foreign policy efforts, I mean get real (140 miles would be an extremely long range for an artillery projectile) so the verbiage from Pompeo shouldn't pass the laugh test for any American with half an ounce of common sense. Republicans you need to find your spines and put country over party. Democrats you need to rip of the bandaid off the cancerous tumor that is Donald Trump, stop worrying about getting reelected and get serious about defending our constitution by beginning impeachment proceedings against both the President and the AG. Time is running out to put Country over party. Because without the rule of law and checks and balances party won't matter because there will be no USA to govern.
2
I’m sure Putin is also handicapping the 2020 election. Helping to get Trump elected was beyond his wildest dreams (shout out to fellow Hillary slayers, James Comey and Bernie Sanders). Now Putin is playing with house money, but Trump’s term may end soon. Meanwhile there’s still much he might wring out of his favorite American pet.
Putin still wants those pesky sanctions lifted. Russian oligarchs gotta eat. He also wants his acquisitions of Crimea and the Donbass ratified, as well as a free hand to terrorize former Soviet bloc countries to his west. It makes it easier to shake them down for protection money. And hey, why stop there when a fractured Europe under white nationalist assault might feel more comfortable aligned with Russia. Putin feels their pain and is happy to slake their thirst for a war of civilizations.
And why is Netanyahu meeting with Putin? My guess is both want the Trump gravy train to keep rolling. There’s probably more to come on this front.
Trump may just have a natural affinity for Putin. Or Trump may really want a $300 million payday from a Trump Tower in Moscow. Or maybe Trump fears being burned by his KGB boss. Who knows? Hopefully there’s more to learn from our government’s counterintelligence efforts.
Meanwhile, Putin may be betting all his spare chips on our next election. And why harden our elections in the face of what Trump regards as a Russian hoax...
The idea that Trump is working as an agent to Russia is ludicrous. It’s like the lefts version of the crack pot Alex Jones. Like Putin wanted tax cuts or our military strengthened. Bernie actually honeymooned in Russia. What’s more in line with Russia, Socialism or Capitalism?
What actually happened was all our intelligence agencies were weaponized as a political tool against another candidate based on lies. If you don’t think some serious house cleaning has been going on, you aren’t paying attention. And you better hope Trump doesn’t stoop to Obama’s level and does the same to Democrats. Trump follows through, unlike other Dem’s & Republicans.
So Pompeo is concerned that the Russians are interfering in Venezuela ("our backyard") but not in his own country? Seems more like an exercise in "distraction".
3
This is no longer a laughing matter. This is mockery pure and simple. It's mockery of all of us who call the United States our home, and it is mockery of our institutions, and even though Republicans don't realize it or even they don't care, Donald Trump is mocking them also. It's time for him to go.
2
I am disturbed by this article and headline that don't convey the extreme danger to our Country of the President again stating that the Russian sabotage of our election was "a hoax". News organizations who report this as just another day in this corrupt Administration's attacks on the rule of law and Democracy are minimizing and "normalizing” Trump’s obscene statements. With FOX news spewing lies and conspiracy nonstop, we don't need "mainstream media" letting him off the hook for his outrageous and traitorous actions. Yes it is traitorous to ignore an attack on our election system and do nothing to stop the next one. You even reference your own article about FBI operations to support Trump’s threat to again attack the FBI investigators.
1
If it's a hoax, why did Trump criticize Obama for "not doing anything about it" (which itself is untrue)?
2
I truly cannot understand how this can be seen as anything but treasonous. How do this man's supporters reconcile this?
3
Trump said that Putin smiled when asked about the Russian hoax. Problem is it wasn't a video chat at all. The straw man pres with his straw man arguments for his straw man followers. How funny it is that these same supporters claim the liberals are taken the country to far left. ....... Meanwhile the Right is selling out our country to Russia just to stick it to the left.
2
The president discussed with Putin this week by phone the private US Mueller report. Such behavior constitutes COLLUSION and Trump should be impeached for this along with DJ Barr who covers for him.
2
So it took a full hour for Trump to get all of his marching orders from his buddy Vlad Putin. And some actually talk about the "Deep State" that wants to undermine President Trump? What American secrets has Trump already revealed to the Kremlin?
2
So now what used to be done in secret, is now done in the open: collaboration with a dictator of a foreign enemy.
Is this OK with Barr? With every GOP politician in congress? With 60+ million trump cultists?
I (and million others) had pegged individual-1 as a traitor even before the collaboration that took place with Putin in Helsinki.
2
The very fact that Trump recently discussed the private Mueller report with Putin constitutes open COLLUSION. Russia is NOT an American friend And never will be —except among McConnell Miller and a few other ner-do buck happy pals of our traitorous president. Trump should be impeached for this open and admitted phone call. No doubt about it.
2
I do not see a real way out of this. We're doomed. A place in Toronto is looking like my future.
1
To all of the people on this comment thread concerned about Russian interference in our elections, I say to them that we should stop our own government from interfering in just about every election in the world. Bill Clinton interfered in the Russian elections in the 90's to get Boris Yeltson elected and then bragged about it. Look what we're doing in Venezuela, the CIA, at the insistence of the Koch brothers practically declared Jaun Guido their new president and has been crippling the Venezuelan citizens with brutal sanctions. Also, the USA is fast becoming an oligarchy... Sheldon Adelshon pays the Republicans 100 million dollars and we're on the brink of war with Iran because he demands it and then Trump moves the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem to please Sheldon and the Christian right. The Democrats use of super delegates in primaries is absolutely undemocratic and against the votes of the people.
One minute, Donald Trump is calling the Russian attack on our most revered democratic institution a “hoax”. In the next minute, he is calling out Barack Obama for not having done enough to defend against that which he believes never existed. And this man’s not crazy?
4
How did Trump know Putin "....actually sort of smiled..." about meddling in our election? He knew this talking on the phone? Little lies, big lies: how can we believe Trump about anything?
2
An hour and a half on the phone with the enemy. I still think but for Manafort we'd know we have a Russian agent in the WH. How many state secrets did the blowhard spill? What orders did Putin give him? Trump's relationship with Russia continues to be disturbing. Trump fails to grasp what the presidency is all about.
2
What about Trump describing Putin smiling as if he saw him in person when in fact it was a phone call? I really can't handle any more!
2
It wasn't a mountain, it was a lion
If the Democrats truly care about the nation, they will do two things: drop the Trump obsession that has already revealed itself as a bad hand and focus on the ability of rogue elements to manipulate public opinion thru social and mainstream media.
Oh, yeah. And let Barr investigate the actions of the Justice Department and FBI which are existential threats to our freedom. Trump will be gone in 6 years.
Guess what. The Democrats are politicians, not genuine patriots. They will continue to pick at the Trump scab.
And we will get 4 more years of this gridlock.
1
Once upon a time, the worst charge that could be leveled against a politician running for office was "Commie pinko Russia lover." But now, shockingly, that's the official position of our chief executive. And his supporters have no problem with this. It's abundantly clear that Trump's "base," are not supporters of a particular political point of view; they are members of the cult of Trump, and they will continue to follow him as he destroys the last vestiges of America's democracy. Where's the KoolAid when you need it?
1
Trump is "whistling past the graveyard". Mueller spun off a dozen or so criminal investigations, ongoing. Wonder when some of those will get ripe?
1
The guy who asked for Russia's help to gain the presidency talks to the Russian who helped him and they agree that they didn't conspire. Another day, another act of treason by Trump.
2
Friday is the traditional day to get your status reports in.
2
Trump’s open Discussion of the US government’s private Mueller report with Putin constitutes Collusion and the president merits impeachment for this evil deed—- and now.
2
Trump suffers from the delusion that everything he says is true. If it comes out of his mouth, it must be brilliant--never mind if it is proven to be utterly false. He has no capacity for critical thinking or self-reflection. The reality is that he is too lazy to even try to learn the facts, and lacks the intellect to understand them. This is the man conducting negotiations with some of the world's most malevolent powers. He is easily duped by the likes of Putin and Kim Jong Un, and poses a real danger, not only to our country, but to our (potentially estranged) allies. Impeach him before it is too late.
2
Basically, trump is right. He could literally shoot a man on Fifth Avenue and get away with it. No one is providing any check and balance to this man.
2
After several years of Trump, I no longer believe anything he says. What I do believe is that the drivel coming out of his mouth is for one purpose only - to celebrate himself.
1
I find it interesting that this president felt the need to CALL Putin and discuss with him the Mueller report.
By the way, was this call recorded or monitored or did Trump use his private cell phone.
Another thing, during most other conversations with Putin a translator is used.
So if one wasn't used in this exchange, it means that Putin speaks English better than Trump speaks English,
which is not unexpected.
Just think, the President of the United States with a handler being the president of a rival country.
And Mitch McConnell sits and says he will block any attempt to remove this president.
AMERICA, ARE YOU LISTENING ?!
ARE YOU SEEING?!
ARE YOU HEARING?!
I don't like Pence, but even another 550+ day of Pence would be better than another day of Trump.
All of his sycophants should be voted out of office.
If the people who voted and support these people and Trump don't get what wrong with this picture, then something is wrong with you.
3
Trump's discussing of the Mueller report with Putin and calling it a hoax amounts to giving clean chit to Russia and inviting a second time assistance in 2020 throwing all the national security safeguards to winds. It is like asking the accused to be the judge also.
1
Trump should not have discussed the “Russian Hoax”’ with Putin by phone this week unless he is itching to be impeached for collusion.
2
Trump's boundless immorality is a problem for a reason the Press doesn't dare mention. Trump's immorality is a reflection of the white voters who support him. However unpalatable this conclusion might be, there is no way around it: over half the white American population worships Trump, regardless of what he does.
His supporters aren't immature or naive, they love him unconditionally because Trump is a mirror of their ideal selves. This will become glaringly clear when he sweeps to victory in 2020. To many middle-class white voters, Trump is like Internet porn, a secret they indulge in within the privacy of their thoughts. Yes, polls will be "wrong" again.
1
There’s got to be more than a Moscow Trump tower deal behind Trump’s obsequious, preening behavior with Putin.
2
What world is Trump living in? Some kind of alternate dystopian conjuring in his own mind where dictators and criminal heads of state pal around? The GOP and sad poor folks who voted Trump in seem clueless that he’s gutting their future.
2
Sixty or so years ago, had Trump & Co. been waging this very public touchy feely relationship with the Kremlin, he would have been rightly accused of being a communist sympathizer, and would have, appropriately, been either seriously censored, tracked, or worse, jailed.
Last time I checked, the Kremlin and all it's minions, is and are still considered to be an extremely rogue and potentially murderous ring of thugs.
My million dollar question is- why are we tolerating this nonsense from Trump.
2
All of this has been playing out in full view ever since candidate Trump went on television and said "Russia if you can find Hillary Clinton's 30,000 lost emails, I am sure you will be rewarded mightily by our press." What more evidence do you need? The moment those words came out of his mouth, he should have been arrested and charged with Sedition. Webster Dictionary: Sedition, n, 1. incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government. 2. any action promoting such discontent or rebellion. Syn.- See Treason.
1
The 2016 election was tainted by interference by our staunchest foe, Russia. They chose the candidate whom they could manipulate because it was best for them. The 2016 election was illegally influenced and the elected President is illegitimate.
This phone call to the leader of Russia is collusion. It belies the blatantly false assertions of this illegitimate President that there was no collusion. It proves beyond any doubt that this President doesn't even KNOW when he is committing treason.
Venezuela's turmoil is result of further interference by Russia for its own benefit, probably in the markets for petroleum.
1
Putin's influence over Trump is evident and frightening. I just sent this to me Congressman and Senator:
I fear for our nation should you and the few remaining Republicans with true patriotism and conscience remain cowed by Donald Trump.
With Trump's personal protector now installed as Attorney General, there's little hope that the FBI will be allowed to do its duty to protect the 2020 election from a new and more dangerous level of Russian attack. The GOP is complicit and America's only hope rests in the people's House of Representatives.
Those who view our democracy as an impediment to their goals are claiming that the FBI's political enemy was the Trump campaign, instead of accepting the plain truth that they were doing their job to protect the nation from foreign meddling in our election system. It is another of the endless ludicrous attempts by Trump and the GOP to obfuscate the facts related to the Trump campaign's treasonous conduct and the damning facts exposed by the Mueller investigation . It is past time for you to lead, not follow.
3
Putin is to Trump what the blue blanket was to Linus.
“This is our hemisphere,” says Bolton. That is utterly disturbing... we’ve come nowhere and learned nothing.
1
Vote for America in 2020. We need large voter turn out and paper back up ballots to beat the Russians. Make sure you are registered to vote and don't let anyone stop you from voting. Our democracy is literally at stake. The last election was rigged and that can't happen again. Vote!
Wonder what the C.I.A.'s readout of what actually transpired between our Fake President and his buddy Vladimir reveals? If Trump crossed any "red lines" in that one hour chat the American people deserve to know, either directly from Directors Haspel or Coats, or via leaks.
1
Trump's a traitor and he needs to be removed from office. There are no patriots left in the White House to stop him. He removed all those who worked to protect America from domestic and foreign adversaries. He alone in all his deliberate calculated chaos presented as faux leadership to his masses is forming his own government to serve him and him alone. He has never been more dangerous than he is now. Unsupervised, unstoppable, vengeful and vindictive he awakes everyday spitting and raging determined to do damage to is foes, the press and our democracy. Do not underestimate the man and his legion of lawyers determination to wreck havoc on this nation and abroad.
1
Trump is obviously preparing the nation for the announcement early next year when he invites Putin to deliver the keynote speech to the 2020 GOP convention.
1
Was there finally not just one good person of conscience to save our sacred heritage - the world's first representative democracy - no one, just one, to stop this unfit, incompetent, delusional empty vessel occupying the Oval Office from making this call?
The enablers in the White House who so long ago made their Faustian bargains and sold their souls, allowed our Nation to become a further laughing stock. Much more important is the absolute danger of having a mentally unfit imposter - yes, he lost the vote by almost 3 million - represent our citizens, our nation, to the world. It must be his own self interest that makes him a traitor.
1
We all have flaws, but Trump's are fatal - fatal to the truth, deadly to American interests, killing the ability to govern honestly.
1
Why is anyone surprised by this? Donald Trump wants to get his hands on Russian money and NOTHING will interfere with that. Corrupt and unfit.
3
I wonder how soon it was after making sure he had Trump whipped that Putin told Kim to test some more missiles.
1
For Raul Campos: the very fact that Trump discussed personal US government business with Putin IS Collusion so what in God’s world are you talking about when you discuss “no collusion!”
1
‘That’s a story bigger than Watergate” Trump said with regard to the NYT story about the September 2016 FBI/London/Papadopoulos meeting. Now, I know we’re not allowed to speculate about his mental, shall we say, capacity? But, has anyone ever looked into his comprehension skills?
1
trump had to download a batch of new directives from his boss Vlad.
1
I wonder if Putin was rolling his eyes and trying not to laugh when he was telling apparently gullible Trump the was no Russian Interference. Sorry Donny, intelligent skeptical America believes the security experts not ole Vlad. Did dear Puttie also tell you he has no planes and is not supporting Maduro in Venezuela. I wonder if Bolton thinks why do I even bother
1
"Diplomatic achievement;" really?
1
For this phone call alone, the faux president should be removed for being unfit.And that is being kind.
1
Press Corp: As Trump if he discussed the default of Venezuelan loans and the consequences with Putin. Ask him if they decided what happens if Venezuela defaults. Does Rofsnet then lap up the rest of the oil giant as I read somewhere? Ask Trump if the reason he made a fuss about Guaido (given he had no real intentions of helping him) was to have an excuse to levy these sanctions. Ask him if he is at all concerned about Russian military bases in Venezuela. Ask him if he is bothered by the fact Russia might soon own the world's largest oil reserves and ask him if he has a plan to make sure CItgo doesn't fall into Russian hands.
Ask him if he asked Putin why the heck he stopped Maduro from leaving.
ASK HIM. Because I can't.
2
He said we would get tired of winning and we laughed. He is still there like a rat poking its head up out of Basil Fawlty's cookie box. He was right I am tired of him winning. The inexplicable kow-towing of everyone he taints with his contact absolutely HAS to be because he is somehow blackmailing them. The last straw is Rosentein's grovelling resignation letter; it is reminiscent of the dear leader cabinet meetings where these worthy public servants took turns thanking this very creepy Uncle Donald for the opportunity to work with him... the greatest president in modern times. Remember Ryan's comment that Trump demonstrates "exquisite leadership"? Lindsey Graham who once called Don a kook and not worthy of public office is now bowing like a Ming courtier to the Emperor of China for fear of his life. Remember that it wasn't only the DNC whose server was hacked.
What has Trump got on these grovelling sycophants? He does not even look surprised. HOW is Trump able to preside over this grotesque charade? What has he got on them all?
The phone call was revealed by the Kremlin. Think about that. Putin is smirking triumphantly at America. HE IS RUNNING AMERICA. Anyone a little galled by this?
3
Trump kissed up to him as usual and further bonded with him over their coup on the 2016 election. Giving Puntin the wink and the nod about Russia’s involvement in Venezuela. With Putin nodding in agreement like he does with subservients. There is no doubt who is the boss here.
Donald has demeaned my country again and again, continues to do so daily and he is adored by his “base”. Can we ever recover from this unpatriotic lamebrain elected by a minority, who prefers Russia over our intelligence professionals? This aberration of a man prefers Russia over America, as proven time after time. No question. His senate toadies are behind him all the way. I’m sure his god will, indeed, bless America.
Hey mitch?
mitch?
Did you start work on assembling a senate committee to secure our 2020 elections?
Dive into what happened and make sure it doesn’t happen again?
mitch?
Oh its Derby weekend. He’s probably busy!
Maybe next week......
2
What more do you need Congress? Are you all truly compromised to the point where whatever he does is acceptable? Any of you supporting, excusing and twisting laws for this despot are reprehensible.
There’s enough evidentiary material in the Mueller report to indict and successfully prosecute trump ten times over yet because of an obscure arcane DOJ “policy” prohibiting the indictment of a sitting president, the final report has been effectively emasculated. trump and his new complicit AG have been deliberately taking advantage of this conundrum by running interference hiding, manipulating, misrepresenting and pillorying the report relentlessly, while meanwhile incredibly claiming “total exoneration”. What we’re left with is the improbable tragic situation of an un-indicted criminal in the oval office scot-free to continue his campaign of wreaking havoc and chaos on the nation. What a pathetic and dangerous travesty of justice!
6
One can see DJTs MO.
As long as the act is done openly, in public it is not a crime.
Even treason.
We’ll see.
4
President Trump plays all the Washington / Elite DEMs and Media cronies like a banjo on his knee. You reap what you sow, the rest of America knows this and will re-elect Trump to another four years.
Two liars on the phone - what could go wrong?
2
American Citizens of ALL cultures, races, sexual identities and ages need to pay attention and take action. The U.S. Constitution which has served as the foundation for the American Democracy is under attack by the current POTUS who is also the puppet of Vladimir Putin. If WE THE PEOPLE don't strategically and courageously ACT NOW, our country as we know it will no longer exist. The greatest Democracy in the world is on life support and Trump & Putin are about to pull the plug. I urge ALL Americans to pay attention and question the actions of our current government leaders working in the White House, the Senate and Congress. These leaders represent us and need to be held accountable for their actions. Do not believe that your actions, thoughts and wishes for this country do not matter. They do. We owe it to the coming generations of Americans to stand up and speak out. We all need to embrace the mantra: We will not allow the demise of the American Democracy. We will not accept the dishonesty and manipulation of our current government to continue. One concrete and key action step EVERY American who is concerned about the current destructive path of Trump is one is a simple one. Do not read his Twitter messages. Currently this one of the most powerful ways he is destabilizing this country. We can fight back by ignoring his attacks by deleting his Twitter messages or simply firing back - I don't believe you. You are a liar.
