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Coincidence takes a lot of planning.
Malcolm Nance
I've seen a number of interesting discussions on the internet recently, about the troubles that the Trump administration is experiencing. Everyone seems to realize that a segment of the intelligence community is engaged in an effort to destabilize the administration. The part of this program that is visible to the public comes by way of coordinated leaks to various news sources. There is, of course, a significant amount of activity behind the scenes, that we do not see. Yet.
I think it might be fun to have a talk about both the context of such an operation, including a bit of history to assist us in defining some of the terms we hear and will continue to hear in coming months. In doing so, I think it is beneficial to be as objective as possible. Thus, I'll do my best to avoid including my own value judgments, other than to say here that I favor a constitutional government.
Journalists talk about the Deep State. This is best understood as the machine that runs this country. It is basically what Eisenhower famously warned of in his farewell address. It's worth noting that in almost all of the thirty-plus rough drafts Ike made, he identified the danger of the military-industrial-congressional complex. In more recent decades, it's understood to mean the military and intelligence community.
This is distinct from the concept of a shadow government, although some members of the deep state are also found in a shadow government. But the shadow government is identified as those who pull the strings on the puppets who serve in elected office. On occasion, members of the shadow government have stepped from behind the curtain, and served in elected or non-elected office. This has included Nelson Rockefeller and James Baker, as well as some military generals (both retired and active).
The issues confronting Trump et al are more similar to what Nixon faced in Watergate, than Reagan Bush in Iran-Contra, or VP Cheney in the Plame scandal. So let's review a few things from the Nixon White House. First, early on, two people who would play significant roles in destabilizing the administration met regularly in the White House's basement: Bob Woodward and Mark Felt. At the time, Woodward was an officer from the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). Felt, also an ONI officer, had retired to take an Assistant Director's position in the FBI.
Older readers will recall that Nixon learned that military intelligence was spying on him. This certainly upset poor Richard, yet he failed to actually address the issue. Around the same time, Felt suggested that Woodward retire and take up journalism a curious idea, as Felt despised the media, and Woodward had absolutely no background in journalism. Yet, in a brief time, Woodward would be hired by the Washington Post. (his WP partner, Carl Bernstein, would eventually write an article that documented how the intelligence community had spread through the major medias of the day.)
According to Woodward, he had a secret source in DC, who leaked confidential information to him. He referred to this source as Deep Throat. Decades later, he identified Felt as Deep Throat, although it would have been impossible for Felt to have run the operation Woodward described alone. It was an operation that involved a group that sought to use the media to destabilize the Nixon administration, forcing the legislative branch to begin to take the actions that resulted in Nixon's resigning in utter disgrace.
Fast-forward to the Trump campaign. It is widely believed that Russian intelligence hacked the computers of the DNC and Clinton campaign, in hopes of finding dirt to harm the Clinton campaign. One can only speculate on if the materials leaked played any significant role in the choices that citizens made in the voting booths. However, although the DNC and Clinton campaign were private groups not government entities this is of concern to the intelligence community. Members from several agencies including military intelligence quickly became aware of suspicious connections between members of the Trump campaign, and some Russians they took interest in.
It is important to recognize that Russia also has a deep state and a shadow government, that are similar to those in the US. What the intelligence community found is described in detail in Malcolm Nance's recent book, The Plot to Hack America. Nance has become a regular guest on a number of television news programs. He is recognized as an expert in intelligence, being that he is a retired high-ranking ONI officer. As he notes in the book, he communicates with other retired and active members of the intelligence community.
The information that his book provides about the Trump campaign's connections to various Russian individuals and business interests is important. The on-going discussions between the campaign is, of course, closely connected to these financial ties. More, the discussions strongly indicate that the Trump people were promising accept Russian plans to resolve the conflict in the Ukraine, and to lift sanctions
..though for what, exactly, is not as clear.
The recent information about Sessions' meeting the Russian ambassador at the republican convention, a trip which Sessions used campaign money to pay for and his lying to try to hide it, fit in with the narrative that the campaign was coordinating efforts with the Russians. Likewise, the information regarding other campaign operatives systematic communications with the Russians provides further evidence of this. And the Russian ambassador's attending the Trump speech was clearly to hear the candidate confirm the deal they had agreed upon.
