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ironballs16 Since: Jul, 2009 Relationship Status: Owner of a lonely heart
#285601: Jul 23rd 2019 at 1:33:22 PM

[up]

I'm not entirely sure on that in regards to Mueller. Keep in mind, most people haven't read the Mueller report, let alone the most pertinent parts regarding obstruction of justice. Hearing that live, on-air, from Mueller himself, could sway some of those that pull the "both sides" thing - won't do a damned thing regarding the die-hards, but the independents? That's entirely plausible.

That said, the single biggest thing I hope for is Mueller to openly answer a question to the effect of "Were it not for the DOJ's guidance that a sitting President not be indicted, would you have recommended it in this case?" I doubt he will, as he strikes me as a very By-the-Book Cop, and will therefore decline to respond to that line of questioning, but the hope is still there.

"Why would I inflict myself on somebody else?"
Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#285602: Jul 23rd 2019 at 2:15:19 PM

If someone goes for a “Would current Do J guidelines have prevented you from charging the President with a crime if you felt he’d committed one” that might work, or even just “did you look into if the president himself committed any crimes and if not why not?”

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
CharlesPhipps Since: Jan, 2001
#285603: Jul 23rd 2019 at 3:18:42 PM

I dunno, I'm kind of with Mueller.

"Every question you ask is answerable by my asking - why haven't you charged him with a crime since that's your call to make?"

They can't ask Mueller if he'd prosecute Trump without answering why they're not.

"I am a cop. You are the DA."

Edited by CharlesPhipps on Jul 23rd 2019 at 3:19:31 AM

Author of The Rules of Supervillainy, Cthulhu Armageddon, and United States of Monsters.
sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
#285604: Jul 23rd 2019 at 6:27:11 PM

https://whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com/2019/07/23/day-915/

    Day 915: Still at it. 
1/ Trump sued the House Ways and Means Committee and the New York state officials to block his state tax returns from being turned over to the committee. In May, New York passed a bill that allowed the Ways and Means Committee chairman to obtainTrump's state tax returns. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to would block the application of the new state law. (CNBC / Wall Street Journal / CNN)

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/23/trump-sues-house-ways-and-means-panel-to-block-disclosure-of-his-tax-returns.html

📌 Day 900: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill allowing congressional committees to access Trump's New York state tax returns. The bill requires state tax officials to release the state returns for any "specified and legitimate legislative purpose" on the request of the House Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, or the Joint Committee on Taxation. Trump's personal lawyer, Jay Sekulow, called the bill "more presidential harassment." The House Ways and Means Committee has unsuccessfully tried to access six years of Trump's personal and business tax returns. The House sued the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service last week to try to force them to release the returns. (New York Times / NBC News)

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/ny-gov-cuomo-signs-bill-allowing-congress-access-trump-s-n1027396

2/ The Trump administration proposed ending food stamp benefits for 3.1 million people by tightening eligibility and automatic enrollment. The current rule allows residents in 43 states to be automatically eligible for food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if they receive benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The new rule would require people who receive TANF benefits to pass a review of their income and assets to determine whether they are eligible to receive food from SNAP. Removing 3.1 million people from SNAP would save the federal government about $2.5 billion a year. About 40 million low-income people received SNAP benefits in 2018. (Reuters / Bloomberg / CNN / Washington Post)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-foodstamps-idUSKCN1UI0AH

3/ Trump is on track to add another $1 trillion dollars to the national deficit this year after endorsing the two-year bipartisan budget deal that will raise spending limits by $320 billion and allow the government to keep borrowing money. Republicans say the deal will add too much to the debt while some Democrats are upset that Trump is not prevented from using money from military programs to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Politico / New York Times / Washington Post)

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/22/deficit-don-budget-red-ink-trump-1426696

