Lie down with dogs. Get up with fleas.
16
Yeesh. What a clown circus the administration is.
9
As with so many crimes Barrs work is best done in the dark.
8
All I can say is the person who fell for this stunt will fall for anything. I literally burst out loud laughing uproariously at the spectacle of formerly credible journalists falling for this staged performance, one so transparent they dispensed with costumes and a backdrop.
From the moment he descended an escalator with that insufferable, smug leer on his face, this was a show fit only for the Big Top (or grubby backroom crime dens). The problem has always been that the only ticketed item is the clowns. They've been sent in over and over and over again. At this point I'd take a tiger in a ring of fire just for the variety.
I just hope SNL is penning a sketch as we write.
DJT: No. No. I get to play the rube. You play the bad guy.
Barr: No. No. I want to be the rube! I do rube super duper well.
12
Barr called. He'd like his credibility back.
8
On Jan 29th, the Kremlin proposed new laws to alter their constitution and rename Putin as "Supreme Leader." Exactly 7 days after, his American Puppet was acquitted by a Putin-fawning senate. The next day, the Puppet was tweeting and commenting again about wanting to be made "president for life."
Bill Barr works for Trump not for the US citizens. Barr was just expressing his frustration with the fact that the tweeter in chief can't seem to get out of his own way.
7
Grow a spine and resist. Speak out. Be a human being with agency!! No one is forcing William Barr to be a patsy. He wants to keep his job and his paycheck, and do so with his ethics intact. Can't have it both ways.
3
Lol. All one can do in listening to this administration. Like listening to my teenager throw a tantrum because I won't let her go out with friends on friday night after calling in sick to school.
2
Barr should be disbarred - maybe that's the explanation for his weird third-person anti-tweet pronouncement. "And they all lived together in the crooked little house..."
5
What a terrible headline! Thanks for buying into Barr’s con job. Now Trump and Barr can point to a NYT article stating how independent Barr is as he does the president’s bidding and undermines justice in the country. A little skepticism would have gone a long way.
9
A near perfect statement, if you believe it, or need an excuse to look away.
2
Please, NYT, stop reporting behavior from officials in this administration as if anything about it is normal. It is not "extraordinary" that Barr went on ABC News to say this; it was a calculated move to fool us and to tamp down pushback against the violations of law and long-held norms that are taking place in plain sight. Don't accept what these criminal co-conspirators say, but instead, watch and report on what they are actually doing. The nation is in grave danger, and you are not doing your duty as the free press if you don't trumpet that from the rooftops.
10
At the basis of all this is the resignation of 4 prosecutors. I would be more interested to know what they have to say and what Barrs role in this is. Threats of resignation must have been issued before this was forced down their throats. Somebody must have thought it was worth the risk. This somebody must have been close to Barr or the man himself. Only then can we weigh the veracity of the statements by mr Bar.
Im hoping this angle is being pursued, otherwise this article is childishly naive.
5
I want to remain optimistic. Even if Mr. Barr finally felt compelled to confront Donald Trump for stomping across a big no-no line, at least he did it.
I lived for five years in a country in which it had become impossible to do what Mr. Barr just did. We've been heading fast in that direction, so whenever I see an example of it's still being possible to push back, I find at least a small degree of comfort.
But the danger, of course, is totally still here. Although it's most visibly represented by the tweet-blabbing guy in the floppy tie, it goes much deeper, to those who are dying to have someone tell them that they're the best, and they can just put themselves in his hands, because he knows all.
Too bad the Oscars were given out last Sunday. Barr should have received the one for Best Acting in a Cabinet position.
It’s been one year since Barr was confirmed as AG and began to green light Trump’s corruption and provide cover, such as his characterization of the Mueller Report when it was delivered. During that time, Barr’s reputation and legacy have been shredded.
look what has happened within the past few days alone.
After Trump complained on Twitter about Roger Stone’s recommended prison sentence, Barr took Trump's cues, intervened and his DOJ contradicted its own attorneys, calling for a shorter sentence. Barr has since faced unprecedented blowback from within his own department.
In an attempt to deflect, Barr criticized Trump’s tweeting, saying it makes it “impossible” for him to do his job.
Bravo! Bravo! What an acting performance.
Barr should remember and heed his own words from his 1991 initial AG confirmation hearings : “The attorney general must ensure that...the enforcement of the law is above and away from politics.”
10
Barr is right. It will become very difficult for him to do his work, i.e. Trump's bidding, if Trump keeps blurting it all out.
11
This was just a negotiated PR stunt with the White House so the AT could save some kind of face before the entire Justice Dept quit. The "precedent" doesn't care about that so agreed to it. I imagine the rest of Justice see it for what it is, an empty promise.
5
Evidently the men and women have been under the misconception Trump is their employer. Are their paychecks coming out of his personal accounts? Mr.Barr,Mulvaney ,Pompeo,etc. have the idea they are working for Trump, Inc. and the republicans as always go along with the undemocracy we all used to under this regime.
4
Trumps tweets make Barr's obstruction of justice hard he means. Too bad now everyone is aware of Barr's corruption and how Trump believes he is above the law.
4
This is nothing but a carefully staged play written and directed by the Barr/Trump try-to-make-it-seem-believable team.
5
The REAL problem here is that they will be replaced by sworn Trump Toadies who will do whatever Trump wants, with no regard for justice.
Quitting by competent, impartial people in DOJ, State or another government agency will only strengthen Trump. He must be stopped and this country needs impartial justice to do so.
If criminal Republican Toadies would quit we would be in much better shape, but they have sworn allegiance to the Criminal-in-Chief and forsaken their electorates.
2
“I'm shocked, shocked, to find that poltical influence is going on in here."
3
No one inside the administration has been as blunt as Barr was with his comments. Afterwards, I was expecting full on Twitter outrage from Trump followed by reports saying Barr will be looking for a new job.
Now it is clear to me that Barr and Trump were in this together when Trump showed little reaction to Barr’s comments.
If they want to play us, they should do a better job: Barr feigns indignation and after Trump feigns outrage.
They act like unskilled gangsters.
7
“I cannot do my job here at the department with a constant background commentary that undercuts me.”
Since Barr's job, as he sees it, is to undercut the rule of law, anything that keeps him from doing his job helps our country.
10
Barr is not against interference by the President. He is only saying that it isn’t smart to interfere publicly by tweeting.
15
And the Oscar for best actor in a fictional tale of interference goes to William Barr!
10
Two thoughts:
1) Mr. Barr conveniently doesn't specify what his work is, hoping that we will assume that he is suddenly trying to be a real Attorney General.
His statement about Trump's tweets making his work "impossible" also applies to the work he has been doing (and presumably continues to do) : Helping Trump Corrupt the Rule of Law and the Justice Department.
2) Gaslighting, Gaslighting, Gaslighting, Gaslighting ...
8
Trump’s tweet quoted Barr stating that Trump has never interfered. Then Trump states he reserves the right to do so. IT’S THE LAW. I guess Trump is referring to Article II. Trump has assured us that, under Art. II, the president may do anything he wants. Including telling the AG to do his personal bidding. We now know he can extort a foreign power to do his personal political chores with impunity. Having the AG doing so is a piece of cake.
7
To Mr. Barr: your job will not be impossible if you simply recuse yourself from matters relating to the president and his family.
9
“The president wasn’t bothered by the comments at all...”. Now you know that Barr’s words are true fiction and it was orchestrated with the White House. Trump would have excoriated him otherwise.
8
I’d like to know how much of our taxpayer money is being spent on the sham investigations that our paranoid president is forcing Barr’s DOJ to do.
We are spending millions of taxpayer dollars on political investigations that Trump wants to use in his re-election campaign
I say we charge Barr and Trump misuse of taxpayer money.
9
"Yet Mr. Barr shared Mr. Trump’s dim view of the initial Stone sentencing request, a senior administration official noted."
And Mr Barr happened to not express ANY concern for the ruling until AFTER 4 of his prosecutors quit because of the sentence rollback that was a direct result of presidential(?) interference via tweet.
Yeah Bill, you're credible....
Coward!
9
Roy Cohn was Trump’s mentor and protector. Barr has convinced Trump that he is filling that role and that he now has the freedom that he envisioned when he had captured the presidency. Barr has power over Trump and is unlikely to see it diminished. Put him on the list with Putin, MBS, Bebe, ...
6
McCabe is quilt as sin, but is getting a pass from prosecution. Democrats at their best
“Career prosecutors began to express worry that their work could be used to settle political scores and doubts that he [Barr] could protect them from political interference.”
Wake up career prosecutors! Trump is already using you to settle political scores and Barr won’t protect you from his interference, because Barr agrees with Trump’s dictum: “I have the absolute right to do what I want to do with the Justice Department!”
3
This is just more kabuki theater.
4
Why is it we have a lot of deluded old white men who are willing to throw this democracy and their own professional reputations over to support Trump's version of the dominate white male? Look at them all, its hard to keep track - Barr, Pompeo, Guilliani, Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell...Living proof that power corrupts and greed for power knows no bounds when not constrained by the rule of law. Of course Barr was putting on a show. He is the worst kind of lawyer. Using sophistry like a hall of mirrors to convince us that what we are seeing is not really there. An empty charade. SUPPORT THE RULE OF LAW. VOTE BLUE IN 2020!
20
Yeah, right. I would totally buy the Brooklyn Bridge from him.
Maybe the definition of "Crocodile Tears" should just have a picture of Barr. Right now Drumpf is playing the world's tiniest violin with his tiny hands.
11
Bye-Bye Bill Barr!
3
The optimist in me always wondered if Barr auditioned for, and took the job of A.G., hoping that if t rump thought his A.G. was out to protect him, and to distract US, he might reign in some of his childish tantrums on twitter and start to act like the "unitary executive" that Barr has wanted his entire life.
This action by Barr might add to that optimism except we all know by now that there is nothing optimistic that can come from this cesspool we know as our White House.
3
@Bob Laughlin
I've wondered about this too, But what if Barr wrote his job application letter with the intent to bait Trump into allowing him to penetrate his inner circle? This has placed Barr in the perfect position to witness and document whatever Trump's next outrages will be. Why else would a supposed "straight shooter" ruin his reputation on behalf of a criminal like the Donald if not to gain redemption by eventually bringing him down. After all, isn't that the job of the country's chief law enforcement officer? Think about it Trump. What if there's a spy in your midst? Sleep well.
1
My guess Mr. Barr using trump criteria there is about two million prisoners that should have their sentences reduced. When can you get started?
3
Pure political theater. The NYT should not play along.
7
History will label this the “WWE” Administration. “Grizzly” Billy Barr vs Don “The Destroyer” Trump in a no holds barred, grab em’ anywhere, they’ll let you do when you’re a star battle royal...
2
Trump should watch "Goodfellas" again. Big Paulie always takes his tribute, but he never gets caught saying anything out loud. Otherwise, his henchmen look bad when they carry out his orders.
3
Before you quit Barr, Trump should fire you min a flash. I'd get rid of you in a heartbeat.
Your decision to not prosecute the corrupt and criminal Ass't FBI Director for lying - much worse than poor Martha Stuart - alone should result in your firing.
A disgraceful AG. Almost as bad a the Clinton sista who scammed the white Senators in her confirmation - which I predicted she and the Democrats would do. Accidentally meeting on the airport tarmac and discussing grandchidren - yup, I also have a bridge for you.
All corrupt and criminal. They's all be a success in Venezuela.
What a disgrace to the country.
1
Seems like another brilliant move by administration to control the "News" at least TV infotainment. I watched for a while and saw no replay of Barr's statement about knowing nothing about the President's Ukraine phone call.
I saw no cable coverage, during my watch, about Rep Jim Jordan's defense of his college wrestling team's abuse issue: I was coach of the team but knew nothing about it. Typical white collar defense: I was captain of the ship but was not responsible for what happened.
And no mention of Judy Shelton's hearing about appointment to the Federal Reserve.
6
I'm curious to know: What would have happened if the four prosecutors had just defied Barr and reasserted the recommendation of 7-9 years rather than resigning? Would they have been reprimanded? Would they lose their jobs? At this point, anyone with any sense of justice or dignity, for that matter, already has.
4
@GPT
Apparently the judge has both recommendations and will ask for an explanation. Let's see which one most conforms to the real sentencing guidelines, the 7-9 or whatever Barr's soft -on-crime appeasement version is. My money's on the former.
2
No. This is his coverup. Trumps tweets merely exposed their complicity.
6
Mr. Barr’s criticism of the president is self-serving and must be compared to prior Attorneys General who criticized presidential orders.
First, his belated road to Damascus epiphany with respect to Mr. Trump’s behavior does not efface his year of sycophancy. His year long defense of Mr Trump wins him a Roy Cohen award , and short of his own resignation does not make him an Elliot Richardson who resigned rather than obey President Nixon’s order to fire the Watergate special prosecutor.
4
If he is sincere and serious, he should resign. Otherwise, he is a fourth rate actor. Let us wait and see.
7
Mr. Barr must resign. There is no argument at all here. Banter with the President on television talk shows to provide the appearance of a huge disagreement in order to provide "cover" for his interference in judicial process, a power not in his purview once the sentencing recommendation has been given to the judge and entered into the record, is an imaginary power that abuses his office.
Barr must resign. The judge should, as did the prosecutors, follow the Federal Sentencing Guideline of seven to nine years, and were I her I would give Mr. Stone the maximum sentence allowed by law.
If President Trump wishes to pardon Roger Stone then let him do so as is his ONLY right in this matter.
9
Anyone who thinks this is a real "feud" must also think Stone Cold Steve Austin really hates The Undertaker. Barr is better at misdirection than Trump, and the media once again falling for the theater of his comments rather than the substance of his actions. His "public rebuke" means nothing, his interference in the Stone case means everything. And once again, the media has failed to even hold him accountable for his actions.
8
I agree with Barr on this: “Donald Trump’s tweets make it impossible for me to do my job.”
I feel the same — as do millions of others. That’s why everyone who feels the same should call in sick on Monday. Maybe Tuesday too. Trump DOES make it impossible for everyone to do their job. In fact, democracy isn’t working because of Trump.Wall Street and masters of industry support Trump because he’s juiced up the stock market. The only way to force them to reject Trump — and get McConnell and his ilk to do their constitutional duty — is to jam up the one thing they understand: Corporate profits.
Until the Senate reigns in Trump AND Barr resigns, let’s call in sick. Because you’re right Mr. Barr, this President makes it impossible for me to do my job.
8
Mr. Barr has not shown me he acts independently of Trump. In fact it looks as if they are in cahoots with each other. Right now it looks more like political theater to try to convince the public the Justice Department is independent. I am outraged and I believe so are many other people. It reminds me of the bad Popes in the Catholic Church. The public finally got so outraged, that Protestantism was born and it broke the power of the Catholic Church. I understand Mr. Barr is Catholic and Opus Dei. I guess he’s one so-called Catholic whose moral compass I question.
5
This comment stuck out to me:
“The thing I have most responsibility for are the issues that are brought to me for decision,” Mr. Barr said. “And I will make those decisions based on what I think is the right thing to do, and I’m not going to be bullied or influenced by anybody.”
It sounds like Barr takes more personally decisions that publicly are seen as having his finger prints all over them - and may be less concerned about decisions that he can influence out of sight of the public eye.
2
Barr's job is impossible because he needs DT to direct attention elsewhere, not on Barr's continued evisceration of the DoJ and the checks/balances in our legal system. His frustration is understandable, progress is harder with Trump's and his own mission to make the Justice Department a tool to attack whoever Trump wants destroyed when Trump blathers about it with his tweets. Trump and the Republican Party have nearly succeeded with their collective mission to perfect the kleptocracy they want. Barr's little sideshow provides yet another distraction as we all natter about his "break " with DT.
3
Barr has never done his job, he only does Trump's bidding. If Trump's yapping has made that impossible, Barr should quit. On his way out, however, he should tear up those policy memos that are preventing his prosecutors from indicting the criminal in the White House!