Keep in mind that European intelligence groups have provided the US intelligence community with even more evidence, which they gathered when Trump campaign representatives met secretly with Russians. Expect the domestic investigations to include the information from the fellow from MI5, which was originally gathered for the Jeb Bush campaign.
Note that Sessions now remembers that the ambassador and he got into a heated debate about the Ukraine. That is not a clever lie. Although his role may have been limited to the two meetings with the ambassador to discuss the Ukraine, it will be further exposed as being a significant piece in the larger puzzle.
It is important that both houses of Congress investigate this. It should be a special, select committee, not just the intelligence oversight committees, since the public would never see the real results. And, of course, that a truly independent prosecutor be appointed, although at this point, this would come by way of the Justice Department.
Even the republicans who speak in favor of Trump today will sacrifice him in time. This is not only true of those up for re-election in 2018, but those who want to stay in the majority as well. Most would prefer to work with VP Pence.
DemocratSinceBirth
(99,710 posts)H2O Man
(73,537 posts)I hope you enjoy the essay.
DemocratSinceBirth
(99,710 posts)H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Just a liar, with a curious habit of grinning while he lies.
Alice11111
(5,730 posts)H2O Man
(73,537 posts)do forensics at the mental health clinic (and county jail), I would study how various people lied. Sessions reminds me of some of them.
Alice11111
(5,730 posts)His southern accent, which many feel as trustworthiness, but I do not, having been around some people like him, his particular accent gives me cold shivers. An authentic southern accent can be a pleasure to the ear, but his is like his sparkling eyes, amplified.
Tell us how you evaluate his lying.
brush
(53,776 posts)Last edited Sun Mar 5, 2017, 11:47 PM - Edit history (1)
It is so apparent that that is an outrageously transparent lie. That's the best he could come up with, and he had a couple of days?
Now wonder Grassley worked it so that he escapes testifying under oath again. The Dems in the Senate would break his Keebler elf behind.
And BTW, HTF did this maroon get to be, and remain for quite a few years, in the top echelons of our effin' government?
What are we doing now, just kicking the stupid ones continually up and up to get them out of the way?
Sheesh!
Oh, wait! Wait!
Look who's president.
Eyeball_Kid
(7,431 posts)He's beholden to the Russian Ambassador, who can end Sessions' career with one statement: that Sessions colluded with him. BECAUSE Sessions met with the Russian Ambassador outside his role as Senator, he's vulnerable to blackmail. The Ambassador, and by extension, Uncle Vlad, have him by the balls.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)900 days before Nixon left the stage. Great post,Nance is the thorn in Trump's side. Will Caesar fall on his sword or will Brutus take him down.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)I think we will have the answer in less than 900 days. As odd as it sounds, Trump lacks the stability of Nixon. (Never thought I'd be saying that about anyone!)
Thanks.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)Hunch says,Trump will fall as soon as he is of no use to McConnell and Ryan. Have said this before,the GOP needs some one to blame for their destruction of the Social Welfare Programs of our Country.
Oh how I remember Nixon and all the twist and turns of those years. Watch that Guy work with McCarthy and Cohn destroy innocent people,then Karma came on the scene to do her thing.
tblue37
(65,340 posts)Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)those tragic days. Still remember the day Edward R Morrow called McCarty and Cohn to task. Happened to be at the Hardware Store,at that time they sold TV's,Chilly evening and had just dropped my Newspaper off at the Counter when the Lady who owned the Store said,you got to see this History in the making. Sat on a chair by the stove to warm up and watched this play out in real time. Think it was a couple years later we got our first TV. Yup,a used one for twenty five dollars,and the old man slid off the roof twice into the snowbanks,putting up the Antenna.
Alice11111
(5,730 posts)VOX
(22,976 posts)The fascinating details in your recollection really bring new life to an era gone by. (I know, I was there for much of it as well.)
Thank you!
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)I would have most likely become interested in Civics and Governmental issues. McCarthy was well known in my home town.
Dustlawyer
(10,495 posts)Eyeball_Kid
(7,431 posts)All it takes is a few negative statements from Trumpy about Putin or the Russian government/foreign policy, and Trumpy gets nailed to the wall. Putin, who is making his mark as a calculating murderer, does not suffer fools very well. One false move out of Trumpy and Putin will cut his throat.
vlyons
(10,252 posts)Nixon was not a stupid man. He was a very sly Fox, although an evil and corrupt one. Trump is a very stupid man, incapable of thinking ahead about the possible consequences of various decisions. Trump can't even spell "sly" of "Fox"
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Nixon was intelligent, but twisted. Add to that his experience in DC.
littlemissmartypants
(22,647 posts)Please don't be offended.
