Muller, Flynn, et al.

[djg714]

I don't take sides since I fundamentally view both sides as blood-sucking ticks at best, but if that's treason for meeting with a few Russian citizens of questionable importance, a large portion of the Obama administration including himself, should be sent straight to the firing squad for their dealings with Iran and Russia. Same with the Clintons.

The secret backstory of how Obama let Hezbollah off the hook
FBI uncovered Russian bribery plot before Obama administration approved controversial nuclear deal with Moscow | TheHill

A bunch of wrongs don't make a right, but I think its important to keep a little bit of perspective.

IMO if people like yourself really wanted to prove or discredit Trump in a definitive manner to the masses, it would be far more beneficial to find and focus on a few big things rather than creating SOOOOO much white noise by beating every minuscule detail to death. Time will out, but so much white noise from Trump haters is just annoying. Frankly I'm surprised people haven't exhausted themselves already, I'm exhausted just listening to it non-stop, but I guess real hate is a powerful thing haha. As it appears things are going for this administration, why not just sit back and relax and let it all implode with quiet satisfaction?

How much Fox do you watch?

[SpeedyChix]

His attacks on freedom of speech are alarming, as are his comments about 'absolute authority', etc. If it was just idealogical it would be one thing but a lot of folks, myself included, see him as unstable and uninformed and not fit to be Commander in Chief.

^This. He should not be "running" the country.

[BBB]

It's also just a bit cute when a man who lies and misleads so often that it's nearly impossible to keep track gets worked up about an occasional gaffe by a reporter.

I don't understand how this (the lying) is not a much bigger issue? Politicians of all stripes twist and bend the truth and some come out and tell the occasional bald face lie, but trump it would seem cannot lie straight in bed. How is this not a stumbling block for him? Why aren't opposition politicians hammering him relentlessly on this?

[vertical_doug]

I don't understand how this (the lying) is not a much bigger issue? Politicians of all stripes twist and bend the truth and some come out and tell the occasional bald face lie, but trump it would seem cannot lie straight in bed. How is this not a stumbling block for him? Why aren't opposition politicians hammering him relentlessly on this?

They tried. But he can lie faster than they can refute his lies. He essentially overwhelms your ability to refute lies.

There is also the difference between a bullshitter and a liar. Trump started as a bullshitter. Bullshitter are viewed as more harmless types of liars. Whereas, Hillary was viewed as a liar. Now Trump is becoming less bullshitter and more a liar. Liars in government are dangerous.

On Bullshit by Harry Frankfurt | Issue 53 | Philosophy Now
A liar is trying to get away with a deception, a bullshitter is unconcerned with the truth.

[0nelove]

How much Fox do you watch?

You illustrate exactly the point and why I can't stand either of the pathetic sides.

I'll bet you didn't read either of those articles, did you? Those are facts and both of the links are from left or center leaning news outlets. Only children or mental handicaps react directly with insults.

Rather than simply calling anyone who criticizes absolutely anything about the left a right wing fanatic, maybe take a moment to consider. You reacted before you even read anything, guaranteed. There is a reason why Clinton lost to this goon, and its not because the Democratic party has done things so splendidly fantastic as of late, despite whatever you may believe...oh wait...uh...nope, had to be the Russians, the Democrats are perfect! /puke. I´ll bet you didn't read anything Donna Brazile said either, did you?

Anyhow, have fun with the scraps of the ever so important political parties while both of them screw everyone over, and both sides slide further into the moronic abyss, supported largely by reactionists without the ability to think or act beyond animalistic behavior and their precious feelings.

[0nelove]

BTW I don't watch any cable TV. I have Netflix and Amazon and that's it, so I guess my political views must have been warped by Stranger Things.

[vertical_doug]

BTW I don't watch any cable TV. I have Netflix and Amazon and that's it, so I guess my political views must have been warped by Stranger Things.

If you have netflix, you must have been a fan of House of Cards. You are missing the spin-off on cable news where the loud mouth from Queens replaces Francis Underwood. The netflix original series is passe' in comparison. The current reality show is closer to Southpark and Mr. Garrison in content. Buckle up buckaroo.

[bigbill]

Might as well stir the pot. We want Trump to not comment about an investigation, not to disparage the media or the DOJ because we want the outcome to be correct and untainted. We want the FBI and DOJ overall to do their jobs correctly without political influence. But I'll say this, if the FBI and DOJ overall had done their job, we'd be discussing President Biden or maybe no discussions about the President at all. There'd likely be no special counsel or anything but a democrat President and republican congress. Hillary broke the law, the best thing that could have happened was an indictment and her withdrawal as the democratic candidate. I have no doubts that despite Biden's reluctance that he would have put country above self and stepped in. Trump would have been a footnote in history. But the DOJ didn't do their jobs, they let political influence decide and change the wording so Hillary wouldn't be charged. And that decided the election. So for Trump to continue to use the term "crooked Hillary" is somewhat justified even if it's at a junior high level of maturity. His doing so undermines the legitimacy of the DOJ and the press, but they can only be so upset because they let it happen. For the DOJ to indict Hillary would be to indict major players in DC because many people at all levels knew what she was doing and said nothing. It's like the Weinstein issue, it was a poorly kept secret but it took some brave people to expose him knowing that many people would be taken down, even some that had to admit that they knew what was going on. That is what would have happened with a Hillary indictment. So instead of cleaning house, it was kicked down the road. And it gave us Trump.