6
Better to step up now than never. No-one else seems to be able to stand up to Trump with any sense of the law.
Barr should man up and resign if he doesn’t want to be bullied. That’s what this president does. But he won’t because this whole thing was orchestrated to take heat off both he and Trump. Barr has gone to incredible lengths to support Trump’s authoritarian agenda.
Why speak up now?
5
I don’t believe this outburst. I think it was staged to help Barr protect his integrity. He and trump are on same page.
6
This is both a serious matter but also a distraction
Where are his taxes?
Are the children reunited with their families and are there any cages still?
How are the Kurds doing?
Are there secret meetings going on with Putin right now?
Are the serious allegations in the Mueller Report being addressed?
What exactly is being done about 2020 election meddling?
Oh and why is Trump meddling in individual court cases to help a croney?
4
Barr put on his best attempt at a gravelly, calming and reassuring Dick Cheney voice.
But we already learned from Cheney how much to trust that act.
Not at all.
5
We're stuck in a bad reality TV show.
Unfortunately it's having very real effects on this country and the world.
4
President has Every right to Tweet his thoughts on any matter he feels like/ its called True Transparency and in case you forget it was something Obama promised but did not deliver!
Is any reasonable person out there actually buying this garbage? After all we've seen from Barr how he delivers these lines with a straight face is the only notable thing about this.
But his boss promises in the state of the union to never touch social security and other social programs and literally three days later releases a budget with cuts to every program he pledged to protect.
3
This is a statement made for public consumption only. He has lost credibility within his department and he is trying to convince the judiciary and the public that he is independent of Trumps’ influence. Sorry Willy, Its too late. You have kissed the ring too often. You lost us when you doctored the Mueller Report.
4
William Barr, is listening to the outrage and disgust from members of the judicial system, professionals who can call his corruption out! Suddenly, he is on TV being interviewed. A desperate attempt to salvage an ounce or two of self-respect. Don’t know why anyone with integrity, character and morals would go to work for the chaotic, lawless and corrupt Trump administration, however Barr knows better and he still volunteered! Whatever “legacy” Barr had, is now destroyed, he will forever be a pariah in the realm of the Judiciary circles!
3
Barr is Trump's attorney. Someone should tell him what his job description is. I remember Bobby Kennedy. But Bobby was honest. Trump, Barr and the rest of them are dishonest. I only hope we can succeed as a country.
3
It is better to have healthy and honest disagreements between Barr and Trump than "wingman" skullduggery like Holder and Obama carried out. In the future, it will be important for presidential tweets to be labeled---opinion, strong opinion, policy declaration, public information,etc. A law will be necessary.
Reporting about something a member of the Trump administration “says” is a waste of time. Tell me what they did. The fact that Trump didn’t send out a tweet storm of Barr ad hominem outrage, as per usual, strongly suggests they are operating in full concert.
3
Barr is a bald-faced liar. He claims he didn't see the Pres. tweet, but acted on it in any case. OK, so, if he didn't see the tweet, he heard it from the Pres directly and then acted on that political influence. All this after-reporting and posturing looses sight of the fact that the sentence was reduced in opposition to sentencing guidelines - for repeatedly lying to congress. Trump will commute the sentence in any case. There is little doubt that Stone will do no jail time, or will do a fraction of the sentence.
3
Trump wants credit for everything his administration claims to do. Trump lies and thus so too does everyone in his gang.
1
I find it interesting that AG Barr chose to air his ‘grievances’ on ABC rather than the usual White House Fox outlet. Was that to send a signal to the rest of the country that he means business? Why bother after the deed has been done and people in the DOJ have resigned in protest? The singular tell here is Trump’s silence. Coordinated to get all tongues wagging about how Barr stood up to POTUS while the pardon for Stone is being drafted.
This is as genuine as the Astros’ collective apologizes, while they keep their World Series title, bonuses and rings.
3
The only way we can be sure if Barr’s comments are real is if he’s fired tomorrow.
2
"Barr Says Attacks From Trump Make Work ‘Impossible’"
Then resign, Mr. Barr. No one wants you to be unhappy at work.
5
Fake (Implausible?) deniability for Potus...I'm confusing all the headlines(data) these days and beginning to think Trump is patient zero of a very toxic corona like virus - likely, at least in spirit, Russian. Dealing with this government as it becomes enfeebled by this infection should be a bigger priority...of some branch of jurisprudence? governance? counter intelligence? New bodies of these may be required to take on this future shock attack to outdate, and expose the vulnerabilities of, ideas of democracy, civil rights, equality, fraternity, liberty...humanity etc.
1
This, of course, is a lying diversion. Of course he spoke with Trump about the Roger Stone case! Duh! Whenever he lies he does this blinky thing with his eyes. The REAL question that no one has asked him is, "Why did you feel you had to go over your own prosecutor's heads, on only this single particular decision?" He spoke w/Trump beforehand about what he was going to say to the press. And sure enough, the press ran off with the diversion story.
4
I can recall one of my tough older Neapolitan aunts warning me, you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas!
8
Are we to believe that Barr only since "he became aware of Mr. Trump's attacks on the department...". Where has he been living? He does not read the papers or watch the news? Who's kidding who?
9
Barr has been Trump's lap dog from day 1. The only thing he objects to is looking like it.
23
Swamp. Marshland. The Bog of Eternal Stench. Oh that it has come to this.
6
Trump should keep his big mouth shut. The prosecutors were ridiculous and playing politics. The judge should speak to the acceptability of the jury foreperson. The judge should determine the sentence. The politicians and that includes the prosecutors should all be fired or not re-elected.
So....you just plain skipped the part where all these prosecutors were Trump appointees who took Stone to trial, ensured he got a fair trial, won a conviction from the jury, and recommended a sentence within the Federal guidelines for his seven felonies.
2
@ John
Threaten a federal judge, John, and lie under oath, threaten witnesses, forge documents. Then get convicted after a TRIAL, with WITNESSES, and EVIDENCE. Then see what sentence you get John.
3
A case of crocodile tears if there was one...
17
Trump would dump anyone who said that. The proof is always in their actions never their words. Barr will be around until we vote these dudes out.
9
CONGRESS: IMPEACH BARR! It doesn't matter whether the Senate (ha!) convicts him, but he needs to be stopped in his tracks -- or there will be no Union left. Let's wake up! (How often does this need to be said?)
13
This is so phony. He didn't even sound like he meant it. If he had meant it he would have raised his voice & made his face show a little more upset. Nope clearly will not buck trump. trump told him he could say this to shut up the critics.
18
Oh poor Billy Barr, if the President would just stop tweeting out Barr's immoral and nefarious deeds he's doing for DJT it would be so much easier!!!
15
Spare me the whining. Tweeting simply makes Trump's lying and rape of the Constitution harder to cover up when he's constantly blathering on about them to his fanboys. Barr knows that his reputation, which was apparently once pretty solid, is acquiring the indelible Trump stain. And he deserves it.
17
Give me a break. Where was Barr's righteous indignation when Col Vindman was marched out of the White House for the crime of obeying a Congressional subpoena and telling the truth?
22
@MMS, and don’t forget the sudden firing of his twin brother, who had nothing to do with any of it.
5
In an otherwise well written article why start it with exclaiming the comments by Barr as “extraordinary.” It is evident the author knows they are most likely far from extraordinary. “
“The attorney general had let the president know some of what he planned to say and is remaining in his job, a person familiar with the events said”
12
If you believe this one, I have a bridge for sale.
16
It's time for everyone in the administration who knows about Trump's criminal stupidity to quit and tell Americans what they know. No one with a conscience should accept the vacated positions that result. If we can't hold Trump accountable, we can make it impossible for him to govern the way he wants. Just as the damage caused by the government shut down caused public opinion to turn against him, the resulting chaos will make it clear to Republican senators that they can either continue supporting Trump, or they can be re-elected, but not both.
7
Oh look, it's William Barr creating the facade of integrity to obfuscate his personally undermining the separation of powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution. God help us.
15
Crocodile tears. Stop cries Barr, Trump you are giving away our game.
8
What do a bully and a lackey have in common? No dignity, no self-respect, no credibility.
12
Please, please, stop blowing hard.
Leave the dirty work to experts practiced at it.
Always best done quietly.
6
Barr needs to take acting lessons from Roseanne. What a hack; he cannot even lie with impunity.
15
Sure, 9 years is reasonable and equally reasonable that so many liars among the Obama holdovers got away with zero jail time. Double standards? liberals love it!
@aldebaran I think you are very mistaken about the Obama years. No one did anything worth jail time. Trump's administration, however, is as crooked as they come.
5
@aldebarn
No one was ever charged in the Obama administration, despite Republican controlled congress, millions of dollars spent, years of investigations by top notch Republican committees lead by Trey Gowdy, an accomplished prosecutor.
So what’s up with that, aflebarn?
Continue to spew lies and crazy talk, while we watch a steady perp walk of convicted trump people.
6
I realize that this’ll be a tough concept for you, but a) the actual recommendation—not sentence, RECOMMENDATION—was for seven to nine years, and b) nobody in the Obama Admin got themselves arrested, tried, and convicted on seven felony counts that included threatening witnesses.
By the way, Trump picked these prosecutors.
6
What makes Barr think he has an integrity left? He’s Trump’s puppet. The slimed, tattered shreds of reputation left to him he’s trying to wrap around himself with his “I can’t be bullied” cries.
Sorry, but you’re just Trump’s punk now, and throughout history this will be your legacy. Get used to it.
14
Liars' words mean nothing. Please stop reporting otherwise.
5
Barr is Trump amorality, but with a brain. Very dangerous.
5
Trump claimed that Mueller lied to Congress. But as the Times points out "Mr. Trump has made this claim before without offering evidence for it."
The alt-world of Fox News meets the US justice system. In Foxworld Mueller is guilty & should be locked up. In Justiceworld there is zero evidence against Mueller.
How to resolve this tension?
Barr could sic the FBI on Mueller but how would they come up with actual evidence? Apparently the only witness against Mueller would be Trump. And he ain't gonna testify under oath. Which is required to make his accusation evidence.
Now apparently the Trump Cultists are too irredeemably stupid to notice the contradiction. They believe Trump, Mueller is guilty. But Barr's DoJ isn't going to arrest Mueller. How do think about that? We begin to see the appeal of Qanon.
Does Trump know that he isn't just playing president on reality TV?
Now he would love it if he could order Mueller locked up and have it happen. But dictators need others to follow their orders. Barr knows that following such an order would raise a very big storm. Would the Senate Republicans back it? How many prosecutors would quit and denounce him? Might the American people rouse itself from its slumbers?
So we continue with our two worlds bumping along. It does seem to be an unstable situation. Which world will crash & burn?
5
It's now well-known that Barr is a champion of broad, unconstrained presidential powers. On has to wonder if he is a champion of broad, unconstrained power by THIS president.
This is the flaw in his thinking. How much power a president has, and to what extent he should stick his nose into the workings of the system should not depend on his personality or politics.
4
Too bad the Academy Awards night is over. This is a great acting job and the media is falling for it. Trump and Barr aren't at odds. There is no conflict. Barr is perfectly happy to do whatever Trump wants him to do and Trump's interfering isn't making Barr's job impossible. It's Barr that's making it impossible for prosecutors in the justice department to do their job. No matter, they'll just replace them with legal minds who will obediently fall into line. I'm sure they can find plenty of them who are graduates of schools like Liberty University who have as much experience as Jared Kushner and Don Trump Jr.. No need to pass the bar or have trial experience. Just do whatever Donald and his consigliere, William Barr, tells you to do. Not impossible at all.
10
It's pretty obvious this was carefully choreographed and Trump signed off on it ahead of time.
15
@mary bardmess
It was pretty obvious also that he extorted Kelensky.
Its very obvious that some if not all sexual assault allegations are accurate.
It is pretty obvious that he should not be President at all. You are correct Mary. This is shoddily choreographed.
Sorry. Barr has moved into trump world. I can't believe ANYTHING he says except that in some way, it will be to the benefit of trump and not the American people.
9
AG Barr has consistently supported the US Presidents as the supreme authorities in running government.
When Bush I pardoned the Iran-Contra players like Ollie North, he was AG and he approved of that action/cover up. With Trump, Barr continues this strategy. So this complaining is meaningless.
If Barr is serious he should quit, at least. Then he could write a book about his experiences. I suppose if this happens, Hope Hicks will fill in as the next AG.
6
The people who own Twitter have a disproportionate amount of power over the people and should for the sake of the country take down Trump’s account. To not do so further imperils the rule of law and sanctity of the republic.
8
There has been talk lately from a few quarters that Barr should be fired or impeached. This is when Barr decided to do a kind of explanation for his behaviour. He is looking to dilute the feeling that he is just Trumps lawyer. Which he still is. He is quite slippery and everything he says seems to be filtered through his mind for effect, nothing is direct.
7
As aptly reported, pure political theater. Barr was
being denounced by law professors and peers.
A flagrant attempt at another Trump coverup.
10
The Walter Cronkite Republican observes the man of lawlessness continues to wreak havoc on our nation's governing and legal systems. Mr. Putin is surely pleased with the products of his labors.
6
This whole administration would be a joke if it weren’t steadily destroying our democracy. Incompetent as it is, its power, with the ‘base’ behind it, the spineless, unethical GOP and the Justice department (including the Supreme Court, thanks to GOP shananigans and Kavanaugh) remains unchecked. Only the career government professionals, derided as the Deep State, are a firewall, but they get fired if they try to do the right thing.
We can no longer even be certain that voters could vote them out.
5
Both Trump and Barr realize that the GOP Senators and House members will do nothing because they fear Trump's base. Given that fact, we should expect Trump and Barr to continue breaching precedent and crossing the well-established lines of normalcy until this dynamic changes. The key to every bit of Trump's power rests in the tolerance of the GOP Senate for his foolishness, and only one GOP Senator shows any willingness to function beyond his own best interest. That being so, unfortunately, I consider the undermining of the Justice Department as of the appetizer to this disastrous seven-course meal.
Trump will never stop cheating, and Barr will always find a rationale to explain away Trump's damaging actions.
6
He’s as “independent” as Scalia was. Very very right wing Catholic. The recent piece in the New Yorker about Barr was terrifying. He’s like all rest of the republicans. As long as they can get their favorite stuff passed they will let trump alone.
7
Trump was Tweeter-In-Chief long before Barr auditioned for A.G. Barr knew with whom he was aligning himself. Like so many, he thought he could control Trump by supporting him. But, as others have found out, it’s never enough, and everything Trump touches, he ruins.
5
Of course the behavior of such as Trump would make it hard for anyone to defend him, together with all of his lies and crimes. But that is exactly--and only--what Barr considers his job to be. It would hard to defend Barr, too, if he went off bragging about how he got off lying about the Mueller report, wouldn't it? The only hope America now has--given the complete complicity of the entire Republican Party--is that these lies and crimes might begin to undermine each other. We now know what it is like to live in a country where virtually everyone at the top is a criminal and a liar.
5
It actually doesn't matter what Barr says or what the prosecutors said. All of the boys convicted as a result of the Mueller Probe will be pardoned in November 2020. And Trump gets another free ride atop the news cycle going into the weekend. Trump is a master manipulator!
4
This is no longer an 'administration'. It's a regime.
13
Ouch ! offended is he ....Lord Vader vanquished , me thinks not . Thou not as poor as former A G Sessions . Patience apprentice patience , the dark side is strong . Your morals and oath will still show at times ...that uppity attitude is to be expected . Patience .
2
Why did Barr do the interview in the first place?
4
"39 prosecutors blast Attorney General Barr for ‘dangerous and failed’ approach to criminal justice" - Washington Post
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/39-prosecutors-blast-attorney-general-barr-for-dangerous-and-failed-approach-to-criminal-justice/ar-BBZZ5jW?ocid=spartandhp
William Barr is a travesty of justice. He is Trump's sycophant defender and his extreme right wing cudgel of racist justice.
