https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/mitch-mcconnell-is-a-russian-asset/2019/07/26/02cf3510-afbc-11e9-a0c9-6d2d7818f3da_story.html?fbclid=IwAR2BbZgXGSOdqu9vbPFtP1SOS1katcgVFm-5klIC30g3eZW9cFo34Is3NjY&utm_term=.f232ed1681e6
"Russia attacked our country in 2016. It is attacking us today. Its attacks will intensify in 2020. Yet each time we try to raise our defenses to repel the attack, McConnell, the Senate majority leader, blocks us from defending ourselves. Let’s call this what it is: unpatriotic. The Kentucky Republican is, arguably more than any other American, doing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bidding. Robert Mueller sat before Congress this week warning that the Russia threat “deserves the attention of every American.” He said “the Russian government’s efforts to interfere in our election is among the most serious” challenges to American democracy he has ever seen. “They are doing it as we sit here, and they expect to do it during the next campaign,” he warned, adding that “much more needs to be done in order to protect against these intrusions, not just by the Russians but others as well.” Not three hours after Mueller finished testifying, Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, went to the Senate floor to request unanimous consent to pass legislation requiring presidential campaigns to report to the FBI any offers of assistance from agents of foreign governments. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) was there to represent her leader’s interests. “I object,” she said. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) attempted to move a bill that would require campaigns to report to the FBI contributions by foreign nationals. “I object,” said Hyde-Smith. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) tried to force action on bipartisan legislation, written with Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and supported by Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), protecting lawmakers from foreign cyberattacks. “The majority leader, our colleague from Kentucky, must stop blocking this common-sense legislation and allow this body to better defend itself against foreign hackers,” he said. “I object,” repeated Hyde-Smith."
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Mueller made one thing clear: Republicans are a national security threat
https://www.salon.com/2019/07/26/mueller-made-one-thing-clear-republicans-are-a-national-security-threat/?fbclid=IwAR2gq3YrdMeerBRH4KYyIkOAtg171yzGuPWpUCkyIeEYDVFKG7LjNksBcv8
"How did Republicans react to Robert Mueller's testimony? By lying, deflecting and blocking election security bills"
"How did Republicans react to Robert Mueller's testimony? By lying, deflecting and blocking election security bills"
Why McConnell sees election-security safeguards as ‘partisan’
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/why-mcconnell-sees-election-security-safeguards-partisan?fbclid=IwAR1602VPrSff8kESgbjzjZyy1zHgkSvn_VJj_Th41-pjP4xXhxvttK_VZY0
"The Washington Post’s Paul Waldman pulled back the curtain on the Republicans’ motivations. The legislation to which McConnell refers, the one that passed the House, is pretty straightforward. It requires voter-verifiable paper ballots and voting machines that don’t connect directly to the Internet, so that recounts can be done accurately and there’s less vulnerability to hacking. It gives states money to secure their systems. It instructs the Election Assistance Commission to do a study to determine optimal ballot designs to minimize voter confusion and errors. You wouldn’t think there’s anything there that would particularly advantage one party over another. But that’s only if you didn’t know how voting really works in this country. When we’ve reached the point at which Republicans see safeguards protecting the integrity of elections as helping Democrats to an unacceptable degree, something has gone horribly awry."
"The Washington Post’s Paul Waldman pulled back the curtain on the Republicans’ motivations. The legislation to which McConnell refers, the one that passed the House, is pretty straightforward. It requires voter-verifiable paper ballots and voting machines that don’t connect directly to the Internet, so that recounts can be done accurately and there’s less vulnerability to hacking. It gives states money to secure their systems. It instructs the Election Assistance Commission to do a study to determine optimal ballot designs to minimize voter confusion and errors. You wouldn’t think there’s anything there that would particularly advantage one party over another. But that’s only if you didn’t know how voting really works in this country. When we’ve reached the point at which Republicans see safeguards protecting the integrity of elections as helping Democrats to an unacceptable degree, something has gone horribly awry."
We're Supposed to Believe the Russians Hacked Into Voting Systems But Did Nothing Once They Got There?
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a28517486/russia-hack-election-systems-all-50-states/?fbclid=IwAR0IWEh0drJ3RhSbhL_sIwZl7HHe25xDOHYV_9GbToD546J8KQg_IIu-_zs
"From The New York Times: The Senate Intelligence Committee concluded Thursday that election systems in all 50 states were targeted by Russia in 2016, largely undetected by the states and federal officials at the time, but at the demand of American intelligence agencies the committee was forced to redact its findings so heavily that key lessons for the 2020 election are blacked out. Wonderful. While details of many of the hackings directed by Russian intelligence, particularly in Illinois and Arizona, are well known, the committee’s report describes a Russian intelligence effort more far-reaching than the federal government has previously acknowledged. It concluded that while there is no evidence that any votes were changed in actual voting machines, “Russian cyberactors were in a position to delete or change voter data” in the Illinois voter database. The committee found no evidence that they did so. While the report is not directly critical of either American intelligence agencies or the states, it described what amounted to a cascading intelligence failure, in which the scope of the Russian effort was underestimated, warnings to the states were too muted, and state officials either underreacted or, in some cases, resisted federal efforts to offer help. Remember when we were all told that it was only a couple of precincts, then a couple of cities, then a couple of states? Remember when it was just data? Now, as far as we can read between the blacked-out lines, we are being asked to believe that the Russian ratfckers could have deleted "voter data," that they "were in a position" to jack around with it, but, having achieved this monumental intelligence triumph, they didn't do anything with it? Does that dog even look like it's hunting any more?"