Trump's rhetorical appeals to white working-class voters during the 2016 campaign have not been matched with legislative accomplishments aimed at their economic interests. Since becoming president, Trump has signed taxes that benefitted companies and the wealthy, rolled back regulations on corporations, and appointed administration officials and judges from the conservative movement. (New York Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/23/us/politics/trump-working-class.html

4/ More than 180 human rights groups and 22 senators demanded that the Trump administration's new Commission on Unalienable Rights be abolished. Letters to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accuse the 10-member commission of being overseen by clergy and scholars "known for extreme positions opposing LGBTQI and reproductive rights," including some who they say have defended "indefensible human rights violations." Pompeo launched the commission earlier this month to, he claimed, "provide fresh thinking" about returning the government's focus to promoting "natural law and natural rights." (NBC News)

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/human-rights-groups-lead-chorus-alarm-over-new-trump-administration-n1032656

5/ Robert Mueller will have one of his aides sit alongside him during his House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday. Aaron Zebley will not be under oath or allowed to answer lawmakers' questions directly, but he can privately consult with Mueller if the former special counsel needs assistance or guidance about how to respond during the hearing. It's unclear if Mueller made a similar request to the House Intelligence Committee. (New York Times / ABC News / Washington Post)

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/robert-mueller-asks-bring-chief-staff-congressional-testimony/story?id=64514467

Jerry Nadler called Trump's Justice Department "incredibly arrogant" after instructing Mueller to limit the scope of his congressional testimony. The House Judiciary Committee chairman added that "It's a part of the ongoing cover-up by the administration to keep information away from the American people." Mueller will appear before the House Judiciary Committee at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday for about three hours and will then appear before the House Intelligence Committee at noon for about two hours. (Politico / Washington Post)

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/23/nadler-doj-mueller-testimony-1426721

Trump said he might watch a "little bit" of Mueller's public testimony this week. (NBC News)

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-he-might-watch-little-bit-mueller-testimony-n1032471

poll/ 18% of Republicans said they planned to watch Mueller's testimony, 60% said they would not watch, with the rest unsure. 31% of Republicans considered it "very" or "somewhat" important that Mueller was scheduled to testify this week. (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-mueller-poll/most-republicans-plan-to-tune-out-mueller-probe-reuters-ipsos-poll-idUSKCN1UI13H

    Notables. 
FBI Director Christopher Wray said Russia is "absolutely intent" on interfering in the 2020 presidential election despite sanctions and other efforts. "My view is until they stop they haven't been deterred enough," Wray told Lindsey Graham during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Graham had asked Wray if "they're still at" despite "all the sanctions, all the talk." (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-security-idUSKCN1UI1XW

Trump met with Devin Nunes to discuss possible replacements for Director of National Intelligence Dan Coates. Some intelligence officials believe Trump is considering Nunes for an intelligence post. Coates' job security has been up in the air since he contradicted Trump in statements he made about North Korea, Iran, and Syria. (Politico)

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/22/trump-nunes-intelligence-chiefs-1426698

The Senate confirmed Mark Esper as defense secretary. The Pentagon has been without a permanent leader since Jim Mattis resigned last year over policy disagreements with Trump. (Washington Post / New York Times / Wall Street Journal)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/senate-votes-to-confirm-mark-esper-as-defense-secretary/2019/07/23/694b18a0-acb4-11e9-a0c9-6d2d7818f3da_story.html

Trump threatened Guatemala with tariffs and other retaliation for backing away from a planned "safe third country" agreement with the U.S., which would have required Central American migrants traveling into Guatemala to claim asylum there instead of elsewhere. Trump warned that his administration would explore imposing a "ban," tariffs, remittance fees or some combination of all three. (Politico / Washington Post)

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/23/trump-guatemala-retaliation-immigration-deal-1426722

Trump's nominee to be ambassador to the United Nations spent the equivalent of seven months of her 20-month tenure as ambassador to Canada in places where she had homes. Kelly Craft came under fire for her absences from the embassy in Ottawa after Federal Aviation Administration records showed her family plane had made weekly roundtrips to the United States. (Politico)