8
Another Trump administration smoke screen! Barr has ZERO credibility! To all of Trump's feckless minions, Rick Wilson is right, everything Trump touches dies.
7
He's a liar, just like trump.
15
Barr's probably either quitting or getting fired soon. Poor, poor man....looking for sympathy ahead of being in such a pickle. Really? Are we surprised?
4
Given that President Trump hired William Barr as his attorney general precisely in order to subvert the Justice Department and undermine the principle of separation of powers, it is hard to see how the President's tweets make Barr's work "impossible". Is Barr incompetent or merely naive?
6
This is kabuki theater. Trump would be tearing into him right now if this wasn't an orchestrated show for the public. These are very frightening times for our democracy.
9
More smoke and mirrors. That's how this corrupt administration rolls.
That is their definitive policy. That's how they "govern".
5
Has Trump had a recent psych exam? If not, he needs one desperately for the good of the country.
8
Mr. Barr is just now becoming appalled and concerned about Mr. Trump's inappropriate behavior on Twitter. Give me a break. The REAL QUESTION every American needs to be asking is this: WHAT does Roger Stone have on Donald Trump? Mr. Trump would skewer and barbecue one of his own sons if he thought it would deliver millions of additional dollars to his bank account and massage his insatiable ego at the same time... so why does he persist in such an act of desperate loyalty to Roger Stone? Mr. Trump has no cognitive concept of loyalty or empathy. What ever Roger Stone has on Trumptopia must be horrendous. You can count on one thing. Mr. Barr, Mitch McConnell and Vladimir Putin likely play deep, dark roles in Roger Stone's screenplay.
12
This would have more credibility if he hadn't caved to the president so many times already.
7
Seems like a pretense with and wink and a nod to Mr. Trump.
Barr sold his soul awhile ago. Why pretend otherwise!
12
The definition of "Work" as used here by Barr meaning to find sneaky and creative ways to coverup wrongful actions requested or signaled by Donald John Trump.
4
Dear Mr. Barr: This is the spoiled child you raised. Deal with it!
5
You can't spell disbarred without Barr.
13
Talk about pots calling kettles black. Now that trump feels vindicated by his "acquittal" at the impeachment "trial", his appetites for disruption, retribution, and general erratic behavior have full and complete reign. Thanks, Sens. McConnell, Cornyn, Cruz and the rest of the republican brain trust that allow this unhinged autocrat to not only remain in power, but also to increase his power tweet by tweet. To everyone out there that thinks the greatest danger this country faces is the president, to everyone out there who still values the ideals this country was founded on, please resolve to put aside whatever personal preferences you might have for the democratic nominee TBD, and vote for whoever emerges as trump's opponent. If your man or woman isn't the choice, so be it, suck it up and cast your vote for the country.
6
Barr really needs to work on his lying skills.
12
The chilling effect on the FBI and Justice prosecutors can be felt out here in California.
Go after Donald or his family or his knights and he'll come back around to get you.
The only element he doesn't control is the court. The judiciary is being tested. Do they act responsibly, or do they collapse, like the senate?
And what do we do if he fires a federal judge?
7
Barr is the one of the few exceptions in the Trump administration in that he is not a sycophant fearful of Trump's rages. But he is a true believer who largely favors doing what Trump wants done, and he understands that Trump's public utterances make more difficult Barr doing what Trump wants done. Barr doesn't need or want independence--he needs the veneer of independence. And at the moment, Trump needs Barr more than Barr needs Trump.
Given how mild Trump's twitter response has been, it appears that at the very least Trump knew and did not strongly object to what Barr would say. My guess is that Barr's comments were made to (1) reduce the turmoil and dissent in DOJ ranks and (2) create the pretense of independence to reduce public criticism of future DOJ decisions favored by Trump.
6
There is something fishy about Barr's criticism of Trump. It looks like some sort of scheme aimed at saving face for Barr. Trump's reaction will decide the issue.
9
I'd wish I could have heard the phone call between Barr and Trump that was undoubtedly made before this announcement. Barr telling Trump that he has to at least appear to be independent if he's going to successfully continue being Trump's personal protector. Trump bellowing that he's got all the power now and Barr doesn't have to do that. Barr explaining that this is an election year and Trump needs to get the votes if he wants to keep all that power and that Barr can work better behind the cover of "independence." Trump finally agreeing. Must have been a doozy of a phone call.
15
Barr: “I’m not going to be bullied or influenced by anybody”: a non-denial denial
13
I find it very hard to believe that this "indictment" (so to speak) of the President is real or sincere. This is something he and Trump and McConnell concocted to deflect from the real issue--the undermining of Democracy. Clearly, this pretend attempt to silence the President--and if the President follows suit--just puts Barr's dirty work underground. What a SHAM. Can we please get people who really understand what's going on a shot at the Conservative press; for the rest of us, this is preaching to the choir.
7
Lou Dobbs of Fox Business praised the attorney general for “doing the Lord’s work” by overruling the career prosecutors. These are the religious hypocrites that provide cover for Trump to do anything he wants. It’s no wonder people are turning away from organized religion.
11
It's obvious to me that this was a comment staged in coordination with the White House. If anything, Barr has raised more questions about his integrity than there were before. He is completely untrustworthy.
15
What an act! Let’s give Barr an Oscar for figuring out how to create a dialogue of plausible deniability when there is actually only corrupt collusion between what should be two independent branches of government.
13
Rudy is available to AG. Which would keep NYT busy; deciphering NYC-onic tweets between Rudy & The Donald. Some NYC media outfit, though probably Post, would have to translate for the masses.
1
I have the greatest respect and admiration for Generals John Kelly and James Maddis. They have served their country with honor and distinction. I have no doubt that they would move directly into the line of fire if it would protect and save the lives of their fellow soldiers or civilians in harms way.
That is why I am puzzled that at the way they took a back seat during the impeachment proceedings. Are they so afraid of the president "who would be king?" There may be a distinction between "military courage" and "moral/political courage" and as we have seen the presence for the first does not guarantee the presence of the second. General Kelly's recent comments may be too few word spoken too late to save the Republic.
5
Note to Bill Barr: You no longer have any credibility and you have harmed the Justice Department and that reputation will continue long after you are gone unless we rid ourselves of this corrupt administration.
16
All right, I am utterly confused now. Barr was OK with Trump's attacks on other public servants, journalists, senators, immigrants, citizens with different political/moral leanings and everybody/everything in the name of executive privilege, but now that the President is attacking the Justice department, and seeking to undermine Barr's prerogatives and own privileges, it's not OK anymore. Call that Karma! Welcome to our world, dear henchman. Yeah, you thought you would remain on the 'safe side'? Nobody does, unless they are related to the Trump/Kushner clan...
7
Is there an Oscar for "Best Lead Performance in a Liar Role"?
If not, create two statues: one for Barr's "performance" today on ABC, the other for lifetime "achievement".
Barr obviously believes he's brilliant -- as in, smarter than all of us Trump-loathers out there in that wasteland formerly known as the Republic.
But I'd like to be the several-hundred-millionth to tell you, Barr: You've only pulled a fast one on yourself, because the proof of YOUR idiocy is that you chose to serve Trump, and actually like him.
Sure, Barr, keep up your Orwellian charade; it obviously gives you the jollies. But enjoy it while it lasts, because it won't last much longer -- at which time the cameras will shut down.
Meanwhile...
In your fleeting history, Barr, do yourself a favor: Brush up on your lying performances. Because every time you give interviews, your shifty Lying Eyes give you away.
18
This is coming from the same lap dog who purposely misinterpreted the Mueller report to “exonerate” his boss. It’s the same lap dog who overruled his team’s recommendation in Stone sentencing. He’s trying to get ahead of lousy headlines that show the world his complicity in the destruction of democracy.
14
@Angelica
And this newspaper will forever present Barr as a truth teller and erase his past history, just like Charlie Brown will forever consider Lucy as a truth teller, and run to kick the football she won't pull away at the last second.
If Comey was the deep state, Barr is most certainly the shallow state.
Does he think we are idiots because he in fact is one?
Hey William P. — I’m sincerely sorry your Daddy was run out of that Catholic school he ran for being too authoritarian and conservative. But that doesn’t give you the write to betray the US Constitution by promoting and enabling the Imperial Presidency.
8
@Michael
Darn it!— the “right” not the “write”
Barr is saying let me do your dirty work without Trump hinting of spilling the beans on twitter
9
Is anyone buying this act from "Roy Cohn"?
12
Basically DJT'S TWEETS and comments are undermining and interfering with Barr's " covert" activities to further the their agenda. "What a tangle web we weave."
7
Words vs actions Mr. Barr. Words vs actions. Show your stuff.
6
The comment about being intimidated by Trump is hard to believe seems more as something Barr came up with after it brecame public they wanted to get a leaner sentencing.
3
Nice try, Barr. “‘With Bill Barr, on an amazing number of occasions … you can be almost 100 percent certain that there’s something improper going on,’ said Donald Ayer, the former deputy attorney general in the George H.W. Bush administration.”
10
It is a Friday—maybe someone will be fired or resign just before the 5pm news headline cutoff. Remember how that was routine just 18 months ago?
It won’t be Barr though, he’s as complicit and compliant as they come.
8
Considering the extremely outrageous behavior of James Comey, Kim Foxx, Eric Holder, and Rod Rosenstein it now appears that the GOP wants in on the act too!
Barr is spinning. And hence he went to ABC News. This is for our consumption, not for Trump. Why is NYT, Washington Post and every other outlet falling for this and headlining it?
If he wanted really Trump to hear, he should have done this on Fox. He visited Murdock's office on behalf of Trump like two months ago, no?
8
This is obviously all another ruse to have us believe Mr Barr who has shown his colors. You cannot erase the evidence that he is a puppet. If he thinks his reputation is somehow cleared by his latest statements, he looks like an even bigger scoundrel.
6
Bill, if Trump makes you job impossible resign
2
Barr's claim that Trump is making work "impossible" is such a coverup of the truth that's it's barf worthy.
What's up, Barr? Do you actually think we Americans who have closely followed the degrading madness of Trump and his yes-boy henchmen like you these last 3 years don't know what you're doing in this latest spin?
Answer: 'Insistence' that Trump step aside from the Stone
case in deference to the trial judge and DOJ is (A) code to
Trump that Barr has 'everything under control, chief,' and
(B) fake code to us American citizens that Trump 'just got
his hand slapped, yay!' Not.
Here in the U.S., we're truly witnessing a Rogue Regime.
Move over Russia. You've got competition.
11
Eric Holder had to resign in disgrace then.why not Barr?
1
Dems and ‘progressives’ herein are gonna love it when Barr and Durham hand out indictments to malevolent actors in the previous admin like Valentine’s Day cards in class.
Pass the popcorn...
William Barr has a long association with extreme right-wing religious authoritarianism. Whether he feels genuine allegiance to Trump or simply regards him as a useful idiot is very much beside the point: the end-game is quite clearly to break down the rule of law, dissolve the separation of church and state, and advance authoritarian government.
Let there be no confusion over what this man stands for: he is an existential threat to American democracy.
7
If you believe this tripe, I have a war based on solid evidence of weapons of mass destruction in a country halfway around the globe where we have petroleum interests to sell you.
8
Barr like Trump is a lair. And they both are bad at lying, Barr's lies are an attempt to tell Trump to shut up--- he, Barr, is busy doing Trump's bidding but the tweets were making it difficult for Barr to carry out his utter corruption of our United State's justice department. The Barr and Trump cabal isn't leading us into an authoritarian government--- we're beyond that--- they are creating a dictatorship and the Republicans are right there helping them.
4
I wonder if this guy sleeps well at night.
1
Mindless sorts sleep very well. It is she/he who has a conscience who tosses and turns.
2
Simple solution Barr... just ignore the idiot’s tweets! Trump’s tweets should be of no consequence to an impartial justice department. Ignore them like you would ignore a two year old having a temper tantrum and you’ll be fine.
But, of course, we all know your lack of spine required you... compels you... to read and obey them.
1
Reminds me of a Bunraku puppet show.
Barr doth protest too much.
2
The Attorney General "mistakenly" makes a proper statement about upholding the integrity of our legal system and this creates a problem for the President. That's where we are right now- any integrity and decency create discord for the Administration.
4
It's a coverup of the fact that he did intercede for Trump in the Stone case. I bet this is also why they announced the Huawei indictment yesterday too.
7
Barr's complaint about Trump's interference was perfectly staged by Barr and Trump. Of course Trump's future conduct will not change, but Barr will continue to complain when matters get too hot for the Justice Department. Trump is happy with Barr's complaints because nothing requires him to change his behavior, and it will let Barr continue under a veil of propriety.
10
Actually he lies. The procedure for sentence guidelines are well defined and used by the justice in all cases.This was a routine sentence.Trump tweets, Barr responds and tries to change the guidelines, undermines his team and now is caught in the act .
7
Don’t get your hopes up for integrity from our AG. Did Trump push for a lower sentencing recommendation? Did a lower recommendation follow? Actions speak louder than words and Barr has been and continues to be a political operative under Trump. This is pure political theater.
So far the only body that has stood up to Trump is the Federal Reserve.
8
It's impossible to undermine the DOJ if you keep advertising it in your tweets.
3
This interview by William Barr is just one more con in the ongoing con game that is the Trump Administration. The sad thing is that too many people keep falling for it. Barr does Trump's bidding and that's the long and short of it. Any other protestations by Barr to the contrary, are just lies pure and simple.
10
Translation: Mr. President, stop saying the quiet part out loud. How am I supposed to undermine the rule of law to protect you and your henchmen if you PUBLICLY thank me for it? DENIABILITY, Mr. President, deniability!
13
"Mr. Barr has been among the president’s most loyal allies and denigrated by Democrats as nothing more than his personal lawyer, but he publicly challenged Mr. Trump in a way that no sitting cabinet member has."
You should have written the word *deservedly after denigrated.
Besides, it does not take a SIgmund Freud to deduce this is calculated charade.
6
If you believe this charade, I've got a Trump-branded Dacha I will sell you in far-north Putinstan. Bill Barr worried about legal ethics? The very man who totally misrepresented the Mueller Report? The very attorney general who tried to rush the Whitewater investigation to salvage re-election for Bush the elder? The very Trump AG who agreed with his blathering boss that the Obama administration had spied on the Trump campaign? That Bill Barr and that President? Honest in speech and deed? Come on, folks. They are literally unbelievable. They lie with every breath. They demean democracy with every act.
4
Barr is just incredible! First he is pandering to Trump, basically doing everything he wants, opening a special investigation into the origins of the FBI investigation (as Trump keeps whining), misleading everyone about the conclusions of the Mueller report. Now he's complaining when Trump is giving him more direction? Like a toddler pushing boundaries, Barr has given in to Trump, only to find even the new boundaries challenged. Has Barr never done childcare for toddlers?! You don't constantly cave in to what they want, and then suddenly say no. Does anyone even believe this? We can imagine Barr giving Trump a head's up, saying gee I have to say something bad about you on national TV - pay no mind to it. And Trump's reaction - I can say what I want - there's no boundaries, no daylight between me, Barr, and McConnell. The Senate acquitted Trump of abuse of power, and Barr says that abuse of power of not impeachable. No separation of powers, no independent judiciary - the American system is a joke.
6
The US is in a worse position than during the McCarhy or Watergate era. Back then there were decent GOP politicians.
Now, apart from Romney all republican senators have sold their soul to Donald Trump. They will live to regret it.
3
OF COURSE Lapdog Barr won't be bullied -- he's as corrupt and unfit as Trump and right on board with the rotting of our Justice Department. Those two are peas in a pod, lacking all leadership skills, caring not for this great country and the norms that have existed for hundreds of years. Neither man deserves the patriotic, moral professionals working under them -- and throw Pompeo in with this band of incompetents.
16
Inspector Barr is shocked - shocked! - to find tweeting going on in Casablanca.