"From The New York Times: The Senate Intelligence Committee concluded Thursday that election systems in all 50 states were targeted by Russia in 2016, largely undetected by the states and federal officials at the time, but at the demand of American intelligence agencies the committee was forced to redact its findings so heavily that key lessons for the 2020 election are blacked out. Wonderful. While details of many of the hackings directed by Russian intelligence, particularly in Illinois and Arizona, are well known, the committee’s report describes a Russian intelligence effort more far-reaching than the federal government has previously acknowledged. It concluded that while there is no evidence that any votes were changed in actual voting machines, “Russian cyberactors were in a position to delete or change voter data” in the Illinois voter database. The committee found no evidence that they did so. While the report is not directly critical of either American intelligence agencies or the states, it described what amounted to a cascading intelligence failure, in which the scope of the Russian effort was underestimated, warnings to the states were too muted, and state officials either underreacted or, in some cases, resisted federal efforts to offer help. Remember when we were all told that it was only a couple of precincts, then a couple of cities, then a couple of states? Remember when it was just data? Now, as far as we can read between the blacked-out lines, we are being asked to believe that the Russian ratfckers could have deleted "voter data," that they "were in a position" to jack around with it, but, having achieved this monumental intelligence triumph, they didn't do anything with it? Does that dog even look like it's hunting any more?"
Mueller untangles the Russia web: Trump's not the only Republican to welcome election meddling
https://www.salon.com/2019/07/26/mueller-untangles-the-russia-web-trumps-not-the-only-politician-to-welcome-election-meddling/?fbclid=IwAR1GCoHZZCdiPS-MGihpogAHLXiQ9JPLHvSLdIOZYSoL3sIkpLgao1jzBGE
"Immediately after the hearing Republicans blocked two bipartisan election security bills that would require campaigns to alert the FBI and Federal Election Commission about foreign offers of assistance. On Thursday, Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell blocked two more, one to require a paper ballot back-up and the other to fund the Election Assistance Commission saying that Democrats wanted to give themselves a "political benefit" which is actually true. They would like the benefit of free and fair elections. At this point, it is impossible to ignore the fact that Donald Trump isn't the only politician willing to accept foreign interference in our elections. The entire Republican Party now welcomes it as well."
"Immediately after the hearing Republicans blocked two bipartisan election security bills that would require campaigns to alert the FBI and Federal Election Commission about foreign offers of assistance. On Thursday, Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell blocked two more, one to require a paper ballot back-up and the other to fund the Election Assistance Commission saying that Democrats wanted to give themselves a "political benefit" which is actually true. They would like the benefit of free and fair elections. At this point, it is impossible to ignore the fact that Donald Trump isn't the only politician willing to accept foreign interference in our elections. The entire Republican Party now welcomes it as well."
Malcolm Nance Warns Mitch McConnell Is Trying To End Free And Fair Elections In America
https://www.politicususa.com/2019/07/27/nance-warns-mitch-mcconnell-free-fair-elections.html?fbclid=IwAR0mjOqPEq7kCqzs7FWhtPxWd4accHfNrfAhCF09niTFfmVMFiyD86IogB4
"Nance said: You can actually see the political machinations, where one person and a cabal of others are deciding whether American elections from now on or even before will be free and fair. This is not just voter suppression. We may have a circumstance where the electoral process is directly attacked, where foreign actors, whether it is North Korean intelligence, which has very robust cyber warfare capability and it’s in their interest to keep Donald Trump in office, the Chinese or again, Vladimir Putin and his entire Russian organ. The Republican Party defends them. They do not stand for the Constitution of the United States. If they attack this election, it may be the last free and fair election that we go into, which may come out with a corrupt result, which could fracture this nation."
"Nance said: You can actually see the political machinations, where one person and a cabal of others are deciding whether American elections from now on or even before will be free and fair. This is not just voter suppression. We may have a circumstance where the electoral process is directly attacked, where foreign actors, whether it is North Korean intelligence, which has very robust cyber warfare capability and it’s in their interest to keep Donald Trump in office, the Chinese or again, Vladimir Putin and his entire Russian organ. The Republican Party defends them. They do not stand for the Constitution of the United States. If they attack this election, it may be the last free and fair election that we go into, which may come out with a corrupt result, which could fracture this nation."
Russian Twitter trolls stoke anti-immigrant lies ahead of Canadian election
https://www.salon.com/2019/07/28/russian-twitter-trolls-stoke-anti-immigrant-lies-ahead-of-canadian-election_partner/?fbclid=IwAR0HaUmXsxumtksUcXQ-9VhzIDPgI_nBOFiEmY0ASeyZ52raunonbu6F6sE
"The same Russian online troll farm that meddled in the U.S. presidential election has also taken swipes at Canada."
"The same Russian online troll farm that meddled in the U.S. presidential election has also taken swipes at Canada."
Friday, July 26, 2019
Republicans Are Doing a Good Job Blocking Efforts to Fight Russian Meddling in 2020
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/republicans-block-action-to-fight-russian-election-meddling-863864/?fbclid=IwAR1dUbW8r7TpiZAJEKTZp26S8EtQwZBs9m46eqzprwYSBEWNdfBvNERaL9k
"Former special counsel Robert Mueller issued several reminders during his testimony before Congress on Wednesday. Russia wanted to put in Trump in the White House in 2016, he said, which we already knew. We also knew that Trump’s campaign welcomed this help, that Trump made concerted efforts to impede the investigation into the matter, and that, three years later, Russia is still working to interfere in American elections. As Mueller put it Wednesday, it’s happening “as we sit here.” On Thursday, we learned something new: Russia’s interference in the 2016 election involved efforts to hack into the election systems of all 50 states, not just 21, as had previously been reported. The revelation came in the first volume of a heavily redacted bipartisan report released by the Senate Intelligence Committee, which notes that the attempts to hack state election systems went mostly unnoticed by U.S. officials. The committee found no evidence that any votes were changed or that voting machines were manipulated, but wrote that the extent of Russia’s activity against state election infrastructure was “unprecedented.” The report warns that many of the vulnerabilities that left American election systems open to exploitation in 2016 have not been addressed, and that more must be done to safeguard these systems ahead of the 2020 elections. FBI Director Christopher Wray agreed while speaking at the International Conference on Cyber Security earlier on Thursday. “We know our adversaries are relentless,” he said. “So are we.” Not so relentless are Republicans in the Senate, who blocked two election security bills and another cybersecurity measure just hours after Mueller’s testimony concluded on Wednesday. The former former bills would require campaigns to notify the FBI and the Federal Election Commission if a foreign entity offered election assistance. In 2016, the Trump campaign did not alert authorities of such offers."
