It appears Trump is offically under investigation for obstruction

[JGG]

Mueller? That liberal pinko clearly has it in for Trump, that's why he lobbied so hard for the job!

 

[ThatRobGuy]

Just in general, I don't know why they haven't realized that you can't simultaneously say "This is 100% false" and complain that someone leaked it. You can't claim that you know for sure that it's not a real leak while also whining about it being a real leak.

Hey now, that's rational thought!!! You weren't supposed to notice that!!! There's no place for that here!!!

Hillary's email!!! Benghazi!!! Birth Certificates!!! GRRRRR!!!

 

[ThatRobGuy]

I am glad that wasted time and tax payer money didn’t matter with the Benghazi investigations.

Yeah...it annoys me when people use the "taxpayer" money excuse for blatantly disingenuous purposes.

When we were "wasting tax payer money" on all of the Hillary stuff, crickets chirping...yet, TheNationalReview spewed the "taxation is theft" rhetoric when publishing the fact that Bernie turned in a little over $4,400 last year in expense reports for reimbursement.

Basically, spend whatever it takes to fry political enemies...but don't let us catch you getting reimbursed for modest travel, lodging, and food accommodations, because "that's my money and I don't want you wasting it"

 

[Aryeh Jay]

I prefer my taxes go to support foreign regimes, a large military, lots of bombs and other necessary stuff. It really burns me up when I see my tax dollars thrown away on infrastructure maintenance and bridge repairs, social programs and safety nets for the poor.

 

[Ygrene Imref]

Exactly. You'd say it is a lie not a leak. They have been doing this the entire presidency though. They want to call stories fake news but prosecute the leakers. How can you prosecute someone for leaking a lie? Unless it's only a lie because they are deliberately feeding false info to people in the hopes that it leaks...

This happened several times in history younger than a century.

We are repeating several iterations of the past. But, this time it is a global convergence of repition spiraling into a singularity, or critical point of reality.

A paradigm shift is inevitable. And, judging by history the shift will come with war and death. That is how programmed psychological operations work. I would just hope people don't find themselves on a side that has been chosen for them by circumstance, division and psychology.

 

[Ygrene Imref]

No, of course not. We hope that the people in charge are skilled and have integrity in their approach and we give them the freedom to perform their task...

The same "hope" that came out of/remained in Pandora's box/jar of monstrosities? Hope was one of those monstrosities also...

I see your point, but hope in a human will be a waste of time.

 

[KCfromNC]

Wasn't Mueller picked by Trump as a contender for the FBI Director before he got appointed as the special prosecutor?

That was weeks ago. No fair bringing up ancient history like that!

 

[Veritas]

WAPO. I wonder when the left figures out this has always been a political witch hunt.

Dershowitz: Trump well within constitutional authority on Comey, Flynn - would this even be a question if Hillary were president?

Dershowitz: Comey confirms that I'm right - and all the Democratic commentators are wrong

Comey confirmed that under our Constitution, the president has the authority to direct the FBI to stop investigating any individual. I paraphrase, because the transcript is not yet available: the president can, in theory, decide who to investigate, who to stop investigating, who to prosecute and who not to prosecute. The president is the head of the unified executive branch of government, and the Justice Department and the FBI work under him and he may order them to do what he wishes.

 

[Veritas]

Exactly how much control would Republicans need to have in our federal government before you would stop dismissing everything as those dern Democrats causing trouble?

Maybe the same as Obama had in his first two years. Funny how everything looks different when the shoe is on the other foot, huh?

 

[Ygrene Imref]

That was weeks ago. No fair bringing up ancient history like that!

Reminds me of the cognative dissonance Rick James had when Charlie Murphey slapped him.

"That was WEEKS ago...!"

 

[Cearbhall]

Funny how everything looks different when the shoe is on the other foot, huh?

Different to me specifically? I don't remember sharing my views on 2009 political matters with you. And I don't believe I indicated my partisan affiliation, either.

 

[MrSpikey]

Because of the idiotic press conference that Comey did where he admitted that Clinton broke the law, but didn't mean to.

I'm unaware of that press conference.

I saw one where he stated that Clinton hadn't broken the law as there was no evidence of mens rea underlying her actions that would cause a breach of the law.

I'm sure you've got a link for us, for the conference where he stated that "Clinton broke the law?"

 

[mark46]

IMHO, we should distinguish between Obstruction Of Justice as a legal issue, and as a political issue. It is very, very unlikely that Trump has committed any crimes, unless there is money laundering or direct payments to a Carman account.

I well understand all the stupid actions of the Trump. He clearly should have never discussed Russia and left it to the FBI and the committees. However, he is very paranoid about anything affecting him, including the Russian prostitutes that only he discusses. He did not need to EVER meet with Cuomy, expect perhaps once at the beginning to decide whether to fire him (not a good idea, as he found out). He had no reason to discuss slowing down the investigation with intelligence dept heads.

With regard to Flynn, he could simply have pardoned him when all this is over, as he probably will.