4
It is frightening and disheartening, to see the greatest country on earth, disappear drop by drop and word by word, by this so-called president. The alignment of Donald J Trump with Vladmir Putin is worthy of deeper analysis and investigation. As Comrade Putin sets his sights on toppling the democratic nations of the world, our supreme leader wlecomes the jovial friendship of a dictator and despot. I call on every potential voter in the 2020 election to raise your voices and throw your support behind anyone who will protect the rights and liberties granted to each resident by the constitution of the United States of America. I am afraid that without every American's effort, our incredible run of democracy will be ending very soon.
4
Trump is a aging child playing with fire to see the result. It is like a child who finds a gun and pulls the trigger to see what happens. He is out of control and very damaging to this country.
3
Imagine President GW Bush calling Osama Bin Laden after 9/11: Hey Bro The FBI, the CIA , the NSA, all of them are saying you did it. Osama: I can assure you Donald we had nothing to do with that.
And then Bush going on national TV to say that he had had a very nice conversation with Bin Laden, that he said he had nothing to do with it and that he believed him.
Well, there you have your current President doing exactly that with Putin.
4
An hour long "high-five". No translator required. A miserable imitation of a President.
3
"Trump later explained, Mr. Putin “actually sort of smiled when he said something to the effect that it started off as a mountain and ended up being a mouse. But he knew that because he knew there was no collusion whatsoever.”
Oh my! Trump has some type of video link up to Moscow. Perhaps he Skypes Putin from time to time. You know, as a friend would to another friend.
"A White House official later clarified that it was not a video call; Mr. Trump meant to say that Mr. Putin had “laughed, chuckled” rather than smiled".
Oh, my bad. Nope, it wasn't a video thing.
3
Living in this time, I vacillate between times of confusion, hope and despair. I remember that during the Nixon era, John Mitchell, who had served as Richard Nixon's campaign manger in 1968 was later appointed by Nixon to be Attorney General. Mitchell was later convicted of helping to cover up the Watergate break-in and given time in prison.
My hope is that those in power who surround this administration take note. You face a most important moral decision. You can either continue to be silent and complicit or you can speak out for the sake of justice and democracy.
11
I lost sleep last night over #45’s most public and profoundly egregious act to date by a small man who lied, cheated, colluded, bought and intimidated his unqualified and immoral self into the White House. His deed: engaging in an hour long phone call with our most skilled and vile adversary, then proceeded to gloat and rub our noses in it.
We are all more than aware of his incompetence, narcissism, nepotism, cruelty, obstructionism, ignorance and penchant for orange theatre make up. But what I find most alarming is the lack of appropriate action for the illegal acts that have been investigated and cited in a report by the Muller team.
Our elected representatives need to step up and uphold our Constitution. It’s all right there in black and white. What is not in the 229 year old document, is placing party over country.
Our contemporary WMD menu: nukes, social media, climate change, and the ineffective electoral college, in the hands of this current illegitimate administration, has the ability to substantially cripple or at worst, obliterate our world.
A vain confession - I loathe olive drab, which could become our next fashion statement if American patriots fail to demand that our elected officials hold those offenders accountable and uphold the rule of law that our forefathers so brilliantly created.
38
I like the fashionista tie in!
1
I am ready for the day when the truth comes out.
What is it that little vlad has on DJT. Financial crimes? Unsightly private acts on tape? Both?
What could be so frightening to DJT that he would openly and publicly embrace a dictator that invaded our country and interfered with our most democratic institution.
Find that -and it’s game over!
The thing is the truth WILL come out. It’s just a matter of when.
18
It is as simple as he wants to be Putin. Absolute corrupt power.
Trump is now flaunting his relationship with Putin and their shared perception that they are now free to move forward with plans that were clearly put in place before the 2016 election.
As a senior citizen I never thought I would the day that a President of the United States would slander and walk all over the men and women who protect this country to please a foreign dictator. Moreover, I never thought I would see the day that members of Congress would look the other way as crimes are committed in our White House.
I am weeping for the loss of our democracy.
34
Many weep with you. We must stay engaged, force our elected representatives to do their constitutional duties, organize and VOTE!
1
What a dreamy opportunity got Putin.
Russia’s Putin will use every availability hostile tactic, including military intervention to destabilize world order to expedite it’s foreign and domestic oligarchic agenda. Putin has successfully weaponized social media to interfere with our electoral process and civil life.
And you see that as cooperation? Chatting with Deal Maker Donald is a wonderful opportunity for Putin to gather particulars and plot his next moves.
12
Democrats may not have Trump's tax returns, but I can't help thinking that Putin does.
22
It is 100% normal for countries to interfere with elections taking place in other countries. The United States is the leading actor in this arena. Think about Venezuela - massive U.S. interference has, and is, taking place.
The whole "election interference" commotion is nothing more than a crude attempt to protect Hillary Clinton's political viability. She lost, Trump won.
Better luck for America next time - hopefully Biden will get the nomination and send Trump back to his traditional criminal activities in the Real Estate arena.
4
When the US interferes or attempts to influence the elections of another country, it is because we seek an advantage in obtaining a specific result. Even though that result may be detrimental to the citizens of that country or to the stability of the region, as we’ve seen over and over in Central America. Make no mistake, Russia didn’t interfere in our elections because they value democracy and freedom or wanted to Make America Great Again.
7
The trump-supporter argument that "at least they're talking" is so strange; when did showing subservience to a dictator in the nation's best interest? But Russian interference in our elections is clearly in trump's best interest, so it will be left to any patriots left in the government to fight back.
11
Collusion, criminal conspiracy out there in plain sight. This is Trump not only daring Congressional Dems to come after him, but also taunting them because he knows--or thinks he knows--that they don't have the backbone and megaphone to call him out on it. I am trying to be patient, but the GOP has the Dems in a box. And the Democrats do not seem to be willing to use the force, intelligence, and persistence it will take to defeat the corruption that is happening in plain sight. Media needs a backbone and some ethics as well. USS America is listing and may be headed for the sandy bottom. Anybody willing to step forward and guide our country through this storm? Democratic leadership--you're not dealing with naughty children here, you're dealing with full-blown adult crime and corruption. Change your tactics or just walk away.
7
So Trump has a long conversation with Putin and hours later starts retweeting multiple posts about Facebook and Twitter banning right wing accounts and suppressing freedom of speech. Including this from Sharyll Atkinson " When did we decide as Americans...That we cannot be trusted with unfiltered info?"
Maybe this is a coincidence, but my goodness, it sure looks like he and Putin had a little talk about making sure Facebook keeps the flow of misinformation from Russia coming in so as to influence the 2020 election as well. What's most amazing is how he didn't even bother to wait a full day. No collusion huh?
13
The disaster of trump's election expand like the universe. Every time you think you've grasped its true dimensions, you realize it's exponentially worse.
17
Seems like his usual pattern, whenever Mr Trump is under legal scrutiny he has a private conversation with Putin. Or maybe it is with Putin and his think tank. “We the people” will never know, very scary in a science fiction kind of way.
10
The greatest hoax by the Russian supported Trump is that he has any concern for our democracy.
12
"The Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election in sweeping and systematic fashion"[ The Muller Report]
9
If this talk with Putin, openly admitted to the press, is not proof of collusion then I do not know what is. Trump is still colluding. And bragging about it.
13
Precisely. It’s always been in plain sight. We cannot let him get away with it.
1
Was this call recorded or monitored on both sides?
6
Trump continues to be a Putin lapdog, believing anything his master tells him. The aversion to the truth is business as usual in Russia. Trump has imported the Russian business model, and seems committed to replacing our constitution with it.
9
The so-called president will continue to lie until he wins.
We MUST continue to dispute his lies until he goes away.
There is no other solution.
8
This week President Trump discussed private US politics (including the Mueller report) with Russian Putin. Such a deed constitutes open Collusion with Russia. For this deed Trump merits immediate Impeachment.
8
You have the last ten US presidents flipping in their graves, probably even Reagan. First Russia manipulates the elections, then the American presidency.
Watch Putin slick the sanctions right out of Trump. How long before Russia has a large office in the White House? it doesn't even need seats in Congress -- that's not how Russia works.
6
This is what conflicts of interest brings. Profit from Russians vs. American interests.
5
Yup follow the MONEY: the cash.
Our last republican president, the inimitable G.W. Bush, referred to Vladimir Putin as "Pooty".
Precious little seems to differentiate the remarkable intellects of the 'Bush Boom' creator and our current republican puppet executive-transient.
However, there does exist one fundamental difference between those two foisted luminaries and the Russian president.
"Pooty" is an adult.
3
Trump is a bad man. Putin is a bad man. Together they are supremely bad actors. Their synergy is terrifying. Theoretically we have a democracy with constitutionally mandated checks and balances. In practice, we don't. If a case emerging from this tragic mess reaches the Supreme Court there is no doubt which side they will favor.
I am old. I have never seen anything like this in our country. Not even Watergate was scarred by such a deep and craven disrespect for the law.
I am proud of Jerry Nadler, my Representative in Congress. He will keep fighting, not only for his district, but for the American people.
14
Trump and Putin were mocking the American people -- taunting that they got away with the attack on our elections and getting Trump elected. In the same conversation, Trump gave Putin a green light in Venezuela, which has the world's largest deposits of oil.
Putin has scored the greatest intelligence triumph of the past two centuries.
7
Whatever hope I held that the president would eventually govern within the constraints of the law and years of precedence is gone. Trump lacks the intellectual capacity to see the harm he has done and the harm his actions continue to take. Moreover, I must confess his genius at roiling the political waters and, at the same time, mollifying his base. My fear is the off-chance his base and the votes of others buying into his lies and misdirection will see him reelected.
4
If an NFL football team shared information with another team, heads would roll. Apparently that doesn't apply when it comes to our own 'President' sharing information with the leader of a hostile foreign power.
6
Putin knows how to get elected president - having done so 4 times. His code is that of control, authoritarianism, self interest, conservatism, anti-Americanism, personal loyalty, hyper-masculinity, and a fortress mentality. Putin's nationalistic Russia is filled with cronyism, nepotism and massive corruption which has led to repression, intimidation and the targeting of perceived enemies.
President Trump and Putin "disagree on little".
1
Having a lengthy discrete phone conversation with Putin, is ever more compelling of his unmitigated gratitude and reverence for Putin who undoubtedly is responsible for him being elected as President. As with anyone else who offers unconditional fidelity, however sinister his conduct ,he does offer is inifinte gratitude. It won't be surprising if in the deep recesses of his mind he must know he does not deserve to be President. Therefore, allowing him to stay, is akin to a time bomb waiting to explode,
2
With Trump's personal protector installed as Attorney General, there's little hope that the FBI will be allowed to do its duty to protect the 2020 election from a new and more dangerous level of Russian attack. The GOP is complicit and America's only hope rests in the people's House of Representatives.
Those who view our democracy as an impediment to their goals are claiming that the FBI's political enemy was the Trump campaign, instead of accepting the plain truth that they were doing their job to protect the nation from foreign meddling in our election system. It is another of the endless ludicrous attempts by Trump and the GOP to obfuscate the facts related to the Trump campaign's treasonous conduct and the damning facts exposed by the Mueller investigation .
I fear for our nation should the few remaining Republicans with true patriotism and conscience remain cowed by Trump and McConnell.
3
As always Trump is looking after Number One. He of course dismissed Russia's meddling in our 2016 elections and of course doesn't care that they will do the same in the 2020 elections. Putin and Trump are such good buddies and Putin is playing him to the fullest. The Russians were absolutely right in helping Trump get elected president. He is the best thing going for the Russians and Putin is loving it as Trump is their most valuable asset.
Trump is an illegitimate president elected with the aid of the Russians, and the silent Republicans are letting him get away with treason.
1
I am so beyond disgusted with this man.
Democrats AND Republicans accept the well-proven fact that Russia meddled with our presidential election in 2016. While the Republicans conveniently leave out the part about how all of those myriad efforts by Russia favored Trump over Clinton, there is no doubt on either side that malicious interference occurred.
Now Trump has a buddy-buddy chat with Putin wherein they both bemoan the "hoax" of Russia's interference in our election in 2016. And in which Trump issues no warning, no admonition, not even a mention concerning any such continued efforts by them in 2020.
Maybe this phone conversation is where we've finally found that smoking gun that Trump did, indeed, collude with the Russians. And is continuing to do so.
This is nothing less than traitorous behavior. Republicans should be outraged! Their silence denotes their complicity.
Unbelievable...
8
To all the people who support this Trump Presidency, hello here comes Putin again. This is the most shameful display of a President who thinks he can openly praise the man who interfered with our 2016 elections. That case is highlighted in volume 1 of the Mueller report and in the indictments already filed. This feels like The Manchurian Candidate more every day.
1
One thing Trump has done, re: change, is he has made clear which party is actually the patriotic party, and that is the Democrats. While Republicans and Trump's base shockingly back a president who is defending and supporting Putin, who attacked the United States, rather than defending and protecting the United States from such an attack, which is the oath he took, who has corrupted justice in this country, the basis on which this country was built, inserting a corrupt AG to protect him, not the country, demonizing people who had committed their lives to defending the country from attacks such as Putin's, blithely ignoring subpoenas, calling people who testify truthfully under oath "rats" and believing they should instead protect him (again), attacking captured and tortured US veterans, etc., etc., etc, while it is Democrats frantically trying to save, protect and defend our democracy from Trump. I cried out of fear and frustration as George W. Bush lied us into a war in Iraq, but mostly his grotesque exploitation of 9/11 to do so, and I have gotten teary eyed watching so many fellow Americans cheering as this man, with the assistance of Putin, turns the ship of state away from democracy and in the direction of autocracy. How ironic and interesting that our democracy right now is in the hands of a woman, Nancy Pelosi.
3
Too late to squirm out of it. Too late for Trump’s handyman to cover it over. Trump himself said live that he had discussed the “Russian Hoax” with Putin by phone. A grave error on his part but perfectly believable.
Such a treasonous conversation openly discussed by himself constitutes collusion and Trump now merits impeachment.
5
Am I the only American citizen who is appalled that the President of the United States takes questions from reporters while his quest, the Prime Minister of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini cools his heels in the chair next to him. The prez had the audacity to call a reporter rude for asking a question “I’m speaking”. In my opinion the reporter had asked when there was a pause in his “speaking”. Kettle/Pot!
3
It's a disgrace that the GOP in Congress allow Trump to denigrate the American intelligence committee by turning a blind eye when Trump sides with Putin on Russia's proven interference in our elections.
Investigators: Please follow the money.
5
Was this call monitored in any way? Was this a call to signal Putin that the Don would like another "Russian Hoax" leading up to the 2020 election? The two dictators gloating about the 2016 success?
6
President Trump openly colluded with Russia this week when by phone he discussed the so-called “Russian Hoax” with Russian tyrant Putin. In fact, Trump bragged about this discussion with Putin on live TV as the world listened to him treasonably undermine American rule of law and democracy. Although afterword, associates tried to cover up Trump’s blunder, it is really too late. We all heard and we know.
Time to impeach Trump!
3
I cannot recall a president who talks on the phone and meets with the Russian president, so frequently, with none of it recorded...not ever.
6
The GOP is enabling a President who is oblivious, among other transgressions.
3
All part of a deftly executed plan to fool the Russians into a false sense of security while we covertly defend and prepare to massively counter.....
Right.
Agent Orange again saluting his handler, continuing to try to monetize foreign policy, selling us out. Undermining our defenses and betraying our country.
Our own intelligence agencies are now de-facto insubordinate, acting counter to our figurehead, just by doing their job of trying to defend national security. They would completely stand down if it were up to him.
There can be no doubt, he is an asset, acting on the Russian agenda One treaty cancellation and NATO member ally insulted at a time, one bureau and agency after another placed in the charge of an incompetent troll bent on destroying it. Like a disease, slowly but inexorably incapacitating the host. 2016 developing into one of the most asymmetrical victories in history.
Hope our alphabet security teams will become SO insubordinate that they air every piece of undisclosed dirty laundry that they likely have been holding back on IQ45. The balance of powers is apparently not working. This is our last defense.
2
I read the Mueller report and it opens more questions than it answers. Did Trump's people meet with Russians of their own accord or were they told to by Trump? What was in the polling data Manafort delivered and did it get to and affect the IRA? Can not doing anything to stop the interference both then, in 2018 and in the future be considered a crime? We know how the stolen e-mails investigation started but how did the investigation into the IRA social media efforts start? Could China publish Trump's tax returns, evidently it's not a crime.
9
Living in this dystopian political and social environment is enough to make clonazepam a necessity for survival. And that is the goal of Trumpism: let's all sleep through this and dystopia will become the new norm.
7
Trump and Putin agreed during their phone conversation that there was "no collusion." But not addressing Russia's expected interference in our 2020 elections IS collusion.
9
While the media breathlessly reports on the Democratic race for 2020, which is an eon away, the *president continues to snuggle up to the man who set about systematically sabotaging our last presidential election. There is zero question that Putin, and doubtless other enemies of the US emulating his example, will do the same thing again in the next election -- they are doing it now, according to Christopher Wray -- and Republicans will enable it. Meanwhile Democrats snipe at each other and wring their hands. Trump will not surrender power and will do everything to hold onto it regardless of what it takes. The clear and present danger is here and now.
9
The Russians are already planting seeds of divisiveness for 2020. To add to that, at Russia's suggestion, bTrump is greenlighting BFF status to Russia, China and North Korea -- the same North Korea that just launched missiles at us.
John Bolton claims the Americas and Canada as the U.S. hemisphere -- huh? And cites that as a reason that Russia should stay out of Venezuela. Russia clearly hasn't read Bolton's rule book. If Bolton was right, it follows that Trump would want to help people in the "American" hemisphere, like immigrants, who he clearly rejects.
Trump's team never had to collude with Russia for Russia to get Trump elected as President. To have the U.S. in their back pocket, allied with China and North Korea, gives them free reign to attack Europe, and any other part of the world they wish.
Trump's so blinded by his own personal glory of not having been found to deliberately collude with Russia in his campaign, that he misses the point that, had it not been for Russian interference, he would have lost the campaign.
Now, perhaps because Putin says things he wants to hear, he's ready to lift sanctions on North Korea, which holds no good intentions for the U.S., and ally with China and Russia.
This scenario points to Communist world domination. Putin's done his best propaganda with Trump. He feeds Trump lines, and ideas, that sit well with Trump, while neglecting to say the Communist allies plan to conquerthe U.S., too.
3
As an Australian, I really look forward to the day when President Trump has a very nice phone call with my Prime Minister.
4
Americans need to know that impeachment is NOT the same as removal. The House holds the impeachment/"trial" and then it goes to the Senate for a verdict, to remove or not. The Chief Justice is the judge. As long as the Senate is held by Republicans who for the most part are blind to Trump's misdeeds, there will be no removal from office for the president who is impeached.
Again, impeachment does not guarantee removal from office.
4
@Barrie Grenell A trial for common criminals is also not a guarantee of jail time; should we also just not have trials, because, well, we're not going to get "justice?"
1
Where are the Republicans? Haven't they got enough, and how far are they willing to go?
Would we be surprised if it later turns out that Trump and Putin were negotiating the nature of future Russian interference? And, sites for the first Trump building in Russia?
To his credit, Trump has been consistent: he represents his own interests first. Its time to listen.