"Former special counsel Robert Mueller issued several reminders during his testimony before Congress on Wednesday. Russia wanted to put in Trump in the White House in 2016, he said, which we already knew. We also knew that Trump’s campaign welcomed this help, that Trump made concerted efforts to impede the investigation into the matter, and that, three years later, Russia is still working to interfere in American elections. As Mueller put it Wednesday, it’s happening “as we sit here.” On Thursday, we learned something new: Russia’s interference in the 2016 election involved efforts to hack into the election systems of all 50 states, not just 21, as had previously been reported. The revelation came in the first volume of a heavily redacted bipartisan report released by the Senate Intelligence Committee, which notes that the attempts to hack state election systems went mostly unnoticed by U.S. officials. The committee found no evidence that any votes were changed or that voting machines were manipulated, but wrote that the extent of Russia’s activity against state election infrastructure was “unprecedented.” The report warns that many of the vulnerabilities that left American election systems open to exploitation in 2016 have not been addressed, and that more must be done to safeguard these systems ahead of the 2020 elections. FBI Director Christopher Wray agreed while speaking at the International Conference on Cyber Security earlier on Thursday. “We know our adversaries are relentless,” he said. “So are we.” Not so relentless are Republicans in the Senate, who blocked two election security bills and another cybersecurity measure just hours after Mueller’s testimony concluded on Wednesday. The former former bills would require campaigns to notify the FBI and the Federal Election Commission if a foreign entity offered election assistance. In 2016, the Trump campaign did not alert authorities of such offers."
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Trump pretends Mueller didn’t say he could face post-presidency charges
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trump-pretends-mueller-didnt-say-he-could-face-post-presidency-charges?fbclid=IwAR2Mvm5MHfFxZOJK-BFDAEz_-bv79n9n0bphmIzAYNqKPKfYQkqNR_LVS3U
"Trump has been implicated in a variety of alleged crimes, though he’ll apparently be shielded from prosecution so long as he’s in office. If he were to lose in 2020, however, that shield would disappear, and the prospect of an indictment would become quite real. Indeed, by most accounts, the only way for Trump to even try to ensure he faces no criminal liability is for him to remain president for another four years."
"Trump has been implicated in a variety of alleged crimes, though he’ll apparently be shielded from prosecution so long as he’s in office. If he were to lose in 2020, however, that shield would disappear, and the prospect of an indictment would become quite real. Indeed, by most accounts, the only way for Trump to even try to ensure he faces no criminal liability is for him to remain president for another four years."
Mitch McConnell is right. Secure, open elections would elect more Democrats.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/07/25/mitch-mcconnell-is-right-secure-open-elections-would-elect-more-democrats/?fbclid=IwAR0CxOieLFVa3GsApDjTBigqCERxbC4hBrYxU-tfrlj-DI9HoouDsfY0Joc&utm_term=.4bbc6c1f79fb
"The legislation to which McConnell refers, the one that passed the House, is pretty straightforward. It requires voter-verifiable paper ballots and voting machines that don’t connect directly to the internet, so that recounts can be done accurately and there’s less vulnerability to hacking. It gives states money to secure their systems. It instructs the Election Assistance Commission to do a study to determine optimal ballot designs to minimize voter confusion and errors. You wouldn’t think there’s anything there that would particularly advantage one party over another. But that’s only if you didn’t know how voting really works in this country. That’s because so much of what plagues our election system works to the advantage of the GOP, in part because their voters tend to be older and wealthier, and in part because of all the effort Republicans have put into erecting obstacles in the path of Democratic-leaning constituencies attempting to vote, not to mention the gerrymandering that makes Republican votes worth more and the electoral college that does the same. And of course, let’s not forget that the leader of the Republican Party said publicly that if a foreign power offered him help in his reelection bid, he’d accept it. Republicans just aren’t willing to impede the progress of any thumb on its way to the electoral scale, especially if the thumb belongs to Vladimir Putin."
"The legislation to which McConnell refers, the one that passed the House, is pretty straightforward. It requires voter-verifiable paper ballots and voting machines that don’t connect directly to the internet, so that recounts can be done accurately and there’s less vulnerability to hacking. It gives states money to secure their systems. It instructs the Election Assistance Commission to do a study to determine optimal ballot designs to minimize voter confusion and errors. You wouldn’t think there’s anything there that would particularly advantage one party over another. But that’s only if you didn’t know how voting really works in this country. That’s because so much of what plagues our election system works to the advantage of the GOP, in part because their voters tend to be older and wealthier, and in part because of all the effort Republicans have put into erecting obstacles in the path of Democratic-leaning constituencies attempting to vote, not to mention the gerrymandering that makes Republican votes worth more and the electoral college that does the same. And of course, let’s not forget that the leader of the Republican Party said publicly that if a foreign power offered him help in his reelection bid, he’d accept it. Republicans just aren’t willing to impede the progress of any thumb on its way to the electoral scale, especially if the thumb belongs to Vladimir Putin."
