The Mueller-Trump Interview Is The Tolling Bell For the Trump Admin

[berni_mccoy]

Mueller has two plea deals: one from Papadopoulos and one from Flynn. He also has the campaign and transition team emails that were hosted on the GSA servers.

He also has testimony from Comey and other DoJ and FBI officials.

He has financial documents that confirm money laundering and he has Trump's tax returns.

Mueller knows everything that's been leaked and made public plus a mountain of information that hasn't. He can confirm and corroborate pretty much anything he wants without testimony from Trump.

The reason he needs to interview Trump is to get him on the record. Trump will be put in a position of either needing to confess or lie. Either way spells doom, one way is worse than the other.

By anything Trump has said in the past, you can bet it's going to be in the worst way possible.

[Irish_Dem]

1. Can Trump refuse to be interviewed?

Given what you are saying, and I think you are 100% correct, there is no earthly reason
for Trump to speak to Mueller.

[berni_mccoy]

2. It is unlikely that he can refuse the interview. He can always plead the 5th Amendment

on any question and then Mueller must make his case without Trump's testimony. I'm sure that is a likely outcome.

[Irish_Dem]

6. If Trump's legal team prevails, yes I agree. nt

[marylandblue]

8. President pleading the 5th is a confession, politically if not legally

[Irish_Dem]

13. So Trump would do better to fight the interview and conduct a massive PR campaign

smearing Mueller, etc.

This could get very ugly.

[OnDoutside]

42. In ordinary political times, yes, absolutely. However he is an utter liar and the Republicans are so

bereft of morality, there's no guarantee that they would do anything after a 5th plea by Trump.

[getagrip_already]

49. it has zero legal implications...

It is your right. It can't be held against you.

But in public opinion, not so good.

I don't believe he would be able to keep his mouth shut though. It would be easy to get him talking, even if he starts out following advice. He would shut his lawyers off in a heartbeat if he became annoyed at them.

[Orrex]

72. A good assessment from first word to last

re: public opinion, I would add that if he pleads the 5th, then his drooling acolytes would take it as proof that he's too smart to fall into Mueller's attempt to trap him with lies and fake news.

[NewJeffCT]

113. Trump is a Republican, though

So, IOKIYAR.

If a Democrat took the 5th, it must mean they are guilty and have something to hide (obviously, they're protecting Hillary and/or Obama)

Republicans take the 5th because partisan prosecutors (even though Mueller is a lifelong Republican) are trying to trick them and twist their words and forcing them to incriminate themselves though shady trick questions.

[Javaman]

35. I think his lawyers will tell him to plead the 5th, but his arrogence will, like always...

get the best of him.

It would be a remarkable thing to watch; the orange asshole both slitting his own throat and putting his foot in his mouth

[lagomorph777]

62. If he does both things, would his shoe protrude from his neck?

[Javaman]

70. I see your toes! LOL nt

[NastyRiffraff]

78. He won't be able to help himself

When you plead the 5th, you can't pick and choose what you want to answer. You have to answer each and every question with the 5th plea. Donald doesn't have the self control to do that. Of COURSE his lawyers want written (by them) answers instead of live questioning. I would too if I had the horrible luck to be one of Trump's lawyers. It's unlikely Mueller will agree.

[bdamomma]

58. I thought

he thought the Constitution was obsolete???

[lagomorph777]

59. Pleading the 5th (or the 25th) will only damage him further.

[TheBlackAdder]

112. Pleading the 5th, like what Hillary Clinton did? Wait, Nevermind. It will be Trump doing it--again!

.


Trump: “The mob takes the Fifth Amendment. If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article105178626.html


http://www.msnbc.com/mtp-daily/watch/five-times-trump-has-bashed-pleading-the-fifth-950590531554



Trump Pleaded The Fifth 97 Times To Avoid Admitting To Adultery

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-pleading-the-fifth_us_57ed79dee4b024a52d2de46d

Link to tweet

Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) tweeted at 9:17 AM - 22 May 2013 :

why do u take the 5th if you have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide? #IRS



Flynn himself said during an interview last year with MSNBC commentator Chuck Todd, "When you are given immunity, that means you have probably committed a crime."

http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/michael-flynn-full-interview-trump-is-opening-huge-lead-772781123974



.