7
It is beginning to look more and more like the early stages of an authoritarian take over. History shows that such regimes have most often been born over a period of years with a careful preparing of the ground, the desensitising of public opinion and the slow creep of lawlessness and contempt of democratic institutions, all this in advance of the final take over. I think we should all pray very hard that Trump is not reelected in 2020.
11
To quote from Wikipedia:
"Some have argued that the role of American president Bill Clinton's administration in securing an International Monetary Fund loan for Russia was an act of foreign electoral intervention. The United States favored Yeltsin and in 2016, Dick Morris alleged that Bill Clinton was involved in assembling a trio of American consultants advising Yeltsin's campaign."
This has been regarded as a form of interference of Bill Clinton in the election of Boris Yeltsin with Russia.
Assuming that this is true, Vladimir Putin might well take the position, "the US interfered with Russian elections. I prefer Trump. So I am justified in interfering with American elections."
American politicians have not always been truthful when describing America's interference with foreign elections. We should expect Russian politicians to shade the truth when discussing their own interference.
Trump regarded the investigation of collusion as a partisan attempt to cast doubt on the legitimacy of his own election. The Mueller report provided no evidence of collusion. Why should we be surprised that Putin and Trump agree that there was no collusion?
Of course, Putin is not going to issue a mea culpa, "I'm so sorry I interfered." Putin looks back on a heritage of autocrats. Peter the Great executed his own son, Catherine the Great approved the murder of her own husband.
Putin is not a good person, in the Western democratic tradition. But his reactions are consistent.
1
If it wasn't obvious before, it is certainly obvious now. 45 isn't interested in protecting the national interests of the United States; he's only interested in furthering the interests of "Corporate 45." Gotta wonder how long it will be before that Moscow tower deal will actually materialize.
3
@Bob
After he is out of office, there will be so many AGs ready to indict him that he may want to have a tower suite waiting for him in a distant country. That tower may have been one of the topics discussed in that phone conversation.
1
In branding Russia’s interference in our elections a “hoax”, Trump has clearly violated his oath to preserve, protect and defend the constitution. As much as I admire Speaker Pelosi, I disagree with equating the impeachment of Bill Clinton with the possible impeachment of Trump. Clinton’s Actions were disgusting but also did nothing to threaten our institutions or national security as Trump’s crimes do. Im sure that the American people will understand the difference when presented with the evidence from respectable witnesses like Robert Mueller. Impeachment is a constitutional duty in this case, but is unlikely to have the negative political fallout that Clinton’s had.
3
The poisoning of the former Russian operative in England might have been intended as a warning to both Trump and Manafort as to what happens to Russian agents who turn against them. Especially Manafort who was under intense pressure to reveal all he had done for them as a spy. It's hard to believe that Trump, his boss, didn't know that he was turning over Republican polling data to them. And we still haven't been told how they used this information to target potential voters in the election, and specifically in PA, WI, and MI.
2
Sorry, folks. Trump is far more interested in protecting Alex Jones’ access to Facebook than protecting our democracy.
7
I am under the impression that such phone calls are recorded by officials at both ends of the conversation. I’d feel better if my impression could be confirmed. Mr. Trump should not be able to chat with other world leaders without being overheard.
6
it has been reported that Trump uses an unsecured phone.
3
"Mr. Trump said he did not broach the threat of Russian interference in future elections with Mr. Putin."
In the same way that he never "broached" all the crimes he "told" Cohen to commit.
Email communication lacks tone of voice and body language. Telephone adds tone of voice. That can "say" a lot--never mind the gesture of calling Putin--reporting in.
2
This is collusion in plain sight. Excuse the all-caps but:
TRUMP IS INVITING PUTIN TO STEAL ANOTHER ELECTION FOR HIM.
Inaction speaks louder than words. Trump has done nothing to prevent massive election interference from happening again in 2020 because he WANTS it to happen.
As other regimes knew well, sometimes the easiest lie to pull off is the biggest lie. Trump and his Republican enablers have blocked bi-partisan legislation to protect our 2020 elections. Despite hundreds of pages of hard evidence in the Mueller report, Trump continues to call the 'sweeping and systematic' cyber-warfare against our election a 'hoax.'
It is now openly acknowledged that in at least one county in Florida, the computerized voting system itself was breached. As were voter registration rolls in NC and elsewhere, causing chaos at the polls in an election determined by razor thin margins. And still we ignore what is in plain sight:
Whether or not Trump actively aided and abetted Russia in the 2016 election, he is doing so now.
7
What if Trump is actually playing Putin, art of the deal style, good cop- bad cop, keep them guessing style? After all, we still have extensive sanctions in place, though you do wonder if they are in spite rather than because of Trump.
@Concerned American Trump probably does see himself as "playing Putin," but his goal has nothing to do with American interests. It's about keeping himself in Putin's good graces to proceed with building "Trump Tower - Moscow."
Trump said Putin "sort of smiled" while an administration official said that Putin "laughed, chuckled." There is a big difference between the two. Obviously, Trump could not have seen Putin smile unless the two were on a video call. A small matter I suppose but a telling one.
2
One of the reasons Trump said would make him a good President was that he is rich and cannot be bought by special interests. Isn’t it so that Trump has indeed been bought by Putin and he’s sold out to Putin?!
3
Stop worrying folks! In 2020, Russia will not interfere with the lead up to the election, the task to count the ballots will simply be outsourced to them.
4
Like Crimea? How much will Trump get for giving Alaska back to Russia? What will he get for pulling America out of NATO to allow Russia to take back the Baltic countries and Eastern Europe, and the Stans? Vlad and Donald are playing geographic Monopoly while McConnell's Senators are looking for the Deep State in the FBI and elsewhere in the "Intelligence" services.
1
How can a man who can not stomach any fact that dents his fragile ego -- no matter how detrimental to the republic he "serves" -- be president? Is this not in and of itself grounds for impeachment? How can he possibly live up to his oath of office when he will throw us under the bus the moment he has to choose between our survival, and his?
2
Graham, Trump Barr say this chapter is closed , done and of course Putin agrees and celebrates with his stooges.
We cannot forget that the Mueller report was an investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 election and other matters.
Mueller concluded unequivocally that Russia interfered in our election our intelligence agencies ,the FBI are saying equally unequivocally that Russia is interfering in 2020
The Democrats in the House must focus their investigations into
Russian continuous attack on our Demcracy and call on the White House , including Barr to explain what they are doing to stop this Russian cyber invasion.
I would love to see Adam Schiff eye to eye with Barr on this critical subject for 30 minutes plus ( other Democrats ceding their time)
Then Democrat Senators must try to shame Graham into holding similar hearings n the Senate.
The upshot must be the protection of our Elections and the deterrent must be a slew of intense sanctions against Russia if there is evidence of interference.
Such actions will also flush out Trumps true loyalties.
4
Of course it's a "hoax": the more the Russians interfere, the stronger the Trump / Republican stranglehold on the country. Why would he want to change anything?
1
In the Mueller report: Don Trump Jr. "accepted offer” of damaging info on Hillary from Russian Government. Mueller confirmed that the Trump Campaign discussed the Trump Tower meeting beforehand. Donald Trump Jr. told the Russians during the meeting that TRUMP COULD REVISIT THE MAGNITSKY ACT IF ELECTED. How much more evidence do you need when Trump Snr and Jnr refused to testify to Mueller? Other testimonies given to Mueller were found to be "contradictory".
1
What about that "back channel" that was admittedly trying to be "established" by Jared and Don Jr.?
I wonder if they spoke about that and what Meuller had to say about that in his report.
When that was revealed, and they admitted to it, why wasn't the state department demanding answers?
2
Incredibly, prominent GOP senators like McConnell, Romney, Graham, Cruz, Cornyn, Burr, Johnson, and Thune are all in lock-step support of trump’s kowtowing to Putin’s demands for US sanctions relief on Russian oligarchs and their business interests. It shows just how deeply and all pervasively the trump administration’s self-serving corruption which dramatically threatens national security has taken hold. Under normal circumstances this kind of abject support of blatant political meddling in full view would sound alarms all over the place. But a kind of public nonchalance about these developments seems to have settled in, emboldening these senators to sense that they can turn a blind eye to activity bordering on treason with impunity, which is extremely troubling.
100
It is painfully obvious that trump has no consideration or appreciation of the democracy that we had. His sole objective is to make himself wealthier through his term. It's beyond time to determine how widespread this attitude is within the administration.
At every official opportunity, when administration officials are sworn in, democrats need to ask them if they took an oath of loyalty to trump. Delayed responses or other tells would show who will defend the constitution and who won't.
52
I dont like Trump at all and I wonder at how a supposedly sophisticated country can wind up with such a leader. I guess it could happen anywhere so best not to dwell too much on that. But there is one area where Trump is right and that is his willingness to at least talk with Russia. The U.S. is fixated on Russia as enemy number one and frankly much of this is just plain bizarre. Does Russia try to influence politics in the U.S.? Well I'm sure it does and for the obvious reason that U.S. policy towards Russia has a big impact on them. Does the U.S. try to influence politics in Russia? Well yes, as it does in many other countries too, and it is generally resented and is largely productive of little more than chaos. Unless the goal is chaos it is clear that those driving U.S. foreign policy are pretty much clueless. I would never claim that Russia is a "good guy", but I do
believe that much of their foreign policy is driven by a need to stand up to the U.S. who seem to have decided that they rule the world and have little use for any forms of internationalism (agreements or organizations). This attitude is not due to Trump and, while talking with Russia is a step in the right direction, he doesn't seem to have any kind of a coherent policy that would make the world a better place for everybody (including the U.S.).
10
@ME "...the U.S. who seem to have decided that they rule the world and have little use for any forms of internationalism (agreements or organizations). This attitude is not due to Trump..." What? It is Trump who has done exactly that...withdrawn the U.S. from many of these agreements and organizations. Maybe the Russians can help Canada get a great leader like Trump.
1
Would you claim the USA is a " Good guy !? "
@ME The coherence of Trump's policy is he is trying to make the world a better place for himself. The notion of "a better place for everybody" does not exist in the brain of a narcissist.
Incredibly, prominent GOP senators like McConnell, Romney, Graham, Cruz, Cornyn, Burr, Johnson, and Thune are all in lock-step support of trump’s kowtowing to Putin’s demands for US sanctions relief on Russian oligarchs and their business interests. It shows just how deeply and all pervasively the trump administration’s self-serving corruption which dramatically threatens national security has taken hold. Under normal circumstances this kind of abject support of blatant political meddling in full view would sound alarms all over the place. But a kind of public nonchalance about these developments seems to have settled in, emboldening these senators to sense that they can turn a blind eye to activity bordering on treason with impunity, which is extremely troubling.
12
This is like matching a PhD with a fifth grader. As I read this article, I thought to myself, the Russians are recording this call, listening to every nuance, and the tone of voice and choice of vocabulary used by Trump so they can continue to play him like a Stradivarius.
Whether you support Trump or not it should, at a minimum, be alarming that he is essentially choosing to side with the views of a ruthless dictator over the results compiled by our own seasoned and highly experienced intelligence staff who all have said very clearly: THE RUSSIANS DID IN FACT INTERFERE WITH OUR ELECTION.
78
Sir,
Antonio Stradivari would be very upset about using one of his instruments as a simile for Trump.
1
Stradivarius is turning in his grave. The Russians are playing trump like a poorly built, greasy, squeaking accordion (no offense to players of the accordion)!
1
Would the world rather Trump and Putin have a hostile relationship? He's obviously trying to get their cooperation on Venezuela. Remember, he's a deal maker. I'd rather him try to get Russia's cooperation than send in American troops.
4
It looks as if the great one has fooled some into thinking there is a plan, a strategy. There is not. We are the deck upon which this loosed cannon has damaged every structure it has banged against in his effort to destroy.
4
A deal maker? You mean as a businessman? He has a history of overpaying for things and agreeing to things he never intended to honor.
5
@Jack
Trump says he is a deal maker. The best, of course! From as far as I can tell, he is not very good at it. Trump makes all sorts of specious claims about himself. Remember the great memory and all that?
From my perspective, Putin is playing Trump and has had the upper hand since he successfully interfered in our and aided in Trump's election.
Why would we send in troops to Venezuela? Don't we have enough occupations already to deal with? Aren't we already spending too much of America's tax money on military aggression? Besides, Trump may need those troops when he decides to officially suspend our Constitution.
3
Trump obviously loves to twist and distort and do whatever he can do to create constant conflict and headlines and the press feeds right into this. It is a situation that can never be solved because Trump has a personality defect that creates this adolescent obsession with his own impact on his world. The crazier the better, because it creates more headlines.
Trying to manage a country that is huge is a big challenge even if everything is going well and we need to get away from this Trump reality show and have some adult responsibility where America is concerned. We can coast along for a while, but eventually, like a ship without a rudder, we will hit the rocks.
18
Trump is a narcissist and a con man who loves to show off and create scenes that distract from his lack of grey matter and the problems it creates. He has learned to be very slippery, but he has no ability to concieve what true power and true responsibity consist of. He is not a leader, he is a showman, creating a scene. His base like the show and care nothing about boring responsibility. It is a marriage made in limbo.
31
Yet another example of this administration's bipolar/talking out of both sides of it's mouth "diplomacy". The American people have no idea where this country stands when Pompeo/Bolton, et al. issue veiled threats toward Putin while Trump treats him and Kim with more respect than our allies. I honestly believe that Trump could not find Venezuela on a map (but is likely aware of it's oil reserves), while asking senior advisors only months ago if we could "just bomb/invade" that country. The worst part is that the majority of America refuses to believe the fact that a foreign government directly affected the results of an American election (in spite of 17 American intelligence services, as well as Mr. Mueller finding clear eveidence that this was the case), and we have heard crickets chirping from both the president and Republicans about how they plan to keep this from happening again in the next election. Ask yourself if you are comfortable with Putin having our president (and Republicans) under his thumb, and vote in 2020.
31
While the Muller report was unable to prove that Trump himself or his campaign conspired with Putin and his goons to influence the 2016 elections, this latest outrage shows that such conspiring may have taken place in plain sight, so much so that it left prosecutors stumped. Trump is not going to tell Putin not to meddle in the 2020 elections because he is counting on Putin to do just that.
And the saddest thing to watch is how the GOP, in its thirst for power at all costs, has simply looked the other way as we get our own version of Hugo Chavez. But ask Venezuelans how that turned out. While the very rich got even richer, the barely rich and the middle class saw themselves joining the ranks of the very poor and Venezuela put to ruin. They better wake up before it is too late, but after watching the likes of Graham, Kennedy, Rubio, Cruz and Lee abrase themselves defending the indefensible I’m not holding my breath.
23
Ask the police. Criminals, including arsonists, cannot resist returning to the scene of the crime. Even better if they got away with it and can gloat and taunt for having done so.
Many are caught in doing so. We can only hope.
21
The Trump suckerism is obvious. But note also that Bolton would say "this our hemisphere." That is a more institutional capitulation to a view of the world espoused by autocrats and fascists. Vojislav Seselj talked about how the world is split up into these north-south vertical domains, where we should take care of ours and let them rule theirs. What does Bolton's view say about, for example, the Crimea or the more democratic Baltic states struggling to stave off Moscow?
4
There is an important dynamic that we, as patriotic citizens, are missing as we decry Trump's amoral, narcissistic partnership with Putin. Most legal scholars do not interpret cooperation with an "adversary" as treason. As satisfying (and appropriate) as it may seem to apply the term "treason" to Trump's conspiratorial dealings with Russia's communist dictator, it lacks an essential element. The traditional understanding of treason in the U.S., requires that a state of war exist between the USA and the other nation involved. That is clearly not the current situation. The truly insidious reality is that Trump is so thoroughly compromised by his conduct that, if armed confrontation with Russian forces were to occur, with casualties on the US side, it is established precedent to consider that a state of war exists. Thus Trump avoiding an actual charge of Treason demands that no armed conflict occur between US & Russian forces. That may explain Trump's impulsive announcement that ALL US forces would be withdrawn from Syria. It is highly probable that Rules of Engagement for US naval & air forces in the Eastern Med & the Middle East do not allow return fire if Russian forces are involved. It explains US dependence on Israeli aircraft for attacks on Syrian bases, as Russian troops are frequently co-located. This compromises Trump with Israel. Avoiding a defacto state of war, thus protecting Trump, may be the reason that Russian forces in Ukraine strip insignias from their uniforms.
4
Armed conflict has already occurred between Russian and American forces in Syria with casualties on both sides. No one, least of all Trump, said a word.
1
This loaded phone call is another major step in the de-evolution of American principles and values and the demeaning of the rule of law by one who is supposed to be its main enforcer. Yet again, it demonstrates what a sick puppy this excuse of a president is, and has finally convinced me that immediate impeachment is imperative. If Congress doesn't act, they are derelict in their duty. If Trump keeps going the way he is, which I believe he will, enough evidence will emerge from impeachment hearings to sway all but the most idiotically ardent Republicans. Even if it doesn't, at least we didn't give up without a fight. Or have we become a nation of quitters?
20
It’s clear to everyone that Trump lives in his own reality.
Unfortunately his advisors do as well, by not censoring his inflammatory tweets and curbing his obsession with dictators.
Trump is a runaway train on his own “ historic “ track.
12
No, sorry, not a “hoax”. US intelligence agencies and the Mueller report concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election (with the purpose of helping to elect Trump).
While the campaign season was underway, Obama had asked Congressional leadership (McConnell and McCarthy)to join with him, in a show of bipartisanship, in warning state governors (and the American public)about Russian efforts to interfere in our elections, including attempts to hack election sites, but the Republican-leadership in Congress refused to join with President Obama. President Obama’s decision to remain silent will be criticized by some but was made in an effort to not appear to be putting his thumb on the scale. In retrospect the effort to pressure Russian diplomats and Putin to end the interference using diplomatic channels and nothing more during the election was probably a mistake.
What we do know going forward is that while President Trump is a tough guy with our allies, he goes out of his way to befriend murderous dictators, including Putin whose interfered in our last Presidential election. To have a US President continue to dismiss this attack on our electoral process as a “hoax” is an open invitation for others to do the same. When a US President fails to take the lead in condemning an attack on our electoral process, the cornerstone of any genuine democracy, and befriends the perpetrator of the attack, it is indicative of a failure to fulfill his oath of office.
#Impeachment
22
I love to have them talked. Long overdue.
@Crow It was merely Trump's annual performance appraisal. Just kidding.
When the conversation is just nothing more than "they are picking on me" then nothing will come of it save a lot of laughter in the Kremlin.
1
For Crow: I am happy that you are happy. But now learn how to spell and also do a little reading on Russian century-old crimes against its own people and its recent abuse of Ukraine. Maybe then you will understand why American friendship with Russia is not the dream Trump says and never will be.
Obviously AD Barr is on a mission to not only dis-credit the Mueller report, but literally bury it along with “friend” Mueller’s reputation. He’s already setting up the scenario
for shutting down all related Mueller-prompted investigations (some 12 or 13 of them). He certainly has his work cut out for him!
Meanwhile back at the ranch the EPA is being gutted, the CFPB is being dismantled, Dodd–Frank is being compromised, the deficit is going through the roof, huge chunks of public lands are being sold off, world free trade is being seriously assailed, the justice department is being revamped with a slew of GOP biased judicial appointees, and all while the FBI is being disemboweled.
A shift to a truly authoritative regime in the WH is in the making, and now being shoved into high gear, no question.
30
Will we ever know what was actually said on this phone call?
Putin owns Trump. As a former spy he knows how to lure the sap into his web..