Thank you for the thread, H2O Man.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)and Sessions seem a lot like cartoon characters!
And I don't think that you could offend me. Don't believe you'd ever try to.
Thanks!
babylonsister
(171,059 posts)in great detail.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)I was hoping to get to this earlier. But the topic isn't going to drop .....
Tatiana
(14,167 posts)I think we must be thankful for the role the President played in making it more difficult for Trump to hide his treasonous activities. He left a trail for others to follow. Rep. Schiff and Senators Wyden, Coons, and Franken are carefully (and cautiously) following the crumbs left behind. The fact that Obama expelled 35 Russian "diplomats" is significant. Remember, he also said that there would be actions taken that we would not know about.
Russia has been planning this for a long time and cultivating the Trump family as allies. Trump Jr. received at least $50,000 from a Kremlin-connected foreign policy group (whose president nominated Vladimir Putin for a Nobel Prize). They pulled the trigger because Hillary was the candidate that represented the biggest obstacle to Putin's plans for domination. As such, I think some actions were rushed and were not exactly executed in the precise manner planned. This may help us discover exactly what happened and how.
Two things are certain in my mind: the FBI has been infiltrated. The assets have been working out of the NY office. Trump and his family have also been cultivated. That is why he has non-traditional people in official WH roles, such as Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon. That is why most of Trump's campaign surrogates have a Russian connection.
Many high-level Republicans enabled this takeover of their party and made a deal with the Russian devil.
I am of the opinion that Pence should be impeached first, if it can be proved that he had knowledge of the plan to conspire with Russia/Putin. I do not have any faith in the current Republican-controlled Congress to defend our country. We will have to regain control of the House in 2018.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Thank you. I agree with your assessment. And I appreciate your contribution to a good discussion.
There is nothing about Pence that I like. He is dangerous, though in a different way than Trump.
"Vigorish, or simply the vig, also known as juice, under-juice, the cut or the take, is the amount charged by a bookmaker, or bookie, for taking a bet from a gambler. In the United States, it also means the interest on a shark's loan. The term originates from the Russian word for winnings, выигрыш vyigrysh." - Wikipedia
I'm sure there's a substantial big on Donnie's Russian loans. The Ukraine campaign plank was just a down payment.
THis is quite a piece and a lot to digest. I'm amazed that this situation, ala 45, seems to be amping up at the speed of light. I suspect it's because no one truly estimated how much damage he could/would do in so short of time. Separating mother's from their children! But here's what I want to know...we know McConnell and Ryan were warned by the WH and blackmailed PBO into staying silent so, how involved with this was/is Pence? Up to his neck to the point he would go too or will they try to save him. After all, RYan has ambitions however he likes playing humble boy.
According to the news, he is having an extended temper tantrum. I think he is beginning to appreciate what he is up against.
It would be nice if Pence was removed from the picture, in the manner that Agnew was. But I suspect that he will the Gerald Ford figure.
malthaussen
(17,193 posts)Last edited Sun Mar 5, 2017, 12:15 PM - Edit history (1)
Theoretically, they could kick him loose first. so Mr Trump could appoint a replacement exactly as Nixon appointed Ford. But the only motivation for that would be Pence suddenly becoming too much of a liability, which would require some heretofore-undiscovered revelation.
I've wondered if the President can pardon himself, which is a funky idea. It will be necessary for Mr Trump's successor to pardon him to keep the investigation from going farther (stipulating an investigation does occur), but it is a nice question for speculation who will be thrown to the wolves. Mr Sessions should remember Mr Mitchell, methinks. And it would be pleasant to see Mr Bannon, at least, in orange pajamas.
-- Mal
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)It's said that Nixon questioned if he had the option of pardoning himself. That wouldn't protect a president from being impeached -- in fact, it would insure the removal from office.
I think people should review the Senate Watergate Committee's report, for information on how "abuse of power" meets the standard for "high crimes and misdemeanors." Today's NY Times reports that Trump's chief counsel, Donald McGahn, was attempting to access information on any/all FISA court rulings on Trump's associates. This is, by definition, an (attempted) abuse of power.