Even now, GOP stands in the way of new election-security safeguards
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/even-now-gop-stands-the-way-new-election-security-safeguards?fbclid=IwAR395KhkoWbGIm9MMX1JsIOBtfdm88YR8hEaDOoEfyCSS0yi75p0jxeFfM8
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has rejected calls to even allow the upper chamber to vote on the legislation. It was against this backdrop that Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, went to the Senate floor yesterday, seeking unanimous support for a related bill, called the “Foreign Influence Reporting in Elections Act” (or FIRE Act), which would require campaigns to report attempts at foreign elections interference to the FBI and the FEC. Republicans have blocked this proposal before, and yesterday, they did it again. The context is extraordinary. Not only have lawmakers heard unambiguous warnings from the likes of Coats, Wray, and Mueller, but they also heard Donald Trump tell a national television audience last month that he’d welcome foreign interference in his re-election campaign, laws and patriotic norms be damned."
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has rejected calls to even allow the upper chamber to vote on the legislation. It was against this backdrop that Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, went to the Senate floor yesterday, seeking unanimous support for a related bill, called the “Foreign Influence Reporting in Elections Act” (or FIRE Act), which would require campaigns to report attempts at foreign elections interference to the FBI and the FEC. Republicans have blocked this proposal before, and yesterday, they did it again. The context is extraordinary. Not only have lawmakers heard unambiguous warnings from the likes of Coats, Wray, and Mueller, but they also heard Donald Trump tell a national television audience last month that he’d welcome foreign interference in his re-election campaign, laws and patriotic norms be damned."
Trump is Not Alone: Russian Influence Runs Deep
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/7/25/1874298/-Trump-is-Not-Alone-Russian-Influence-Runs-Deep?utm_campaign=trending&fbclid=IwAR3thFqr0TciPPwlVXRxMbsGeuQwlwwAaGNd8DQC3J2IWf1dDHyWOk3P6gE
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has ties to RuSal Russian oil oligarch Oleg Daripaska. He also is tight with Len Blatatnik, whose Access Industries dropped on McConnell SuperPAC, the Senate Leadership Fund, run by his former Chief of Staff, a whopping $3,500,000, including $2,500,000 in 2016, and $1,000,000 in 2017. Mike Pence has been getting money out of the Russians, by way of their money laundering operations through Russian religious organizations that run money to American right-wing evangelical religious groups, The Economist noted in 2017."
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has ties to RuSal Russian oil oligarch Oleg Daripaska. He also is tight with Len Blatatnik, whose Access Industries dropped on McConnell SuperPAC, the Senate Leadership Fund, run by his former Chief of Staff, a whopping $3,500,000, including $2,500,000 in 2016, and $1,000,000 in 2017. Mike Pence has been getting money out of the Russians, by way of their money laundering operations through Russian religious organizations that run money to American right-wing evangelical religious groups, The Economist noted in 2017."
Lock Him Up? Mueller’s Testimony Emphasizes the Seriousness of Trump’s Alleged Crimes
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-prison-after-office-mueller-863027/?fbclid=IwAR0FntpURRdX_cL_DP1HDIrILHv32nkwr2mvgzkcpdKf-MYisUaMUv8qgaQ
"Mueller’s testimony Wednesday made clear that — absent the unique complications presented by wrongdoing committed by sitting president — America would be weighing whether or not to, well, Lock Him Up. For Trump, the threat of prosecution upon his return to civilian life ratchets up the stakes of the 2020 campaign. The statute of limitation on obstruction of justice charges, as Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) made plain in the day’s second Mueller hearing, is only five years. That means if Trump were to secure a second term, his eight years in office, under the protection of the OLC memo, would place him beyond the reach of the law."
"Mueller’s testimony Wednesday made clear that — absent the unique complications presented by wrongdoing committed by sitting president — America would be weighing whether or not to, well, Lock Him Up. For Trump, the threat of prosecution upon his return to civilian life ratchets up the stakes of the 2020 campaign. The statute of limitation on obstruction of justice charges, as Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) made plain in the day’s second Mueller hearing, is only five years. That means if Trump were to secure a second term, his eight years in office, under the protection of the OLC memo, would place him beyond the reach of the law."
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
House Intelligence Chairman Blasts Trump’s “Disloyalty to Country”
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/07/house-intelligence-chairman-blasts-trumps-disloyalty-to-country/?fbclid=IwAR00rhFUSgR0UAAD2swxWc6_m3jWwKj_MthLaavYlxuZ-6gB95WipvAxEdA
"House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) offered a striking review of President Donald Trump at the hearing with Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Wednesday, accusing him of “something worse” than criminality: “Disloyalty to country.” “Your investigation determined that the Trump campaign—including Trump himself—knew that a foreign power was intervening in our election and welcomed it, built Russian meddling into their strategy, and used it,” Schiff said in his opening statement in the second of two hearings where the former special counsel appeared."
"House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) offered a striking review of President Donald Trump at the hearing with Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Wednesday, accusing him of “something worse” than criminality: “Disloyalty to country.” “Your investigation determined that the Trump campaign—including Trump himself—knew that a foreign power was intervening in our election and welcomed it, built Russian meddling into their strategy, and used it,” Schiff said in his opening statement in the second of two hearings where the former special counsel appeared."