16
There was no Russian Hoax. Despite the ongoing denial and false narrative since intel agencies first reported the Russian cyber attacks into the 2016 elections to benefit trump, Volume 1 Page 1 of the Mueller Report clearly states: "The Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election in sweeping and systematic fashion." trumps continued denials of this, and his discussion with Putin that this was a hoax should be concerning to all, and edges on treason. trump's campaign may not have criminally conspired with the Russians, but Mueller lays out the multiple and ongoing contacts and willingness for their help. And although the DOJ guidance is that a president cannot be indicted while in office, trump's actions including obstruction (well laid out in the report - read it if you have not), should be held accountable.
15
This is disgraceful. Why does the President treat Russia as an “equal”? This is precisely what Mr. Putin desires most.
15
Trump is once again giving Putin the nod to interfere in the 2020 elections. Buddy to buddy again once the Mueller danger is past and he has the AG covering for him.
13
Trump's appalling behavior is no surprise. But the GOP silence over Trump's public siding with Putin over our own FBI and CIA, is not just appalling, it's horrifying. GOP silence leads me, for the first time, to fear for my country.
23
...without Russia's interference, trump would not be President or probably even dogcatcher...but never mind trump and the GOP are extremely happy. Why should they want to suspend or question Russian interference?
15
One of the worst things in life is to see an evil person win . . . and then gloat about it. That he did it with the leader of the other (!) major rogue nation on the planet rubs special salt into the wounds of our once-proud nation. A victory dance on our former Constitution.
16
Republican president Donald J. Trump 'DISCUSSED' Russian collusion investigation with the communist Russian president Putin?! What a HOAX! Now all know who is Donald J. Trump's real boss. Trump is reporting internal national security to his Russian boss Putin. Where is the evidence many conservatives, Republican party's leader asked, questioned? Here it is, BINGO!
7
"... that Mr. Putin had 'laughed, chuckled' rather than smiled."
Laughed or smiled, does this naif have any idea he's being played? Again! Putin is not a friend.
13
"Yes, Master, mission accomplished! You see, I am not as dumb as I look and the Americans are really, really gullible." So, went the conversation.
14
You just cant let go, can ya?
Nothing else in the world matters.
Its all about russians and Trump.
The reality of two illegal wars and occupations doesnt matter.
That the USA is completely uninterested in developing manned space planes, photovoltaics, water desalination, advanced technologies ... doesnt matter.
That Central American Societies are run by brutish, violent people ... doesnt matter.
That our Tax Code is pathetically out of date ... allowing for pirates to control the internet, obsolete off shore banking rules that provide no benefit to USA.....doesnt matter.
Its all about russians and Trump.
1
Reminds me of SpongeBob. It's always "Opposite Day" in Trumpland.
3
So there was a telephone call between Trump and Putin. We have Putin's version (ha...ha) and we have Trump's version (ha...ha), and I am sure we will never know the real version. So I think we have the right to come up with our own estimate(s). This is mine:
Trump asked Putin to please, please, pretty please help him again win the elections, but please, please, pretty please with bigger numbers this time. Trump: I would like to win with 90%. Putin probably then said: well, 90% seems too high; nobody is going to believe that. They then settled on 70%.
Putin: I warn you not to interfere in Venezuela. We consider that now part of the Russian influence zone and would like to extend that area with other countries. We will start working on that, and you keep your hands off. Trump: Yes, sir!
Both: Let’s work on a new arms treaty were we both reduce the total numbers of nuclear arms. Goal: A lot menus 2. Plus let’s get China involved because we can then also reshape the world’s political map. Trump: Russia and China can divide the world among themselves, as long as I get my Election victory.
Me: There used to be a word that meant (probably) the heaviest crime that existed. I won’t say what it is but it starts with a “T”. Even if you do not accept my version, both the Putin and the Trump versions clearly indicate that “T” was committed. However, Barr will probably say that a sitting President by definition cannot be accused of “T”.
4
The Trump -Putin phone call was a display of utter defiance against our laws, against Congress, against the American people. He is not only flaunting his defiance. He is flagrantly daring us, the United States of America, to Do Something. A power play that takes another lawless step.
He engages in increasingly reckless behavior, upping the ante each time he gets away with something. Why? Because that's what law breaking people do. They keep going further and further to see how much they can get away with. For people like Trump, and Putin, it's a sadistic game, fun to watch everyone else get upset as they calmly and methodically upend and unravel American democracy.
I get all the political concerns of Leader Pelosi about impeachment. But after this latest arrogant display of hostile defiance against American interests, it's time. Now or never. If we don't bring him down he WILL steal the next election. He and Vladmir are working on it as we speak.
It is time to Do Something. And do it Now.
14
The only sure way to disrupt "the Russian Hoax" is to remove the current US president from office: He is the person who fomented the crisis and will continue to do so until he is impeached and rendered powerless.
11
“None Dare Call It Treason “ was published in 1964 by Pastor John A. Stormer which argued that America was losing the Cold War due to domestic subversion. We now know that it has finally come to pass. The PBS Newshour reported on Friday May 3, 2019 that Donald Trump and 18 of his associates had at least 140 contacts with Russian Nationals or Wiki leaks during the 2016 campaign. The Muller Report said: “The Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election in sweeping and systematic fashion.” and “the investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities.” Muller never cleared Trump and his associated of collusion with the Russians. Collusion is not a crime, but Is this another word for Treason?
6
So thoughtful of the Kremlin to release a summary of the call so we would be aware of it.
10
Putin has accomplished what he set out to do.
17
We have entered scary Trumpland and given how spineless Republicans and, yes, Democrats are to take action, no surprise this is our new abnormal. Makes me wonder if it's even worth voting.
8
Putin leads Trump on a nose-ring. That's all there is to see.
19
Our world really is ending as we know it . . . the head of the GOP is enamored with the Russian dictator and concerned with domestic voter fraud only, the Dems are cuddling up to the FBI and courting old, white men to run for President . . . it may all end before climate change kills us.
6
He literally has spat on the Mueller report and kissed Putin’s feet. The entire party is treasonous in my opinion.
27
“Getting along with Russia and China, getting along with all of them is a very good thing, not a bad thing,”
"Getting along" with Putin and Kim and being their patsy are two different things, Donald.
19
The CIA has ample cause to take him out.
16
If the Republican Senate condones Trump’s folksy counsel from Putin then none of them are anything more than collusive traitors like their master. Anyone like Barr, McConnell, Miller etc deserve prison or worse. They are killing our Democracy.
27
The fact that Trump consulted Putin about the Mueller report but did not consult his countrymen tells you what a traitor this president is. He does not represent the American populace and would even deprive us of decent healthcare.
28
Time and again Donald Trump is delvering hard proof that he is unfit and not worthy to be president of the USA.
21
Russia if you are out there Trump needs help in 2020.
11
How much more proof do we need that Trump is a lying traitor who is destroying our nation with the dedicated assistance of the Republican Party.
The Republicans support Trump's efforts to make the US subservient to Putin. Get out the vote, protest in the streets. We must get rid of all of these shameless cowards.
15
Someone seriously needs to get a FISA-court subpoena and tap Trump's phone. Gee, you think William Barr might be up for that?
12
There is a “Russian Hoax” and it lives in the White House and reports back as directed.
20
And still excuses are made to not impeach. Quit using the label "Republicans" and call this mess by its name with shame and disgust...Mitch Mconnell!
12
Men behaving badly! Plain and simple.
5
Don't the Democrats have to impeach this self serving ego maniac? Is it not their constitutional responsibility?
Enough with this unaccounted for insanity. Throw EVERYTHING at him.
17
Are we considering them projectiles or not? The front pages express that South Korea spoke too soon about what the actual missiles are..
1
I pray that Trump's phone conversation with Putin is a wake up call to our GOP representatives and our so called AG that this is getting pretty serious. They need to step up and do something about the threat our country is facing. This conman and grifter is selling out the USA to Russia.
15
When I read your headline I immediately thought Trump was "reporting in" to the boss! But this is more sinister than that as he is actually saying to Putin something like "oh well we got away with that now for 2020". Also he seems to actually believe his own lies regarding the Meuller Report. It is really quite amazing that this is happening.
15
So what's Trump telling us? He won't share the full Mueller report with the Democrats, but he will share it with Putin?
17
We are in Never Never Land with this president and the sooner we get him out or or put him away and at least attempt to get some normalcy back, the better.
11
I just hope when Trump is out of office this whole thespian show playing out doesn't go into syndication. After all, he would still be calling Putin.
2
Is the headline correct? I don't think Trump refer to Russian interference in the election as the "Russian Hoax", because in the video he says that he Putin did not discuss Russian interference. Therefore by "Russian Hoax" he probably means collusion.
2
Does anyone else think it's weird that someone would celebrate what he (falsely) claims is proof that he did not do any plotting with Russia by plotting with Russia?
16
Mueller’s failure and cowardice to indict Trump screams every day. There was enough evidence to indict, on all counts, and then some, but Mueller fumbled, or didn’t want to bring down a fellow Republican. Now we have a moronic evil monster unleashed, and with the evil liar William Barr providing cover for Trump, and the evil cowardly Republican Senators lying prostate, we can wave goodbye to our democracy.
6
@Marc Castle
Our moronic leaders, all of them, think that a sitting president cannot be indicted. Who made up that policy especially after Nixon's lawlessness? That rule is why the president continues to be a criminal for all to see. change the rule and get him out of office now.
Yes, failures of leadership continue to embolden this corrupt president.
"Vlad, here's what we know."
"Now you know too. What you do with it? That's your business. Friends share and help each other. You helped me once. Keep doing it!"
"Nudge, nudge. Know what I mean?"
6
Trump's making plans to defect to Moscow rather than to endure the disgrace of impeachment and a subsequent treason trial and conviction...just like a British spy did in the early 1960s if anyone else recalls.
6
LOL! He talked about the Mueller report and "Russian hoax" but did not warn Putin not to meddle with 2020 election. How about missile treaty? And Putin trying to erode the Monroe Doctrine?
8
@Bos
Someone first would have to explain to Trump what the Monroe Doctrine is before he could invoke it.
1
The people of Venezuela should make up their own minds, without foreign interference about what government they want.
Goof luck with that, people of Venezuela with that!
The people of the United States of America should be able to make up their own minds about what would be good for their country, free from foreign influence and lies.
Good luck with that Americans,.
I will be up to you to make it happen,
"Freedom is just another word..."
Don't lose it all.
2
keep writing free press
keep digging journalists
keep asking questions opposition
keep fighting for what’s right politicians
keep writing comments nt readers
keep protesting students
keep pointing out injustice black citizens
keep digging your own grave n r a
keep standing up americans
keep your democracy safe people
keep your country sane usa
17
Can lifting the Russian sanctions now be far away?
10
One day we will find out why a President who disrespects and insults everybody, friend, foe, family, institutions, allies, treats Mr. Putin with reverence and respect. The 2016 election, Venezuela, North Korea, Ukraine, agents poisoning people around the globe, threat over Europe. A clear and present danger to us but a docile and caring friend according to Mr. Trump. One day...
10
One country invaded Iraq/Libya, the other invaded Chechnya/Georgia/Ukraine. One caused the biggest displacement of people since WWII. The other changed borders or second time (if you count Palestine). Russia is trying to catch up to the US to become the invader/overthrower/spy master/and shot caller of the world, and Trump is tryingto catch up to Putin to become an oligarch.
This is giving us lots of stress. We cannot sit and watch Putin rule US via Trump. We cannot sit and watch our elected Congress indirectly frustrated by Putin &Trump. We cannot sit and watch US practically going to the dogs. We cannot stand to watch GOP self destruct by supporting the worst
president in office working against our own interests , why cant GOP cut the loss and let Mike Pence in? what exactly are we doing?
Is it time the we the people to take action?
And BTW why is California big guns continue sitting on the fence.
Barr has preempted himself from being US AG by his actions, why is he still in office ...
IF we do not get Congress to act, we must all rise and insert our supremacy. This cannot continue regardless IF you are a Democrat or Republican!
Democrats forget any electoral windfalls you might gain by letting Trump continue to roll in the mud, its time to act for US you cannot continue to be wish washy, move decisively and direct, GOP Trump is NOT good for the party!
2
More and more, every day, I read the news and feel like a punch-drunk fighter.
7
If the democrats cannot make a convincing case in 2020, they should have the decency to disband.
3
"Mr. Trump has rarely mentioned Russia’s role in the 2016 election..." Reading this, I am reminded that sore-losers are still crying over the elections of 2016 and that they are in need of a diaper change.
2
@Gene
Funny, I am reminded that 39% of the voters are sadly lacking in critical thinking and moral standards.
1
This should come as a shock to no one, yet terrify everyone.
13
highly doubtful this phone call actually happened
5
So Trump is giving Putin everything Putin wants.
And what is Trump getting in return?
- A Moscow Trump Tower?
- Help in the 2020 election?
- Both?
10
He can't even resist rubbing everyone's noses in it, can he? What a low class, egotistical clown. Shame on every single one of his enablers, from the Senate majority leader all the way down to the most deplorable voter.
17
This IS COLLUSION!! Collusion by default, by willful ignorance, by being brainwashed. The Russian fingerprints are all over the scene of the crime, the leader is told (over and over), and he ignores the evidence and the crime itself; and he jokes about it with the thief! Is this not the act of a traitor?
15
The collusion has always been, and continues to be, in plain sight. What will we do about it now that the Justice Department has failed us?
1
David Brooks said talking to Putin and not bringing up Russian election rigging is like calling up Hirohito in 1941 and not discussing Pearl Harbor.
13
Why would he discuss the Mueller report with Putin at all? Think about that.
10
Mueller’s failure and cowardice to indict Trump screams every day. There was enough evidence to indict, on all counts, and then some, but Mueller fumbled, or didn’t want to bring down a fellow Republican. Now we have a moronic evil monster unleashed, and with the evil liar William Barr providing cover for Trump, and the evil cowardly Republican Senators lying prostate, we can wave goodbye to our democracy.
5
His campaign manager and consigliere both await his arrival in the Graybar Hotel.
4
When all the shouting is over, next, the hits and disappearances.
Trump, "we do it here too".
3
It doesn't matter, whether Mr. Putin “laughed, chuckled or smiled" - he owns the current US Government.
I put my enhancements to the White House elliptical statements in brackets:
____________
Trump on Russia not to meddle in the 2020 presidential election:
“We didn’t discuss that [since nobody knows better than him my needs and expectations for survival]".
Putin 2018 in Helsinki on the same theme: “Yes I did, yes I did [interfere in the 2016 US elections] because Trump talked about bringing the U.S.-Russia relationship back to normal.”
____________
Trump on Venezuela:
“[Putin] is not looking at all to get involved, other than he’d like to see something positive happen, [which should preclude free elections and the empowerment of Juan Guaido].
"Mr. Trump] and Mr. Putin disagreed on little. They pledged to deliver humanitarian aid to Venezuela" [because this is what the richest poorest and most corrupt country in the world really needs to stop its rampant oligarchic destructive political power and influence and not its source].
____________
Mr. Bolton on Venezuela:
“This is our hemisphere — it’s not where the Russians ought to be interfering. This is a mistake on their part. It’s not going to lead to an improvement in relations. [Putin should show the same restraint and respect we put on display in the South China Sea. It is the "Chinese hemisphere" after all].
1
What on earth is Don doing chit chatting to Vlad for an hour?
At the same time his cruel despot Cabinet secretaries are trying to take apart the limited union rights of Federal Employees ( who can not bargain over. The pettiness telecommuting, leave. Ridiculous.
6
During the Cuban Missile crisis, when Russian missiles erected minutes away from America were aimed at the major cities of my country, my father slept on a cot at the base, serving on a bomber crew that was expected to get their planes in the air within five minutes of alert. They had to get the planes off the ground before the bombs hit.
About this time the Premier of Russia angrily told the United Nations that his country and its allies would "bury" the United States. Vladimir Putin was embarking on a career as a spy whose job was to destroy the free world. We beat his country, not by going to war, but by being better than they were in literally everything.
Now Russia, a failed state, has descended into crime. It is a kleptocracy run by a dictator with mafia-like tendrils around the world, including in the United States.
Donald Trump is that dictator's lapdog.
We need to expel this dishonorable president from office. We need to expel the corrupt, smoking hulk of the GOP from American life. We need to impose a heavy price on Russia for attacking our sovereignty to deter similar attacks. And we need to return to being respected for keeping our promises, befriended by our allies and feared by our enemies, not one that is distrusted, hated and laughed at.
14
“This is our hemisphere — it’s not where the Russians ought to be interfering,” the national security adviser, John R. Bolton, said on Wednesday.
Really? And yet the US meddles in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, the list goes on. The hypocrisy or self-delusion is mind-boggling.
8
I know I know Trump and Rocket Man are in Love...why did so many Americans choose to support and still choose to support a President endorsed by Putin?? Never thought I'd see the day when there would be a photo of the President of the United States laughing in the White House with the Russians about his firing of James Comey and his attempt to end the Flynn Investigation. The Russians did a lot more than influence an Election...they are influencing a President and the GOP! There should be no GOP endorsement...there should be no Fox Nation..there should be no Barr Summaries..there should be some genuine concern about the reckless behavior of our President and his Administration. Support for a President and Administration endorsed by Putin and Russia ...is simply...Un American !! So many question how the Mueller Investigation started..they've got to be kidding !! What's next...Putin in the White House ?? The Russians have to be having a good laugh about all of this ….at our Democracy's expense. The Russians not only interfered in our Election ...favoring Trump....but they are influencing him and testing our Democracy today !!
14
So true! Putin’s influence on and ownership of Trump are in plain sight. Despicable!
Trump had available a very easy way to turn the Russian interference to his advantage and appear to be a statesman to boot. It would have served him much better than his current role of playing the idiot but he never tried it not even once. One explanation would be that he really is a witless fool another explanation is that he is entirely Putin's puppet and is left with no viable alternative other than to confess his treachery. As things stand now he will sooner or later face about a century in prison the loss of his fortune and eternal disgrace.
8
Wishful thinking but what justice demands.
But he blamed Obama for not doing anything about the Russian hoax when he was president. Yep, that sounds like Trump.
10
Trump talks to Putin about Russian interference in our politics, but won't talk to Mueller or let his cronies talk to Congress. Duh, what's wrong with that picture?
9
This week, the crime rate in our country rose to its highest point ever.
4
I still remember the Helsinki Infamy. Shame on you, Lying Trump.
9
Anything in the Constitution where living past Presidents can intervene with the CIA to reclaim our democracy and jail both Barr and trump? You know like a code name project to alert all to act in times of foreign invasion. If not, we need to create such a intervention.
5
Trump is planning on his re-election campaign with Putin now that Russia knows the WH will not run any interference as 45 has got their back
7
McConnell and Trump like Russian interference. The Russians want Republicans and Trump. Treason? Maybe but it is just like the Koch propaganda machine. What's not to like?
7
Trump does not understand the danger from Russia.
His blind , wilful ignorance shows impeachable incompetence.
9
He's taunting us with Putin, siding with him against our intelligence agencies, conspiring right in our face.
12
Exactly! Right in our face, as always!
It probably is illegal for the US Government to eavesdrop on POTUS, even when he is talking to Putin, but it would not be illegal under US law for any other country's intel people to monitor such a call.
So here goes:
Hey, all of you intel people out there in the cyberworld, if you have a recording of Donald Trump talking to Vladimir Putin on May 3, 2019, I think there would be MILLIONS of Americans who would be happy to read the transcript of that call, as long as you can provide enough audio recording to prove that the two people talking were these two wanna-be dictators.
You can even post this material anonymously on the web, if you do not want to be outed. Just send a link to that cache to a few newspapers and cable news channels, and let them take it from there.
7
It's turning out - Trump's the "mouse".
3
Trump is simply Putin's puppet. Congratulations to Putin for destroying our checks and balances and in effect a coup without a bullet being fired.
