The Likelihood of Impeachment

Whaddya wanna bet?

When Robert Mueller FINALLY testifies before Congress July 25, somebody will ask him, "Was the Mueller Report an impeachment referral?" and he will reply:

"Well duh." Pelosi will be left holding her dick.

Quote :

Mueller has said he doesn’t intend to speak beyond the findings of the report in congressional hearings.

Quote :

Republicans pledged sharp questioning of the special counsel about what they see as a “one-sided” Russia investigation.

This thing is going to turn into a circus, with poor Robert Mueller in the center ring. He's not going to do the Democrats' work for them, nor is he going to give Republicans any satisfaction. Both sides will be miffed by his recalcitrance and refusal to discuss impeachment. "It's all in the report," he'll say, over and over and over again.

Congress has a collective IQ of about six.

The DOJ sent a letter to Mueller warning him not to go outside what's already public in the report.  Of course, as a private citizen now, he can tell Barr to go fuck himself.

But he probably won't, since he's on record as stating "everything's already in the report."

Really, all the Democrats need to ask him is one question:

Quote :

"Is the Mueller Report an impeachment referral?"

Yes or no.  That's all they need.

Even though the answer SCREAMS YES from the report, Congress isn't smart enough to read it.

JFC, these congresspersons are only interested in reading their speeches for the camera. Poor Mueller can’t get s word in edgewise. I thought this was supposed to be his testimony???

Oooh, Sensenbrenner said “if you KNEW you could not indict a sitting president, why did you do all this investigation?”

Mueller responded “Well you never know where an investigation will lead.”

Zing. If they follow this line of inquiry there will be icebergs ahead.

The Republicans are floating some pretty elaborate conspiracy theories, without evidence. Seems like a difficult way to discredit Mueller, if they have to create these elaborate backstories which can’t be proven.

Democrats are reading those parts of the report that are evidence of obstruction and Mueller is replying “I refer you to the report.”

What a wasted opportunity.

Jim Jordan weaves a doozy of a conspiracy theory, and Mueller rolls his eyes and says “I’m not sure I agree with your characterization.” Typical low key response to blatant bullshit.

Democrats are intent on emphasizing that the Mueller report describes actions that, for any other citizen than the POTUS, would have resulted in criminal prosecution.

Republicans are intent on trying to discredit the origin of the investigation.

Seems like two very different agendas.

Mueller says “That’s not under my purview. Those matters are under investigation by other agencies of the Department of Justice.”

Therefore, we may yet see some charges?

Oooh, Ken Buck (R) just stepped in it. He asked if Mueller believed Trump could be charged with obstruction of justice after he leaves office, and Mueller replied “yes.”

Oops!

Dems should have coordinated their speeches. Too much duplication!

Debbie Lesko (R Arizona) is trying to open some daylight between Mueller and Barr, and Mueller is being very careful to avoid accusing Barr of misrepresenting him. This is dangerous, and she keeps aborting her questions before he has a chance to answer.

She must know she’s on thin ice.

Mueller’s response: “Not true.”

Can’t get clearer than that.

Mueller’s getting tired and combative. “I do not agree with your characterization of that.”

NoCoPilot wrote:

The Republicans are floating some pretty elaborate conspiracy theories, without evidence. Seems like a difficult way to discredit Mueller, if they have to create these elaborate backstories which can’t be proven.

MSNBC analysis, immediately after the hearing, hit the nail on the head.  Republicans could not attack or find any fault with the FACTS brought out in the Mueller report.

So they attacked the reasons for a Special Council being appointed, or the manner in which the finding were presented.  They were powerless to dispute the report itself.

Which is damning, no two ways about it.

NoCoPilot wrote:

Oooh, Ken Buck (R) just stepped in it. He asked if Mueller believed Trump could be charged with obstruction of justice after he leaves office, and Mueller replied “yes.”

Oops!

Yep, that's the takeaway headline!  And this from a Republican!!!

NoCoPilot wrote:

Whaddya wanna bet? When Robert Mueller FINALLY testifies before Congress July 25, somebody will ask him, "Was the Mueller Report an impeachment referral?"

DJT's crimes and those around him are public record.  Several ongoing investigations will broaden the scope and number of charges and number of people charged.

Democrats have two options: open an impeachment inquiry now, and spend the next 466 days dragging the president and his administration through agonizing court proceedings as  they resist every attempt.  Repubs will portray the effort as partisan.  They will solidify support among the 30% of low-information DJT supporters.  These proceedings are unlikely to change anyone's minds, either supporters or detractors.

Or, Democrats could continue to table the impeachment option, aiming to unseat DJT in November 2020 and charge him with crimes after he leaves office.  This would mean 466 more days of destructive behavior, and setting a precedent that the POTUS is above the law, and setting a precedent that Congress lacks teeth.

Of the two, I think #1 is less disastrous.

However, #2 is a lot less effort, and requires no boldness and initiative, so that's undoubtedly what Congress will choose.

MSNBC analysis, by dinnertime, had evolved to this:

Mueller finally stated, for the record, that he did not indict DJT because of the OLC opinion. Yet in May William Barr told the press that Mueller's interpretation was wrong, and that he (Barr) EXPECTED Mueller to make a charging decision.

So one of MSNBC's commentators last night, I believe it was Jeremy Bash, asked this:

If Barr GAVE HIS PERMISSION for Mueller to ignore the OLC ruling, why didn't some Democrat ask him yesterday, point blank, if the President should be indicted?

Instead, a Republican accidentally elicited the same response, then quickly realized his error and moved on.

Over half of the House Democrats now support an impeachment inquiry. Will Pelosi cave?

One can only hope.

New York AG Hits The Jackpot As Banks Hand Her A Treasure Trove Of Trump’s Financial Records

This is entertaining too.

Melania Betrayed—Again!

Trump keeps upping the ante, to see how much he can get away with.

Pelosi warns if he doesn't behave, she'll "turn this car around."  

For the 100th time.  Donny just laughs, and smears more feces on the window.

Pelosi is finally dragged, kicking and screaming, into what she should have done -- had the constitutional duty to do -- had the evidence to do -- January 2017.

We'll see where this leads.