BOTTOM LINE - LEGAL
1) For justice to be obstructed (from a legal sense), some formal investigation or proceeding must be ACTUALLY delayed. As the Acting FBI Chief testified, this hasn't happened.
2) Trump needed absolutely no reason to fire Cuomy. He served at the pleasure of the president.
3) Trump can pardon whoever he wants.

BOTTOM LINE - POLITICAL

1) Trump's action with regard to the Flynn investigation, and firing Cuomy to slow down the Russia probe (as he stated to all of us, and bragged to the Russian, can certainly be viewed as high crime and misdemeanors.

2) I suspect that we may find out lots more about what Trump knew and when. Did he tell anyone not to reveal their meeting with Russia and Russians? Now, that Trump has helped them so much, there is blood in the water. There is no reason for Trump to do anything different than Reagan did: fully cooperate with the FBI and committees, and order all those working for him to do the same.

Reagan secured weapons for the Iranians in conflict with clear recent laws and congressional directives. He used drug money from CIA operatives in Nicaragua. He involved Israel and South Africa in this plot to support the Iranians so that they wouldn't be defeated by Iraq. Col Oliver North ran quite an operation, and testified to the details (after being granted immunity). IMHO, Reagan did what he thought was right, and was willing to take the consequences. He understood just how important the balance of power is in the Middle East (something lacking since Bush emasculated Iraq by firing all the Baathist government employees and military officers.

Reagan wasn't impeached. His foreign policy is not looked upon with disrespect. He is considered by many to be among our very best presidents, certainly in 20th century.

 

[dgiharris]

We haven't been told what the Russia stuff is though. .

For me, what i know is:

Trump made a horrific pick with Flynn despite intelligence reports and being told by various agencies including Obama's administration that Flynn could be compromised. It took a leak to "force" Trump to do the right thing.

For me, that is a huge red flag which ties into the "Circumstantial" case that Russia "May" have influence in Trump's administration and/or aided Trump's election. I personally do not think Trump was directly involved with the Russia election stuff, but that is my opinion.

Then there is the matter that Russia interfered in our election. That is proven by various agencies.

Then there is the "unknown" matter of Trump's business dealings with Russia and business dealings of people within Trump's org with Russia.

Then there is Trump's inappropriate behavior with the FBI director and the firing of the FBI director as if he is a line cook at Dennys during an investigation into Russia stuff.

Then there is Trump's inappropriate behavior in interviews and tweets.

Then there is all the word smithing of Session's testimony and how he may have lied under oath with Al Franken's questions. Not to mention Session contradicting Comey's testimony when I have zero doubt Comey is the one being truthful while Session is doing the whole, "I'm dont' recall exactly but i know he is wrong" gambit and quibbling...

Then throw in Trump telling the Russians classified information and kicking out the American Journalists but allowing the Russian journalists to stay???

For me, all of the above ties together and makes me extremely fearful that something wrong is going on. I want an investigation to definitively prove or disprove the claims.

That is all.

What I don't understand is GOP reluctance based on the above. I feel that the more important something is, the lower percentage of suspicion you need to warrant an investigation. IN this case, we are talking about the running of this country and influence by a foreign government.

I feel something is not right, I'm a fearful citizen and I would like my Senator and Congressmen to make sure everything is okay.

 

[revanneosl]

Pence has lawyered up, hiring the number one criminal defense attorney in D.C., so I predict things are about to get even more interesting.

 

[Hank77]

Pence has lawyered up, hiring the number one criminal defense attorney in D.C., so I predict things are about to get even more interesting.

I'd lawyer up, too. I doubt Sessions knows what may be coming down the tracks and he doesn't want to be left holding any bags. I really don't think that Sessions has done anything criminal, but I really wonder if he spoke to Trump about not being alone again with Comey and Trump just didn't listen.

 

[MoonlessNight]

I'm willing to accept every allegation made against Republicans as true as long as everyone else is willing to accept every allegation made against Democrats as true.

I'd prefer to live in a country where "innocent until proven guilty" is the rule of law, but if that isn't possible I can live with the alternative.

 

[KCfromNC]

WAPO. I wonder when the left figures out this has always been a political witch hunt.

When we end up in an alternate reality where all of the evidence calling the Trump administration into question doesn't exist.

 

[HannahT]

For me, what i know is:

Trump made a horrific pick with Flynn despite intelligence reports and being told by various agencies including Obama's administration that Flynn could be compromised. It took a leak to "force" Trump to do the right thing.

For me, that is a huge red flag which ties into the "Circumstantial" case that Russia "May" have influence in Trump's administration and/or aided Trump's election. I personally do not think Trump was directly involved with the Russia election stuff, but that is my opinion.

Ok. Yet, the only crime you mentioned above was the unmasking of Flynn's name.

Russia has been involved with our elections since the late 1960's. We have been told it was RT trolling that they claimed influenced people. Most people don't even know what RT is. They also confirmed that Russia didn't get to the ballot box - which would be a HUGE concern! Yet, even if that was so? It doesn't tie to Trump.