[marylandblue]

3. He can fight it legally, as Bill Clinton did

But Clinton failed and had to testify. Getting Trump to testify could be a major political and legal battle, so I assume this means the investigation is almost over. Still I could see Trump agreeing to testify without much fight based on his own belief in his superior legal defense abilities.

[YessirAtsaFact]

5. Precedent was set when Clinton was forced to testify

I’d forgotten that Clinton testified via closed circuit TV, but it was a real-time interview.

[Wednesdays]

101. Clinton was a Democrat.

Different set of rules.

[Irish_Dem]

7. Yes Trump is grandiose enough to think he can beat Mueller. nt

[erronis]

24. That was my thought, also. Appeal to the buffoon's Stability, Genius, Smartest Asshole in the room

Dump don't need no f'in lawyers to counsel him - he already knows the RIGHT answers.

Maybe as long as Mueller agrees to put real T.V. cameras in the room with lots of recording equipment. Pretend it's another Apprentice show. Maybe Fux News would lend a bimbo to help "bring him out." Promise TWO Double Whoppers at the end of a good interview.

This could actually be very painful to watch. To realize how depraved a supposedly human being can become. And to be the head of the 'uglican party, too! Speaks well of thems.

[PJMcK]

26. Two points

First, Trump likes Big Macs, not Whoppers.

Second, I believe you're right that a deposition by Trump would be a painful and possibly frightening event to watch. There's no way of knowing how it would turn out.

But, I really hope we get to see it. That will be awesome history.

[lagomorph777]

64. Every time I see Trump, he has a Whopper in his mouth.

Examples: "No collusion!" and "Very fine people on both sides!"

[madinmaryland]

103. Don't forget two scoops of ice cream. nt

[Irish_Dem]

40. It would be a total humiliation, but he would see it is a win. nt

[sprinkleeninow]

47. Let SG see it how he wants and then, BYE-BYE!

[Javaman]

38. and that he's a super genius. LOL

[Satch59]

4. Chuck Rosenberg on MSNBC said...

He can refuse an interview but Mueller can then compel him to a GJ interview/testimony and that is then done on Mueller's terms... Seems he's screwed...more with GJ option...

Bring it on!

[Irish_Dem]

15. Trump's major option is to stall as long as possible with refusal?

Make Mueller work through the legal system to demand an interview.
And Trump also conducts as massive PR campaign against Mueller.

[marylandblue]

25. He may try, but I wonder if it will work in this case

Refusing to testify means you have something to hide. It will be hard to get around that.

[Cosmocat]

55. Not for nothing, but refusing to release your tax returns means you have something to hide

It can maybe push a small margin to finally have it with him, but it is the same 1/3s divisions.

Our 1/3 will be, "THIS shows he is guilty (for the 1,000th time).
Their 1/3 will be like, "I don't blame him for not talking, they are just out to get him!"
The "middle 1/3" will blissfuly chew their cuds and moo, "they are both the same ..."

[Irish_Dem]

75. He can say Mueller is on a witch hunt and any interview will be rigged and fake news.

And a sitting president does not have to give the FBI an interview.
No other president in the history of the world has had to do so, etc.

The base will buy it

[Irish_Dem]

9. I believe Mueller has one big dilemma.

He has enough information to bring down the executive branch and a chunk of the GOP
congress. How many can he bring down without doing serious damage to the United States?

[kentuck]

10. Indeed.

[Irish_Dem]

11. I believe that this may have caused some sleepless nights for Mueller. nt

[kentuck]

60. He may have been afraid of what he might discover? n/t

[Irish_Dem]

86. Yes, what he would uncover, how he would proceed, the consequences. And personal safety issues.

I have carefully studied his biography.
And I assume he has understood that his job would be difficult and perhaps dangerous.
And his obligation to the rule of law, but also to the country.
There are many obstacles and moving parts to his investigation.
And concerns about damage to the country either way he goes.

Enough for more than a couple of sleepless nights I assume.