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/22/kelly-craft-ambassador-canada-absence-1426702

The Senate passed a bill to make the 9/11 victims compensation fund permanent. The bill now heads to Trump's desk, where he is expected to sign it. The bill was passed with the support of more than two-thirds of the House and Senate, meaning Congress could override a veto if Trump objected. (ABC News / NBC News)

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-vote-9-11-first-responders-bill-tuesday-n1032831

The FBI recorded about 90 domestic terrorism arrests in the past nine months and about 100 international terrorism arrests. Most of the domestic terrorism cases involved a racial motive believed to be spurred by white supremacy. (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/wray-says-fbi-has-recorded-about-100-domestic-terrorism-arrests-in-fiscal-2019-and-most-investigations-involve-white-supremacy/2019/07/23/600d49a6-aca1-11e9-bc5c-e73b603e7f38_story.html

The lawyers for the "MAGA Bomber" claimed his client was manipulated by Fox News, Trump's tweets, and Facebook. Cesar Sayoc previously pleaded guilty to mailing 16 pipe bombs to Trump's political opponents, news outlets, and other public figures in October. Sayoc watched "Fox News religiously at the gym" and planned his "workout to coincide with Fox and Friends and his evenings to dovetail with Hannity." Sayoc's attorneys added that "a rational observer may have brushed off Trump's tweets as hyperbole, but Mr. Sayoc took them to heart." (Daily Beast / Washington Post / Huff Post)

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cesar-sayoc-trump-bombing_n_5d3635b1e4b004b6adb48758?zyn

sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
#285605: Jul 24th 2019 at 5:29:29 AM

NAACP calls for Trump impeachment – Members of the NAACP are calling for President Trump's impeachment, the latest effort to push members of Congress to pursue impeachment against the president.

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/454333-naacp-calls-for-trump-impeachment

Also today is Mueller's testimony to Congress. What's the realistic expectation of what we'll get out of it?

Ultimatum Disasturbator from the Amiga Forest (Old as dirt) Relationship Status: Who needs love when you have waffles?
Disasturbator
#285606: Jul 24th 2019 at 5:35:34 AM

> What's the realistic expectation of what we'll get out of it?

My inner cynic is rattling at the bars of his cage

"NOTHING!" he roars

While in the cage opposite my optimist seems to believe something will happen,nothing Earth shattering for now but something

have a listen and have a link to my discord server
Forenperser Foreign Troper from Germany Since: Mar, 2012
Foreign Troper
#285607: Jul 24th 2019 at 5:46:04 AM

I think we should all stop hoping that this Administration might end earlier / get any kind of legal repercussions.

They aren't above the law, they are outright ignoring it at this point. Sad, but unfortunately reality.

Edited by Forenperser on Jul 24th 2019 at 2:49:04 PM

Certified: 48.0% West Asian, 6.5% South Asian, 15.8% North/West European, 15.7% English, 7.4% Balkan, 6.6% Scandinavian
CharlesPhipps Since: Jan, 2001
#285608: Jul 24th 2019 at 5:48:55 AM

One might also argue that pursuing impeachment could be a way to "run out the clock" of the Presidency.

And it's still a black stain on someone's presidency.

Author of The Rules of Supervillainy, Cthulhu Armageddon, and United States of Monsters.
Forenperser Foreign Troper from Germany Since: Mar, 2012
Foreign Troper
#285609: Jul 24th 2019 at 5:57:03 AM

Also, regarding 2020: Don't be so quick to write Trump off. We also said he didn't have a chance in 2016.

Not talking this guy seriously was a costly mistake we shouldn't repeat.

Edited by Forenperser on Jul 24th 2019 at 2:59:29 PM

Certified: 48.0% West Asian, 6.5% South Asian, 15.8% North/West European, 15.7% English, 7.4% Balkan, 6.6% Scandinavian
speedyboris Since: Feb, 2010
#285610: Jul 24th 2019 at 6:27:30 AM

Mueller just said the report does NOT exonerate Trump. This is not new information but it's nice to have it on the record, on camera to contradict his repeated gloating.