8
Trump needed a quick talk with his boss to get next instructions I guess.
6
This country is in desperate need of patriots to fight this cabal of monsters, that has taken over the Republican party and our republic.
8
Where are the patriots?
I wonder which is the bigger risk: Trump the fool or Trump the disingenuous?
9
Beginning to think these comments sections in the NYT are a bad idea. If people couldn't vent their frustrations here, maybe they'd be more likely to take action. Instead we do nothing. It could be why we're not takin' in to the streets.
If Trump's idiotic tweets allow him to let off steam and prevent him from being even more destructive, our comments could be having a similar effect, but making us less constructive.
We're all just sitting here, in the face of all this.
8
@James
I agree with you that the Times Comments Section could actually be a bad idea. Some days when I read these thoughts and ideas of other Americans (and even readers from around the world), I am moved to write a comment of my own, and then I feel as if I have actually "done something." I know I haven't really achieved anything, though, except to feel better for a short while.
Earlier this morning, I read a few comments and wrote (and sent) a letter to Nancy Pelosi, letting her know that she and her colleagues should investigate our president and bring impeachment charges against him. I'd written a similar letter to all the House and Senate representatives in my own state a couple of days ago.
Maybe if enough of us readers contact our elected leaders, they'll get the message that we are very troubled about our president and the fact that he may be a traitor.
Protesting in the streets will come next. And maybe the sooner the better.
7
I similarly wrote to my congressional representatives this morning. Let’s all flood their offices with the urgent message that they investigate and reign in this corrupt president.
1
Good point. Let’s organize protests. Who will take the mantle?
1
Never in the wildest dreams of the old, Cold War KGB did they dream of an operation as successful as helping Donald Trump become president.
19
Having come from a real estate family every potential business partner is your best friend until they're not. Check out "Glengarry, Glen Ross". Please America don't take this as some kind of genius. Albert Einstein was genius Donald Trump is not.
8
Does Russia have an extradition treaty with the US? Perhaps Trump is grooming a place for asylum? Or Saudi Arabia perhaps?
8
The very choice of Putin to share US citizen's concerns about the Russian hijacking of the US democracy itself is a proof as to where does Trumps real loyalty and allegeance lie? It is like a widely disliked spoilt child complaining to the external guardian of teasing by the fellow children.
6
How anyone could watch Trump with Putin in Helsinki and not see traitor writ large is beyond me. This phone call is another case of directly aiding and abetting an enemy of the United States. Trump is a traitor by undermining efforts to combat an attack on the United States. Nothing more needs to be said, but anyone not saying it is, in their own turn, aiding and abetting treachery! The fact that his motives are narcissistic ego protection does not excuse his actions.
If any of your friends or family dispute this, ask them how they would be responding if his words and actions had the name Hillary attached to them.
14
Now, I can't help but wonder, given the fact that Trump, has dissed his Intelligence professionals, yet again,
What in the World has the Russian President got on Donald J. Trump??
Pomeo, and Bolton just said Russia is interfering in the region. ETC.
This Commander in Chief, is running the country like its his buisness and a reality show.
Only history will explain what that relationship is really is. Dimes to donuts, Russia has something good on our President, not to mention Trumps loans from Cyprus, Or Trump is "teeing up a Hotel in Russia" for his new project as he exits the White House. And , of course Putin will have the top floor gratis.
I for one , only hope the Southern District of New York arrests
him first, for at, the very least, for Campaign finance violations...
13
NYT readers apparently would prefer to return to the Cold War, circa 1962, or perhaps go forward to WWIII, rather than accept that Trump won the election and therefore is entitled to fulfill his campaign pledges, one of which was improving U.S. relations with Russia.
2
Trump is lying again! How did Trump know Putin smiled when discussing the Mueller Report over the telephone? Why would he discuss this report with any foreign leader? Trump believes Putin over everyone else. Russia must have some interesting leverage over Trump! Trump wants to restore trade with Russia? He must be joking! His friend in North Korea is making Trump a laughing-stock of the world! Kim had a meeting with Putin before launching his short-range missile. Any collusion?
11
It is obviously traitorous when a president of the USA seeks counsel on his country’s private politics with an outsider—- least of all a ruthless enemy like Putin.
To my mind that IS true collusion and it is well past time that we impeach Trump. We really can’t put it off unless we Americans want an ignorant puppet tyrant running our country.
9
So the president who refused to talk to Robert Mueller about Vladimir Putin, talked to Vladimir Putin about Robert Mueller.
No doubt Trump was eager to report to his boss that he can still fool some of the people all of the time.
17
I am amused that many folks below now want to impeach POTUS on what he said to Putin - on Mueller and other topics.
I give credit to POTUS that he revealed details of his call to Putin which he knows would be pounced upon by his critics.
Many below seem to conclude Mueller asked for impeachment.
Nothing is further from truth.
While Mueller report is the story - I urge folks to read the letter that the special counsel to POTUS, Mr. Emmet Flood sent to AG Barr.
I am no lawyer but it is an extremely well crafted legal argument for all to understand.
Mr. Flood argues to the AG that Mueller violated basic DOJ policy in writing his report - Mr. Flood even challenged Mueller way of investigation.
Mr. Flood argues - as the AG has - it was never the place of Mueller to "exonerate" POTUS. And Mueller violated basic prosecutorial principles by discussing charges in Part Ii.
Not that it will matter much to many commenting below.
But POTUS has everyright to conduct talks with anybody he wishes in pursuing goals of America.
I would rather have a POTUS discuss transparently his call to Putin.
I remember heavy critucism POTUS got from his 90 minute "private" meeting with Putin - and he refused to disclose details.
It seems at least to many folks below POTUS can do no right when it comes to Putin.
Since we are almost twenty years into the 21st century, video calling should be the most natural way to talk between two 'friends'.
As natural as "thanks for getting me elected. Can you do it again?
Mountains erode into mole hills ....
If this is our half of the earth and Russia should stay out, then what is the US doing on Russia's side of the earth in the Middle East?
1
Trump thinks Putin and Russian interference in our elections the best thing that happened for him and he’s encouraging Russia to help in 2020.
8
Hiya Vlad!
What should I think?
Also, what new skill do I need this spring to dictate to our American peoples?
5
It sounds absurdly quaint to say it but if any elected democrat were behaving like Trump, the GOP would be going ballistic.
Trump himself would be gleefully tweeting his little thumbs raw.
There'd be endless lock em up chants, red hats, rude nicknames and on and on forever.
13
Was the call on Trump's personal phone with no translator present? I certainly hope the call was recorded as is the law. Is there a record? Did Trump make promises?
So, Putin was laughing. Could it be he was laughing AT Trump.
Even the Beluga whale in Norway knew better than Trump.
8
How can a POTUS feel such "pride" from receiving praise and complements from our nation's most threatening enemy?
If the Devil himself were to compliment Trump, our president would do his bidding … no questions asked. And the religious right solidly supports this PINO? The world has gone bonkers.
8
"Mr. Putin “actually sort of smiled when he said something to the effect that it started off as a mountain and ended up being a mouse. But he knew that because he knew there was no collusion whatsoever.”
There was collusion. But conspiracy was unproved. Muller listed many incidents of collusion between Trump campaign officials and Russians. That is why some are going to prison for lying starting with Michael Flynn who lied to the FBI about what he discussed with the Russian ambassador.
6
If any Democrat had done this the Republicans would have called for a firing squad to exact justice. But for Trump they will remain silent. What hypocrites. Who'd have thought the Republicans would sell their souls to the Russians. They will end up paying a price for their hypocrisy but so will the rest of us!
10
“Mr. Trump said he did not broach the threat of Russian interference in future elections with Mr. Putin.
I don’t care how much you love Trump, that statement should scare you.
10
Trump says it is better to have good relations with Russia ,who interfered in our Elections ,there is 100% proof they did ,he is a conman man saying they never did .Muller report said Russia did interfere so did the FBI,DOJ ,he will destroy our country if no action is taken ,he lies,lies.
5
Trump is simply insane. But what’s new?
Or perhaps he relies on Russia s next election interference to be re-elected. Just as insane.
6
I believe the definition of treason includes giving aid and comfort to the enemy. If Russia wasn't formally our enemy before, I'd sure say they are after our Attorney General issued a Special Counsel's report saying they hacked our election. Calling Putin and saying the investigation was a hoax sure sounds like aid and comfort to the enemy. Grounds for removal, I believe.
9
Trump has just proved the accusations in the Mueller Report of his and Barr’s lies.
How dumb are the Republicans in congress to still have faith in what he says?
7
Trump is acting on behalf of Russia. Once we understand this all his actions become comprehensible
5
Trump’s boss, Vladimir Putin, apparently commanded Trump to call so that he could instruct and rehearse Trump regarding what to say and do next. I’m sure Putin had a copy of the Mueller report weeks ago...
4
This is really scary…..Trump's ego won't allow him to admit Russia meddled, hence he must let Russia off the hook for any blame. To do otherwise would impugn the election results. It's surreal and bizarre, before the realization it's tragic.
What a hot mess.
5
Really don't understand how Trump's supporters get behind this one. To hear them tell it, they're the patriotic ones who love this country more than apple pie and the fourth of July. Vladimir Putin loves this country, too, now. You can bet on that.
7
Trump's conversation with Putin are simply two liars lying to each other. Unlike Trump, however, Putin is a vastly experienced KGB agent whose lies are part of a strategic game plan. He's playing Trump for a fool.
6
So true, and endangering world stability, democracy, peace and security.
Wink, wink: You know Vlad, your "cooperation" is needed. Without your "cooperation" there is a good chance I will not be in the White house to defend you in future. Then you know what is going to happen.
Don't worry about anything. If I am re-elected, even if your "cooperation" is uncovered, you know the routine: we both deny, deny, deny! I have been using that routine on my wives for at least 40 years. It worked like a charm on all of them.
5
The way the base fall for this mans lies, no wonder they were swayed by the manipulation of Russian interference in the election.
Takes a level of gullibility rarely seen on such a scale.
However it shields them from the reality of being in a lawless banana republic.
Making Crime A Probability, the gop.
4
The nation has had a finger poked in our eye. No, two fingers poked in both eyes by two conniving players of misrule.
5
Why is Trump selling our country down the river? Russia interfered in our election in 2016 (see the Mueller Report, which is accepted by the administration, or at least is accepted on some days). And Russia will continue to interfere, into the 2020 election and perhaps beyond if Trump doesn't do anything to stop them. He blamed Obama for not stopping the Russians. Trump said that he has been tougher on Russia than any other president. Yet, he still calls the report on Russian interference in the 2016 election a "Hoax". Is it his ego that prevents him from admitting that the Russian interference did happen, his ego that tells him that if he accepts that Russia interfered that would make his victory over Hillary Clinton perhaps not legitimate. I would like @maggienty to speak to that point. In fact, I believe she already has. Thank you.
6
@Janet Shapiro. Trump is doing it because all Trump cares about is Trump. The question is, why are the Republican Party and so many Americans not only abetting him or staying silent, but even cheering him on as he does the unthinkable: a us president defending and siding with and having friendly phone calls with someone who attacked the United States? But...in theory, if he fibbed about a private, consensual affair, in that case Republicans would demand impeachment?????
2
Mr Trump is either in denial or lying. How can anyone trust a word he says? As a UK spectator, (with our own problem politicians), he has denigrated the Office of the President of the United States. He is due to visit the UK and a majority of the public are pretty unhappy about it because his values do not correspond with those of the UK or any of the well established allies of the United States.
8
It seems that Trump has decided to abandon his responsibility, per his oath of office, to this country in favor of serving his own personal needs.
Although his actions are deeply appalling, what is truly frightening is the "carte blanche" he has received from those who support him to commit these acts of treason.
For treason it surely is when you serve yourself over the country you were dubiously elected to represent.
10
The United States President is siding with, defending, and chatting it up with Putin, a man who ordered an attack on our democracy, while also doing his level best to corrupt, discredit, and demolish our DOJ and people who committed their lives to protecting and defending this country from such attacks. And the Republican Party, of all things, either sits by silently or even abets him. That is how far we have fallen in two short years under Donald Trump and a too powerful, corrupt Republican Party.
9
The situation is dire. It’s so clear what’s happening in plain sight! trump is ignoring the raw evidence of russian meddling, and more than that ... when pressed he denies it. He is recklessly and deliberately doing absolutely nothing to stop the Russian cyber attacks, and more than that ... he eliminated the key role of a cyber-security director while real evidence mounts that russian cyber meddling is proceeding apace at this very moment. And the GOP (ie McConnell) keeps blocking legislation to fund the bolstering of Cyber-attack defenses. WHY? Essentially the GOP is counting on a repeat Russian disruption in the 2020 elections that put them in power in 2016. That’s why. A shift to a truly authoritative regime in the WH is in the making, no question.
10
How can any decent patriotic Republican even stomach supporting this president. Or is it really that there are no true patriots among the Republican ranks... that they are so focused on holding onto their tenuous power that they are willing to openly allow our enemies to continue to interfere and influence not only our elections but our foreign policy and the president of the United States?
9
I have disagreed with the actions of many presidents; both Republicans and Democrats. Donald J. Trump is the first president in my lifetime who embarrassed me and the United States of America. I can only hope that there are republicans in the Congress and White House who share my sense of shame.
8
I think Democratic leaders are woefully misreading their base, and independents, regardless of what the polls say. I am firmly in the camp that says we must begin impeachment hearings because it is the RIGHT thing to do, and not hold off because it’s possible political suicide. If we lose that fight, yes, we descend into authoritarianism. But if we never fight it at all, we will never know if we could have won. If Trump, a demagogue and national security risk, isn’t the person for whom impeachment was explicitly designed, then no one is, and we may as well just throw in the towel now. The stalling and foot dragging by Democrats is maddening. They don’t think we can see what they’re doing?
12
To me, Trump's behavior stopped raising questions a long time ago. Rather, every dreadful, illegal, unethical, and immoral act or utterance only answers questions. We have a perfectly corrupt and criminal president. The only question is whether patriotic people will get off their couches, over their cynicism, and vote him our of office next year. Once that happens the prosecutions can finally begin.
9
Trump didn't discuss Russian interference in our 2020 election since Trump appears to again welcome Russian assistance to aid his re-election effort. Mueller documented the Russian interference with our 2016 election, and he brought indictments against Russians who carried out Putin's orders to interfere. Mueller agreed with the intelligence agencies all of whom concluded that Russia interfered. But Trump ignores Mueller's and the intelligence agency conclusions since he appears willing to subvert our democracy to Putin if it will benefit Trump personally. That is the definition of a traitor.
8
I think I get what’s happening:
1. Putin / Russia wants back all of the income from all of the countries that escaped USSR oppression when the Soviet Bloc collapsed.
2. Putin / Russia was further angered by the former Soviet Bloc Nations aligning to the EU, and NATO, with the USA arming them.
3. Putin / Russia was also angered by the economic rise of China, which transitioned from manufacturing toys and housewares to electronics and arms.
4. Putin / Russia is using cyber-warfare against naive Western countries, including the USA, UK, Spain, and Germany to weaken them from within, by propagandizing them into ultra-Nationalism, and thereby to splitting their “Democratic” alliance.
5. This has resulted in Brexit, the Catalonia lunacy, a divided Germany, and especially the weakening of the USA by (allegedly) getting Donald Trump, a failed Casino-owner and Real Estate investor, who was allegedly refunded by Russian money-laundering, and elected President.
6. With the USA military stifled by Trump’s (alleged) allegiance to Russia, Russia now has an opportunity to securely position nuclear weapons in North Korea, because NK was handed over to Russian influence at the end of the Korean conflict, at the same time that South Korea was aligned with the USA.
7. Presumably, Trump and Kim will declare Peace, and formally end the Korea/American conflict. This will allow Russia to prop NK up as an aligned nuclear power
Americans better think long and hard on these realities.
4
Here's what we're all missing.
When Trump meets with Putin in secret and/or without any advisors, it wouldn't surprise me for a nanosecond that Putin is the one wearing a wire. Everything Trump says becomes instant "kompromat" to be saved for a later date. As the library of compromising information piles up in the Russian computers, the more Trump has to toe their line.
This is a byproduct of Trump's narcissism, naivete and gullibility. Putin knows how to exploit his inherent weaknesses to his own advantage.
6
When does it become a serious question as to whether the President should have his security clearance revoked?
When it becomes a serious question as to whether or not the President can actually be trusted with the nation's secrets, is it tenable he can continue as president? Really?
Pelosi needs to wake up to her constitutional duty here. The gravity of the situation goes well beyond partisan politics.
9
Unbelievable. What a slap in the face to Mueller, his team and our Country. Very unsettling.
6
Who knew constitutional crisis' had so many acts?
I always believed that honest people of character and integrity would stand up to this type of madness in our government.
I am stunned at appeasement within the GOP.
6
This ridiculous president has the gall to claim he was the victim of an illegal investigation into his campaigns possible collusion with Russia and the 2016 election. Even though there were numerous connections between his campaigns people and Russians during the election. Last summer he met with Putin in Finland and in front of television cameras said that he believes Putin over - American intelligence - when he asked Putin if Russia had interfered in our election. And there he is again, yesterday, in front of television cameras, saying that he spoke to Putin but didn't bring up Russian interference in the coming 2020 election cycle. But Democrats staged a coup by launching an illegal investigation (that they had nothing to do with launching). What does this guy have to do to get Republicans to disown him?
4
"DANGER WILL ROBINSON DANGER!" How can any of what just happened today compute? Trump's attitude today displayed in full effect again how delusional his sense of reality is, and his dereliction of duty to the American people. He is not able to separate his self-desire to make the United States of America political system into what exactly made his reality TV show a somewhat successful series. The repercussion of the White House administration and the majority of GOP members in Congress to be complacent and complicit in allowing Trump on this unacceptable behavior does not serve in improving the American peoples' trust in government. Show or not, the consequences to allow this continued behavior shall be disastrous.
It is now easier to see why Trump said that he and President Putin did not discuss the 2016 election meddling, and why he still can not condemn Russia to stop doing so. As Mueller report states of the systematic fashion Russia took to influence the outcome of the 2016 election, it won't be any different in 2020. It was another display that Trump needs Russia's assistance to perhaps win the 2020 election. If Trump can agree that Mueller's report is now a mouse, his vainness in the moment forgot its close relative 'the rat' are quite capable rodents. Perhaps we have a Ratatouille scenario ahead of us?
To quote National Lampoon's Van Wilder, "Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive", the word 'life' can be exchanged with 'denying'. Just so obvious.
1
The Mueller Report revealed that the Russians had spent $100,000 on Facebook ads prior to the 2016 election. Don’t forget that the total amount that was spent between the two parties in the 2016 election was around $5 billion. Now I am not a professor in mathematics or statistics, but when I do a comparison of the amount spent by the Russians on the election compared to the amount spent by the Republican and Democratic parties, it works out to 0.002%. I am trying to forget the statistics that I learned in University, so I will not attempt to work out the probability of the Russians “hacking” the US election, but one would probably have a better chance of winning the lottery. It is not as though there are a lack of reasons to attack Trump and the Republican Party with their war crimes, crimes against humanity, and their attacks on democratic rights, but for collaborating with Vladimir Putin? Give me a break! When I was young my older brother gave me the best advice of my life: always trust in logic before anything else.
3
It is unlikely Trump had no interpreter. That interpreter should be subpoenaed by Congress.
3
Like the famous satiric New Yorker "Map of the World" cover -- most of its area covered by downtown Manhattan, with Japan and Asia only tiny blips on the periphery -- Trump's map of his world is dominated by himself.
The next largest area is a surrounding cluster of adoring rally crowds, sycophants, flattering dictators, Trump properites, and bags of money.