23
The Federalist, huh? The paper that prints articles defending sex with minors? Not my reliable go-to source of news.
1
If any Lib/Dem believes or even contemplates believing Barr's fed up stunt, I will give you an awesome discount on a B'Klyn Bridge I like to sell.
If Barr has it his way he will issue a decree crowing Trump an elected King.
11
Easy peasy impeach Barr, Mnuchin and everyone else at lower levels like any gang prosecution start from the bottom, work your way up.
6
It's all part of the con, don't you think?
13
Barr-Faced-Lie
4
Barr looks like he has lost control of his department.
Fatal for his ego and career.
9
I do not believe for one minute that Barr would have gone public saying all of these things about Trump without clearing it with Trump first . If you think about this rationally, nobody gets away with saying such negative things about King Trump without retribution from him . So to me it looks like a wink and a nod , “ I’m going to say these things to appear that I’m being non partisan when you know Donald I have your back and it’s all a publicity truck “
Barr is an unethical snake and he always will be . The King and what the King wants is his job .
This was a complete set up . What a farce coming from a corrupt actor .
21
@Karen E
I don't believe he needed to check with T. They are brothers from another motha...
5
I think Barr meant that shining a light with his tweets makes it difficult for Barr to do the President's bidding.
16
I don't believe anything Barr has to say. He is owned!
13
I reached the point a while back, where I don’t believe a word that AG Barr or Trump say. Everything they have done since taking office is clearly a political calculation. I imagine this is as well. The article states that Barr gave the White House a heads-up before he made the statement. Yeah, that’s how independent Barr is. He got the OK from Trump to speak out because the wheels were starting to come off at the DOJ, a mass resignation was brewing, and Barr’s reputation was going down the toilet. Like I said, I don’t believe a word either one of them says.
9
To Wm Barr: sir, if you resign or get fired by D. Trump, either is a badge of honor. Until a sentence or 2 in your ABC interview your behavior has been such that you (illegally) view your office as a plaything and weapon for D. Trump. Only one senator did not betray his trial oath. The honest Americans who have been fired by, resigned in protest or or been insulted by Trump are persons faithful to their oath to protect our citizens and our precious constitution. Trump, like Putin, Xi and Assad, has chosen self over all other items -- the longer you do not confront him on his treason to his oath, the deeper you will dig your hole of unfaithfulness to all of us.
6
These guys take their cues from watching episodes of the Sopranos. It'd be funny but it isn't. Vote 'em all out and then spend whatever money it takes to investigate the roots of this corruption.
6
Methinks Mr. Barr doth protest too much. His "critical" message to Pres. Trump: I am already, illegally, doing your bidding. Please don't tweet and expose my craven behavior for everyone to see.
14
To use an old political cliche, I think Trump & his cronies are hoping we are "fat, happy & stupid" enough under this phony economy so they can continue with their agenda. Like fattening of the lambs-
7
Barr deserves an acting award for his claim that he is independent and no one bullies him or tells him what to do.
I literally laughed out loud when I heard his interview statements. No one believes him except for those with addled brain function.
Barr had little credibility when he took this job. Every action he has taken thus far shows he is Trump’s personal lap dog attorney and he has zero credibility now.
Judge a person by what they do- not by what they say.
Barr is in this right up to his neck. Disgusting.
422
@marian Exactly correct. I suspect he even contacted Trump and said, "Just want to give you a heads-up that I'm going to publicly say that I was ALWAYS going to decrease Stone's sentence as a way to deflect from the fact that I'm actually here to represent YOU and only you." It's disgusting that the media would portray this as "independence" and not a total fraud.
29
@marian
He should probably only get a “Razzie”.
14
@marian Those would be the voters who have been subjected to 20 years of brainwashing by the Faux News Network.
20
100 percent positive Trump approved of Barrs message
18
AG Barr needs to come clean and RESIGN.
6
Look, another complicit liar!
13
If you believe Barr, then I've got some swamp land in Florida you might be interested in.
Impeach the AG!
9
Ignore the troll behind the curtain. I have my own mind thank you very much.
What did you say boss? Sure, I can shut up...
8
A lot of people are skeptical about this criticism of Trump because Trump and the White House have not responded. It could be a rouse intended to cover Barr acting like a toady for Trump, which he has been. But Barr did not direct his criticism at Trump but at Trump’s tweets. With Barr one must take care of exactly what he says, and consider what he does.
When he helped distort Mueller’s report in the mass media, he left enough of the report interacted to contradict what he said. That was no accident. He’s representing a client, the wrong client, but a client in his public statements, but he is careful to keep himself separate from acts which could compromise him in fact.
I think that Barr does want the tweeting to avoid the DOJ and the justice system because it does make his job harder.
4
Too late, too little!
The damage to the office of the Attorney General has already been done.
5
Good, as far as it goes. How far does it go? Is it about the appearance only, or is it also about the reality?
1
Barr maintained at his confirmation hearing that he would assert his independence and that there are certain actions a president could take that would be legally indefensible.
From his manipulation of the Mueller report, to the numerous instances of politically motivated investigations and interference, to DOJ refusing to investigate the whistleblower complaint, Barr has proved himself to be one of the most serious threats to our democratic system of government.
I expect Barr's comments were a response to the internal threat he faces at DOJ where surely some patriots must still exist and, along with the four who resigned, pose an existential threat to Barr's leadership.
From defending the separation of children from their families to being the vile and criminal president's personal prosecutors assigned to go after fellow patriots who had legitimate national security concerns in investigating Russian interference in our election, no single agency in the U.S. government is more central to sustaining this long national nightmare.
I had hopes that our courts would respond on an emergency basis to ensure witnesses and documents would be available in a presidential impeachment, that Republicans in the House and Senate would put country before party, and that Bill Barr would be a fearless defender of perhaps the most important agency in government. All dashed.
Will the men and women of the Justice Department recognize this historical moment and put country first?
9
Like the Susan Collins vote for witnesses in the impeachment trial, Barr's criticism of Trump's tweeting is just a ploy to make it appear that he is not carrying water for him. Trump would not tolerate such rebuke from anyone in his administration.
11
William Barr says
The attacks by Donald Trump make work ‘impossible’
It’s possible
This time Trump’s gone too far, it’s surely possible
I could kiss him
When Barr says Trump undermines the legal system
When they both end up in prison I won’t miss them
When they are behind bars
Is it possible? Not possible
The Senate won’t convict so it’s impossible
2
I am sure most people are not falling for this obvious attempt to diffuse (and deflect) from Trump and Barr’s abuses of the rule of law.
7
At least there's some comedy. The idea of Mitch McConnell and Lindsay Graham standing up for the rule of law is pretty laughable.
12
Another brilliant maneuver by Barr. This slight of hand against cover to the narrative. His comments pre-suppose the appropriateness of his actions. He implies he was just doing the right thing and Trump commented publicly and if Tromp would leave him alone he could just do the right thing. Laughable propaganda but effective
6
If news outlets would stop giving Front Page coverage to every single word or attitude of people such as this man, it might aid in weakening their credibility with folks who only have time or won[t read beyond a headline. The latter would include their deaf and blind base as well as 99% of the GOP and many others who are undecided or more neutral citizens. When will the Media learn what they preach every day: Repeat a lie often enough and it will generate doubts which will develop into distrust of the targeted ones.
The more you endlessly jabber, complain and over analyze the more air time, front and center presence and world-wide exposure they continue to get " Gratis". The best way to "put out a fire" is to remove its oxygen.
2
Low Barr is NOT objecting to Trump’s political interference with the Justice Department to undermine the rule of law, what low Barr is saying is Trump shouldn’t tweet and tell everyone about it.
7
Great strategy to deflect the heat - tell everyone you don't like Trump's criticisms while concurrently working to reduce Stone's sentence so, by all appearances, there is no corruption of the legal process. When Barr plays a card, it's always the Joker.
6
It's all smoke and mirrors. Barr does Trump's bidding. If Barr was acting in defiance of Trump, Trump would fire him or he at least would be tweeting about Barr this morning. Trump can fool his base, but he can't fool the rest of America.
After the R Stone interference by Trump, Barr has to pretend he's running the show. We all know that's not true. Trump tells Barr to jump, Barr ask how high.
This morning Fox news said both Barr and Trump respect one another and they get a long great. Yep, that sums it up nicely. You know Fox news never lies.
5
Bill Barr’s interview should be seen for exactly what is was, a coordinated effort between Barr and the White House to make Barr look impartial. We know from his handling of the Mueller Report that Barr is very media savvy (the timing and choice of a non-Fox outlet of this interview is notable) and knows how to spin. This was nothing but spin from a corrupt Attorney General whose one concern is protecting this president and going after his perceived enemies. And, the interview was a dry run for his testimony to Congress.
7
Barr didn't throw down a gauntlet. He threw down a banana peel on the already slippery slope on which he and Trump are sliding down as Main Justice is dismantled into a political tool.
6
@Billy The Kid
chortle!
2
Now that he's used Trump, he's going to denounce him; a true Republican.
Trump & Barr are "softening up" the crowd with all this hoop-la about 7-9 years for Stone ... yeah, how outrageous! Surely the man deserves a pardon for the mere threat of prison! What do career prosecutors know anyway. Like Susan Collins said, "I think he's learned his lesson."
4
Barr is just covering for Trump. Barr got the job because he wrote a long essay saying how the President's powers should be expanded. He has no qualms with the President being the Executive branch, the Legislative branch (decides where the money is spent, e.g. border Wall) AND the Judicial branch (as in deciding sentence lengths, pardoning friends, getting Congress to delay appointments to the Supreme Court from the other party, etc). Barr is squarely in the President's pocket, he's a political appointee, but a far worse one than Sessions, who at least followed gov't norms. Barr is just a Trump disciple, which means the Dept of Justice is horribly biased. They try to suppress things like the Mueller Report (oh yeah redact all op secret stuff EVEN from Congressional Dems who have top secret clearance). It's not just a simple Republican administration at this point, this is corruption. The Constitution require sharing of power by the 3 branches of government and that's not happening! Most voters did not vote for Trump and still don't approve of him, and all this corruption at the top alienates them from their country and its form of government. And borrowing from our grandkids to make our economy look great right now, and letting the richest 20% of US people keep more of their income to pump up the stock market, is not enough advantage to offset the corruption of government that no longer functions by the US Constitution and no longer reflects the will of most of our people.
3
Justice is blind? I'm afraid it's now tone deaf and dumb to common sense, ethics and morality.
We are beyond political tribalism here- what will it take for the electorate to wake up?
8
@Bernard America is as woke as it’s going going to get. Conservatives are just fine with the prospect of one-party rule, however achieved, while the majority are equal parts angry and horrified. This divide is untenable. It will be a miracle if we can avoid violence.
Let us weep for poor, downtrodden Bill Barr. Has he really reached the limits of sycophancy behind which he can no longer gaze upon his image of innocence, or is this merely a show of crocodile tears that he hopes we’ll all dismiss for an over abundance of sympathy for the rough spot he claims to find himself him? Is there no shame whatsoever in this trump’s cadre ?
7
Barr's actions shows he kowtows to Trump's interference in the Justice Department; actions speak louder than words. When did he not do something in agreement with Trump? Barr is trying to quiet the storm in Justice and the rest of he country by his telling Trump to stop tweeting.
The only thing standing defending the U.S. from Trump's assault on our democracy is the news media, especially NYT, and Dems, who lack needed power to do it. The GOP is a co-conspirator in Trump's assault on our democracy. Despite what Lindsay Graham says, I believe he and others will have to answer to God. To Whom Much is Given, Much Will Be Required. Luke 12:48
4
Mr. Barr is blowing smoke. Oddly, what he thinks is right seems always to be what his leader wants. A tiny voice inside him is telling Barr that the entire legal profession, perhaps the entire country, is on to his act. That voice will not stop the continuing effort to make Trump our sole "unitary" authority.
3
Trump accused Mr Mueller of committing a felony (lying to Congress) . Would Mr Mueller be within his rights to sue Trump for slander ?
4
It has been clear from the start that Barr is trump's Roy Cohn. As was Cohn, he should at least be disbarred since there seem to be few remedies to this unleashed president and judiciary. Thanks to a majority of republican senators, they are in the process of replacing the court system with a parade of the accused in front of them to determine guilt, innocence, and penalty.
8
Total farce. They have just concocted a cover story. As usual. A patently flimsy and false one
....consent of the governed..
6
AG Barr has perverted justice all by himself. That's why he was hired.
The fact that he "appears" to be biased gets in the way of his pretending his bias is not extreme.
Not sure why this guy wants a dictator. Nor is it clear that the god in his head has anything to do with true spirituality or the teachings of Jesus (see the Gospels). He's more like a hypocrite: whited sepulcher, moneychanger in temple, caster of first stones, etc.
8
Barr: "I'm going to do what I think is right." Even when it is wrong.
6
Re: Comments about the “blatantly partisan” Democrat on Stone jury—
So, athletes and GOOD actors are not allowed to express a political opinion, and now Democrats can’t sit on juries. Seems we are leaving the big decisions to autocratic bad actors and their spineless Republican sycophants. No room in this regime fo independent thought or integrity.
VOTE
14
Obvious & transparent attempt to try and convince the public that Barr has any semblance of impartiality. He remains a Trump toadie, who's historically positive reputation will be forever smeared by his corruption in this current administration.
The American ideal of Justice is dead, with Barr & McConnell holding the axe.
12
I wish Pierre Thomas of ABC had asked Barr why he thought Stone should get special treatment regarding the sentencing recommendation. Is Barr prepared to order that from now on, prosecutors should not recommend a sentence for anyone convicted of obstruction and witness intimidation? Why did Stone get special treatment? A big hole in the interview.
I sure hope the judge drills down on this.
4
Mr. Barr, you can "harrumph" all you want, but respect is earned by actions, proven effort. This thumping of the chest and declaring independence is not believable. What we DO believe is each of the incidents in which you have defended and aided this president in the misuse of his office. Wade in the muck and it sticks to you.
7
I believe this is a staged play to make Barr look like he is making his own decisions. The proof will be in how Trump responds. If there is no outrage or backlash for Barr "standing up" to him - then it was all an act.
7
Barr says "Trump has made it harder for me to do my job." This is true, Trump makes it harder for Barr to obstruct justice. It is not Trump's immorality and lack of ethics that bothers Barr (they are on the same page in this regard), it is that fact that Trump wants to be overt about it to let everyone know that America does, in fact, now have a king.
5
Why would any sane person believe Barr on this? He is just seeking cover because Judge Jackson is going to hammer the prosecutors about their withdrawal and the replacements about what they actually know about the Stone case. Stone violated gag orders, witness tampered, threatened the judge, in addition to the crimes he was charged with. No one with an ounce of common sense, the type Thomas Paine wrote about, would believe Barr on this.
4
I don't believe Barr for one second ... or forever. He's a travesty for someone who is suppose to honor and obey the law.
8
Methinks the Attorney General doth protest too much. This is a thinly veiled attempt to deflect others from the reality that Barr will use the DOJ to further whatever ends President Trump wants.
7
From reading all the comments I think the best analysis is that Barr is saying this as cover so that all the prosecutors don’t resign from the DOJ.
The AG and his handler Trump cooked up this so-called 'difference of opinion' in order to keep this debate alive over the weekend. It's all phony...like Trump's presidency and the current GOP. They are democracy-hating dictators trying to destroy America.
3
I repeat, if barr werent doing trump’s bidding, neither barr nor anyone else at DOJ would care about the tweets.
1
Barr and the Republican Senate have completely destroyed my trust in the Justice Department. They are nothing more than political tools of the Dictator in Chief. And they did it all by themselves, knowingly, against the backdrop of constant warnings by intellectuals, disaffected colleagues, and history itself.
Shame on them for what they have done to this country.
3
Barr: “I’m not going to be bullied or influenced by anybody.”
Um, right. Because when you already acknowledge unlimited executive power, you are the bully’s herald. This public display of handwringing is simply more gaslighting via Trump and company.