[jclay]

There is a reason why Clinton lost to this goon, and its not because the Democratic party has done things so splendidly fantastic as of late

Spot-Effing-On.

Life long Democrat only because there isn't what I consider a progressive party in the USA (and calling the DP socialist, or left is just hysterical). On foreign policy (general hegemony, rat-effing other countries 'cause we're scared of commies or want their oil/resources), use of the MIC (to the same ends), neo-liberal economics (Clinton still thinks Glass Steagal repeal was a good thing) and being way to cozy with corporate interests the DP isn't terribly different than the RP. Of course there are some differences, some meaningful and I'd much rather have Hillary than any Republican but they're both owned by big biz and that sets the overarching agenda. While I think Hillary would have been a competent administrator, certainly smart and educated enough, and for the most part a well meaning person (even if some of her actions didn't work out that way) she was a doomed (and for at least that reason a poor) choice. The DNC is crooked and rigged. I still think that Bernie would have won, but he's not what the masters of the DP want. And without either of them Biden, as BB notes above, probably would have stepped up to the plate.

[Matthew Strongin]

The problem with "what if" scenarios, Bill, is that they steer the conversation away from the actual situation at hand. Not just here, but in the media, in politics and in the national conversation about all that's going on. Prior bad acts, crimes, mistakes, oversights, etc. are no reason to not investigate and pursue other bad acts, crimes, etc. You bring up Weinstein...he got away with atrocious behavior for way too long. We should be extra diligent to ensure that never happens again, not be dismissive of other atrocious sexual harassment. Even if I agreed that the DOJ and FBI failed their duties when investigating Hillary, I don't see how that's an acceptable argument for them not doing their job, or being able to do their job, in investigating Trump. Sometimes law enforcement gets it wrong. But they don't always and they shouldn't stop doing good work because they sometimes do bad work. In fact, they should strive to do better work at each opportunity. For the record, I don't really think you're arguing that the DOJ should stop investigating Trump because they "failed" their investigation of Hillary, but that is an argument I've heard elsewhere and it makes no sense.

As for wanting Trump to stop commenting about the investigation, the DOJ or the media...I don't really care what he says. I think it would benefit him and his defense if he'd shut the eff up and stop looking like a hypocritical man-baby, but it sure makes for good entertainment. Now if his babbling threats turn to action and he fires Mueller or creates his own secret police force to investigate the "deep state" or any of that nonsense, I'll definitely be singing a different tune. And anyone who cares about the constitution, the rule of law, or the stability of the republic should be concerned.

[guido]

I think Clinton lost because the entire media universe got into a pig pile of fake news slimeing clinton and gave Trump very much of a bye.

[Corso]

I think Clinton lost because the entire media universe got into a pig pile of fake news slimeing clinton and gave Trump very much of a bye.

Happy New Year!

The media has slammed Trump from day one, and it continues. He was given no respect from the day he announced, and it carries on now, even thought he's the President. Trump hasn't been given a bye on anything.

Hillary got a pass (as the Clinton's always do) by a non-investigation by the FBI. She was Secretary of State. That investigation should be re-opened, as well as the Obama using the IRS for political reasons. Pretty sure if Trump did that the impeachment calls would be off the charts!

Double standards rule the day.

Hillary also lost to Obama. Was she media slimed then too?

Yes, by all means, keep investigating Trump! If there is real crap on him, let's find out.

[Scott G.]

Yes, by all means, keep investigating Trump! If there is real crap on him, let's find out.

Great new book on POTUS, the real skinny.

Trumpocalypse: The End-Times President, a Battle Against the Globalist Elite, and the Countdown to Armageddon by Paul McGuire, Troy Anderson |, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble(R)

[Bob Ross]

For the DOJ to indict Hillary would be to indict major players in DC because many people at all levels knew what she was doing and said nothing. .

Serious question:

What was she doing?



Is this about the email thing? Is the contention that she was using a personal email server and/or sharing classified emails for nefarious purposes? If so, which purposes exactly? Or is just that she was careless/stupid enough to use a personal email server and/or share classified emails? (In which case, shouldn't it be "Idiotic Hillary" rather than "Crooked Hillary"?)

Seriously, I try to keep up with all the (actual) news, but I honestly still have no idea what Hillary was doing [sic] other than mismanaging government documents.

[thollandpe]

The media has slammed Trump from day one, and it continues. He was given no respect from the day he announced, and it carries on now, even thought he's the President.