In a smaller area outside that is a sprinkling of angry groups of haters, their faces red with rage and green with envy of his talents, beauty, success and wealth.
Then, in a very tiny space in the margins, if you look closely, are America and the rest of the world.
4
Trump can have talks with Putin, but not with Mueller. He believes Putin more than his own intelligence officers. What an upside down situation.
5
When history looks back on this time of turmoil in our country, it will not be kind to the Republicans in the House and the Senate who enabled Donald Trump's presidency.
Future generations - our children - will be bewildered at how people in elected office stood by and looked the other way when Donald Trump stomped all over the Constitution, when he gutted our institutions, when he cozied up to our enemies.
Trump's conversation with Vladimir Putin was despicable and frightening at the same time. Not a word about Russia meddling in our elections. Not a word! Is this not treason?
3
I am sorry, but you cannot believe a single thing this man says. He should be arrested for lying. Nothing he says ever squares with reality. Why it is even reported is a question, especially when it is uncorroborated.
It is the externalization of a bizarre inner world that is being forced on others, but in some cases welcomed, for the personal gains that are made, in spite of the moral sacrifices. These, too, speak in unison about an alternate reality, and may be equally dangerous as Trump to democracy.
Barr is the perfect example of a government gone wrong, and it would probably appropriate to impeach this man, starting now. Why wait? There are x number of investigations in progress that have been spun off of the Mueller investigation, and Barr refuses to recuse himself. We have no idea about the ramifications of that, but surely it cannot be good.
4
There were enough topics to discuss with Putin. Non interference in Venezuela, denuclearization in North Korea, disarmament come to mind.
Normally, such telephone calls need not be made public or even mentioned publicly, being covered by executive privilege.
The mention that they discussed the Russia collusion hoax, and the one hour length, were Trump's pure trolling of those folks who had the Russia hoax delusion. And, judging by the foaming rage in most comments here, the trolling succeeded beyond expectations.
Expect more of the same.
Trump claims to be patriot to the US but discusses blatant election interference by Russia. If Trump has/had any patriotism whatsoever he would not even entertain the thought of discussing the Mueller Report with Putin and/or PROVEN Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump went way beyond that and talked to the perpetrator directly as if Putin didn't know and had nothing to do with the interference. It is traitorous and treasonous to do so. This is a solid grounds for impeachment.
2
The man can only do one thing - hustle. And he's hustling Vlad for some more of that election interference that worked so well in 2016. He's doing it in plain sight and the GOP Senate has chosen to support Trump and Putin, and not our Constitution and Democracy.
6
(To paraphrase JFK on going to the moon): Trump needs to be impeached -- not because the impeachment trials will be easy; but because it will be hard. Truth is hard. Duty is hard. Oaths to God are hard. Forget about 2020. Give the people the truth and trust them. Force the Republican Senate in the light of day to reject the truth, neglect their duty to serve country over party, and break their oath of office.
4
Is Trump's phone call with Putin an actual impeachment dare?
All of our intelligence agencies and the Mueller Report confirm that Russia attacked this country by interfering in our elections. Now Trump phones up Putin and has a good laugh about the whole thing. If this is not the definition of giving comfort to our enemy, I don't know what is. It's as if Trump is trying to goad the Democrats into impeaching him.
Clearly Trump's unwillingness to protect our country is sufficient grounds for impeachment should the House care to proceed in that direction.
5
Utter madness. And it took almost exactly one century.
2
The one and the only reason that Putin supports Trump is that Trump is an isolationist - comes to Europe, threatens with tariffs, wants Europe to pay for its own defense and wants out of Europe in most alliances and the rest of it all.
Since forever, Russia hoped for warm water ports
in Europe. Mr Trump is a blessing for Russia.
Another oil pipeline, another gas pipeline and from Iceland through western and eastern Europe and around the corner to China and the rest of Asian ports and eventual partnerships; and, where does that leave the United States ?
3
Talking to a foreign adversary about internal governmental matters is so inappropriate on its face that it should offend every single American citizen.
Trump has no sense of dignity, propriety, responsibility to our nation, or respect for us as citizens or for our country.
He is unhinged mentally, morally, and ethically.
7
Earlier this week Pompeo said Maduro was ready to surrender Venezuela, but Putin stopped him from fleeing. Today Trump tells us he doesn’t believe Putin wants to get involved? Do Trump and Pompeo not speak?
4
Why would you expect trump to do anything about potential Russian help to his election in 2020 when he benefited so much from their help in 2016. Trump will never admit that there was any Russian help - whether he knew it or not - because it question's his legitimacy. He just is not man enough to admit any fault or weakness. His continued denial of any Russian election hacking or help is problematic in many ways for our system. There is no logical excuse for him other than that he wanted it to happen.
3
The evidence of Russian interference in U.S. elections is a fact beyond any doubt. Any American president would and should act upon that towards Russia, with extreme prejudice. Trump does not. He himself now delivers through his chats with Poetin that there had been collusion, followed by obstruction. Trump is far more dangerous for his country than Nixon ever was. He is Russia’s horse of Troy.
5
Trump, the most conflict attracted president in our lifetime does not bring up Russian interference in the 2016 election as described by the Mueller report. Why would Trump go conflict avoidance now? Scared to death of Putin? Groveling for his approval? Pick either one and it’s a sorry state of affairs in the good ole USA in 2020.
4
DJT would never get away with this behavior if Republicans in congress were upholding their sworn duty to protect this country.
They don’t, ergo he will.
2
Here we go again. Five minutes conversation with his good buddy Putin, and it’s as if past, ongoing, AND future Russian interference in our elections is but a dream. Never mind the sober conclusions of every US intel agency as well as the Mueller investigation. Trump has looked deep into Putin’s eyes and all he sees are dollar signs.
6
Probably the most non-partisan gesture of all would be to smile and nod whenever DJT says something is good. In the meantime, the rest of the bunch are headed for the hills.
There’s two ways to look at this. Backward or forward. Backward means treating Putin as an enemy, punishing him, focusing on wrongdoing in our election, Venezuela, etc. Forward means letting your Vice President and national security advisor deliver the harsher rhetoric (which they did) and use your time to discuss constructive ideas on making the world a better place, like reducing the world’s nuclear weapons, and stabilizing Syria, denuclearization of North Korea. Trump wants to get things done. That’s what it means to have a businessman as president. Onward.
1
We are being governed by an immature , mentally unbalanced, vicious, self serving, corrupt, immoral. money, and power grabbing 6 year old without a conscience.
The horrifying fact is that a good sized portion of our country doesn't seem to mind.
4
Mr. Trump needs to resign. His ego cannot let him see the influence of Russia in his election efforts. We hoped Trump would have warned Putin to stay out of the 2020 elections. That apparently did not happen. The time for a leadership change is approaching. Vote like the future of our nation depends in it, it does.
3
I have despised this guy since the '80s, and that will not change.
Let's see what happens with gullible voters and true Americans.
5
Really, the House must impeach. Let the onus fall on the Senate Republican leader to let Trump off the hook for his betrayals and lies.
6
Did anyone else listen to their conversation? What secrets might Donald Trump pass along? Did they also discuss potential Russian real estate projects?
3
Exactly. We only know what the dishonest resident in the Oval said he talked about with the leader of a foreign adversary. This would not be the first time he lied to the American people.
3
Regardless of your position on the Muller report based upon the how the Democrats and Republicans are going after each othe the Russians are winning. Their standing back and laughing at the disfunction and upheaval of our government.
1
"DANGER WILL ROBINSON DANGER!" How can any of what just happened today compute? Trump's attitude today displayed in full effect again how delusional his sense of reality is, and his dereliction of duty to the American people. He is not able to separate his self-desire to make the United States of America political system into what exactly made his reality TV show a somewhat successful series. The repercussion of the White House administration and the majority of GOP members in Congress to be complacent and complicit in allowing Trump on this unacceptable behavior does not serve in improving the American peoples' trust in government. Show or not, the consequences to allow this continued behavior shall be disastrous.
It is now easier to see why Trump said that he and President Putin did not discuss the 2016 election meddling, and why he still doesn’t condemn Russia to stop doing so. As Mueller report states of the systematic fashion Russia took to influence the outcome of the 2016 election, it won't be any different in 2020. It was another display that Trump needs Russia's assistance to perhaps win the 2020 election. If Trump can agree that Mueller's report is now a mouse, his vainness in the moment forgot its close relative 'the rat' are quite capable rodents. Perhaps we have a Ratatouille scenario ahead of us?
To quote National Lampoon's Van Wilder, "Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive.” The word 'life' can be exchanged with 'denying'. Just so obvious.
2
"DANGER WILL ROBINSON DANGER!" How can any of what just happened today compute? Trump's attitude today displayed in full effect again how delusional his sense of reality is, and his dereliction of duty to the American people. He is not able to separate his self-desire to make the United States of America political system into what exactly made his reality TV show a somewhat successful series. The repercussion of the White House administration and the majority of GOP members in Congress to be complacent and complicit in allowing Trump on this unacceptable behavior does not serve in improving the American peoples' trust in government. Show or not, the consequences to allow this continued behavior shall be disastrous.
It is now easier to see why Trump said that he and President Putin did not discuss the 2016 election meddling, and why he still doesn’t condemn Russia to stop doing so. As Mueller report states of the systematic fashion Russia took to influence the outcome of the 2016 election, it won't be any different in 2020. It was another display that Trump needs Russia's assistance to perhaps win the 2020 election. If Trump can agree that Mueller's report is now a mouse, his vainness in the moment forgot its close relative 'the rat' are quite capable rodents. Perhaps we have a Ratatouille scenario ahead of us?
To quote National Lampoon's Van Wilder, "Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive.” The word 'life' can be exchanged with 'denying'. Just so obvious.
1
It is better to start at the beginning to understand our President Trump. He knew he was being spied on early in the game. Trying to get inside President Trump's "head" would require one to being in the middle of a firing squad trying to take you out 24 hours a day. So, unless you have walked in Donald Trump's shoes, yes, of course, there would be no way you could understand him.
Trump is a confident man. He, in no way colluded with the Russians or anyone else. The real criminals are our very own people who tried desperately to impeach Mr. Trump on weak crimes and blatant lies. As Trump stated, this will never happen to another sitting president.
President Trump is his own man and speaks his own language. The American people relate to him and more importantly they trust him. Mr. Trump will win in a landslide victory in 2020 because he has earned it. While he was making American strong and healthy again, the democrats were spying, lying, screaming, swearing, "impeaching," and not doing the people's work to approve solving serious issues on our borders. Americans will remember WHY never was accomplished in the House and they will do something about that soon. It would be productive to elect President Trump in 2020 with a deep republican congress.
Simple question.
Why is Trump having private non-memorialized phone calls with Putin?
Something is very wrong when the US President conducts foreign policy and international relations as if he has a BFF who is the President of Russia.
4
"DANGER WILL ROBINSON DANGER!" How can any of what just happened today compute? Trump's attitude today displayed in full effect again how delusional his sense of reality is, and his dereliction of duty to the American people. He is not able to separate his self-desire to make the United States of America political system into what exactly made his reality TV show a somewhat successful series. The repercussion of the White House administration and the majority of GOP members in Congress to be complacent and complicit in allowing Trump on this unacceptable behavior does not serve in improving the American peoples' trust in government. Show or not, the consequences to allow this continued behavior shall be disastrous.
It is now easier to see why Trump said that he and President Putin did not discuss the 2016 election meddling, and why he still doesn’t condemn Russia to stop doing so. As Mueller report states of the systematic fashion Russia took to influence the outcome of the 2016 election, it won't be any different in 2020. It was another display that Trump needs Russia's assistance to perhaps win the 2020 election. If Trump can agree that Mueller's report is now a mouse, his vainness in the moment forgot its close relative 'the rat' are quite capable rodents. Perhaps we have a Ratatouille scenario ahead of us?
To quote National Lampoon's Van Wilder, "Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive.” The word 'life' can be exchanged with 'denying'. Just so obvious.
1
Now that he has, with the help of sychophantic enablers within the administration and the nearly endless support of Rupert Murdoch (an Aussie) via Fox News, Trump appears to be pretending that he really is "totally exhonorated" and nearly omnipotent. Just like his buddy Vlad. Perhaps the phone call is the first bit of evidence in the collusion for interference of 2020.
This union of ours is in serious trouble.
3
This is a new and scary era of American/Russian relations. Harry Truman told Stalin to his face, “Don’t lie to us”.Reagan declared that Gorbachev must “tear down this wall” and coined the famous mantra, “trust but verify”. We now have Trump ignoring the warnings of our own intelligence community which says emphatically that the Russians attacked our 2016 election and are still engaging in cyber destruction.Never, ever would we have believed that a president could ignore the safety of our own country to be friendly with a dictator who has blood on his hands and is instructing his intelligence service,the old KGB, to attack America.The Republicans in Congress need to stop abetting this dangerous behavior and call it for what it is-cooperating with the Russians who are attacking us.
4
This is just Trump giving us the middle finger. However, I wonder if any of the Republicans in Congress are at all uncomfortable with this phone conversation for which there are absolutely no notes. Lindsey Graham twisted himself into a pretzel defending Trump before the House's Judicial Committee.
So does anybody remember the Republican witch hunt many years ago to root out Russian communists in our government? Republicans in Congress have short but convenient memories.
4
Trump's extolling his conversation with Putin and championing him as a validating source to claim that the Mueller report is a hoax presents the democrats with a gaping breach to attack Trump. Can we imagine Kennedy accepting Kruschev's word that the Soviets's were not introducing missiles into Cuba. Can we imagine Reagan ("Tear down this wall Mr. Gorbachov.") accepting the Soviets assurance that the DDR was not under the iron fist of of the Russian army and Stasi. Kennedy and Reagan were men of patriotic integrity who put the welfare of the United States above self-serving personal chicanery. Trump's behavior approaches that of a cowardly traitor to our democratic republic. Joe, Bernie, Elizabeth, Kamala, et al call him out for the despicable corrupter he is.
3
Hello? Is this thing on? Is nobody else seeing this? Trump is colluding with Russia–as he would text–IN PLAIN SIGHT! He's convinced that if he is blatant in his actions, he'll get away with them. And guess what? I think he's right. Republicans won't do a thing and Democrats will just wring their hands to no effect. This Democracy is truly laughable...and then I cry.
4
According to the president, the Mueller Report was an illegal witch hunt before it could find no collusion. Then it was a fine report. Then it didn't exonerate fully on obstruction so now, despite clear evidence and indictments, Mr. Trump says the investigation of Russian interference was a hoax.
If I were making these crazy statements, someone would carry me off to the home for the bewildered.
133
I’m less concerned with the trump circus side show because it will eventually end, but more concerned with putin misreading his actual influence in this country during that side show then committing a fatal action on that belief that forces our military to respond and we suddenly find ourselves in WW3.
43
I see 2 things to be very worried about:
1) the Trump circus has packed the federal courts with 100 right-wing judges — and more to come. That part of the circus will be with us for decades, making decisions like the recent Washington DC appeals court ruling that government can prefer religion over non belief (Barker v Conroy).
2) too many meetings and phone calls have not been officially recorded, transcribed, or summarized; therefore, documentation is not available for the historical record, and limitations are placed on our ability to hold the Trump administration accountable.
2
140 documented contacts with the Russians by Trump campaign during the elections. Criminal prison sentences by some of his top aids, and this was a Hoax? He goes to Putin for affirmation that they did not get involved? He loved Wiki leaks during the campaign and asked them to keep the dirt flowing and now he can't remember who wikileaks is? This is the man with over 10,000 documented lies? This is the man we put in charge of our precious country?
138
Putin is honored of himself on what he did with America. It is unbelievable that how no one in this country cares when this so-called president reports to Putin every once in a while the most classified info (that Americans must not know). God bless America!
36
At what point does this behavior become treason and a violation of his oath of office?
134
@gfgarner
At the point when the citizenry peacefully rise up and demand our elected representatives hold him accountable for those things.
5
@gfgarner
It already is treason, we are just stupid and going along with it.
7
It's the enablers in the Republican party that created this monster that will eventually destroy everything American stands for. Make American Great Again? Get rid of Trump!
97
@ZAO WANG
Also get rid of his enablers.
4
Anyone who has had personal experience with an extreme narcissist understands that their psyches are extremely primitive. You are not going to get anywhere by challenging them or pointing out the "truth", Because they refuse to play by the rules and delight by both denying obvious facts and slyly admitting that those facts are indeed true, they push reasonable people to extremes. There are not solutions in this but to vote for someone else and try, as hard as this may be, to go high when he goes low. That's it.
45
Trump may not be a Russian minion, but he certainly knows he needs all the help he can get to be re-elected. And the GOP, against all common sense, has thrown in their lot with Trump.
The fact that this administration refuses to grapple with Russisn meddling, much less even admit it exists, is a national embarrassment. There could be only one reason for doing so: a party and leader who have sought to so divide our nation, preferring an animated base of less than 50% of our polity, will need Russian expertise to remain in office. In essence, love of power will "trump" love of country. And why not? For Trump, intense narcissistic adulation from a motivated base has led to his disdain for country, our institutions and even those men and women who insure we sleep soundly at night. His very existence in office dishonors us in every way imaginable. A long nightmare without end.
69
It is difficult to acknowledge, but the President of the United States is a security risk. Just how much longer can our nation take this? Trump has never had the intellectual capacity for this monumental position. We will pay for his presidency on many levels.
104
@Diane
We the People are already paying for this presidency and we will be paying for it decades into the future — if we can keep our democracy that long.
It would be nice if Trump colluded with the Americans for a change. In his election victory speech he said, "I will be president for all Americans." Of all his thousands of lies, that was perhaps the biggest.
97
Thusfar, when Democratic candidates are asked about Trump and Russia, they demure and say that voters aren't asking them about it on the campaign trail.
I see over 1500 comments here, mostly expressing outrage that Trump is conspiring in plain sight in enabling the Russians to interfere in our elections. How much will it take for the Dem candidates to start hearing us?
I honestly don't know whether impeachment or the vote is the most effective recourse here. All I know that we need to be heard and that big crowds in public spaces tend to be noticed more than comment boards. It's time to organize.
65
The fast food industry has just been leapfrogged by our intelligence agencies as the most demoralizing and thankless places to work.
I hope the benefits are good.
27
Russia's oligarchic form of government where just a small number of people hold a majority of the wealth does not appear to be working for the Russian economy and its people. They have an income gap like we have in the U.S.
Even though Russia is classified as a high income economy by the World Bank and is a member of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The BRICS are defined by the World Bank and the IMF as the next group of global superpowers with the potential to surpass existing economic champions.
However, Russia's wealth is concentrated in oil and natural gas. They have the largest proven reserve of petroleum in the World. This dependence on oil and natural gas also puts the Russian economy in the position of flaming out (no pun intended) as the World wakes up to the realities of global warming/climate change. In short they have no realistic long term strategy for the future of the Russian economy.
I sense a short term strategy of the U.S. and Russia to increase the price of oil which will benefit the oil, natural gas industries in both Russia and the U.S.
The latest move by the U.S. to raise the price of oil to head off the market response to climate change and the resultant decline in demand for oil and natural gas was causing the U.S. to loose out on the fracking and other enhanced oil recovery is the driver for the climate change denial and renewed effort to produce more oil.
It is not a good long-range strategy for both economies.
18
@james jordan
Astutely noted and 100% accurate.
Trump's pro-Russian policies are costing Americans more each time they start their engines.
3
What exactly can the USA gain from being 'good friends' with the Russian Government ? Trade? Only small. Help with any world issue places like North Korea? Venezuela? China? Ex- Yugoslavia? They repeatedly add oil to any fires. Obama was correct, Russia is a third rate power, so it spends its smallish energy to make itself look important; meddling wherever it can. This is what they did during the 50 years of the Cold War, meddle on the cheap. Sometimes it works.