4
It is not about the tweets! Its about the illegal actions of Barr and Trump. Obstruction of justice. I really don't care about any of this Stone stuff. He's a clown. What I do care about are the actions being taken by Trump and the loyalists in Congress. I recall, less than an hour after Roberts adjourned the Senate trial of Trump, McConnell was the sole senator present in the Chamber as he rammed through several federal court appointments with not even a church mouse in sight. BTW, where exactly is McConnell today?
I have more faith in the existence of Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny than I do in the existence of integrity in either of these two men. for that matter, toss in the entire corrupt administration, and the sum total of integrity would equal zero. and if you add in the family of the despot, the integrity drops to negative numbers.
4
Barr does what Trump wants him to do conveyed by tweet and then sanctimoniously reacts to Trump's bullying as a patriotic upholder of the rule of law? I call baloney.
4
Too little, too late if Barr is belatedly trying to salvage his reputation.
I had a job where my crazy boss was an impediment to getting the work done ethically (incidentally, this ex boss is someone Trump has referred to as "great" in a tweet).
Do you know what I did? I quit. It was hard, because I didn't have another job, but that's what you have to do if you have ethical obligations and you can no longer deny that your boss is irrational and unhinged.
Barr is trying to have it both ways, and he can't at this point.
3
Seriously. This means nothing except Barr is trying to cover his rear. I keep thinking they cannot go any lower, and then they do. So much for democracy.
3
let us get this basically settled if Roger Stone gets a little over two years (that would be approx 1/3 of a 7year sentence) or over 3 years (that would be approx 1/3 of a 9-year sentence) one of these would be routine if Stone does not have a previous record, it does not mean that the judge has caved to Trump, Barr but that she has taken several things in consideration so here is the scoop, you only have 9 months before an election then get out to vote, that way Trump can "wave bye-bye" let's treat him like the child he is and Barr will be out of a job, realistically the voters have the power, use it, please use it, the world is tired of seeing and hearing and reading the nonsense coming out of the Trump Family and Administration and maybe the damage done by Trump's incompetence can be reversed and many of the Good people in the US will regain the Dignity and Respect which you once enjoyed presently most countries are looking at our own President/ Prime Ministers( in my case a better looking Trudeau) knowing no matter their warts by God they don't shame us on a daily or regular bases, they are tolerable to their people.
1
---As Mr. Lockhart said, this is purely political theater. Premeditated...baloney, nothing more. AG Barr doesn't do anything that isn't carefully calculated. It was certainly not a genuine rebuke, in any fashion.
3
No one is buying Barr's nonsense about not interfering in Stone's sentencing, nor are they buying the self-pity inherent in his claim of being 'bullied'. Look, the guy lied during his confirmation hearings, he's interfered in SDNY investigations to protect 'the boss', he lied about the Mueller Report conclusions to protect 'the boss' and who knows what will come out in the discovery phase of his own criminal trial!
If Barr thinks he's being 'bullied' now, imagine the whining that will accompany his sentencing! He would do well to review Nixon Attorney General John Mitchell's actions while in office and his subsequent trial and sentencing. There is no way he is getting away with this!
5
It is all well and good to comment about this issue on this website; but I hope that all of these comments are also directed to the Department of Justice. Mr. Barr needs to hear from you about your concerns and issues. If you are appalled with the actions of Mr. Barr, please let him know.
2
Completely orchestrated political theater. Like most of Trump's moves, this "declaration of independence" by Barr is sad. The man is headed to a congressional hearing soon and is trying to deflate the pressure and give republicans on the committee some cover. This should be reported for what it is.
5
Oh, pshaw! Trump and Barr are hand in glove in their efforts to undermine the justice system. This was all staged for public consumption, as an attempt to push off critics. If Barr really felt that he was unable to do his job, and knowing that Trump's behavior has only worsened over time, he would have quit along with his prosecutors.
3
You're not being bullied if you attempted to affect the President's desired outcome unprompted. If Barr's job were really impossible, he would just quit. That's what prosecutor Jonathan Kravis did ... in response to Barr's actions.
3
Oh spare me. He is trying to appease his critics while doing just what Trump wants him to do. This is all theater and people are falling for it.
5
Note that what Barr stated:“I think it’s time to stop the tweeting about Department of Justice criminal cases,”
Unfortunately that reaction shows that if the marching orders are sub-rosa its OK to interfere. It's when there is only if publicized and a public outrage ensues that there is a problem! Barr actions do not reflect his public statements. He has been the enabler of a corrupt regime.
Law, with it's established guidelines, is not to be corrupted for those who one favors, even if you think you are a king. Trump did not win the popular vote, he has no standing to call his election an "mandate". He needs to be arraigned and be held accountable for his corruption.
This is a brilliant, if deviant, ruse. Barr intervened with prosecutorial independence in the Roger Stone sentencing at the behest of His Ruler. He did so while peddling the lie that his intervention preceded Trump’s Twitter-based temper tantrum. By now feigning discontent with Trump, Barr is trying to bolster this lie. It explains why Trump is being uncharacteristically quiet. This AG is anything but independent.
3
Attention Press SecretaryGrisham! You are wrong. Every ordinary individual has the right to express his opinion on Twitter. But when the President expresses his opinion he does so as the President of the United States. The President of the United States is not an ordinary individual. If Mr Trump does not understand "Right" from "Wrong" and unethical he should not be president. Then he could Tweet to his heart's content.
2
It saddens me that the mainstream media feels obligated to report this nonsense without any meaningful analysis. It gives me some hope, by reading the comments here, that people are not as gullible as the mainstream media thinks/hopes we are.
6
There is an old English saying: Run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. AG Barr, also wants to have it both ways.
2
Barr’s ABC interview shows how he has intentionally thrown sand in the public’s eyes.
The trial of Roger Stone followed standard Federal procedures. He was convicted - FACT.
When convicted, Judge Jackson set a date for a sentencing hearing, which at the request of the defense was postponed until February 20 - FACT.
At the upcoming hearing defense and prosecution will present oral arguments to support what, in their respective views, should be the sentence. Both sides will argue using Federal sentencing guidelines - FACT.
To help their respective oral arguments, both sides submitted memos to presiding Judge Jackson to help the judge ponder the issues in advance of oral arguments- FACT.
The prosecution’s original sentencing memo (26 pages) carefully follows established procedures to systematically apply detailed Federal Sentencing Guidelines to compute (yes compute!) their recommended sentence range - FACT.
The Federal Prosecutors’ sentencing memo was signed by Timothy Shea, US Attorney for the DC District, who is now a Barr advisor - FACT.
In the absence of any interference, after studying the sentencing memos from both sides and hearing oral arguments, Judge Jackson (and only Judge Jackson) would pass final sentence. But Barr interfered - FACT.
Any sentence imposed by Jackson is appealable - FACT.
At no point in this process was there deviation from standard federal procedures EXCEPT for the interference by Barr - to please Trump.
2
Because Trump and his minions have done most things underhandedly over the past 3+ years, why are we to believe this is not one more ruse?! The fact that there were no 3am tweets denouncing these statements by Barr (most likely written by the White House) screams to all of us this is another ploy to distract and try to make us believe Barr is sincere. When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. Barr has shown us many times who he is, and we are not falling for this new twist in the ongoing drama that is our new normal. November 2020 cannot get here fast enough!
3
I think Mr. Barr has set a very low bar (pan intended) for the intelligence of US public.
4
This is a ruse. He already sees his job as serving Trump’s personal interest.
5
A perfect staged story to move attention away from the Senate, where Republicans halted multiple bills concerning election security. But, by all means enjoy the bright, shiny thing.
4
Right! As if anyone in the entire world believes anything Barr says. Nobody has forgotten how he discredited and obstructed the Mueller report before it was even published. Barr represents Trump not the Justice Department.
4
What attacks from Trump is Barr talking about?
Just two days ago, Trump congratulated Barr "for intervening to lower the Justice Department’s sentencing recommendation for the president’s longtime."
So when the president praises the attorney general, the attorney general views and interrupts that as an attack?
My head hurts from all these charades. Is this the president and attorney general's ill attempt at playing "Who's on First?"
I swear, this stuff is far too rich and outer limits for even the Onion to print.
5
And yet, he still does Trump's bidding.
3
Barr is implying that Trump shouldn’t tweet his thoughts, he should find a less public way of communicating them so Barr can deny the president has influenced the DOJ.
4
Of course Barr says his work has become impossible. Trump keeps blowing his cover.
Barr would be much more effective at doing Trump's bidding if Trump would jus stay quiet about it.
7
This may be a tricky employee maneuver: an attempt to rescue whatever career he has left in a (hopefully) post-trump government by displaying seeming professional pride. Alternatively, I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't, as other commenters suggest, a mutually-agreed-upon smokescreen. In either case, let's not assume any sense of ethics or morals here. Just a clumsy game of checkers (not even smart enough to be chess).
Good cop, Bad cop
Improv Comedy
not laughing
8
While Barr is at it, he should:
1. Attack Trump for making life in America so frustrating
2. Attack himself for having chosen the wrong politics
3. Attack himself for having joined the Trump administration
2
Americans say lies from Barr and Trump make living in the United States 'impossible.'
4
The four lawyers that took seriously their professional integrity and personal ethics are impressive. Everybody threatens to go all Johnny Paycheck singing "Take This Job And Shove It," but few do.
This is like Senator Romney and his thoughtful vote during the Impeachment hearings: he dared to break from the herd of trotting sheep and honor his commitment to service.
This is like Lt. Col. Vindman risking -- and losing -- his job in order to stand up for what is truthful, correct and right: it would have been easy and safe to keep his mouth shut, but as we all hope to teach our kids to do when they are grown: he stepped up and did the right thing.
This is like Senator and Candidate Warren who has made a career of protecting ordinary Americans from the golden-calf-worshiping failed ethics of greed, which prioritizes profits over literally everything else. Everyone is critizing her and calling her a socialist because they are misinformed and unwilling to read one of her books on how our current economy is a rigged game.
This is like Martin Luther King Jr who was killed bending the arc toward justice.
These people shine a beacon of hope. We see that -- underneath all the unprofessional twitter nonsense and blatantly biased corporate-driven fox"news" PR -- true Americans continue the fight to live up to the wise principles and inspiring words of our founding documents.
When we do that -- from the first-time fresh voter to the President -- we are on track to be Great.
6
@lisa delille bolton Thank you so much for helping us to see that there is hope. It is so easy to be distracted by "twitter nonsense," and the actions of sociopaths. You offer a picture of a reality that is right in front of our noses--the brave acts of people present and past. Yours is a call to acknowledge and remember the acts of bravery that are with us every day.
1
There are questions to ABC interviewer didn't ask and should have. Perhaps they will come up when Barr appears before the House Judiciary Committee.
1. Did the prosecutors' initial recommendation for 7-9 years follow federal sentencing guidelines? If so, when is it appropriate to deviate from these guidelines?
2. The sentencing guidelines were last revised in 2018. Does Barr think they are generally fair, or do they need to be revisited? If so, in what ways?
3. How often has Barr reviewed and recommended changes to prosecutors' sentencing recommendations? Under what circumstances does this happen? Can he provide some examples?
4. We know that the judge has the final say on sentencing. What is the normal process for presenting her with options? Is the process one where the federal prosecutors present their sentence recommendation and reasoning and the defense team does the same? If so, how does the attorney general department's chain of command fit into the picture?
There are many opinions about Trump's tweets and Barr's reactions to them, but more needs to be done to explore the facts of the matter. I hope we haven't heard the final word on this.
3
Barr lied at his confirmation hearings and is lying now. I don’t believe a word he says. Neither he or Trump has given me reason to believe otherwise.
1
Barr is the fixer for the stable genius. As we remember the Mueller report, which had been completed before Barr got involved, even then Barr set himself up to overturn Mueller's findings of obstruction of justice. He said it was his decision that there was no obstruction. A very unusual finding for Barr to make, since he was not involved in the investigation. Now, we have the same parties -- Barr and Trump -- claiming that the prosecutors' decision in the Stone case should be deleted and Barr's decision substituted.
This clearly shows that Barr and Trump are positioned to overturn all the safeguards our country uses to make sure justice is done. When will the Republicans come to the aid of our democracy and rule of law?
My opinion is that won't happen because Republicans have used big money raised by undeserved tax cuts for corporations and oligarchs to be funneled into our elections as a result of Citizens United. They have combined big money and power together and until that's broken, we will never have a true democracy.
A famous jurist once said, you can have a government where all the wealth and income is invested in a small portion of the population, or you can have a democracy. But you can't have both.
2
So now trump says he has a legal right to interfere, pretty much saying I'm going to keep doing what I've been doing.
I knew he couldn't keep quiet for long. Reasserting himself as the supreme being above the law.
Those in the justice department must be shaking their heads, when they're not busy looking for jobs elsewhere.
3
Trump Claims ‘Legal Right’ to Interfere in Justice Dept. Cases
A day after the attorney general publicly rebuked him, President Trump rejected the tradition of an independent Justice Department.
And there you have it. The rebuke to the rebuke.
Der Trumpf doesn't like being told what to do. And so the above was inevitable. The man THINKS he is a law unto himself and his enablers, the entire GOP, are letting him get away with this in order to pack the courts with incompetent judges who will rule in favor of their master plans to hobble the nation for the forseeable future.
Thanks GOP.
5
We are all getting hoodwinked with all these shenanigans, the chances that its coincidental is zero, He tweeted they acted on it. For sentencing guideline the former attorney general released in 2018, just shows how corrupt this instance was, this is how rule of law is completely eroded. We have not seen anything yet, just wait there will more.....from both Mr Trump and Mr Barr this is just a tip of the iceberg.
3
The most important line from the interview: "I support his program, I think he's doing great things for the country."
Like most every other Republican politician, Barr is willing to sell his soul to achieve desired ends. Barr cares only about wielding power.
5
Barr made a calculated decision to appear to assert his independence in a public way, only to support plausible deniability when it comes time. No one should think for a moment that Donald and Barr are not in complete collusion. The only friction there is Donald's inability to resist the opportunity to tweet edicts like the despot he is so eager to be. He's not satisfied to be controlling things from behind a curtain, maintaining a public pretense that his administration is not in fact a threat to our democratic republic. The man-baby needs to show off. I expect any day now he'll start wearing a crown and an ermine-trimmed cape while Cruz, Graham, McConnell and Collins carry his sedan chair.
4
Deeply disturbing.
A politically neutral justice Department? Gone.
An independent judiciary? History.
An accountable president? Nope.
Congressional checks and balances? Toast.
A concerned and informed electorate? Extinct.
Meanwhile the Democrats are dysfunctional and probably will not produce a candidate who can beat Mr. Trump.
If you’re not afraid for the future of your Republic you should be.
6
I am convinced Barr had Trump's permission to say what he said. He would not have dared to cross his boss otherwise.
5
A calculated positioning statement by our AG. It gives the appearance of independence when he interferes with Stone’s sentencing. This positioning statement will give Barr the cover to prosecute those who are in disagreement with Trump. Barr did not show this impartiality or independence when he could have. He had documents he could have released relating to Trump and the Ukraine – he did not.
3
Barr is correct. Trump's tweets are keeping Barr from doing his work because it is shining a light on him. He wants to metaphorically speaking "drown the baby" for Trump in the dark of night where no one can watch. To Barr's shagrin, Trump's tweets highlight the mayhem and miscarriages of justice that Barr is carrying out for Trump.
5
If Mr. Barr finds his work as United States Attorney General impossible then he should resign.
The Stone backpedaling was done because 45 called the AG and then tweeted so that he is shown as doing this out in the open.
4
We will only know if this was a legitimate statement if Trump fires Barr. Won't hold my breath.