[mr_lebowski]

102. This case has a lotta in's, lotta out's, lotta what-have-you's ...

It's a lotta strands in the ol' Duder's head, man

[Irish_Dem]

16. I also think some back room deals are being cut as we speak. nt

[appal_jack]

17. The more, the merrier!

Last edited Wed Jan 10, 2018, 03:46 PM - Edit history (1)

Trump, Pence, Ryan, McConnell, and Rohrbacher are the minimum, as far as my hopes / predictions go. Hopefully more.

ON-EDIT: Definitely Grassley too!

-app

[Irish_Dem]

20. I believe he has the goods on them. But Mueller is also concerned about the big picture.

He is a macro and micro thinker.

He cannot just run a lawn mower across the US government.

If it were up to me I would throw the book at all of them.
But I am not Mueller.

[erronis]

28. It is amazing how many concessions you can get in plea bargains...

Even "inveterate" right-wing righteous holier-than-thou repuglican critters can and will sign statements that give the courts very strong control over how they act in the future. (Assuming the courts/prosecutors are honest.)

While I can't off-the-top-of-my-head think of a single person from the current administration, cabinet, leaders of congress that I would want to stick around very long, I do think a planned replacement over time could ease the disruption.

I still more worry about outside intervention - whether the rUSSRians or the Mercers/Kochs/Murdochs. We're not in a particularly invulnerable state right now.

[Irish_Dem]

43. I think people will resign or announce they are not running. nt

[bdamomma]

63. that could be possible

they can all go/leave as far as I am concerned they are no good treasonous bastards.

[Irish_Dem]

76. I'd like to see them all in prison.

Or summarily hung like George Washington would have done to them.

[get the red out]

67. This worries me

No one guilty should get by with it, and the people should AT LEAST know they were guilty. I am worried about "we the people" not getting the whole truth in this situation no matter what. If any of this cancer remains, the patient will still be in trouble.

[Irish_Dem]

77. The reality is fairly clear based on history and the way things work.

1. The American people will not be told the entire truth.
2. Some designated people will be charged and may do some jail time.
3. Others will quietly resign or not run for office again.
4. Some will go free to keep on doing what they are doing.

[get the red out]

109. You nailed it

It is painful, but accurate.

[Irish_Dem]

111. I have been a political junkie since I was 8 yrs old and one of my degrees

is in political science. You kind of know what is going to happen in DC.

[red dog 1]

57. + 1

[thbobby]

29. Mueller has responsibilty

to the law. I think his integrity will compel him to pursue any legal course the law dictates. I doubt he can wonder if he is doing serious damage to the United State. If laws have been broken, it is his moral obligation to legally pursue the criminals. The damage to the USA has already been done by the criminals. But I am not a lawyer. This is only my opinion.

[sprinkleeninow]

50. What you wrote is my view also.

Damage has been done and more coming down the pike.
Why did my dad, his brothers and countless others serve in the US armed forces WWll?
For naught? In vain?

[Irish_Dem]

81. They will do enough to restore some credibility yes. nt

[Irish_Dem]

79. I think he knows he cannot run a lawn mower over two branches of the American government.

But it does keep him up at night as he realizes how many people were involved
in illegal behavior.

If you notice how quiet the Dem leadership is relative to what is happening, they know it too.

[Pagan0]

104. "democrats"

they sure do. they're are just as much similar to lice as are the repugs which it that much more dispiriting for fellow "dems who had some hope.

[Irish_Dem]

84. In his mind I believe he feels he has a responsibility to the country, not just the law.

And he knows the damage to this country any way he goes.
He has to do the responsible thing, not just to the law but to the country.

I am not saying I agree with this, but I think that would be his mindset
according to everything I have read about him.

[thbobby]

89. Responsibility to the country

Would require for him to legally pursue all who engaged in criminal acts.

Two reasons for this:

First if the rich (including politicians) are not legally accountable, how can any American feel that the law should be obeyed. It sends the message: you are only a criminal if you are caught.

Second, if politicians continue to be above the law, politicians will continue to break the law. Perhaps if Nixon had not been pardoned for Watergate and Reagan had been prosecuted for Iran Contra, today's GOP would not feel so bold in breaking the law.