Then there is the matter that Russia interfered in our election. That is proven by various agencies.

Then there is the "unknown" matter of Trump's business dealings with Russia and business dealings of people within Trump's org with Russia.

Then there is Trump's inappropriate behavior with the FBI director and the firing of the FBI director as if he is a line cook at Dennys during an investigation into Russia stuff.

Then there is Trump's inappropriate behavior in interviews and tweets.

What unknown matter? I guess I don't remember that part.

Personally? When Comey pulled the 'Hillary' question right before the election I was done with him. Completely done. I didn't like Hillary (nor Trump for that matter), and it was completely unfair. I would have fired him before Trump did.

Inappropriate behavior like they claimed happened isn't a crime either.

Then there is all the word smithing of Session's testimony and how he may have lied under oath with Al Franken's questions. Not to mention Session contradicting Comey's testimony when I have zero doubt Comey is the one being truthful while Session is doing the whole, "I'm dont' recall exactly but i know he is wrong" gambit and quibbling...

lol Everyone word smiths! I can't remember one person in front of an investigation that doesn't. I guess he could have plead the 5th like so many before him.

I'm still waiting on the illegal part. Much of this stuff as been put away, you really can't do much with.

Then throw in Trump telling the Russians classified information and kicking out the American Journalists but allowing the Russian journalists to stay???

For me, all of the above ties together and makes me extremely fearful that something wrong is going on. I want an investigation to definitively prove or disprove the claims.

That is all.

Trump - from my understanding of any President - can classified and unclassified information at will. The only blowback he got was from the Press, and even the source (Israel I think it was) of the information knew Russia already had the information he spoke about.

My reluctance is as much as I dont' care for Trump? I still don't see anything that can be prosecuted. There has to be a crime, or an inkling of a crime. So, far we don't have one. We have rumors and speculation, but even collusion that everyone claimed was there since the beginning? We have had more than one department say there is no evidence of it, and yet they keep searching for it.

What I don't understand is GOP reluctance based on the above. I feel that the more important something is, the lower percentage of suspicion you need to warrant an investigation. IN this case, we are talking about the running of this country and influence by a foreign government.

I feel something is not right, I'm a fearful citizen and I would like my Senator and Congressmen to make sure everything is okay.

Sadly, we have no proof - or anything close to proof of any influence from a foreign government. We don't have a start of any proof. All we have is inuewendo.

People keep speaking of Benghazi. Yet, we know that happened. We know next to nothing after that though. Why didn't they rescue those poor people? We don't know. Why didn't they try? We don't know. What started it? We don't know. We do know that many of things were told at the time were not true, and still we dont' know how they came to those conclusion - nor what really happened.

Another investigation was started because during another one they found that Hillary didn't turn over her state department emails, and evidence of a server. She dragged her feet on turning them over, and then deleted a bunch of stuff. We all know how that turned out. Both items we had something to go on.

We don't have anything to go on except rumors right now.

They wasted time and money with the two investigations above, and now this one too. Politicians to me love these things so they can get soundbites for their next election. They never accomplish anything. All three we had multiple investigations...why do we need this? I think for the benefit of the politicians personally. I mean it certainly isn't helping the country.

Can't the FBI and the special counsel at this point can't investigate on their own? They have the power that congress does not. Why couldn't they do it for the other two as well? I mean isn't that their job?

Then we had Comey at the last hearing telling us that MUCH of what the media reports is false. lol yet, that is what they are investigating? What killed me is it came up that Trump was never under investigation, and they - the politicians - knew that. You notice they give a very different impression in front of the cameras?

I'm wondering if the politicians and the media are doing this for smokescreens - and have been since even Obama for their own personal benefit. Obama struggled under this type of garbage too. The crisis they bring up never gets resolved, and much of the time their information isn't even correct. Where do we get this from? lol the politicians, media and their secret sources. I think there is a power game/struggle going on.

We have wasted so much time, resources just within the last two administrations on what? We have had zero results. Nada. Nothing. What we did get was given by the departments that is suppose to do this work. Meanwhile, those politicians could be in their office doing their job of serving US the citizens that sent them there.

If they have anything besides rumor or speculation on Trump or anyone connected to him? They need to nail them. At this point they don't, and want to spend tax dollars - once again - on a fishing trip hoping they will. Meanwhile, let's tear the country apart a little bit more. I mean didn't they do a good enough job with the last administration?

 

[Fantine]

I think we will learn about the "illegal" part when Mueller does what neither intelligence committee in Congress has had the courage to do--demand the President's tax returns.

Last night WaPo revealed that Mueller is investigating Jared Kushner's finances (given the almost unbelievable goings on in the Trump Tower Toronto deal, this is imperative).

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...s-finances-washington-post-reports/102904432/

196 Democratic Congressmen and 2 states are suing the President for violatig the emoluents clause. These are good beginnings.