4
People forget that like Steve Bannon, Barr is yet another American Christian who has anointed himself with the power to lie, cheat, steal and possibly even kill in order to move the world closer to the End Times, in the name of his lord and savior. This hubris is exponentially more dangerous than it is shocking because it means he is absolutely incapable of any degree of impartiality, honor or integrity if and when something doesn’t advance his insane ego-driven agenda.
Trump making his job “impossible”? He is lying.
5
This is all about controlling the narrative. Again. Mr. Trump and his men do this brilliantly. (Why was the Senate's acquittal not at the bottom of page 2? There was no news in that action.) At some point the media (and the rest of us) need to call their bluff. Otherwise, what fools are we? We reap what we sow.
1
I repeat myself, but then so does Trump:
Barr fails to tell us what "his job" is, and for good reason. Admitting publicly that "his job", what he was hired for, is to "protect" Trump. Understandably, that's not an admirable position for an Attorney General of the United States to publicly embrace, even if conspicuously true. So the purpose of "his job" must be faked, and Trump's dumb tweets make that task more difficult. Corruption to the core.
2
This is a scam lifted right out of WWE. Trump agrees to body slam Barr, Barr then attacks Trump with the folding chair, then they both go after the ref. Super cheesy but it certainly stirs up the crowd.
4
Too little, too late from this guy.
2
Barr is saying that if trump did not tweet it would be easier for Barr to cover up for trump without the public's or congress's scrutiny. Barr is a liar and will do anything to turn this country in to a patriarchal theocratic nation. He and Pence has a lot in common.
4
Is anyone else appalled at Barr's inability to speak coherently? This is, after all, the attorney general of the United States.
4
Please, stop with this silliness that Barr has somehow seen the light?
This is the man who stood up looked in the camera and misrepresented the Mueller report. This is the man who's continuous to participate in smear campaigns who refuse to
participate in Trumpism.
Mr. Barr's words are a stunt to manipulate a citizenry that's easily duped. I'm sure Barr and Trump went over what Mr. Barr was going to say. How can anyone be this naive or dumb?
5
This is all staged. The actions this sycophant has taken to date demonstrate he has zero independence from Trump.
1
The journalist Katie Benner used the term "rebuke" to describe what AG Barr said. The term cover-up would be a better description. What AG Barr is basically saying is «Mr President, I am doing everything possible to protect you and the Presidency, your (The NYT being a family newspaper I will not print the word) tweets are exposing me, so stay quiet and let me do my job of taking care of you and your friends.»
3
The press is just playing into his hands by fore fronting Barr's fake "push back" comments. He is still a puppet for the president and contributing to the demise of our judicial system and democracy. Why not forefront the harm he is doing instead? His words are meaningless; his actions are what count.
2
This is all a sham to calm rightfully outraged lawmakers. Barr is appearing to look upset in order to calm voices of impeachment for him. Him and Trump can easily have a private phone call to discuss him pretending to be outraged over his boss's comments. WAKE UP PEOPLE.
2
Well!! This really trumps the bar, doesn’t it!!
1
I don't believe one word from Barr's mouth. This man forsake all integrity when he signed on the Trump train. Under his leadership, the United States has no independent judicial system. The Justice Department is simply another arm of the crooked Trump administration.
1
The Aiding and Abetting William Barr is now the victim of bullying. Spare me.
4
When was Trumped impeached again? Cue up Barr’s impeachment ... Barr is onlyyyyy concerned about THIS sentencing recommendation, does he think we are all idiots?
VOTE
C’mon NYT - the real story is how Barr conspired with 45 to come up with this fraudulent attempt to conceal Barr’s improper (and potentially illegal) intervention on 45’s behalf. Why aren’t you investigating/telling THAT?!
3
Please, journalists for the NYT, do not use words like "extraordinary rebuke" to describe Barr's public relations stunt that may well have been coordinated with the White House. Your readers, as these comments make clear, understand how the corrupt relationship between Trump and Barr works. It is condescending to your readers, and a slap in the face to democracy for you to write this story as if it conveys a new "truth" about Barr's integrity.
2
Has he tried resigning in protest yet? No?
This is a 'good cop, bad cop' routing, and the media are lapping it up.
These people are destroying our country.
3
His talk is so disingenuous. Barr needs to resign. This is the same man who gave an implausible read on the Mueller report. He has enabled the Tweeter.
Vote #AnyoneBut 2020.
He and Tweeter are destroying our country.
Isn’t this literally a “good cop, bad cop” play?
1
To Mr. Barr: Sure, then why did you jump so quickly to follow Trump's orders to you, sent via Twitter? You just want him to say it in his office, like a regular godfather would.
1
"a president who prizes loyalty over almost anything."
Stop using euphemisms. What Trump prizes is servility.
"“doing the Lord’s work”
So now Trump's slaves are calling him a lord?
.
2
No one is above the law.
1
So Lindsey Graham said that Barr is, “the right man at the right time to reform the department and stand up for the rule of law.” It's nice to know that Graham thinks SOMEONE should stand up for the rule of law, since HE won't do it.
1
This is so transparent. The translation is, “Your (Trump’s) tweets only serve to expose the mendacity with which I (Barr) am performing the borderline and outright unethical and potentially illegal things I am doing for you. So please stop doing that. It makes me (Barr) look like your henchman and contradicts the moral upstanding image I am straining to project.”
2
What an insult to the critical thinkers of America who have their eyes wide open to the charade of behavior by William Barr and Donald!! This might work for those who are under the hypnotic trance of trumphhood, but the rest of us are watching and not going along. See us in November
2
Trump is evil. Time to stop beating around the bush.
1
Of course he reported what he was going to say...he dare not report to trump before speaking. trump owns him lock, stock and barrel. Barr is as independent as all the other members of this administration and the rest of the GOP. That amounts to zero and none.
How foolish does he think the American public is that they would swallow his interview with ABC... "I'm going to do what I think is right".... mind you, not what the law is, but what HE thinks is right. Any right headed American knows that that amounts to what trump thinks is right! This nation is being run by a collection of amoral fools.
3
Barr: Mr President, as we move the country into fascism, we need to be a bit more subtle, or else your supporters will notice.
Trump: Yes Bill. So glad I thought of that (sniff). So glad.
Barr: OK. Shall I do a press conference, sir?
Trump: Press conference? Will it be tremendous?
Barr: Uh...yes sir. It will be tremendous. And beautiful.
Trump: So beautiful (sniff).
2
This is a coded message to Trump. Please let me know your desires privately. For God’s sake, please don’t tweet.
2
This is so fake! Pretend false outrage to try to silence your complete capitulation to Trump’s use of DOJ to reward and punish as he sees fit. Barr is lying to deflect attention from his own guilt of allowing the complete politicization of the DOJ. Shame!
2
A WWE move...”okay, your turn to win”. Noise signifying absolutely nothing!
1
This is just theater for the masses. Why does the NYT treat it like a big, tough action? Geeeez
4
Spooky
Sneaky
Troothie
Obtusey
Crook-ie
Smokey
Political
Kabuki.
5
Cry me a river...
7
Then he should Quit asap
8
It's likely Trump will now attempt to appear more "presidential" now that Barr, Graham and McConnell are publicly whining about the boss's goofy tweets. As we get closer to November he will have to look like he's actually sane.
A tough order, to be sure.
After Czechoslovakia, Hitler said he was happy. Then look what happened!
5
It should be obvious to everyone that Barr is concerned that the president* let the tampering with justice cat out of the bag with Twitter feed. Barr should be impeached immediately. And the House should not be afraid to impeach the president* again or as many times as necessary to curtail his continued lawlessness.
5
I hope the Judge uses her power to look into this more and sticks with protocol and guidelines as to what is normal in the sentencing if not giving the maximum sentence to prove the point that pushing will only intensify the push back. We as a people need to support the people who are doing the right thing and speak truth to power because it is going to get a lot worse. We could lose a lot of good people between now and the election. If and when Trump stops tweeterpating we need to realize, is the time to worry because he will have us right where he wants us.
2
“I’m not going to be bullied or influenced by anybody".....and yet, you are.....
16
Then resign.
17
The NYT insistence on repeating this administrators orchestrated narrative and obvious deception is so frustrating.
8
This is approximately as real as any of the ringside "fights" alongside the ropes of any WWE exhibition, or for that matter the gymnastics display inside the ropes. I invite your attention to a ringside display featuring Mr. Trump and Vince McMahon (creator of the WWE) in 2007 (https://youtu.be/jkghtyxZ6rc). The McMahon family continues to own 70% of the WWE, despite the WWE storyline of a "hostile takeover" by Mr. Trump. It never happened in real life.
Donald Trump likes the form of entertainment offered by the WWE (just as he likes "beauty" contests). Linda McMahan is has played significant roles in the Trump administration and campaign organization.
This is just another election-year media event.
5
Imagine… a clownish character whose sad journey into the world of political crime was embellishing his bonafides during an inquisition conducted by politically appointed F.B.I. Agents. Turns out the F.B.I. the Judge and one of the Jurors in the Stone case are Trump haters. The difference between a Trump supporter and a rapist is nine years in lieu of four years in prison.
Imagine… a flawed Circus or political malaise gone the way of a La-La-Land where politically appointed Judges and Jurors satisfy the whims of F.B.I. executives associated with a ‘deep state’ putsch. Picture F.B.I. executives fabricating lies to obtain FISA warrants to spy on their political nemesis with impunity. While some poor clown is sentenced to nine years in prison for his clownish behavior.
Imagine… confusing politically correct La-La-Land with a sordid Circus where the clowns are seedy prosecutors or ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ where the guillotine is substituted for the whimsical notions of politically correct prosecutors using Lady Justice as courtesan for their politically correct fetishes.
Imagine… a fractured Circus where elitist clowns orchestrate inquisitions where hand picked Jurors deliver verdicts acceptable the ideological whims of cunning prosecutors. Ooh-well…you’re left wondering about the capabilities of defense attorneys preforming a ‘voir dire’ on a woebegone jury, or a Ring Master absorbed with the hijinks of a tainted jury of corrupt clowns.
3
Like Trump himself often does, you are projecting. Your entire screed really should be a critique of the way the Trump syndicate operates and is trying to corrupt our system. Our democratic systems generally worked for 240 years - before Trump started undermining them. You do not raze a house when it simply needs a new roof and a coat of paint.
2
@Wolfgang Pretty words, but if it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck and acts like a duck, it's a duck. Say what you will as flowery as you want, but upholding the rule of law does not mean that hatred and a need to be "politically correct" fuel the animus for going after the person or persons breaking it. We don't live in that country and there are folks on both the left and right that refuse to ever live in that country.
And by the way, using political correctness as a catch-all for whatever you disagree with is so 90's. Such pseudo-intellectual slight of hand may continue to fool some, but doesn't even come close to fooling all.
A line has been crossed and there's no talking around or out of it.
Good for Barr!!!
Are you kidding me. Barr’s entire performance was prepared and staged.
Anyone with half a brain saw that immediately.
3
Bad for justice and integrity.
2
All the reporting on this stunt has laid out two interpretations of this public statement.
Saddest thing is that we no longer believe our government—and that is just what Putin and Trump have wanted from the start of this populist carnival.
Is it real? Or is it swine Maybelline?
My vote? Fake news.
After all. The president wasn't bothered.
5
hahahahaha. What he means is that he cannot betray his oath and do Trump's bidding with impunity, because Trump's tweets make the reason for his acts obvious,and prove that he is indeed Trump's lackey.
9
This is an orchestrated farce and a complete attempt at obfuscation. They are both (Barr and Trump) lying. Barr should be disbarred and impeached immediately. The press should not promote this pablum as if it were some kind of truth. The press is once again complicit in spreading these lies and promoting these 'alternate' realities.
14
Mr. Barr gave up all credibility a long time ago. "He that lieth down with dogs shall rise up with fleas." Now he's whining about having fleas.
5
INT. BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
BILLY BARR, late sixties, a tough talking Attorney General who's nobody's whipping boy, strides up to the microphone before a GAGGLE OF REPORTERS.
BARR: Now listen up you mugs. I’m not going to be bullied or influenced by anybody. Got that? I'm my own man. Print that. Always was. Always will be. Any chump who says otherwise is a gonna regret it.
REPORTERS: Gee, thanks, Mr Barr. That was swell! You're the best! C'mon, boys, let's report this! We got a deadline!
6
The GOP is no longer a functional party with democratic values, fiscal conservatives and strong law and order morals.
No, they are dysfunctional members of the Trump Cult. They have fallen into his web and being eaten to the bones.
I am worried about November, because Trump and his cultists have plenty of time to scheme how to beat the system yet again. Americans need to be aware and not give up fighting this evil cult.
3
Barr signaling Trump to keep his mouth shut (tweets) in order to calm any insurrection bubbling up at DOJ so that Barr can continue to advance Trump's agenda.
12
A quit would have been a most excellent denouement after this:
... saying that his attacks on the Justice Department had made it “impossible for me to do my job” and that “I’m not going to be bullied or influenced by anybody.”
But then we realize YOU ARE just another Roger Stone messing with us
3
Even if I believed what Barr is saying now (which I don't), I have only one thing to tell him: You lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas.
3
Barr has learned from Trump to make up a story and get the media to go off en mass on a stupid lie and ignore what is really being done at the "Justice Department". If this was a real concern Barr would talk to Trump personally. Will the media ever learn? Fox news as pitifuof dupesl as they are at least understands the Game that the Trump administration plays with truth.
4
Barr is to Trump, as Sammy the Bull Gravano was John Gotti, And now, NOW?, for some obscure reason, Barr says, 'no, this is wrong.?'
Utter farce!
3
And what Barr meant was “Mr. President please let me do your bidding in secret”.
6
A Mafia Boss never tells his people to kill someone. He always says he wishes someone would disappear. His people understand the message and take the fall for him should something go wrong. That’s Trump and his cabinet, Barr included.
9
Remember: This is the same William Barr who feigned total ignorance about Trump's call with the president of Ukraine. Only later do we learn that not only was he aware of it, but he was ON THE CALL! So, he is a horrendous liar and a total fraud — just like his miserable boss Trump. If they are allowed to remain in office then America is doomed. Period.
13
"Mr. Trump has made it difficult for Mr. Barr to maintain the appearance of independence, threatening the attorney general's credibility...." The barn door has already been thrown wide open and the horses have galloped away. This disgraceful man, Barr, has lost his credibility from the day that he took on the role of the Don's (bend the knee and kiss the ring) personal attorney, doing his bidding with every volatile whim.
4
Standard GOP. A little talk to make yourself feel like you're a reasonable human being, then continue driving the world into the ground. Straight from the Jeff Flake playbook.
8
If anyone believes this is genuine, I have some beachfront property in the desert to sell to you. This is purely for public consumption & anyone who thinks Barr has a clue of right & wrong is sadly mistaken. He's a control freak and a moralist of the worst kind. Interfering in trials that have nothing to do with his job & simply enabling trump have been his mark all along. His far-reaching view of the power of the presidency is his most dangerous quality. He's a monarchist & has been for a very long time. He & his fake king need to go.
15
Bill Barr is a true believer and trump his useful idiot. the latest dust up is simply Barr smacking this annoying, yapping, lapdog trump on the nose with a folded paper. Barr has been a proponent of an imperial presidency for decades and found his man in the money grubbing tv personality who stumbled into the presidency as a means to enhance his prestige and wealth. He is basically saying shut up and fill your pockets, I'm busy here dismantling democracy. The real question is whether trump's ego or sense of self preservation will prevail. He has after all found his Roy Cohen in Bill Barr.
6
Barr spoke horse-hockey. He has firmly affixed his Roy Cohn to trump’s criminal presidency. History will know it, but what do we do right now?
3
They all lie. All the time. Barr is afraid he’ll look like a lackey? If the shoe fits.
6
What "impossible" means is obvoius.
Barr is saying "stop shining a light on my politicizing the DOJ for you Donnie!"
8
I don’t understand why this is headline news. You guys took the bait, hook, line and sinker. If he were really so concerned about improper influence he would have either resigned or been fired a long time ago.