33
A glamorous silver hotel of course.
2
The question is not what can the United States gain, rather the question is what can a builder who always wanted to build in Moscow gain.
2
Wink, nod, wink. Both men are indulging in public theatre to deny what has been proven by Robert Mueller and his staff- that Russia interfered in the 2016 election and made just enough difference to elect Trump. Trump owes Putin and is pandering to him in order to put himself in good stead to be allowed to build the Moscow Trump Tower after he leaves office. This will be Trump's pinnacle of achievement and the memorial he will never get in America.
32
I remember a time when Republicans would have stumbled over one another demanding that anyone purposefully compromising U.S. national security or clear national interest with Russia, be charged with treason and, if found guilty, exchanged for spies in Russian prisons or quickly executed. My how times have changed.
102
@mike4vfr AG Barr and the IG will be outing these individuals indeed. Just wait a few months...
3
So Novoad, doesn’t Trump prove the point everyday, with his treasonous behavior, that all of those investigations are warranted?
4
@novoad, Trump doesn’t need “outing.” He’s conspiring in plain sight.
2
Because the supposedly qpolitical Bob Mueller needed a scalp, the wholly uninvolved, unaccused George Papadopoulos did actually serve time in prison.
Mueller and his team have dirt on their hands in the opinion of a swath of American voters over the fates of George Papadopoulos and General Flynn and his family.
While I'd love to see a president threaten rooster Putin and his devlining third-world backwater, he/they will come in handy when the time arrives for transiting various military loads and vehicles to end the coming conflict with the Hans running Beijing.
1
@The Observer
I’m missing your point.
28
@T. Monk
I miss my own points rather often. Wow, I was in a hurry.
While my sense of justice says, ''Punish Putin for his messing with our country!'' I must admit we'll be needing a bit of help from him when the coming conflict with China gets seriously REAL.
@T. Monk, that's because there wasn't one. It seems The Observer had his eyes closed and hasn't been paying attention.
1
How can the trumplicans possibly think this is a good thing?
Forget that many of them are on the take in one way or another from Russian NRA donations to business dealings in their home states (see "steel in Kentucky").
Just the sheer audacity of spending an hour on the phone with the guy who put him in office is flaunting his "power" to the Nth degree.
I know all the reasons for hesitation on impeaching him. But we're now starting to see a megalomaniac in full stride.
They have to know this spoiled child has to be stopped.
This can't be good for America in any way, shape or form.
56
It's truly telling how dumbed down this country has become than a complete and utter con-man is President.
The Decline and Fall of the American Empire continues to accelerate.
83
@JeffPutterman At this point, the GOP would elect Donald the Duck as long he shouted MAGA!
2
So Trump can discuss the Mueller report with his best bud Putin, but neither the Congress nor the American public may see it in full. What say you now, William Barr? Give us your legal wisdom about the current situation. What? Putin is not Jerry Nadler? Got it.
63
That’s our president...making Russia great again...
61
Trump claims Putin isnt looking to get involved in North Korea and Venezuela, yet Russia has stationed weapons in Venezuela and just had Kim Jong Un for a visit. Why do reporters not call him out with these facts when he lies like this?
52
@gretab
Oddly, when Trump likes someone he cannot imagine that that person doesn't like him as well. And why would someone who likes him so much lie to him.
If he was not so dangerous Trump would be a joke.
2
@gretab Russia is being handed the keys from Trump to open more doors all over the world. As the US threatens and puts sanctions on some countries Russia and China and even North Korea fill the gaps. Who is advising Trump or I guess more to the point why doesn't he listen??? Fox News and it sister news here in Australia Sky News will be ridiculing anyone who dares to disagree with their hero Trump. We can either bang our heads on the brick wall or drink more wine.
1
@gretab, Trump doesn't answer their questions and calls the reporters who ask the hard questions "rude" and only calls on reporters who soft ball him. Watch the video.
This story is missing a word that reared it’s ugly head in this call. And that word is treason.
Giving comfort to the enemy after we have been attacked is treason.
And that is exactly what has happened here. Trump told Putin that our FBI perpetrated a hoax and sided with him over our own investigative agencies. Charge him, impeach him, and arrest him while he awaits trial.
62
Yes, but as DJT’s defense att’y Wm Barr pointed out, it was done openly so it can’t be a crime.
1
Off the charts. This guy is setting the country back years. He might as well invite him to the White House for dinner and drinks embarrassing
26
We really need to impeach this man. We are in serious danger.
51
Germany was an enlightened country with an educated and sophisticated population but succumbed to der leader's xenophobia and his hypnotic speech delivery blaming all the ills on a minority non-aryan(white) population. He promised to make the country great again and reverse all the treaties and agreements made by prior leaders and free the country to greatness.
Sound familiar? History tends to repeat itself to those who do not know it and are therefore unprepared to prevent the repeat.
61
Ps. If the Dems were smart (big if), they would access the FOX interview from yesterday and create a spot....and back him into a corner. Force him to ratchet up his language against Russia. (He won’t do it, but it will be speak volumes.)
Fox interviewer: “Have you been tough on Putin?”
Trump: “I think so.”
When has Trump ever provided such a weak answer?
He isn’t smart. Just use his words against him. His insecurities will roar thru.
27
In “All the President’s Men,” Washington Post editor Ben Bradley (Jason Robards) states to Bernstein and Woodward near the end of the movie that half the country hadn’t even heard of Watergate. Further, all that was riding on the article that Bernstein and Woodward were writing was the First Amendment and the future of a democratic United States.
Today, we have a greater threat in Trump because the people of the United States have no idea how deep the alleged conspiracies are in the fabric of our government.
Clearly, Trump’s announcement today that he spoke with Putin for over an hour is frightening. Nothing was said about Russian attacks on our electoral system. Trump wants better relationships with Russia. Well, Russia, get out of Venezuela, Syria, and the sovereign country of Georgia, and stop interfering in our elections.
We can’t trust Trump nor his administration, nor the Repubican party to lead. The economy is doing well and THAT is the slippery slope. Once we head down that slope, we become a modern example of 1930’s Nazi Germany.
The United States must prepare quickly for cyber war, and the nation needs to be put on war footing.
Democrats, socialists, social democrats, moderates of all stripes must step up now. Congress must lead the way. Chairman Nadler, Barr should be ordered to produce the unredacted Mueller by tomorrow; or the contempt citation is issued Sunday and enforced Monday. The Republicans can’t be allowed to run out the clock.
41
From the report: "...the investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities."
Seriously, time to move on. Trump talking to Putin is no more of a crime than the famous open mic discussion Obama had regarding Vlad. Just let it go and move on.
3
The 448 page report cannot be summarized in one line. There’s all kinds of evidence of bad behavior by Trump in the Mueller report.
What do you think of the fact that Trump still refuses to even acknowledge that Russia interfered in the election?
2
Proof beyond a reasonable doubt for a CRIMINAL conviction. The campaign was clearly coordinating with the trump tower meeting, but they couldn’t prove criminal intent.
That’s a low bar for a presidential campaign.
Paul Manafort had Rick Gates send internal (not public) polling data as well as which states were battleground states for MONTHS to Kilimnik, knowing it would be forwarded to deripaska and beyond. They knew it was wrong because they were using WhatsApp and deleting each sent transmission.
3
Yet again, Trump upbraids a black woman journalist -- this time Kristin Welker of NBC. He told her that she was "very rude" for trying to get a question in. Other reprters were also shouting questions, but only Welker sustained his verbal attack. Recall his (and Sarah Huckabee Sanders') hostile behavior toward April Ryan of Urban Radio, and Yamiche Alcindor of PBS at whom he snarled that her perfectly legitimate press conference question was "racist." He doesn't even make any mere effort to pretend to respect them, their intelligence and dignity, nor their professionalism.
65
What will it take for the Republican Party to step and take responsibility for the monster they have created.
As a former Republican, it broke my heart when they hauled Palin out as an ill conceived attempt to hook women voters. It was tone deaf and sexist.
Trump - however - was a whole new level. His conduct is treasonous. He is clearly unfit, intellectually and ethically,to lead. The manager of a mid-market paper company would have been fired for the same behavior. Any military officer, who he purports to lead, would have been relieved. Is having "your team" in the White House really worth this national debacle?
45
@K Bloom
To answer your last questions, most Republicans - for reasons not always clear beyond those benefiting the millionaire class - seem to think so.
2
What democracy? That what's I'd like to know. Pundits claim that we (our democratic system) will survive Trump. Enough of the empty idealism and false hopes. The truth is that American democracy has been severely, maybe even mortally wounded by this President, by a Supreme Court that puts corporate interests ahead of individual rights, and by a self-serving, morally corrupt Congress that siphons special-interest "Dark Money" with the same alacrity that a vampire drinks blood.
34
@In These Dark Times
You’re sadly on point.
1
Getting along with Russians, Chinese and North Koreans is a good thing. But going along with these countries is a suicide. I am not sure Trump understands the difference. If you believe Putin, then you are going along with them, not getting along with them. If you are talking to Putin as if our security agencies as the enemy, then you are not going along with them, you are one of them.
37
Donald Trump, in the face of all the assessments of our intelligence agencies, and now the extensive documentation of the Mueller report, all demonstrating Russian interference with the 2016 election, now breezily tells us that it is all a hoax. The Russian effort was in large part an attempt to elect an incompetent American President; Putin has succeeded beyond any hope or expectation he may have had.
Precisely what sort of pathological thought processes lead Mr. Trump to this preposterous conclusion, whether he actually believes it or not, and whether Putin has yet unknown sources of leverage over Trump are relatively immaterial. The President has betrayed America while we are under attack by a deadly adversary.
Plainly the only resolution is Trump's legal removal from office. We had better get on with it.
32
He just called his boss to let him know that the will be late for work on Monday. What's the big deal?
27
@Ambrose Rivers It's probably only because I confuse easily that I have no idea what you're talking about.
What I did was paraphrase something said by David Brooks. You can take the time to watch it on tonight's News Hour program.
Further, what does "FDR handing over Eastern Europe to Stalin" (an extreme characterization of a complex decision made at the end of WWII) have to do with Trump repeatedly kowtowing to Putin and ignoring "crimes" committed against our democratic institutions? How does it relate?
For the record, I may have hastened to attack Donald Trump on May 1, 1989 when he took out an ad calling for the death penalty for the "Central Park Five," who, as you may know, were not guilty. However, since Mr. Trump ascended to the presidency, my attacks on him have been done with deliberation, thoughtfulness, and definitely, without haste.
16
If any representative from any 2020 presidential campaign meets with Russian officials or individuals that are tied to Putin, I would EXPECT the FBI to be doing it's job and watching carefully. What sort of twisted defense is investigating the FBI for doing so? Oh right-that was how Obama wasn't doing enough about the warnings of Russian interference.
The other bizarre cover up for Putin is Trump not objecting or even acknowledging him propping up Maduro in "our hemisphere." (everyone knows we stay out of Putin's hemisphere).
Oh, just a mouse and a smile that Trump can see on the phone-nothing here to see...
11
It is shocking that the President of the U.S. thinks that it is appropriate to share the contents of, and his thoughts about the Mueller Report, with Putin, a clear enemy of the values this country is supposed to stand for. Why is he consulting Putin? What's worse, Trump plays coy about the conversation to the press and public. Trump's constant defense of Putin only reinforces how he is (and probably always was) Putin's Poodle, and this "conversation" is just another session in which Putin gave Trump his next tasks to perform. Rollover, now. beg!
Can we even last until 2021 when the Poodle should be out of office--particularly since Russian interference will be expanded in the next election? Our democracy is in danger...on the precipice...
24
Trump warming up to his offshore team getting ready for 2020.
19
‘Smiling,’ Putin characterizes the Mueller investigation as a mountain that ended up being a mouse? A reference to the Aesop tale, the mountain that gave birth to a mouse?
Is the mouse the Mueller report? Or is it Trump? From Putin’s perspective, I suppose it could be either.
Trump repeating Putin’s talking point on Venezuela, contradicting his Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, is just the latest act of deference Trump shows Putin.
And no mention of possible Russian meddling in the 2020 election? Well, yeah. Why mention it? Russian meddling in 2016 was all a hoax.
Yeah, Trump’s the mouse.
18
I had to bust out laughing when they said Trump and Putin discussed humanitarian aid to Venezuela.
25
The Gutter Has Come To Power in The Office of The President of The United States!!!
11
So where is the recording or the notes? How is it that the President of the US can have an hour discussion with a leader of a hostile nation and there is no evidence of a transcript of what transpired and what agreements were made? Surely that is evidence of someone unfit to hold the Office. Is he making private side deals without the best interests of the American people in mind? He could have discussed real estate deals for all anyone knows
41
Started as a mountain, ended as a mouse— as in the computer mouse of Russian hackers!
Trump is the Russian hoax.
28
Delusional Donald is so sad.
And the Repubs are pathetic. Party first.
Delusional Donald still does not (and never will) accept the fact that Russia attacked us and did it to ensure he would win.
Having a phone call with America’s attacker, who continues to feed you what you need to hear is sad.
Not taking the opportunity to tell our enemy not to do it again, is criminal if not a deeply unnerving codependent relationship.
Trump will never denigrate Putin. And Putin will never speak ill of Trump. He will simply continue to inflate is ego because he understands that flattery gets you all you need.
63million 1 enablers keeps Delusional Donald content.
And no....it’s not the economy stupid. Because Without a strong foundation (I.e., co equal branches of government), the whole house of cards will simply collapse.
23
Trump’s paranoia (regarding his electoral win gained thru the beneficence of Russian interference) places our democracy in a direct collision course with his insatiable need for displays of gross public affirmation. Trump is small, pathetic, paranoid, lacks any critical thinking skills and those are his good qualities. He needs to be removed from office before his damage is irreversible.
22
Trump works for Putin because of $loans and $payments to Trump. End of story.
25
Delusional doesn’t begin to describe the mindset of Putin and Trump.
7
And they both had a good laugh?
15
Trump consults his 2020 campaign advisor for 1 hour. Then he takes a break to watch Fox news.
29
Trump just gave Putin what he's been looking for since the fall of the USSR - a warm water port in the Caribbean Sea.
20
Trump will destroy every department in the federal government, execute severe retaliation against any person who defies him, spread lie after lie that innocent citizens believe because of his position and ultimately destroy the entire country to get reo-elected and completely decimate the peace and harmony of each of us who care for the next 4 years.
Fox News is his megaphone. The Republican Congress, Supreme Court and Cabinet are his protectors. I hope that country leaders have the guts to put a stop to him or he will run right over them too.
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/07/17/dnc-server-hack-russia-trump-2016-219017
25
When you're feeling guilty about something, you want to check in with others involved to make sure you get your stories straight. So Trump calls Putin to make sure they are both on the same page. As far as I am concerned this is another example of collusion between the so-called president who lives in the White House and his buddy in Russia.
27
At what point does all these Trump "high crimes and misdemeanors" trigger media reporting as such and Democrats' grounds for impeachment?
How much will take? Bolton has already waged war on Venezuela and has Iran and North Korea in his sights.
Stop the madness! Impeach now!
20
The Vietnam Wall Memorial in DC is etched with thousands of names of those that were killed by Russias artillery-Seems the GOP have forgotten this or they are to ignorant to know-I wonder if DT has ever visited the Wall? I would just about the bet farm, the answer is no-
17
Absolute proof that the whole idea of a “deep state” is hogwash. You think the sort of cold warriors who allegedly pull the strings behind the scenes would tolerate this sort of traitorous behavior?
16
Sorry if this is repetitive, but what if the people keeping information below Oval Office level are also determining how “we” respond in every situation? Maybe the only times actual trumpisms become public are when he’s careening his way through a speech or the backroom handlers agree with him. I don’t think Putin is IN the backroom, but people in there probably have philosophical and phinancial ties to him
Trump has just thumbed his nose at the majority of the American people following AG Barr's lies to Congress & calling the Mueller investigation a "Russian Hoax" to Putin. Until & unless the public march in protest on all the streets of the US, this man, devoid of all shame & guilty of an ethical void beyond most people's comprehension, will be installed once again in 2020. Putin will see to it.
21
If the phone call with Putin really did take place, I cannot even start to imagine how amused Putin was/is.
7
Sure! Trump had to hear from his boss, Putin, about what Putin’s plans are for Venezuela and strategize for the 2020 elections. No need for clandestine “adoption” meetings with Don, Jr. and the criminally disgraced Maria Butina. Let the chaps now brazenly talk amongst themselves now that it will really be nearly impossible to re-address collusion.
I am sick to my stomach that, like shampooing, we will have a rinse and repeat cycle of the election fraud of 2016 and the Legislative Branch just stands by impotent.
17
Discussing information that required redaction before its release to our Congress with a foreign leader is treason in my book. Removal from office is now necessary to ensure our security.
21
Putin “smiled” during the call? This small detail shows how Trump lies compulsively to make himself look good.
20
He came out and said what they talked about. But maybe Democrats want all of his calls with foreign leaders to be on speakerphone. That way they won’t have to go through the bother of getting a FISA warrant to listen in.
1
I truly cannot believe this is happening. Manchurian Candidate anyone? For the good of our country let’s see the puppet’s taxes.
26
"Mouse" is not a word that an American would normally use in comparison to a mountain. I don't speak Russian but the reference to a mouse has a certain Russian flavor to it. I wonder if Vlad's people scripted Trump's remarks.
19
How did we get here? And isn't there a good proportion of the voting citizens who don't even know we are here?
24
So reassuring to know that the Executive Branch is on such an even keel.
Just kidding.
6
Now that Robert Muller has stated that Barr's summary largely misrepresented his findings and Trump's inappropriate communications with Putin. We must do something about the security risk in the White House.
I'm not sure why Democrats (Republicans too for that matter) are sitting on their hands while the country burns down around them. Trump is a real problem that must be addressed. Unlike Dick Nixon who saw the writing on the wall Trump won't leave of his own accord they'll have to force him out of office.
18
Because Trump has bamboozled a large enough base this has to happen?
8
This is rich. Trump is openly disclosing a conversation with the corrupt leader of the country who meddled in our elections. EVERY DAY! Every day we find out more information indicating that our democracy is going down the tubes. I honestly have given up trying to figure out how low we have to sink before the Republicans get on board and kick Trump to the curb. Is there absolutely no bottom here?
23
It's important to have good employer-employee communication
21
Amazing that our troubled neighbor has a Russian Federal Security Service compromised asset in the White House. Unfortunately Trump reflects the values and interests of much of the American people and the US will continue to be a pariah state in the eyes of the really free world that does not deny the popular vote in the election of its President with a slave era Electoral College.
10
Republican Senators have to hear from us, over and over, about how unfit this man is to hold office. He presents us with a new example nearly every day. Today's is egregious! The congress has a legal obligation to uphold and protect the constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Make calls, write emails; demand action. It's the least we can do.
17
Totally transparent . . . except that he would not sit down for an interview with Mr Mueller's staff. Why does America bother listening to a word that this man says?
25
The fact remains that Putin has nothing the US needs. They offer no exports of value. Their economy is in shambles, held up by hype from Putin. Their housing dates back to WW1 and before. The people work endless hours for shameful wages. Trump has no business engaging in a 90 minute phone call. You can bet it was all about their business interests and not anything of international value.
19
... and this master of deception strikes again... Dare you explain this failure....North Korea Launches Short-Range Missile, South Says
5
IF the Senate Republicans were convinced Trump had no chance of prevailing in 2020—
It might make sense to them to remove Trump (all they have to do is give the House Democrats the go-ahead).