New York congressman gets to the heart of why Trump’s refusal to testify mattered
https://thinkprogress.org/new-york-congressman-gets-to-the-heart-of-why-trumps-refusal-to-testify-mattered-d962b396f958/?fbclid=IwAR3iavImKpxSI19suBACUenOcEmfWIcC9yXCEVeaosGEJ5Kp8HEf7-FZ1RM
"Mueller’s final report, made public in April, detailed at least 10 instances of possible obstruction involving Trump as well as numerous ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Though the president has claimed repeatedly that he cooperated with Mueller throughout the investigation and did not impede his work, Mueller himself has said this is untrue. In addition to his multiple attempts to oust Mueller from his role as special counsel, Trump also stonewalled Mueller’s team repeatedly refusing to be interviewed and opting instead to answer a series of written questions. Those responses, Mueller noted in his report, were mostly “inadequate.” “The written responses, we informed counsel, ‘demonstrate the inadequacy of the written format, as we have had no opportunity to ask followup questions that would ensure complete answers and potentially refresh your client ‘s recollection or clarify the extent or nature of his lack of recollection’,” Mueller wrote in an appendix. He noted that Trump had “stated on more than 30 occasions that he does not “recall” or “remember” or have an “independent recollection”‘ of information called for by the questions.” In his testimony Wednesday, Mueller reiterated this point, saying that Trump’s written responses were “not as useful as the interview would be.” Pressed further by Rep. Val Demings (D-FL), Mueller also agreed that Trump’s answers had been unhelpful because they were not always “truthful"."
"Mueller’s final report, made public in April, detailed at least 10 instances of possible obstruction involving Trump as well as numerous ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Though the president has claimed repeatedly that he cooperated with Mueller throughout the investigation and did not impede his work, Mueller himself has said this is untrue. In addition to his multiple attempts to oust Mueller from his role as special counsel, Trump also stonewalled Mueller’s team repeatedly refusing to be interviewed and opting instead to answer a series of written questions. Those responses, Mueller noted in his report, were mostly “inadequate.” “The written responses, we informed counsel, ‘demonstrate the inadequacy of the written format, as we have had no opportunity to ask followup questions that would ensure complete answers and potentially refresh your client ‘s recollection or clarify the extent or nature of his lack of recollection’,” Mueller wrote in an appendix. He noted that Trump had “stated on more than 30 occasions that he does not “recall” or “remember” or have an “independent recollection”‘ of information called for by the questions.” In his testimony Wednesday, Mueller reiterated this point, saying that Trump’s written responses were “not as useful as the interview would be.” Pressed further by Rep. Val Demings (D-FL), Mueller also agreed that Trump’s answers had been unhelpful because they were not always “truthful"."
In testimony, Mueller discredits key Trump talking points
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/testimony-mueller-discredits-key-trump-talking-points?fbclid=IwAR3hS4dTnTtVPE2SPq5qSzoyJu46d2pP9rOL-qrFlcLQ7y_H-5x_lCIlLjw
"For good measure, Mueller made clear, in case there were any lingering doubts, that Russia targeted American elections because it wanted the Republican ticket to win."
"For good measure, Mueller made clear, in case there were any lingering doubts, that Russia targeted American elections because it wanted the Republican ticket to win."
Mueller Has Provided Congress With Everything It Needs to Impeach Trump
https://www.thenation.com/article/mueller-report-trump-testimony-impeachment/
"Nadler elicited responses from the special counsel that can and should figure in articles of impeachment that would target Trump’s lawless acts but that would echo those approved by a previous Judiciary Committee that targeted former President Richard Nixon. To wit: NADLER: Director Mueller, the president has repeatedly claimed your report found there was no obstruction and completely and totally exonerated him. That is not what your report said, is it? MUELLER: Correct, not what the report said. NADLER: You wrote: “If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are not able to reach that judgment.” Does that say there was no obstruction? MUELLER: No. Nadler pursued the matter further, asking, “Can you explain what that finding means so the American people can understand?” Mueller replied, “The finding indicates that the president was not exonerated for the act he allegedly committed.” That may not have been a revelation for Americans who read the Mueller report. But it was a conclusion that was so jarring, when stated by a veteran investigator and prosecutor, that Nadler sought a final confirmation of the special counsel’s determination. “In fact,” said Nadler, “you were talking about incidents in which the president sought to use this official power outside of usual channels to exert undue influence over your investigations. Is that right?” “Correct,” replied Mueller."
"Nadler elicited responses from the special counsel that can and should figure in articles of impeachment that would target Trump’s lawless acts but that would echo those approved by a previous Judiciary Committee that targeted former President Richard Nixon. To wit: NADLER: Director Mueller, the president has repeatedly claimed your report found there was no obstruction and completely and totally exonerated him. That is not what your report said, is it? MUELLER: Correct, not what the report said. NADLER: You wrote: “If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are not able to reach that judgment.” Does that say there was no obstruction? MUELLER: No. Nadler pursued the matter further, asking, “Can you explain what that finding means so the American people can understand?” Mueller replied, “The finding indicates that the president was not exonerated for the act he allegedly committed.” That may not have been a revelation for Americans who read the Mueller report. But it was a conclusion that was so jarring, when stated by a veteran investigator and prosecutor, that Nadler sought a final confirmation of the special counsel’s determination. “In fact,” said Nadler, “you were talking about incidents in which the president sought to use this official power outside of usual channels to exert undue influence over your investigations. Is that right?” “Correct,” replied Mueller."
Trump Moves To Preempt NY State Tax Return Request
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/trump-tax-return-new-york-state-emergency-stop?fbclid=IwAR0ZrusUq1Y-C6PddbA4QXb5TRgv2QIAWk4GIIxugSRlIWrDo4oxdiiZzcY
"In the President’s latest attempt to throw everything against the wall and see what sticks in his war against Congressional oversight of any form, President Trump is seeking an emergency, immediate court order from a D.C. federal judge to prevent Congress from obtaining his tax information, according to a Wednesday court filing."
"In the President’s latest attempt to throw everything against the wall and see what sticks in his war against Congressional oversight of any form, President Trump is seeking an emergency, immediate court order from a D.C. federal judge to prevent Congress from obtaining his tax information, according to a Wednesday court filing."