9
I'm getting ready for SNL'd cold open with a Pinocchio-like Bill Barr being interviewed.
As Billy-boy speaks, his nose grows longer and longer, eventually poking the interviewer and hitting the camera lens as he turns to try "(dis)honestly" looking into it.
5
There is nothing as fragile as the camaraderie of thieves.
3
It would have been more fun to see Stone just get a Presidential Pardon.
@RS
Stay tuned.
2
House of Reps: call in the prosecutors from Dept. of Justice to explain why they stepped down from Stone case. Then let Barr defend himself, in front of the House. Do it now.
4
Mr President, I've been thinking on this, and in order for me to keep doing my, umm, job, I'm going to need some cover. My thought is to sit for an interview on national tv and voice frustration and indignation about, say, tweets and bullying. I'm no good to you if the chattering class keeps on this drum beat about my being your sycophantic fixer and demanding my resignation. Thoughts?
Bill, that is a terrific idea. Let me run it by Lindsey and get back to you this afternoon...
7
The man is playing the world’s smallest violin, but better late than never?
2
What took him so long?
1
Trump’s twitter fingers silent? Republican senators praise Barr? It’s a scripted sham.
7
What a fake Barr is. I suspect he saw the possibility of his own impeachment ahead. Anyone one who supports the cockamamie concept of the "unitary executive" cannot be trusted.
So he decided to look like the victim. Boo hoo. Who ever thought we'd see the day with a worse AG than John Mitchell. Where is Martha when we need her?
5
Trump said he has the right to interfere but has chosen not to. Trump lies as usual. He chose this sycophant for a reason. Barr calls Trump's tweets disruptive. Trump rules by tweet. McConnell said Trump should listen to Barr. Trump rules by the seat of his pants. And listens to no one. He should get an intelligent adviser but that would be admitting he was not the ultimate president.
Yes boss, I did good. Pat on the head?
3
“I cannot do my job here at the department with a constant background commentary that undercuts me.” If you can't do your job, resign.
4
How do people not see that this is just another agenda pushed by the Republicans? LAME
4
Barr lied to Congress during his confirmation; he's lying now. He just wants to leave with plausible deniability that he was not kissing Trump's ring when he lowered the sentencing request for Stone. How do I know that he's lying? His lips are moving.
4
This is intentional to distract as they continue to destroy the rule of law! Barr is lying and violating good practices in Criminal law for his overlord!
2
William Barr....what a piece of work. He is even more slimy than the fool he protects. Barr knows better, so he is more culpable than trump. What a mess!
5
Someone forgot to tell Barr to try to gaslight the American people using his "inside voice"..
I think he is fully aware that his reputation is in shambles and wants a footnote in the history books that he displayed a flash (do not blink.. you will miss it) of independence.
Yes, he serves at the pleasure of the President, but he is supposed to be working for we, the people, upholding the law, not bending it like a Gumby contortionist to suit Trump.
I think that in the coming months, there will be peaceful demonstrations in this country.
The end of the impeachment proceedings was just the beginning.
2
Why will the NYT call Barr's maneuver a rebuke escapes me. Is this newspaper of the opinion that it's readership is no longer capable of discerning how this alleged confrontation is nothing but an attempt to portray Mr. Barr's office as independent.
Hmmmm. So Billy is upset only because he got caught in his web of lies and so has to "appear" to uphold the truth. Poor guy - his cover just got blown by the prez........He's done too much damage now - it's out there for all of us to see. No one believes your lies anymore.....seems as though you might be "disbarred" soon?
1
This is Barr telling the President to shut up so I can better cover your corruption. Help me help you in other words.
4
What Barr is trying to tell trump is “stop making it so obvious that I am your most ardent sycophant.”
5
Gee, AG Barr, you just figured that out?
It really has gotten this bad, hasn't it?
I do believe that people can repent of past sins, but this is like a confession of errors on death bed. The last chance to be forgiven and avoid a frightfull descent into political hell. Whether or not this saves Barr from suffering the eternal torture of criticism depends on whether his repentance is real or whether he will fall, once again, in his judicial errors. It's too early to give him absolution.
Bill should work from home.
6
What Barr is really saying is that Trump, by his tweets and public comments, is making it more difficult for Barr to look honest in his misleading/lying defenses of Trump. Barr is also watching DOJ blow up under his own watch because the DOJ rank and file know corruption when they see it.
20
If you are not corrupt, you have no place in this administration. If you understand the foundations of America, are honorable, defend the Constitution (uphold your oaths of office) over Donald J. Trump...you have no place in this administration. It really comes down to that.
12
Judge Barr not by what he says but by what he has already done
12
Mr. Barr is apparently not as shameless as Mr. Trump. He is starting to contemplate how history will record his term as attorney general.
He is begging Mr. Trump to keep quiet about DOJ's on-going "collaboration" with the White House. He seems genuinely concerned about the future and what his grandchildren will be thinking of him.
Let's face it. No one wants a bunch of crazy tweets become historical references to one's acting as the president's lap-dog.
5
This is more scripted than professional wrassling and just as fake.
16
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Mr. Barr, this is the job that you auditioned for in the most bizarre fashion.
4
Oh,my. I would like to sell the Brooklyn Bridge to anyone who believes this.
18
Me too!
1
And I have ocean-front property in Arizona I'd like to sell to you.....
5
The way things are going environmentally, you just might have oceanfront in Arizona in the questionable future.
That was a Trump approved performance to try to tamp down the mutiny going on at DOJ. How dumb does he think we are. We see the rampant corruption and know the career lawyers at DOJ must be in despair.
12
If only the Senate could do something to stop the President’s abuse of power. Oh...wait...
15
Barr tells Trump (his boss) to back off in front of the whole world. Trump doesn’t throw a twitter tantrum. Hmmmmm. Smells a little fishy to me.
21
@Zigg and there at the house those who were most theatrical in their defense of Trump like Jim Jordan, were given high ranking in committees. All the while Jim Jordan is trying to hush the OSU wrestling sex abuse scandal while he was coach!
What kind of republicans are running the country?
1
@Zigg
Just a "little fishy"? Have you by any chance heard of a condition called Hyposmia or Anosmia?
1
So Barr has a conscience, well sort of.
It's just an act. Barr should go back to his world-wide tour search for validation of Trump conspiracy theories.
11
Please, NYTimes- do not cover this as anything but spin and manipulation. We are being gaslighted. Do not be an enabler!
18
How many other cases has Barr personally intervened in to reduce a sentence?
thought so.
6
wait, is it april first already?
5
Barr's ABC interview yesterday was nothing more than 'grand guignol'....farce as theater.
One doesn't know whether to laugh or cry....but one thing is for sure:
The whole charade is insulting to anyone with an IQ above freeing.
NOT my president
4
Know what other job is impossible? America’s role as a world leader when we have an unfit, unqualified, unintelligent, bigoted, open sewer of a human being like Donald Trump as our (so-called) president.
8
That's hilarious since Barr has already done Trump's dirty work and allowed himself to be bullied by his no-morals-at-all president.
2
Oh dear liberal media, stop being so innocent. This was a stunt, staged by a reality TV show president and his minion. To try and take the heat off. He will continue to act as Trump's personal lawyer and protector for as long as the American people will allow it. Stern words mean nothing.
6
Barr has fast become Trump's Crony in Chief. Why do these people do it? Barr will forever be remembered as the AG that ruined the Justice Department. He's the very definition of a disgrace,
8
If only this weren't just media rhetoric put out to shut us all up.
I feel like Charlie Brown hearing his teacher's voice "wah wah"...
Barr cannot expect to have any credibility at this point. It is truly laughable.
Once a lapdog, always a lapdog.
Sir, you can't change yourself into a guard dog by a few "ruff" sentences.
6
Barr is holding the football...
He got previous permission from Trump to say this in order to make the career professionals in the DoJ shut up.
Barr, like Trump, is allergic to integrity, truth, responsibility and patriotism, and can be counted on to break out in a rash of lies and fury when confronted by anyone having these qualities.
Barr is a liar, and not even a very good one. But then, he's lying for an audience of one.
6
It’s a ruse
feint
game plan
gimmick
hoax
ploy
sham
stratagem
stunt
subterfuge
angle
artifice
blind
deceit
device
dodge
gambit
game
imposture
jig
maneuver
scenario
shenanigans
shift
switch
twist
wile
booby trap
curveball
14
Does anyone actually believe this narrative?!! The walrus doth protest too much...
7
Bill Barr can parse a word and obfuscate like no other. And he believes intelligent Americans can’t see through his extremely transparent performance?
Hah!
5
Is Barr so cowardly in that he can't tell Trump to his face to knock off the tweets?
2
Privately, Barr privately does whatever Trump wants. Publicly, He just doesn't want Trump bragging about it and making him look foolish.
5
This is utter nonsense. All of this is IMPOTUS choreography designed to give the emperor what he wants. The USA is being gaslighted once again.
4
Mr A G —
You sold your ethical soul to Donald Trump when you wrote your fawning letter applying for the job way back when…..
NOW
Your reputation is in ruins, you're reaping what you have sown and don't like it……..It's a little late to be thinking of that now though…….
Here's a suggestion —
Forget Trump's insane, inane tweets - he isn't going to change for you or anyone else ….His egos simply too big to allow it…….
Start running the Justice Department as it supposed to be under our Constitution - INDEPENDENTly…..
And maybe, just maybe history will not just judge you as the Trump sell-out you have been up to this point……..
4
Barr is simply providing cover for himself using the media--he did rollover for Mr. Trump on the sentencing of Roger Stone and once again sets the bar at the lowest peg for those who are "connected." He continues to devalidate a respected and valuable institution... what is the sentencing guideline for that?
3
Trump just asked NY to stop prosecuting him in exchange for removing his impairment of their travel ability. This is a lot like what he did in Ukraine, but even more blatant. Will Republicans continue to accept this? If they do, will we vote them out of office?
7
So it begins... The slow but steady drift away from DJT, and the assertions (however slight) of independence. Not surprising, as our president seems to be veering into uncharted territory, with dangerous shoals. Not content to go down with the ship, he will presumably keep tossing shipmembers overboard until he is alone.
1
Does anyone buy this?
It's stage managed to say Barr is independent.
6
There are so many unanswered questions.
1. How is it possible in such a high profile case that prosecutors submit a 30-page sentence opinion without Barr or someone directly responsible to him first reviewing it. Incompetence at best.
2. What does Barr mean by making it impossible to do his job? Does he mean making it impossible to be fair and equitable? Or does he mean do Trump's bidding without the public catching on?
3. He used the word "impossible," rather than, say, "difficult." If it really is impossible, why does he stay at his job?
8
There is no chance that Barr did not have knowledge of stones sentencing memo. The hitch was that he got word of trumps displeasure after the fact so he had to scramble to appease trump. Pure corruption.
3
I’ll believe Barr if and when he acts like Elliot Richardson, Nixon’s AG who resigned in protest.
12
Department of Trumped-Up Justice = Trump Justice
3
Gee...do you think Barr is finally waking up to the smell of the music?
1
Attacks from Trump make living in America impossible
4
the problem isnt the tweets, the problem is the ag being involved in specific cases with political concerns feeling his opinion should override his prosecutors. whats next, him trying the cases himself?
5
He tells us he won't be bullied or influenced by anyone as he is being bullied and influenced.
This is just a show to try to reduce the heat on Barr. He is still doing trump's bidding.
8
There is no quarrel between trump and barr.
Barr is accomplishing two things with his "criticism" of trump: first, barr is signaling to trump that the tweets just shine a light on the violation of office that barr is committing on trump's behalf, and second, barr creates a false narrative in the public that he's not trump's Roy Cohn, but a real AG.
This "quarrel" is entirely manufactured so barr will have cover to continue to do exactly trump's bidding.
5
The IMDb version of this story.
Two mutually dependent characters: A powerful crime boss and his consigliere/family lawyer.
Both crave and have tremendous but never enough power. Neither hesitates to throw anyone who challenges his power under the nearest bus.
The plotline of this episode: The consigliere/lawyer attempts to appear to establish his “independence” for the sake of appearances as agreed. Nothing changes. The story continues.
5
Barr Needs to Recuse Himself.
So here’s my take on Barr. There is no question that Barr is totally in the President’s camp, so much so that at times it appears that he is the President’s lawyer and not the nation’s. But that is different than taking orders from the boss which if you can believe him he bridles at.
But the fact remains that he has admitted that Trump’s tweets make his job impossible. When a lawyer finds himself compromised by one thing or another, the solution is straight forward, Recusal. That’s what he needs to do in the Stone case and any other matter the President chooses to tweet in on.
7
My sense is that this is simply performance and diversion...the run-up to the big event: Trump will issue Presidential pardons to both Stone and Manafort within approximately one microsecond of the Stone sentencing. Our collective outrage / angst only serve to keep Trump's name on the front page (above the fold) thereby giving him the 24/7 attention that he so desperately craves. In the words of Kurt Vonnegut, "So it goes."
3
Who does Barr think he’s fooling? Its obvious that he is trying to create a fiction of DOJ independence but he has already demonstrated beyond any doubt that he sees his role as advancing Trump’s interests at the expense of the impartial administration of justice, at the expense of the interests of the constitution and at the expense of the American people. Trump makes no secret of his desire to weaponize the DOJ against his perceived enemies and to shield his friends and henchmen from the impartial administration of justice. And Barr is happy to use his position for precisely those purposes.
3
Are we going to have a statement from Lisa Murkowski and Lamar Alexander that says that this as well is "inappropriate" but does not rise to the level of impeachment. Will they have to issue a statement every couple of weeks or so to repeat this?
6
One simple question: For how many individuals convicted of federal crimes has Bill Barr called for a reduced sentence? Not just since his appointment as AG, but in his entire life.
4
Barr’s motives were immediately suspect when he made his comments on ABC. If he was really sincere, he would have done this on FOX News which all of MAGA-World watch.
This was a smokescreen, pure and simple. I trust NOTHING coming out of this Administration.
5
All I have to say is: the top quotes under the “Reader’s Picks” say everything I’m thinking but in a more eloquent and amusing way. I love you guys and I am “all in” on the fight to save our Republic.
My Norwegian husband wants to move us back to his his home in Norway for his sanity but I was born here, my family is here and I will die here. I’m going down with the ship of state.
Keep up the good fight and keep the honesty, humor and brain cells firing. :)
4
Americas know that white collar crime is handled with kid gloves in this country. There is just a different America for the rich and connected. Barr and Trump continue to abuse this country and they get away with it because they are rich or powerful at the expense of taxpayers and don't have to answer to the majority because we have a minority rule. Why do the riches states have to take marching orders form the smallest populated areas? When you have mass resignations in the justice department their obviously is no justice anymore.
3
“I’m not going to be bullied or influenced by anybody.”
A little late for Mr. Barr. Everything he has done so far has given me the impression that he considers himself Trump's personal lawyer. It has been awful. He should resign at long last if he has any honor left.
2
Our Government is now utterly dysfunctional and misleading American public with contradictory and senseless statements by the President and his cabinet members.
3
This was all a plan by the White House to take the pressure off of Trump. No dissent...more collusion.
3
I agree with those who suspect that this is a fabricated, calculated statement designed to make it appear as though Barr supports his lawyers in the Justice Department. It is so clearly complete bunk. We are at the point in our country where we don't just suspect that our leaders lie to us. We know that they lie to us.
2
I just love Senator Collins's (R-Maine) comment about acquittal. She's been quoted as saying he's learned his lesson and will behave.
Now he's dictating to the DOJ how to do its work and he's claiming he has the legal right to do so?
Unless things change quickly, the democracy as founding fathers had intended is finished. Trump now continues to act like a despot. When will Republicans wake up and see they did wrong with acquittal?
1
Kabuki theater, professional wrestling, reality television show. Barr is a long-time con man serving the GOP. He believes the president should have kingly powers. He's also a theocrat who disdains secular society.