While I haven't picked up a copy of the paper yet, I can say without risk of error that sources on McGahn's activities were "leaked" by sources from the intelligence community and from White House staff. There are people in the White House who are coordinating the efforts to destabilize the administration.
This -- more than the Sessions' removing himself from the investigation's process -- is why Trump is freaking out this weekend.
malthaussen
(17,193 posts)Not hard, since it was never stable to begin with. The leaks are driving everyone crazy(er), including Congress. I'm not sure that the strategy of keeping Trump afloat as a distraction/fall guy is going to work for the GOP's desire to trash America for much longer. And they must be having less-advertised problems in their own ranks, or their agenda would be proceeding more smoothly. Too bad Congress is not as leaky as the WH.
I've heard when sharks get into a real feeding frenzy, they are not above eating each other, or even pieces of themselves. Since Mr Trump has assembled a group of sharks for his administration, it is no wonder that they are chewing each other up.
I look forward to the season of indictments. The country hasn't had so much fun since Watergate.
-- Mal
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)by the Senate to discuss his conversation at the republican convention with the Russian ambassador. Look for Senator Franken to focus on the timing: the ambassador was looking for confirmation that Trump et al had "removed" increased sanctions from the republican platform.
spanone
(135,830 posts)tblue37
(65,340 posts)start a thread asking if anyone had heard from you!
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Perhaps we will have something similar to the classic DU "Plame threads" with this scandal.
livetohike
(22,140 posts)you posting. Excellent analysis as usual .
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)I think the current scandal will provide the DU community to explore and discuss another important chapter in our nation's history. Who knows? We might again find information posted here before the media reports it.
StrictlyRockers
(3,855 posts)It is very informative.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)It is good to see the NY Times report on McGahn this morning. The pressure on Trump is increasing. The president needs to tighten his seat belt, for his rocky ride is just beginning.
Hekate
(90,669 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)Hope your health is good.
One point of disagreement. I do not believe that we can reproduce the joint committee that we had in the 70s as the "moderate Republicans" have all gone away.
We are going to require an independent commission where we can get Republicans like Lugar, Huntsman, Hagel,
Chafee, Warner and Humphrey to join with Democrats and Independents.
In order to close the circle on Impeachment it will be necessary to include Republicans and no current Republican office holder will agree but there are plenty who have left office and are now free to act their conscience.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Good to see you as well!
I agree 100% that the quality of the current republicans in the Senate -- both intellectually and ethically -- is far, far lower than in the Watergate era. Their behavior brings to mind the boys in The Lord of the Flies. That is bad for the country. It will be worse for the Trump administration.
randr
(12,412 posts)H2O Man
(73,537 posts)I think that Sessions was being used in one area of a compartmentalized program -- simply to help get the republican platform to drop its sanctions, etc, against Russia, and promote the campaign's promise for "better relations."
randr
(12,412 posts)That Repub convention
Juliusseizure
(562 posts)I have little doubt the evidence is overwhelming. Trump has helped make it all but transparent through his cabinet appointments alone.
The same Russian ambassador Kislyak who spoke to Flynn in November about the sanctions met with Kushner and Flynn in Trump Tower in December. By that time, we know the FBI had him under electronic surveillance.
Trump Tower may have been wiretapped, legally of course since Kislyak is a foreign agent. Then all conversations are wire tapped/recorded, including assumedly his subsequent conversations with Russian officials (Putin too?), and we have information that should have Trump, his staff, family members, cabinet, and, here's where it gets worrisome -perhaps a certain number of sitting congressional Republicans, imprisoned.
We don't how many people may be implicated, and the crime is so potentially severe, a concern is Republicans just won't let it happen.
Comey won't disclose what he has even if a special prosecutor is appointed. Or just shreds it. Or it goes to a vote for impeachment, and the votes aren't there, even with overwhelming evidence that is labled insufficient.
We rely on the good faith of congressional Republicans that I see little or no indication of and that may not exist.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Thank you.
Looking back at Watergate, it's important to remember that almost 100% of the republicans in DC supported Nixon after his re-election. The systematic leaks from Felt & Co to Woodward began to undermine the administration -- and encourage other media outlets to investigate and report -- and slowly, those republicans began to withdraw their support. As it continued, and led to the Senate Committee, even those republicans who favored Nixon had to turn on him. It is a process.