PhysicalStamina i'm tired, my friend (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: Coming soon to theaters
i'm tired, my friend
#285611: Jul 24th 2019 at 6:46:42 AM

Wat, he's testifying now?

i'm tired, my friend
sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
PhysicalStamina i'm tired, my friend (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: Coming soon to theaters
i'm tired, my friend
#285613: Jul 24th 2019 at 7:04:42 AM

Jim Jordan looks and sounds like a complete asshole.

i'm tired, my friend
sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
#285614: Jul 24th 2019 at 7:10:57 AM

Shot in the dark: he's Republican?

SeptimusHeap from Switzerland (Edited uphill both ways) Relationship Status: Mu
#285615: Jul 24th 2019 at 7:13:58 AM

Freedom Caucus boss if memory serves.

"For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled." - Richard Feynman
M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#285616: Jul 24th 2019 at 7:19:02 AM

Basically, complete asshole.

Disgusted, but not surprised
PhysicalStamina i'm tired, my friend (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: Coming soon to theaters
i'm tired, my friend
#285617: Jul 24th 2019 at 7:24:53 AM

You spin me right round, baby, right round...

i'm tired, my friend
PhysicalStamina i'm tired, my friend (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: Coming soon to theaters
i'm tired, my friend
#285618: Jul 24th 2019 at 8:28:45 AM

And now the Republicans are pulling out the Hillary and Obama cards.

Wow, they're desperate.

i'm tired, my friend
LeGarcon Blowout soon fellow Stalker from Skadovsk Since: Aug, 2013 Relationship Status: Gay for Big Boss
Blowout soon fellow Stalker
#285619: Jul 24th 2019 at 8:30:29 AM

Republicans are just desperately trying to discredit Mueller and the report

Oh really when?
Fighteer Lost in Space from The Time Vortex (Time Abyss) Relationship Status: TV Tropes ruined my love life
Lost in Space
#285620: Jul 24th 2019 at 8:33:39 AM

I don't know if it's desperation per se. They just don't care. They aren't going to take any action against Trump no matter what, so this is just showing off for their voters.

"It's Occam's Shuriken! If the answer is elusive, never rule out ninjas!"
LeGarcon Blowout soon fellow Stalker from Skadovsk Since: Aug, 2013 Relationship Status: Gay for Big Boss
Blowout soon fellow Stalker
#285621: Jul 24th 2019 at 8:35:44 AM

The stark differences in questions from Republicans and Democrats is just so jarring.

It's been years now and I still just can't believe that something as serious as collaboration with a hostile foreign government is somehow a bipartisan issue.

Oh really when?
M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#285622: Jul 24th 2019 at 8:43:44 AM

And it's the Republicans who are trying to deny Russian interference at that.

Oh how times change.

Disgusted, but not surprised
Soban Since: Aug, 2009 Relationship Status: 700 wives and 300 concubines
#285623: Jul 24th 2019 at 8:53:06 AM

The problem is that many Republicans see it as a smear campaign, not something that actually happened the way it is being described by the Democrats.

LeGarcon Blowout soon fellow Stalker from Skadovsk Since: Aug, 2013 Relationship Status: Gay for Big Boss
Blowout soon fellow Stalker
#285624: Jul 24th 2019 at 8:56:44 AM

Republican voters yes, Republican congress members know exactly what happened and how true it is and yet they continue to lie about it.

Oh really when?
ITNW1989 a from Big Meat, USA Since: Nov, 2012 Relationship Status: GAR for Archer
a
#285625: Jul 24th 2019 at 8:58:35 AM

Well of course they will, they're being paid by Russians to lie their asses off about it.

Hitokiri in the streets, daishouri in the sheets.

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