Did Giuliani or Trump intercede with Judge Ellis on behalf of Paul Manafort?

[kentuck]

I think it is very possible.

It was rather unusual that Manafort's attorney saw the necessity to remind everyone that there was "no collusion". Of course, Manafort colluded with the Russians. It is documented. So, why would his attorney say such a thing?

Also, the light sentence makes it easier to pardon Manafort. If he had received 19-24 years as recommended by sentencing guidelines, a pardon would look much more inappropriate.

Just my opinion, but I believe the Trump White House, thru Rudy Giuliani, had discussion with Judge Ellis. And I don't believe they had to pay him money to do their bidding. He never put any credibility into the Mueller investigation.

[Siwsan]

1. That judges assessment of Manafort's 'character' was beyond delusional

All kinds of scenarios have been flashing though my mind. And none of them include anything even resembling something close to being logical, rational or ethical.

[MaryMagdaline]

8. With you on that

Of all of the people who may be indicted, Manafort is the one who reeks corruption and whose entire life is nothing but corruption. He even got his children involved in the whole money laundering thing.

[hlthe2b]

2. Donnie Deutch tried to allude to this this morning on Morning Schmoe...

Scab would not let him even discuss the possibility.

I do not put anything past Trump. Look at the level of corruption/incompetence among the justices he's nominated (and largely gotten through).

I wish someone would quietly investigate this judge.

[Fullduplexxx]

3. Politicians in robes

[Miles Archer]

4. If he gets "the full 10" from the other judge, it becomes a different story

From a potential 24 years to 4 with Ellis...if the other judge pulled the same stunt, Manafort would get another year and a half. But if he walks away with a total of 14 years, the "pardon" goes back into the "questionable" column.

I don't think Giuliani or Trump HAD TO intercede.

I think Ellis had a distaste for Mueller and the entire investigation from day 1 and acted in his own interests.

[Vinca]

5. Something stinks. I'm suspicious because the judge and Manafort had Reagan connections.

[MaryMagdaline]

6. No. He is a corrupt member of the team

He doesn’t need reminders to act in the interests of his team.

[Ilsa]

7. He's almost 79 years old. I doubt

Anyone had to approach him about going easy on manafort. Ellis knows what team he's on.

[COLGATE4]

9. This is just a preview of things to come from the large

number of RW judges O'Connell is determined to push through the Senate by any means possible.