Adam Schiff Used Mueller to Paint a Damning Portrait of Trump’s Russia Connections
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/watch-adam-schiff-robert-mueller-testimony-863098/?fbclid=IwAR0YKSyLuqXpDWbFb_aRI2WJMbKd9MJFPG3SH8OIw6hap31mx-T1Dg7PJ6Y
"Here’s a list of statements Mueller affirmed as accurate: Russia engaged in a sweeping and systematic effort to influence the 2016 election. Russia reached out to the Trump campaign as they were trying to accomplish this. The Trump campaign welcomed help from Russia. Donald Trump Jr. said the campaign would “love” dirt on Hillary Clinton provided by Russia. Trump called on Russia to hack Clinton’s emails. Trump praised Russia’s release of the Democratic emails hacked by WikiLeaks. Trump’s campaign based a messaging strategy around the hacked materials. Members of the Trump campaign were trying to enrich themselves personally during the campaign and transition. Paul Manafort was trying to achieve debt forgiveness from a Russia oligarch. Michael Flynn was trying to make money from Turkey. Trump was trying to make money from a Trump Tower in Moscow. Numerous Trump associates lied about this, including Flynn, Manafort, Rick Gates, Michael Cohen, and George Papadopolous. Manafort encouraged others to lie. Mueller’s investigation was not a “witch hunt,” as Trump has claimed. Russian interference was not a “hoax,” as Trump has claimed. Russia wanted Trump to win the election. Russia informed Trump campaign officials of this intention. Russia committed federal crimes in order to help Trump win. The Trump campaign lied to cover up their dealings with Russia during the campaign."
"Here’s a list of statements Mueller affirmed as accurate: Russia engaged in a sweeping and systematic effort to influence the 2016 election. Russia reached out to the Trump campaign as they were trying to accomplish this. The Trump campaign welcomed help from Russia. Donald Trump Jr. said the campaign would “love” dirt on Hillary Clinton provided by Russia. Trump called on Russia to hack Clinton’s emails. Trump praised Russia’s release of the Democratic emails hacked by WikiLeaks. Trump’s campaign based a messaging strategy around the hacked materials. Members of the Trump campaign were trying to enrich themselves personally during the campaign and transition. Paul Manafort was trying to achieve debt forgiveness from a Russia oligarch. Michael Flynn was trying to make money from Turkey. Trump was trying to make money from a Trump Tower in Moscow. Numerous Trump associates lied about this, including Flynn, Manafort, Rick Gates, Michael Cohen, and George Papadopolous. Manafort encouraged others to lie. Mueller’s investigation was not a “witch hunt,” as Trump has claimed. Russian interference was not a “hoax,” as Trump has claimed. Russia wanted Trump to win the election. Russia informed Trump campaign officials of this intention. Russia committed federal crimes in order to help Trump win. The Trump campaign lied to cover up their dealings with Russia during the campaign."
Mueller Tells Congress: FBI ‘Currently’ Looking Into Issues of Trump Team Blackmail
https://www.thedailybeast.com/mueller-tells-congress-fbi-currently-looking-into-issues-of-trump-blackmail?ref=home&fbclid=IwAR3cRArR78iqz1NnvpKd-9EmJsZR7OMUf1rR0AB6thDkM_1qSTLXCXnG8zQ
"The Illinois lawmaker then noted that Mueller had charged former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn with making false statements about his conversations with Russian officials. “Since it was outside the purview of your investigation, your report did not address how Flynn’s false statements could pose a national security risk, because the Russians knew the falsity of those statements, right?” Krishnamoorthi wondered. “I cannot get into that, mainly because there are many elements that the FBI are looking into different aspects of that issue,” Mueller said in response. “Currently?” Krishnamoorthi quizzically replied. “Currently,” the one-time FBI chief confirmed."
"The Illinois lawmaker then noted that Mueller had charged former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn with making false statements about his conversations with Russian officials. “Since it was outside the purview of your investigation, your report did not address how Flynn’s false statements could pose a national security risk, because the Russians knew the falsity of those statements, right?” Krishnamoorthi wondered. “I cannot get into that, mainly because there are many elements that the FBI are looking into different aspects of that issue,” Mueller said in response. “Currently?” Krishnamoorthi quizzically replied. “Currently,” the one-time FBI chief confirmed."
6 reasons why Robert Mueller’s testimony was devastating for President Trump
https://www.salon.com/2019/07/24/6-reasons-why-robert-muellers-testimony-was-devastating-for-president-trump_partner/?fbclid=IwAR3n3MFLGN7o3sW1OPNl8LPc_g22sG581q-jmIBEKrGIvQIyLHpQYHZIx6k
"He refuted Trump’s claims about exoneration — and confirmed he'd likely have been charged if he weren't president"
"He refuted Trump’s claims about exoneration — and confirmed he'd likely have been charged if he weren't president"
READ: Adam Schiff’s Devastating Indictment Of Trump’s ‘Disloyalty To Country’
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/read-adam-schiffs-devastating-indictment-of-trumps-disloyalty-to-country?fbclid=IwAR0SuhCj-5yi2YPnX_BYeJWloPx063Nl3zGGh2JxIPdKxcZfIC20HknTCkE
"This also a story about money, about greed and corruption, about the leadership of a campaign willing to compromise the nation’s interest not only to win, but to make money at the same time. About a campaign chairman indebted to pro-Russian interests who tried to use his position to clear his debts and make millions. About a national security advisor using his position to make money from still other foreign interests. And about a candidate trying to make more money than all of them, through a real estate project that to him, was worth a fortune, hundreds of millions of dollars, and the realization of a lifelong ambition – a Trump Tower in the heart of Moscow. A candidate who, in fact, viewed his whole campaign as the greatest infomercial in history. Donald Trump and his senior staff were not alone in their desire to use the election to make money. For Russia, too, there was a powerful financial motive. Putin wanted relief from U.S. economic sanctions imposed in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and over human rights violations. The secret Trump Tower meeting between the Russians and senior campaign officials was about sanctions. The secret conversations between Flynn and the Russian ambassador were about sanctions. Trump and his team wanted more money for themselves, and the Russians wanted more money for themselves, and for their oligarchs. But the story doesn’t end here either. For your report also tells a story about lies. Lots of lies. Lies about a gleaming tower in Moscow and lies about talks with the Kremlin. Lies about the firing of FBI Director James Comey, and lies about efforts to fire you, Mr. Mueller, and lies to cover it up. Lies about secret negotiations with the Russians over sanctions and lies about Wikileaks. Lies about polling data and lies about hush money payments. Lies about meetings in the Seychelles to set up secret back channels, and lies about a secret meeting in New York Trump Tower. Lies to the FBI, lies to your staff, and lies to our Committee."