If Barr really objected to Trump's actions, he could resign, he wouldn't have ordered a reduction in Roger Stone's sentence, he wouldn't be conducting a specious investigation of the people who investigated Trump's crimes.
Trump is the most criminal president we've ever had, and Barr functions as his mob lawyer, his Ray Cohn.
Both Barr and Trump should be removed from office.
4
My Olo wifi (now courtesy of Claro) is so weak right now that I am unable to read any of the over 3500 comments from readers, that I will supply my own comment to those of you who read my posts.
This is yet another outrage that seem to arrive on a daily basis, from an imposter who should never have been anointed president. Let him go back to golfing and being a reality TV host, which is all that he may be equipped for.
Governing should be left to grownups, as should legal matters. This fraud has no business meddling in the affairs of the Justice Department, or anything else that he knows nothing about.
He obviously hasn’t a clue about anything, as evidenced by his disruptive, childish tweets.
Choose an unfit mob boss as president and this is what you get!
2
Somehow, I'm having trouble believing the guy who covered up Iran Contra, and perjured himself during his confirmation hearing, is suddenly finding a well of integrity and independence. He's a Trump toady and a smokescreen artist to the end. I wouldn't believe him if he told me water was wet.
2
I'm sorry, Mr. Barr, but given your history and performance I cannot help but take your protestations with a dose of salt. Me thinks you doth protesteth too much.
1
Barr: Boss, the voters are starting to see me as your lapdog.
Trump: We can remedy that with a tweet. Now, down boy. Good dog.
2
Where is the American Bar Association?
3
The Guardian is reporting the following:
"Attorney general William Barr tells Trump to stop tweeting about cases."
Well, the AG is already damaged goods, but Der Trumpf doesn't take kindly to anyone telling him what to do, so the AG is NOW obviously toast.
Can't help but feel that this is all scripted.
4
“The tell here will be Trump’s reaction,” Mr. Lockhart added. “If he doesn’t lash out, we’ll all know this was pure political theater because everyone agrees Trump has no self-restraint.”
No truer words were ever spoken, certainly not during the current reign of Trump. Barr has shown no integrity up until now, never mind what the disgusting Mitch McConnell said...(“If the attorney general says its getting in the way of doing his job, maybe the President should listen”)??? Oh,Please, don’t insult our intelligence by expecting us to believe you just found a moral compass, Mr. Barr or Mr. McConnell. If Trump doesn’t fire off a tantrum twitter on that one, it’s surely a “tell”.
1
Well now Bill, the problem I see here is that nobody trusts anything you say about anything, ever, at all. So, there's that.
4
Barr is certainly one of trumps biggest toadies and without doubt the most dangerous. As prosecutors for the DOJ resign they’ll be replaced with more trump loyalists. And if he’s re-elected come November there won’t be anyone left in government who hasn’t taken a loyalty oath to the leader.
1
political theater.
Barr-Faced-LIE.
4
If you believe that this is not a ploy between Trump and Barr, then please contact me. I have a bridge for sale.
3
If you believed Barr, there are several bridges I'd like to sell to you.
1
Now he's worried about his reputation and legacy?
And with such transparently weak protests?
Do the current denizens of the WH think Americans are so gullible as to believe that Barr thought the proposed sentence for Stone was too harsh - all by his little self?
And that he thought this before the tweet? Or that ConDon hadn't conveyed his wishes to Barr well before the tweet?
Please...the circus sideshow at the WH would be laughable if it weren't so dangerous.
1
too little too late zero crded period the kabuki theater act doesn't fly
2
After Barr's various behaviors protecting Trump's personal interests at the expense of administering impartial justice, Barr's comments are nothing more than 100% disingenuous political theater designed to quell a riot from within the ranks of his department in relation to his latest sycophantic action on Trump's behalf. But he missed the boat......we had the Oscars last week.
1
So Barr’s worried that inappropriate public declarations from those in high office might undermine public confidence in the impartiality of the justice system.
A bit rich, no?, coming from an AG who more than once demonized “secularists and their allies” for a committing a campaign of “organized destruction... an unremitting assault on region and traditional values” — blaming “so called progressives”
for
“record levels of depression and mental illness... soaring suicide rates ... an increase in senseless violence and the deadly drug epidemic.”
How precisely are the interests of justice, the rule of law and civil society served by an AG who uses inflammatory rhetoric to target, whip up animosity against, an entire of class of law-abiding citizens?
This alone, in my view, makes him impeachable.
1
This is a 100% Trump Stagecraft outing designed to distract from the truth.
Barr has shown from day one that he's willing to engage in Trump's " Deep State" conspiracy theory where he's the victim - " Pity the Poor Donald". Just remember his " FBI Spying on Donald 2016" comment in his conformation hearing.
It's all a Stagecraft 101 outing.
1
Me thinks the corrupt AG protests too much. Trump just blew the thin cover off his own partisanship. (And after Barr cleverly manoevuered his own flunky into the head DC office just in time for Stone’s sentencing!)
Now if Barr’s actions begin to mirror his indignation rather than exactly what Trump’s words imply.......
Oh, well, don’t see pigs flying today......
2
"Bermuda Triangle" koan: Barr, Epstein, Trump
4
Ah sweet IMPEACHMENT, where are thou now?
3
As many of your comments point out, this is all a set up , staged by the two biggest liars, the least credible actors in the political world today. Barr is proclaiming his "independence" by "protesting" the tweets---because he fears the professionals of his department will desert him, as the four prosecutors of Stone already have. That Trump is not going wild lashing out at Barr shows that he knows full well that Barr is his man and needs relief from the public bashing the Department of Justice is now experiencing. . Trump and Barr have this agreement: Let the people think that Barr runs his own show , but (wink-wink) don't worry, Mr. Trump---we will take of your cronies.
4
William Barr is as corrupt, and as big a liar as Donald Trump. I don't believe a syllable of Barr's statement. Who would? Other than the MAGA cap wearers.
4
You would have to be pretty gullible at this point to buy this story.
5
You can never believe anything a liar tells you, whether the POTUS or the AG it all comes to the same thing...
5
I’ve never felt Barr was anything but trumps corrupt attorney and certainly not someone concerned with working within the parameters of the law. You made this bed Barr, and if you have any decency you will start to be the attorney general of this country...but...I believe you’re not capable. Your soul has been sold...and I don’t see anything you’ve gained.
4
Barr believes that the voters are idiots. Anyone with even limited intelligence sees through this pitiful lie that Barr is peddling. No doubt his lord and master is quite pleased with his performance.
5
Barr you got in the mud with a pig and now your claiming you got dirty?
4
I am both amazed and disgusted that a reporte for the NY Times could be hoodwinked so easily by Barry's nonsense.
1
The idea that Barr’s statement strikes a blow for judicial independence is pure hogwash. Barr spoke only because his back was against the wall and he had to do something or risk an all-out revolt at the Justice Department. He did he minimal necessary to serve his and Trump’s political interests, not to preserve the Department’s independence. Barr stated his reason and his goal explicitly. Barr was upset because Trump’s tweets were undermining his efforts to turn the Department into Trump’s lap dog. Barr needed a respite from the tweets so he could continue his long-term assault on the Constitution, the rule of law, and our basic moral and democratic values.
Barr has proven himself to be utterly lacking in personal integrity, honor, or honesty. He brazenly put his and Trump’s interests above those of his country.
6
Say what you will, but actions speak louder than words.
6
There is a simple solution for "Mr. Integrity."
He can resign.
9
Barr has an important choice to make: He can stand up to Trump and be (somewhat of) a patriot, or he can go down in history as being the worst and most corrupt Attorney General in American history.
6
The news coverage on this story has been way too credulous.
At least state that Barr is "alleging" when it is so abundantly clear that he is on board, in cahoots, enthusiastically participating in eroding our constitutional government into an authoritarian one.
6
Roger Stone is the "smoking gun" linking Drumpf to Wikileaks and the Russians in influencing the 2016 election. He refuses to testify so he should be incarcerated until he tells the truth. 7-9 years is not enough!
9
Oh please, cry me a Potomac River while you're at it.
It's unclear to me whether the attorney general is auditioning for an Academy Award performance when he stated it is "impossible for me to do my job” and that “I’m not going to be bullied or influenced by anybody" or he simply believes the public is that gullible or naive.
Either way, such voiced indignation is an insult to every prosecutor who works extremely hard and long hours within the Justice Department. This kind of showboating is so typical of the Trump arena of shame and insincerity.
What the attorney general is really doing is acting out like a spoiled child in his direct criticism of the media when he claimed that he cannot do his job "here at the department with a constant background commentary that undercuts me.”
And what the attorney general is really saying is that while he publicly is protesting the criticism he is receiving, he will continue to be the president's attorney and do whatever the president wishes, all the while stating that "I am going to do what I think is right."
Heaven help us all when a person in that position of power is doing what he thinks is right. His version of "right" is clearly not in the best interest of the country, only that of the president.
8
Gee, a president who interferes so much in the work of the Department of Justice that his own loyal AG says the interference is so impeding the work of that Department so as to make it impossible.
Sounds like an unfit, power-abusing train-wreck of a president to me.
7
"Barr Says Attacks From Trump Make Work ‘Impossible’"
Attaboy, Low-Barr.
I'm sure the so-called president has learned his lesson - and Susan Collins is sure, too.
7
Mr. Barr said. “And I will make those decisions based on what I think is the right thing to do, and I’m not going to be bullied or influenced by anybody.” ..... Except trump!
4
Barr just wants Trump to shut up so it's not so obvious that Barr is weaponizing the DOJ to protect Trump and Trump's criminal cronies and to punish Trump's "enemies."
Barr ought to be impeached, removed from office, and disciplined by every bar that he's admitted to for what he's doing to the DOJ. He's violating the legal profession's code of professional responsibility and conduct as it applies to prosecutors.
What's it going to take to remove Trump and his criminal enablers? A second American Revolution since almost all of the Republican Party is enabling their criminality and treason?
5
"It can't happen here" wrote Spencer Lewis.
Well, well, well. It has happened and will not stop until you change your president and replace him with someone who abides by your laws, your constitution and by his oath to the nation etc.
The same applies to the "yes-people" he surrounds himself with.
Barr is being a very naught boy wagging his pencil in the direction of his puppeteer, but as soon as the puppeteer says "boo" he will run away and hide again.
3
I'm sorry, but this sounds so scripted to me. Trump blasts away at the Justice Department, a clear abuse of power and exercise in bare-knuckled, thuggish cronyism, and then his loyal enabler, Barr, makes a few remarks tut-tutting the whole thing in order to make a show of "integrity." More gas-lighting from this corrupt administration.
4
Impossible or just rather more difficult for plausible deniability - always harder to pretend to hold some imagined moral high ground when the corruption in which you are complicit is tweeted daily.
3
This is pure theater. Donald didn’t push back in Barr’s comments, so you know this was coordinated. The house should absolutely call for investigations into Barr.
5
The only thing that makes it harder for Barr to do his job when Trump tweets is that it forecasts just what a lackey Barr is. Barr's claim that he isn't bullied by Trump is only true because he doesn't need to be bullied --- he's in lockstep with Trump every step of the way.
If I had to bet on what was said in that White House meeting, it was Barr telling Trump that he didn't need to tweet out what he wanted done, he just needed to confident that Barr would figure it out on his own.
3
Please ... what about this man warrants a single moment of credulity regarding his statement? Are we supposed to believe that he is being forced, kicking and screaming .. against his will .. to trample our nation's justice system?
I think not!
3
Alert: Tweetie just asserted his right, if he feels like it, to intervene in Justice Department decision. Maybe Sylvester Barr will catch him.
2
"Such tweets “make it impossible for me to do my job and to assure the courts and the prosecutors in the department that we’re doing our work with integrity,” Mr. Barr said."
As you have a history of parsing words, what (job) exactly is that Mr. Barr?
When it did not suit you employer, Trump you did not support career diplomats like Marie Yovanovitch, so what exactly is your mission and what is your word worth?
In Trump speak, that he has full support of A.G. Barr according to his spokesperson, you can't really be a press secretary if you don't hold press conferences he, Trump must be fuming with Barr's lack of fealty.
2
Trump likes to commit his crimes in public. It's his idea of the "perfect" crime.
4
Nonsensical drama staged for the media
Barr’s actions thru this past year are all well documented
from the appointment of John Durham, DOJ giving access
on special treatment for Guiliani political theater, removal of Jessie Liu from the DC attorneys office and who knows what else he has done in any other investigations involving this corrupt president and his associates.
3
I am sure this has been said, and thought by many, but to work in this administration, for Trump in any capacity would be impossible for me. . . soul depleting . . . awful . . . so good luck Mr. Barr you're a strong man I'm sure you'll do okay.
Trump's activity as POTUS for the past 3 years have undermined almost every function of government. Yet his "base" still adore him. And the Republican Party by an overwhelming majority support his unethical, immoral and frequently unconstitutional behavior. When will the 49% of Americans who still "approve" of his behavior wake up and smell the stench coming from the "Swamp" that is the presidency of Donald J. Trump? We should expect more ethical behavior from the POTUS. What we have gotten from Donald J. Trump is behavior even too crude for a fictional Mafia Don. When will the Republicans finally say that they have had enough? When will ordinary Americans who want a better life for their children say they have had enough Trump already?
3
President Trump: "People who committed crimes for me are facing serious prison time? I'm outraged! Get me my Twitter machine!"
AG Bill Barr: "POTUS saying this stuff in public is making it difficult for me to sweep crimes under the rug per his Prime Directive (to continually lie and violate the Constitution and all levels of the law on a more or less continual basis)."
Sen. Susan Collins: "I am very concerned about POTUS interfering with the independence of the DOJ. Very, very concerned. I will march straight to my office and write a stern letter of admonishment (that I will not actually send to or discuss with anyone)."
Sen. Mitch McConnell: "The DOJ is properly expressing its independence from political interference. Exactly the same way that the Senate has expressed its independence and demonstrated why it is the world's greatest deliberative body. I hope that this Chamber will soon be able to consider another SCOTUS nominee who will be equally committed to this policy of fealty...er, I mean, independence."
Sen. Marco Rubio: "I'm sending my thoughts and prayers to the brave men and women of the DOJ. Someone got shot, right?"
Sen. Chuck Schumer: "As soon as we get Bolton to testify, POTUS is going down! Just like when we all pinned our hopes on Bob Meuller's testimony after AG Barr deep-sixed his report."
Former President Barack Obama: "I'm surprised at the terrible treatment of the second president of color. Hey, orange is a color."
Barr has told us: “I’m going to do what I think is right.” “Right” for what end? The man is not trustworthy. His behavior is that of the personal attorney for Mr. Trump.
3
Trump is exactly what the Founding Fathers envisioned and forecast for the new republic and, hence, drafted a Constitution that would allow the rogue and venal and crooked president to subsume the Nation into his corrupt Kleptocracy. The End.
No credibility, no integrity, no self respect. None. Don’t lawyers have to adhere to ethics requirements to maintain their licenses to practice law? If he said it was Friday, I’d need to double check.
5
And apparently Trump responded by saying he has a "legal right" to intervene in judicial cases. So much for separation of powers. Congress has kowtowed to the Executive Branch, and the Executive Branch has subsumed the judiciary.
Republicans' shortsightedness and spinelessness brought this upon us and its a minute too late for them to reverse course. So much for our Republic.
7
The dissonance in the country is so great, people will not give any semblance of possibility the Attorney General may finally be saying, "A step too far.' Yes past performance makes the present statements uncertain; however Barr may finally recognize the limits of his ability to 'close his eyes'. It may be worthwhile to await further evidence of Barr's finally stepping up to the plate by reining in and setting limits on the President's insane drive for power outside the bounds of Constitutional authority and intent. If Barr is sincere and if the Republican Senators are sincere, it may be first steps in saying 'this is too much, it is beyond the pale'. I have been ever hopeful someone/someday will draw the line in the sand and say Mr. President you have gone too far. This may be the event and the day.