Legal punishment serves two purposes:

To punish the guilty for their actions.

To show that breaking the law has consequences.

If we want an honest democracy, both of these actions are necessary. Otherwise, our politics will continue to be dominated by criminals and democracy will have no meaning.

[Irish_Dem]

90. I agree, but realistically that is not how Washington has ever worked.

Bush and Cheney were never tried for war crimes.
Banks never punished for the outright theft of our money and crashing the economy.
Iran contra crooks never punished.
Etc Etc
I could give more examples.

I think Mueller has had some sleepless nights about his responsibilities, if he is the man I think he is.

[Mr.Bill]

30. The best way to avoid serious damage to the United States

is to go after every single one of them. We are in the position we are in because in the past, corrupt politicians, from Nixon on, have gotten away with it and suffered no consequences.

To quote 45 himself, the carnage stops...right here and right now.

The whole world is watching this, and our government will never have the credibility it once had until it is rid of criminals.

[Irish_Dem]

80. They have never gone after all of them before. Not how Washington or the elites work.

I would like to see all of them in prison or summarily hung for treason.
But won't happen.

Edited to add: They will go after enough of them to restore some credibility.

[OnDoutside]

44. To not do so would cause far greater damage.

[Irish_Dem]

82. The best predictor of the future is the past.

And we can see clearly how all other scandals were handled.

[Mr.Bill]

85. Not anymore.

If the best predictor of the future was the past an illiterate reality show star with the mind of an 11 year old wouldn't be president.

[Irish_Dem]

87. We have a totally corrupt GOP congress, Mueller will not put them all in prison.

Putin stealing the election was a surprise, I agree.

[Richard D]

65. The real question

How many if not brought done will do serious damage to the United States.

[Irish_Dem]

83. That is why Mueller is having some sleepless nights. Damage either way he goes. nt

[Richard D]

99. I'd much rather take the damage of

the scum being cleared out than this slow death of corruption.

[Irish_Dem]

105. I would as well. But that is not how Washington thinks or works.

And I am afraid a large percentage of our leadership is corrupt.

[lagomorph777]

66. Every one of the people Mueller could bring down IS doing serious damage to the US.

There is no way that temporarily (partially) disabling the Government would do more damage than the active measures Turd and the Reputins are taking right now.

[Irish_Dem]

88. Like Bush and Cheney were charged with war crimes?

Like the banks were charged with stealing our money, and crashing the economy?

Like all the Iran-Countra criminals went to jail?

[lagomorph777]

107. I'm not saying it's likely;

I'm saying that if by some miracle justice is served, we'll survive the process of purging the criminals from Government.

[Irish_Dem]

108. Yes I would be very happy if this were to occur.

I think there will be some justice served.
How much, remains to be seen.

[lindysalsagal]

91. Half the GOP. NO problem. We are a smart, strong, resiliant population.

The states will easily fill the seats with temporary appointees, and then start the election process.

Go! Do it! Drain. The. Swamp.!

[Irish_Dem]

98. I think people would be shocked to learn how many corrupt leaders we have. nt

[WyattKansas]

92. That is exactly why Mueller was put there in the first place...

To see how deep it goes into the republican party and who also needs to be shunned if a prosecution isn't possible... Without crashing or destroying the government.

I've been telling this to everyone ever since Mueller was the one appointed.

[Irish_Dem]

96. Yes I am not sure anyone wants to hear it however. nt

[Scurrilous]

12. K&R

[GusBob]

14. Questions, 'cuz I'm like, dumb

? Mueller has tax returns? I was unaware of that
?If he testifies, does he have his own lawyers present? (not much of a benefit his lawyers are really bad)
?are there questions he can refuse to answer on some sort of technicality? ( i.e. national security) what I mean is can he use excuses to weasel out of questions, other than I don't remember
? all of Trumps lies about things unrelated to Russia, are they fair game, or do the questions have to be within the framework of the agenda?