"This also a story about money, about greed and corruption, about the leadership of a campaign willing to compromise the nation’s interest not only to win, but to make money at the same time. About a campaign chairman indebted to pro-Russian interests who tried to use his position to clear his debts and make millions. About a national security advisor using his position to make money from still other foreign interests. And about a candidate trying to make more money than all of them, through a real estate project that to him, was worth a fortune, hundreds of millions of dollars, and the realization of a lifelong ambition – a Trump Tower in the heart of Moscow. A candidate who, in fact, viewed his whole campaign as the greatest infomercial in history. Donald Trump and his senior staff were not alone in their desire to use the election to make money. For Russia, too, there was a powerful financial motive. Putin wanted relief from U.S. economic sanctions imposed in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and over human rights violations. The secret Trump Tower meeting between the Russians and senior campaign officials was about sanctions. The secret conversations between Flynn and the Russian ambassador were about sanctions. Trump and his team wanted more money for themselves, and the Russians wanted more money for themselves, and for their oligarchs. But the story doesn’t end here either. For your report also tells a story about lies. Lots of lies. Lies about a gleaming tower in Moscow and lies about talks with the Kremlin. Lies about the firing of FBI Director James Comey, and lies about efforts to fire you, Mr. Mueller, and lies to cover it up. Lies about secret negotiations with the Russians over sanctions and lies about Wikileaks. Lies about polling data and lies about hush money payments. Lies about meetings in the Seychelles to set up secret back channels, and lies about a secret meeting in New York Trump Tower. Lies to the FBI, lies to your staff, and lies to our Committee."
Mueller Reminds the Public: Trump Betrayed the United States
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/07/mueller-reminds-the-public-trump-betrayed-the-united-states/?fbclid=IwAR3Obvz2fy2VMwQktz0TcQz60-ksbUm5R-UkrfgqGVtDipb6s801xpRRqdE
"In his opening statement, Mueller emphasized the key finding from his report: “The Russian government interfered in our election in sweeping and systematic fashion.” And during the questioning, Mueller repeated the conclusion previously reached by the US intelligence community that Russia conducted this covert operation to help Trump get elected. “Did your investigation find that the Russian government perceived it would benefit from one of the candidates winning?” Mueller was asked by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). He replied with one word: “Yes.” Lofgren followed up: “And which candidate would that be?” Mueller responded, “Well, it would be Trump.” So Russia attacked an American election to help Trump. And what did Trump do? “The Trump campaign wasn’t exactly reluctant to take Russian help,” Lofgren remarked to Mueller. “You wrote it expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts, isn’t that correct.” Mueller answered with another brief sentence: “That’s correct.” That is, Trump sought to exploit a foreign adversary’s clandestine assault. And as Mueller noted in his report, during the campaign Trump dismissed the notion that Russia was intervening in the election, and after he was elected he continued to deny “that Russia aided his election.” For a moment, put aside the question of collusion. (Despite Trump’s insistence that Mueller found no collusion, Mueller testified that “we did not address collusion,” but rather the issue of criminal conspiracy.) And consider the story so far: Russia attacked, and Trump denied the attack happened—which provided cover for Moscow—yet attempted to benefit from it. This is a profound act of betrayal. It is the essence of the scandal: A presidential candidate aiding and abetting an assault on the United States. And Trump’s denials of the Russian operation during the campaign and his public statement asking Russian hackers to target Hillary Clinton could certainly have been read by Moscow as encouragement."
"In his opening statement, Mueller emphasized the key finding from his report: “The Russian government interfered in our election in sweeping and systematic fashion.” And during the questioning, Mueller repeated the conclusion previously reached by the US intelligence community that Russia conducted this covert operation to help Trump get elected. “Did your investigation find that the Russian government perceived it would benefit from one of the candidates winning?” Mueller was asked by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). He replied with one word: “Yes.” Lofgren followed up: “And which candidate would that be?” Mueller responded, “Well, it would be Trump.” So Russia attacked an American election to help Trump. And what did Trump do? “The Trump campaign wasn’t exactly reluctant to take Russian help,” Lofgren remarked to Mueller. “You wrote it expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts, isn’t that correct.” Mueller answered with another brief sentence: “That’s correct.” That is, Trump sought to exploit a foreign adversary’s clandestine assault. And as Mueller noted in his report, during the campaign Trump dismissed the notion that Russia was intervening in the election, and after he was elected he continued to deny “that Russia aided his election.” For a moment, put aside the question of collusion. (Despite Trump’s insistence that Mueller found no collusion, Mueller testified that “we did not address collusion,” but rather the issue of criminal conspiracy.) And consider the story so far: Russia attacked, and Trump denied the attack happened—which provided cover for Moscow—yet attempted to benefit from it. This is a profound act of betrayal. It is the essence of the scandal: A presidential candidate aiding and abetting an assault on the United States. And Trump’s denials of the Russian operation during the campaign and his public statement asking Russian hackers to target Hillary Clinton could certainly have been read by Moscow as encouragement."