His conduct, his behavior, his words, and his actions are undeserving of respect and so far beneath what we thought were expectations for the office. Long before he was a candidate. His domestic affairs, business practices, and time on the radio with Howard Stern or TV with pro wrestling. A caricature.

And then his candidacy, how he treated his political opponents. And now as our so-called President. A refusal to untangle his questionable (and still opaque) business dealings, which are now interwoven with official government business. The tweets, the threats, a new low in conduct/behavior/words weekly if not daily. This is not normal, and not OK.

To think that Obama was chastised for wearing the wrong color suit.

[bigbill]

Serious question:

What was she doing?



Is this about the email thing? Is the contention that she was using a personal email server and/or sharing classified emails for nefarious purposes? If so, which purposes exactly? Or is just that she was careless/stupid enough to use a personal email server and/or share classified emails? (In which case, shouldn't it be "Idiotic Hillary" rather than "Crooked Hillary"?)

Seriously, I try to keep up with all the (actual) news, but I honestly still have no idea what Hillary was doing [sic] other than mismanaging government documents.

She used a personal server for official business. Her emails contained information that was classified up to Secret but had the headers removed. Information classified Secret or above contains data or information that can be used to harm the US or it's allies. The network that originally had the Secret information is called SIPR and it in no way "touches" another network. So for her to receive information from the SIPR network, one of her people would have to illegally transfer information to some kind of media (thumbdrive likely) and then put it on an unclassified network to send to her. The unclassified networks were not secure and were hacked on several occasions. She had to direct the actions and had to know the information should not be on an unsecure network. She signed a non-disclosure agreement saying she wouldn't do these things. Her people signed the same agreement. The agreement carries penalties of heavy fines and prison. Some of the documents had their headers and footers removed but kept the (S) and (C) next to the paragraphs. A document is classified according to the highest classification contained in it but not everything is to that level, so paragraphs have those letters next to them, S for secret, C for confidential. That was a red flag that these documents were illegally moved from a secure network. All of this because she didn't want to use a SIPR account and wanted the convenience of her own server. Security clearances and handling classified information is a hassle, but it's one you choose. I did it for 27 years, I had a SIPR terminal on my desk and had to put my hard drive in a safe every night. If I had done what Hillary and her people did, I'd be in prison. At a minimum, Hillary and her people should have lost their security clearances which would have eliminated her from running.

[dogrange]

His conduct, his behavior, his words, and his actions are undeserving of respect and so far beneath what we thought were expectations for the office. Long before he was a candidate. His domestic affairs, business practices, and time on the radio with Howard Stern or TV with pro wrestling. A caricature.

And then his candidacy, how he treated his political opponents. And now as our so-called President. A refusal to untangle his questionable (and still opaque) business dealings, which are now interwoven with official government business. The tweets, the threats, a new low in conduct/behavior/words weekly if not daily. This is not normal, and not OK.

To think that Obama was chastised for wearing the wrong color suit.

Thanks for writing the response I also wanted to give!

I'll add that we are getting a lesson in how much there is outside just the law (by way of social political cultural norms) we have relied on to keep official life going in the U.S. You can't legislate enough to keep things going reasonably - at some point you have to rely on people (government officials) to act in good faith in so many areas. Trump is not doing so, and there will never be enough laws on the books to reign in someone hell-bent on achieving only his perceived self-interest, norms be damned.

[Corso]

Serious question:

What was she doing?



Is this about the email thing? Is the contention that she was using a personal email server and/or sharing classified emails for nefarious purposes? If so, which purposes exactly? Or is just that she was careless/stupid enough to use a personal email server and/or share classified emails? (In which case, shouldn't it be "Idiotic Hillary" rather than "Crooked Hillary"?)

Seriously, I try to keep up with all the (actual) news, but I honestly still have no idea what Hillary was doing [sic] other than mismanaging government documents.

Add this to the list:

The FBI is investigating the Clinton Foundation - The Washington Post

[djg714]

You illustrate exactly the point and why I can't stand either of the pathetic sides.

I'll bet you didn't read either of those articles, did you? Those are facts and both of the links are from left or center leaning news outlets. Only children or mental handicaps react directly with insults.

Rather than simply calling anyone who criticizes absolutely anything about the left a right wing fanatic, maybe take a moment to consider. You reacted before you even read anything, guaranteed. There is a reason why Clinton lost to this goon, and its not because the Democratic party has done things so splendidly fantastic as of late, despite whatever you may believe...oh wait...uh...nope, had to be the Russians, the Democrats are perfect! /puke. I´ll bet you didn't read anything Donna Brazile said either, did you?

Anyhow, have fun with the scraps of the ever so important political parties while both of them screw everyone over, and both sides slide further into the moronic abyss, supported largely by reactionists without the ability to think or act beyond animalistic behavior and their precious feelings.

You are making a fool of yourself.

[nahtnoj]

Yes, by all means, keep investigating Trump! If there is real crap on him, let's find out.

You have to be bordering on delusional to not understand there is real crap on him already.