That same process is in motion today. Most of those republicans in Congress who speak in favor of Trump, and downplay the seriousness of the Russian connections, are doing so in order to try to keep their base of support. But they know of information not yet made public. As this process unfolds, they will turn against him. However, they will fall in behind Pence, claiming he can heal the country, like Ford.
Juliusseizure
(562 posts)You're likely right. I was too young when Watergate happened, so have no insight into the process it took before the Republican party withdrew their support.
I am old enough to know, however, that the certain things, most notably the Cold War united Americans in a manner that no longer exists. We also had agreement that news sources could be trusted, and thus on facts. The media is so balkanized, that propaganda masquerading as news is used even ny Trump to confuse, distract, and control.
The parties and constituents are so polarized to fever pitch, I sense many, if not most, of the Republican base wouldn't mind if the US were a democracy in name only. We are in a dangerous zero sum game mindset that I don't think existed before.
Given the polarization of Republican constituencies, and the massive influence of polarized corporate and special interest donors, it had become extraordinarily difficult to even get an investigation going.
Assuming that ever occurs, I think nothing short of blatant, substantial evidence evidencing 100% certainty of guilt will suffice for impeachment, much less comviction.
StrictlyRockers
(3,855 posts)Steele worked for MI6, not MI5.
MI5 is akin to our FBI.
MI6 is akin to our CIA.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)That's actually a very large, significant point. Can't believe I did that. Thank you for pointing it out.
I've heard that both Democrats and republicans from the Senate have agreed they should invite Steele to meet with them. Not likely to happen.
StrictlyRockers
(3,855 posts)Ruskies don't play nice.
Eight dead already related to investigation..
http://www.palmerreport.com/opinion/trump-russia-conspirator-alex-oronov-dies-suspiciously-he-lived-in-donald-trumps-building/1786/
democrank
(11,094 posts)Good to hear from you again. Hope you are doing well.
I think of the sheer arrogance required for Trump and his loyalists to to ignore so many laws and standards....even history. They must have been quite certain they could uphold Trump's decades-long methods of operation by having their way....again and in the end. They also must have been certain they would get very little interference from Republican leadership.
Trump's habit of running roughshod over anyone who refuses to genuflect will probably come back to bite him hard and ruin his presidency. Let's hope.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)During the campaign, Trump liked to call himself a counter-puncher. That self-image is working against him now. Each time he reacts, the intelligence community responds with another blow that he does not anticipate.
voteearlyvoteoften
(1,716 posts)Serious business.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)ms liberty
(8,573 posts)In a sane world like the one we used to live in, it would be unthinkable that one, much less several of our elected representatives are in bed with a foreign power, most especially Russia. But here we are. There is already too much becoming known for any other conclusion, and we're only a month in. I feel some concern that we won't get the investigation we need, and that the punishment will be insufficient. I mean, it's treason. Jail for life, execution, these are the proper sentences for this crime. I also feel concern over what the Trump supporters out there will do; they live in an alternative reality and are thoroughly conditioned to believe only their own echo chamber, to the point of believing utter and complete nonsense. A number of them are unstable as well as having anger and impulse control issues. I expect to see these "random" attacks continue, and escalate somewhat as the situation deteriorates.
malthaussen
(17,193 posts)That is the only thing keeping the country from plunging into a civil war similar to the religious wars within Islam. There is no guiding force.
-- Mal
malaise
(268,967 posts)Nice to see you
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)BumRushDaShow
(128,905 posts)Good info!
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)CanSocDem
(3,286 posts)H2O Man
(73,537 posts)AgadorSparticus
(7,963 posts)Good to see you back.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)I'm sure you will enjoy it.
panader0
(25,816 posts)He has yet to be confirmed as Deputy Attorney General, but I believe
that he will be. I don't know much about him.
Good to see you again.
And another fine essay.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)I think if it is a Justice Department appointee, that it would likely be him.
gordianot
(15,237 posts)It is also possible someone told Trump No (as evidenced by Flynn Removal) (Sessions get lost) or he has been given the time table of what is to come.