Three Ways Mueller Says Trump Is Lying
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/07/three-ways-mueller-says-trump-lying/594631/?fbclid=IwAR3MkwMmMg9E0l4yVfxgeTU2ETjYhfmCJzCcRVVRoqb94U8ZjVgMnF0Yp1g
"Despite what Trump has repeatedly said, the report does not exonerate him. And while Mueller has been forced into semantic linguistics to avoid saying what is clear, his report laid out in great detail multiple examples where Trump met the three-prong test for obstruction of justice. But Mueller said in his report, and again today, that he had decided at the outset of his investigation that he would not bring charges against Trump regardless of evidence, because of Justice Department guidance that says a sitting president cannot be charged with a crime."
"Despite what Trump has repeatedly said, the report does not exonerate him. And while Mueller has been forced into semantic linguistics to avoid saying what is clear, his report laid out in great detail multiple examples where Trump met the three-prong test for obstruction of justice. But Mueller said in his report, and again today, that he had decided at the outset of his investigation that he would not bring charges against Trump regardless of evidence, because of Justice Department guidance that says a sitting president cannot be charged with a crime."
The President* Is a Crook and Everyone in Congress Knows It
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a28496494/robert-mueller-testify-donald-trump-crook/?fbclid=IwAR1dzAzaGE-bQhaB6UeazfVIQDJmPD7qhDomHR5uLaEKwhqyZnPtSOh9wXs
"In the first of his two appearances before congressional committees on Wednesday, former special counsel Robert Mueller testified that a) he didn't indict the president* on obstruction at least partly due to that godawful Office of Legal Counsel opinion that a sitting president cannot be indicted, an opinion that should be burned and have its ashes scattered on Sam Ervin's grave; b) that a president*—like, say, this one—can be indicted once he leaves office, thereby implying that there is something there for which he could be indicted; c) that his report did not exonerate the president*; d) that there was a concerted effort on behalf of the White House to hamstring his investigation into the Russian ratfcking of the 2016 presidential election; and e) that Russia definitively wanted the president* to become the president*. And, remarkably, two of these statements came as answers to Republican senators."
"In the first of his two appearances before congressional committees on Wednesday, former special counsel Robert Mueller testified that a) he didn't indict the president* on obstruction at least partly due to that godawful Office of Legal Counsel opinion that a sitting president cannot be indicted, an opinion that should be burned and have its ashes scattered on Sam Ervin's grave; b) that a president*—like, say, this one—can be indicted once he leaves office, thereby implying that there is something there for which he could be indicted; c) that his report did not exonerate the president*; d) that there was a concerted effort on behalf of the White House to hamstring his investigation into the Russian ratfcking of the 2016 presidential election; and e) that Russia definitively wanted the president* to become the president*. And, remarkably, two of these statements came as answers to Republican senators."
From Jeffrey Epstein to Donald Trump, Deutsche Bank Protected Wealthy Clients
https://www.thedailybeast.com/from-jeffrey-epstein-to-donald-trump-deutsche-bank-protected-wealthy-clients?ref=home&fbclid=IwAR2onxs1I76jLgZLu_Lm3D6BmxZsnecnYuBi0pr5g-XZAjq4jjAY_QuNci4
"This wasn’t the first time Deutsche Bank management overruled their frontline anti-money laundering (AML) personnel. The New York Times reported that AML specialists employed at Deutsche Bank identified multiple suspicious financial transactions during 2016 and 2017 entered into by entities connected to Donald Trump and Jared Kushner, and that they reported these transactions to management for the purpose of filing Suspicious Activity Reports with FinCEN. According to five sources, the Times reported, management declined to process and forward the prepared SARs to the Treasury Department as part of the bank’s anti-money laundering protocol. This was an AML protocol mandated by the authorities after substantive fines (almost $1 billion) were imposed on Deutsche for their ineffective compliance efforts relative to the so-called “mirror trades,” which laundered $10 billion out of Russia."
"This wasn’t the first time Deutsche Bank management overruled their frontline anti-money laundering (AML) personnel. The New York Times reported that AML specialists employed at Deutsche Bank identified multiple suspicious financial transactions during 2016 and 2017 entered into by entities connected to Donald Trump and Jared Kushner, and that they reported these transactions to management for the purpose of filing Suspicious Activity Reports with FinCEN. According to five sources, the Times reported, management declined to process and forward the prepared SARs to the Treasury Department as part of the bank’s anti-money laundering protocol. This was an AML protocol mandated by the authorities after substantive fines (almost $1 billion) were imposed on Deutsche for their ineffective compliance efforts relative to the so-called “mirror trades,” which laundered $10 billion out of Russia."
Robert Mueller Says Trump Is Lying About His Report
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/07/robert-mueller-says-trump-is-lying-about-his-report/?fbclid=IwAR2FacbAb0DV7734hLs6rJRn3Nvvt2qmiCRCVwOINSUnzSzCm-2cBzeR0bg
"Mueller has said this before, both in his report and in a brief public statement in May. But his clear and succinct responses Wednesday represented another blow to the president’s chief talking point when it comes to the scandal—that the absence of criminal charges in the Mueller report amounted to total exoneration. As Mueller has noted, longstanding Justice Department guidelines protect the president from being indicted on federal charges."
"Mueller has said this before, both in his report and in a brief public statement in May. But his clear and succinct responses Wednesday represented another blow to the president’s chief talking point when it comes to the scandal—that the absence of criminal charges in the Mueller report amounted to total exoneration. As Mueller has noted, longstanding Justice Department guidelines protect the president from being indicted on federal charges."
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