Pence would certainly continue with their agenda, particularly judicial appointmens, and they could then open their primary field for 2020 and claim they stopped Trump when he overreached.
7
Trump is walking on air now that he has talked to his hero, but he looks like he hasn't slept much in anticipation of the conversation. No, Trump didn't mention the sweeping and systematic election interference that his best friend was/is responsible for directing. Why would he? But he did talk about many, many good things and it was a very good talk and tonight he hopes he'll dream that someday he will be as strong and powerful as Putin.
10
Wow! I just feel warm all over! What could be more reassuring than for these two fine world leaders to assure us all that Russia wasn't involved in helping elect Donald Trump to the Presidency and that The Prima Donald isn't grateful for that help and doesn't look forward to additional assistance in 2020. If things work out for The Donald to have a second term, perhaps they can hope for America to have the same free and fair elections, Putin holds in Russia.
14
Venezuela will prove once and for all who is in charge. There are already signs of Trump caving in and trumpeting that Russia (er, Putin) wants what is best for Venezuela and so does the USA. Really? Then why did Russia stop Maduro’s exile? Those loyal to the USA are now infighting in the Administration. Trump will do whatever Putin says and the USA will be looked upon as a joke. How far down we come. Never in my life did I ever think we’d lose our standing like this. And yet Trump’s base believes his every word.
15
Just simply unbelievable. Each new day I wonder how much worse it will get with Trump at the helm. I am getting old and this is certainly not the America I grew up in. Call to arms soon? I worry for my children.
33
We cannot afford NOT to begin hearings on Impeachment of Trump. He betrays America & endangers our democracy and the rule of law. Leaving Trump in place in the White House is completely unacceptable.
17
To call the interference in our election by a foreign power a "hoax" despite direct evidence across the board to the contrary is a direct violation of Trump's oath to protect the country against all enemies foreign and domestic, and he should be immediately impeached.
20
Putin chose to support trump because 1) he expected favors in return, 2) probably had compromising information on him and/or 3) in any case trump, as president, would damage the fabric of democracy. That said, in the next election perhaps Putin will abandon trump at an inconvenient time and swing the election to the Dems. Remember, Putin’s real goal is to destroy the US. What better way than to make trump lose, then to declare the election void and declare martial law. Maybe trump would refuse to step down. He’d get full GOP support for sure. Next step would be to get trump’s wacky base to grab their guns and come support him. Next stop, US civil war II.
6
This relationship just keeps getting better and better. Does dear Vladimir play golf? If so, I can picture him and Donald enjoying a long weekend of laughs and comradeship at Mar-a-Lago in the near future. Lindsey Graham would, of course, make the perfect caddy for this twosome.
9
The hoax is on us.
9
Russia, if you’re listening... please release the P tapes. CIA joint Chiefs of staff’s, if you’re listening ....can you please restore order this mess? this is embarrassing.
Can anyone take a far out lens, and look at what is happening to our democracy, to the rule of law, to order, to diversity? this is absurd..,,
15
Everyone, us, the NYTimes, the media have to stop talking about trump in any way that normalizes him;he is not normal & his goals are what he said "president for life? that sounds good to me, "in love with Kim" but had to pay millions in medical bills;we saw Kim look in the camera last time with that quirky smile;he was saying, "I'm playing this fool big time" Trump is McConnell's most evil wishes comes true;McConnell is a long time Koch operative who worked to kill the ACA because the Koch's won't pay any tax no matter how small if it helps people;they hate taxes period, just like their pa, so they make big donations that are tax deductible instead of paying taxes;the illegitimate GOP tax scam was written by the Kochs, delivered by McConnell,& championed by trump because it helped him & the many multi millionaires in GOP Congress;Kochs want an authoritarian govt. with no taxes, no regulations, just like the robber barrons before the income tax was started;trump is directed by Bannon&Miller, two evil misanthropes who hate themselves & want everyone to be miserable like them;the phony religious right uses religion to discriminate & the evil 1% evangelicals personified by Betsy DeVos was appointed to take down public education, the keystone of democracy,& install here wacko theocracy;her beliefs don't come from the bible but the novel "Left Behind",the author is on the evangelical board, believe they will rule the world in the End times;we are dealing with deranged fanatics
21
If I explained what has transpired in the last 3 years, say back even as few as 10 years ago, even to the most (now deluded) Trump supporter, they would scream the President is a traitor. But, like the slowly boiled frog, the heat has been so slowly ratcheted up, and they drank so much koolaid, that they see nothing wrong (and actually cheer) this so-called President. Who would have thought that the once great USA democracy could be taken down so fast, by such an imbecile, in such a short span of time.
23
Trump is never afraid of making the US look ridiculous. Like he has this private running joke with Putin to make sure our intelligence community and our govt is stupid and Putin and his boys are the smart AND good ones,
Not actually amusing any more. And with this he wonders why he and his campaign were investigated.
10
Call your legislators. IMPEACH IMPEACH!!!
Calling is much more effective than writing.
15
Traitor - Merriam-Webster;
1 : one who betrays another's trust or is false to an obligation or duty
2 : one who commits treason
14
Putin is not the legitimate leader of Russia. He is merely the head of an oligarchy billionaire gang that cheats, steals, lies and kills.
Hoax indeed. Yes, this is a hoax.
I expect Congress to use the Mueller report to keep getting to the truth. Impeach him.
When Trump was running in 2016, he said he had no business with Russia — a year later, when the truth came out, he admitted he had lied the year before.
Does Trump launder money for organized crime?
Why did he lie about his Moscow Tower deal in 2016? If was merely business, and legitimate, why did he lie in the first place?
And so many others: Jared and the secret communication channel withRussia.
Flyn telling Russia Trump will be relaxing sanctions, literally during the inaugural ceremony — and then lyingthat he did not know anyRussians.
Manafort giving polling data toRussia, so Russia could target fake news on Facebook to swing states.
It was all collusion. It was worse. It was, as is, even today, a conspiracy. It is treason.
Don’t ban the death penalty just yet. We will need it the day after Trump leaves office.
He is the Benedict Arnold of 21st century America.
He and Putin are plotting right now on how to rig the 2020 elections, especially byusingRussian hackers on the voting machines.
We need ALL paper ballots in 2020.
I don’t trust Trump.
I don’t trust this government.
15
Wake me up from this endless nightmare!!!
11
Trump's narcissistic pathology and ignorance make him particularly susceptible to manipulation. He can't discern fact from fiction or friend from a KGB-trained enemy who continues to attack us. Trump seeks comfort and succor, ego stroking and confirmation of misconceptions from the worst, untrustworthy source, imperiling our national security. God knows what he gave away during his unsupervised conversation.
17
Maybe Trump should be VP of Russia instead of preserver, protector and defender of the U.S. Constitution.
7
To my mind's eye, I can just see and hear that sly and intelligent Vladimir feeding Trump just what he knows that Trumpp wants to hear.
Vladimir Putin's version of "The Art of the Deal."
8
This is clearly Donald Trump giving Mr. Mueller the finger, choosing Putin over the person many consider the man with the most integrity in Washington at the moment. Given that Robert Mueller will soon be testifying before a Congress committee (unless blocked to do so by Barr), that is hubris defined. I gather Mr. Mueller does not let personal feelings influence his behaviour and actions (by-the-book-Bob, right?), but this will be hard to ignore. DT just kicked the proverbial sleeping dog. May he suffer the worst consequences imaginable.
20
Remarkable... our nation's president believes the words of the dictator of a foreign government over the words of his own departments RE Russian interference with the 2016 election. True, he did "win" the election, right? So, he uses this (unfortunately not alternative) fact to support (in his big "a-brained" mind) that he won the election "fair and square" without any help from outside the US. Up is down, and down is up in this administration.
5
He was reporting to his boss.
6
He’s a con man and he is in a corner he truly believes he can get away with his dishonest conduct. He’ll lie to defend himself all the way to the day he resigns.
8
Mr. Trump - How about getting along with your own country, how important is that?
7
From a hidden recorder during the Trump/Putin telephone conversation:
DJT: Hey, Vlad, how’s it goin’?
Putin: Good, Donald, very good! They think you are scared. No problem. All is going well. Corporations and oligarchs control your economy and government. The plan is working. Just keep terrorizing and confusing the people. Deny everything! Use your courts to delay. No need to invade your country, we just let your capitalism do its business … your society will collapse on its own. Then we do what we want. Keep up the good work!
DJT: And when do I get paid?
12
Is this phone call between Trump and Putin a matter of public record? Or do we have to rely on what the Russians say, because Trump is too irresponsible to let the American people know, openly, the gist of phone calls with our enemies?
In fact, did this call exist at all? We are now living in the surreal world of American fascism, so who knows what is real and what is dreamed up by Trump and his sycophants?
7
In other words.. Trump and Putin just colluded.
26
A mountain that turned out to be a mouse? Sounds like Trump, the man with a high i.q. and all the best words. Stay tuned, next he's say, "that lion turned out to be a mole hill".
7
So he will talk with Putin about it but not with us. Some president.
21
Trump was by far the easiest asset Putin ever brought in,
as easy as handing out candy at Halloween.
15
Trump just confirmed that his boss is Putin.His hour long phone call is his report to the boss that he will continue to faithfully carry out Russian agenda for the US. Of course, his Trumptard supporters will merely shrug it off with, "So what?" The USA will soon become USR - United States of Russia.
16
Here we see two mob bosses colluding to sell out America so that, what?, Trump can get Putin to give him another term in office or perhaps a Moscow Trump Tower? Where are the hawks Pompeo and Bolton as their boss stabs them in the back? Trump said he believed Putin because he whispered sweet nothings in his ear and disdains the verdict of everyone around him including our intelligence agencies? Will Trump's base finally understand that they through Trump are now Putin's puppets? And this includes you Mitch McConnell and the entire Republican Senate.
16
Imagine this (likely) scenario: On January 20, 2021, Donald Trump recites his second Oath of Office. With his hand on the Bible, arm raised, he says "...and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Knowing all we know now, can you believe him?
7
"President Trump telephoned President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia on Friday for what both men described as a lengthy, positive conversation"
Also known as a staff meeting.
20
Following current Venezuelan model, If DJT refuses to leave office when defeated Nov 2020, which candidate will Putin defend?
6
It's good to know that the president is speaking Russian now. It's a very difficult language...... Or was there an interpreter present? And if so, on which side of the conversation??
15
Trump telling Putin about the "Russian Hoax" is shamelessness. Trump knows that there was no hoax and so does Putin. I do not know what Trump gains by saying something that neither person thinks is true. It seems lame, to me, and I would imagine to Putin, too.
5
This has nothing to do with anything but a collaboration with and desire for Totalitarian rule. I have been to cocktail parties in the nineties when the Trumps bragged about being the next “Dynasty” in American politics after the Clintons and Bush’s.
What do the American people not understand? This is the most dangerous coup in American history by a family who aligns itself with Putin, their banker, over America. Trump and his enablers are traitors to our country.
31
I know many people wake up mornings wishing this were all just a terrible dream. It’s not. It’s real, and it’s a long time coming from this political party. I wake up mornings hoping to read the news that this criminal president has flown to Moscow with no plans to return.
16
Trust me, they were discussing preliminary plans to fix the election for Trump in exchange for Venezuela.
15
@james davisson
Cynical, but strangely believable.
4
What is wrong with people? Russia meets with North Korea. U.S. Intelligence identifies Russia military advisors in Venezuela. Trump calls Putin to chat about the “Witch Hunt” carried out by one of the most honorable men ever to serve in government. He refuses to denounce Putin. North Korea fires a missile. FOX News carries on like the Head of Propaganda it is.
Every person in New York City knows that Trump is an asset of Russia because he is in debt to Russia; and that he is a grifter.
We are lost if greater America does not wake up and ride the tiger against the Devil. Impeach both Barr and Trump for starters.
33
I do not believe this. We are living in a bad spy movie.
22
Another outrage and yet nothing changes. . . . no cohesive response from the Democrats. How difficult can it be to make a compelling argument against this criminal?
25
@ann dempsey, how difficult is it to expect Republicans to do something about this criminal Republican president that everyone is sitting back expecting Democrats to do something? I don't get why people are blaming Democrats for trump. We ALL know the minute Democrats do actually do something the Republican outcry will be outrageous! Republicans own this mess and they should be expected to clean it up.
14
Why would he fear Russian interference? They put him to office
16
Some comments here from Trump apologists saying that because the economy is booming for the moment, Trump should be reelected even as he sells out to Russia. Do you like the way Putin runs his home elections where opponents disappear into Gulags? Perhaps you do as I recall your chants of 'lock her up'. The boss Putin must be very content with his puppet Trump as he has played his part perfectly. We shall now play the Russian National Anthem before every sporting event and inauguration.
There once was a man whose base applauded as he gave them prosperity then destroyed it in a fit of egomania and blood lust.
21
Reality has become totally convulated. Save all the anger. Make an effort & vote in 2020. Impeachment et cetera is only fuel for Trump loyalists. Instead use the ballot in 2020. And before that get Biden nominated. Honestly no other person has a chance to beat Trump.
6
@kun
No, we can't wait until 2020.
And you're absolutely wrong that "no other person has a chance to beat Trump".
Biden is an out-of-touch lightweight.
4
Of course he did and a good, hearty laugh was had by all.
Hallelujah...
Now, wake me up when the plastic chicken announces its candidacy for president. Since Congress insists on being an inanimate object, might as well go for the real thing.
7
Treason - he’s not even bothering to hide it anymore! After everything that has happened, Trump isn’t even trying to pretend there isn’t something going on!
Now, it’s Putin and his Asset catching up with each other.
He doesn’t have to: Republicans have sold out to cover his crimes - and Democrats are too busy demanding evidence and meetings that Trump ignores... even as they keep reassuring him that they won’t impeach him.
I have a dream about people in Congress who are busy doing for the needs of the country and the law - not according to the latest findings of an election poll!
That is equally hard to find on either side of the aisle. Democrats have pointed fingers at Republicans who back Trump due to election convenience - but they are doing the exact same thing!
What about accountability? Who is caring about our trashed laws, norms, and institutions? Impeachment is a MUST!
15
Well, it's obvious how much he cares what we, as Americans, think about his dealings with Putin, enough to announce it. He wants Russia to help him win again. He's indebted to him. I wonder if Donald's base thinks this is patriotic? Imagine if President Obama had done everything Donald's doing. You can't. And Donald is getting a kick out of his power. Like most autocrats and dictators. This is his last run and he's milking it. But we're going to pay for it.
14
The heads of the two governments with the largest nuclear arsenals are talking to each other! This is bad, Ms. Maddow?
2
The Russians hacked DNCemails and planted thousands of fake posts to support Trump and disparage Clinton, with consent and encouragement from the Trump campaign. Trump does not discourage the Russians from doing it again. This is not bad, NJ French.
4
@NJ Keith, it would be if this were anyone other than donald trump.
3
If you can't see that this is not good, there is no hope for you.
8
I am speechless.
It is a FACT that Russia engaged in "sweeping" interference of an American election.
And THS is the response ?
24
Trump treats our enemies like friends and our friends like enemies. There is something terribly wrong here.
22
It's some kind of arrogant crazy act to incite the Democrats. For some time now, the Republicans have been trying to instigate violence by Democrats to justify their goal of a military coup. If it were to work, the Republicans would then appear justified in their use of force. That strategy has been apparent for years, even before Trump whose election was obviously rigged by more than the Russians. The fact of an entirely Republican investigation of itself should have made you all pursue the facts further.
4
I can only imagine the private laughing, derision, and insults, on the other side of the phone from Trump.
Our Founders are rolling in their graves.
11
The 2020 elections seem to be the most perfect opportunity for the Russians to interfere in, more so than 2016. There will be no investigation for that election, Trump has his attorney, William Barr, in place as the AG, and a Republican Congress that supports him no matter what. The interference will be hidden in plain sight with no risk of discovery because so what if it is discovered?
7
Here is a very likely reason why Trump talked to Putin:
Today, Maduro’s plane was waiting for him to leave Venezuela for good. The only reason he did not board that plane is that Putin asked him not to. The situation might escalate into a US direct military intervention in Venezuela which would put the US troops in direct conflicts with the Russians who had already established bases there.
The twist: It should be obvious by now that Mr. Trump wants Mr. Putin to continue ‘helping’ him in the 2020 elections - it worked rather well in 2016. If the FBI is indeed planning in secret to execute a US military intervention in Venezuela, Mr. Putin would appreciate being warned about it by his good friends in the Oval Office – The Trumps.
Remember that the Trumps attempted to establish a secret communication with the Kremlin out of the Russian embassy in Washington? What side was our commander in chief on when he spoke to Mr. Putin?
Unfortunately, under this administration the above treasonous scenario seems like business as usual.
13
David Brooks asked on the News Hour: Can we imagine the President of the U.S. (FDR) talking to the Japanese Prime Minister in 1941 and not mentioning Pearl Harbor?
"We didn't discuss that," Trump responded, when asked if he talked to Putin about interference in American elections.
Bill Barr: "As the Special Counsel's Report makes clear, the Russian government sought to interfere in our election process."
Elections, that is, voting, the bedrock, foundation, of American democracy.
Imagine that. 'WE DIDN'T DISCUSS THAT!"
I think an accepted definition of treason is, "the crime of betraying one's country."
Donald Trump: American Patriot.
28
@CVPHow about FDR handing over Eastern Europe to Stalin? In your haste to attack Trump, you've wandered into "metaphor fail".
It is like living in a foreign country with Trump, Fox News, and too many Republicans.
Whatever they say, we have to reverse the meaning in our heads, translate the content of what was said to its opposite, and rephrase the statement in English to make it the inverse of what Trump proclaims to be true.
So, if Trump says the investigations into his campaign in 2016 are a "Russian Hoax," then we know for sure it is not a hoax, since Trump consistently reverses the meaning to its opposite. Call it Trump-speak, and keep in mind Trump has already surpassed 10,000 significant lies so far during his presidency.
But the big question is why is Trump dissing our long-term allies and cozying up to Putin? What hold does Putin have over Trump, and/or how much money does Trump think he can make from his alliance with Russia? Is there any example where Trump actually crossed Putin?
Under Trump, we aren't the USA anymore; we are the USSR-USA, and Trump is clearly taking orders from Putin. Why?
19
Amen! Thank you!
But there's wonderful news that Democrats and Republicans alike are wanting to do something about robocalls!
How can it be that there's a common agenda?
I feel every day being attacked by the Russians and republicans doing nothing to protect us. Russia never have good intentions with us. Congress and Senate are placing our safety at risk.
6
The United Republics of America
6
This man is a traitor to the American government and its people.
35
Have the Republicans forgotten their High school history lessons? You are useful to a dictator until you’re not. See, e.g. Stalin.
15
Treason need no longer be associated with Benedict Arnold. History will judge Trump to be a bigger traitor.
25
What is Mr. Nadler waiting for?
Christmas?
Leap Year?
Finding a 4 leaf clover?
Mr. Nadler if you do not have the guts to commence impeachment you are a coward or you are an enabler.
12
@gpickard
It's not up to Nadler to decide to impeach or not. It's a House vote and Pelosi doesn't have enough. The Democratic House Majority has about 20 Democrats who won in Republican districts by narrow margins. They want to avoid voting on issues that can cost their seats in 2020, specially issues like impeachment that will be meaningless because the Republican Senate will never vote to convict. If Trump gets impeached and isn't convicted, that's more than exoneration. It gives him a compelling strategy to win re-election with.
Impeachment may be cathartic but the price may well be Republic majorities in both House and Senate, plus Trump back in the White House.
It's called winning a battle and losing the war.
2