It doesn't appear that Trump is dealing well with the stress. He's discovering that he really isn't in charge of all that much.
gademocrat7
(10,656 posts)Thank you, H2O Man.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Can't post if you can't see it
McCamy Taylor
(19,240 posts)who will die if they obey the orders of their own, demented Commander in Chief. Meaning that they are between a rock and a hard place. They must pretend to respect him---and Trump has certainly been told by his Russian handlers that he must pretend to respect the military in which he refused to serve---while, at the same time, they must protect the troops.
I can imagine how the generals felt in 1972, watching Nixon/Kissinger, who deliberately derailed LBJ's peace 1968 plan escalate the no win war in Vietnam just so that Nixon could claim Article 2 powers to fight political battles at home. It must have made them scared and furious at the same time.
Mr. Ected
(9,670 posts)I wonder why he didn't.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Jeb is weak, and had been "alpha-male(d)" by Trump; and Jeb didn't really want to be president.
Jeb wanted others to expose the Russian connections. He lacked the self-confidence to confront Trump on stage, in the debate forum. His campaign's attempts to interest the media in the story failed. The Trump circus was being covered in a non-serious way, to gather larger audiences. No candidate in a primary ever got all the free press coverage that Trump enjoyed.
coeur_de_lion
(3,676 posts)As always I love your analysis but I have questions. I know you'll set me straight.
1) Tell me how you think it went down that Flynn was made to resign.
2) Will Sessions be made to resign in a similar way?
3) If the intelligence community (IC) hates Trump so much, why did Comey do what he did to Hillary just before the election?
4) What exactly, is the IC trying to accomplish, in your opinion?
5) Do you think this will end the way the Plame investigation did? With the President still in power and some poor Scooter Libby taking the fall?
Finally on an unrelated topic, what do you make of Bush suddenly being in the news again in a favorable way?
AND, what do you make of Bush's friendship with Michelle Obama? I hadn't noticed it until the inauguration and it really surprised me. Also what surprised me was how I almost like him now. I haven't even been able to say his name until the last week. But I like how he is coming out against Trump.
Personally I think Trump is stupid to take on the press. If he courted them the way all other presidents have a lot of this would blow over or not become public as soon as it is now. Hell even Bush had friends in the press. I'm shaking my head. Monstrously stupid.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)I had forgotten that specimen existed.
1- I believe that the transcripts from Flynn's conversations with the ambassador forced him to resign. Trump didn't understand that the issue would make the headlines, so he didn't plan to fire him. Once it became evident the media was looking into the matter, and had solid sources, Trump fired him. It was then that Flynn "resigned."
2- My understanding is that there may be a transcript from a Sessions phone conversation per Russia. That would bury him. Without something more than the two meetings, he may attempt to cling on. And he could still be dangerous in areas like voting rights.
3- I think most people either supported Hillary or opposed her to the extent that decided the election regardless of Comey.
4- To force the House and especially the Senate to fulfill their constitutional duty.
5- I do not think Trump will serve out his first term. He has been able to manipulate and intimidate his way through grand jury investigations regarding his business interests numerous times. Or, to settle out of court at the last minute. Even as president, one cannot bully their way through congressional hearings, or with a special investigator. He will resign, to spend more time with his daughter.
6- Bush should be recognized as a war criminal. A disgraceful human being. Yet, Trump mis-read the polls that convinced him that it was safe to batter poor Jeb. While Jeb wasn't up to doing battle, other family associates are. There are still plenty of Bush friends in the intelligence community.
coeur_de_lion
(3,676 posts)But I'm still puzzled by Michele and *ush.
One more follow up question to number 4 -- if they force the house and senate to fulfill their duty what action do they hope that duty will lead them to take?
I'm relieved you are back on DU. I love DU but people can be pretty nutty.
Its hard for me to know what information to trust. But I trust you completely.
FailureToCommunicate
(14,013 posts)H2O Man
(73,537 posts)leanforward
(1,076 posts)Your post led me through others forming this thread. I've been watching a lot of Malcom on MSNBC. Everything you've mentioned is reasonable to me, including others in this thread. I've believed for sometime that the russians are supporting his business ventures, since 1987. dRumpf is an unwitting stooge.
dRumpf pulled a con on a lot of citizens.
I am a loyal citizen in opposition to pRezident dRumpf and any GOP lemming.
littlemissmartypants
(22,647 posts)Thanks for this post H2O Man.
Wake me up when they unplug his life support, he dies and someone creates the cartoon about it you know we all want to see, Sessions Unplugged.
♡ lmsp