[berni_mccoy]

18. Answers

1.The IRS is required to cooperate with Federal Investigations. You're Mueller and at least two Trump officials are caught money laundering... do you get Trump's returns too? http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/26/politics/special-counsel-irs-russia-probe-information-sharing/index.html

2. Trump's lawyers would most likely be present but depending on the structure of the interview may or may not be able to interfere with the answers.

3. Trump can refuse to answer any question by pleading the 5th in which case he admits he's done wrong and won't help the prosecutor in proving it. Pleading the 5th simply means a defendant does not want to expose themselves to criminal liability and if the prosecutor doesn't have the evidence to convict, that person will likely go free.

4. Any question is fair game. If he lies to any investigator, it is an impeachable offense.

[Orrex]

21. Good post.

[GusBob]

22. With regards to #4--"goes to credibilty, your honor"

Say he tries to blunt Mueller by bragging about the size of his inaugural crowd or the number of laws he signed his first year or any of the bragging lies he spouts, do you contest the lies or let them stand? "you lied about that, why should we believe you are being honest now?"

I don't reckon it would be hard to needle DT and get under his thin skin, and with his short attention span the longer he testifies the easier it gets

[marylandblue]

23. If he does that, Trump will lead him all over

Mueller needs to just stick to the point and let him hang himself. Somewhere on line there are excerpts of a deposition Trump once gave. It is quite embarrassing for him. He lost the case of course

[PJMcK]

31. Trump's deposition

Here are the YouTube links:

Part One:

Part Two:

You're right that these videos are embarrassing. Just imagine how bad it will be when Robert Mueller gets Trump sworn in!

[True Blue American]

73. Could not stop bragging

Even when in a deposition. Over a year ago. How much worse now?

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

34. I think the length of the interview (testimony?) will play a large role in the process

We know that Trump has the attention span of a gnat. Just keep him in the witness chair for as long as Congress did Hilary about Benghazi and he'll fall to the ground blubbering like the idiot he is.

What I'd prefer is that he appear before the Grand Jury, sans attorneys, and see how far he gets with his shenanigans.

[erronis]

33. But pleading "National Security" as gusbob pointed out?

That cop-out works for the rest of the government. Does Robert Mueller have a signed TS compartmentalized "Need To Know" document?

Better than the 5th is "I don't remember". Which could really be true in dump's brain and seems to be prevalent in his cabinet.

[berni_mccoy]

52. There is plenty of material that the question, the answer or both don't involve National Security

And it only takes one false answer to make Trump's day go from bad to worse.

[lindysalsagal]

94. He will lie and he will contradict the things he's said on air and on twitter.

And Mueller will easily be able to get him to lie in a way that acts as a cover-up for a larger offence. At that point, he's totally impeachable.

[Orrex]

19. Hear the tolling of the bells--Iron bells!

[califootman]

56. What a world of solemn thought their monody compels!

[Orrex]

71. Nice catch!

[ollie10]

27. Where is all this talk of a Trump interview coming from? The White House?

I have my doubts that Mueller would be ready anytime soon to interview Trump.

He will save Trump until last....

I think it is wishful thinking on Trump's part

[marylandblue]

37. Reported on NBC News and Morning Joe

I suspect most of these leaks come from the White House.

[robertpaulsen]

32. History question for anyone.

Did Archibald Cox interview Nixon prior to being fired as Special Prosecutor? Just wondering if Mueller has to interview Trump or if he can tighten the noose more surreptitiously without having to alert Trump that he is the target.

[marylandblue]

39. Cox never asked to interview Nixon

I think he was fired for requesting the tapes.

[SWBTATTReg]

36. I seem to remember that a court ruled that a tweet by tRUMP was admissible in court ...

why would Mueller waste time and energy in interviewing tRUMP when he's not going to get any honest answers anyway? There are so many tweets shipped out by tRUMP that I would think Mueller could use too in prep'ing his cases ? Just wondering...

[marylandblue]

41. Lying by tweet is not a crime, Lying to DOJ is

[SWBTATTReg]

45. You're probably right, I am thinking about something else I guess, where a judge ...

used a tweet from tRUMP to determine that the ban on travel from six or so country was allowable or not, I could be wrong, but I do seem to remember this...Mueller can use the vast amounts of tweets from tRUMP too in guiding his investigation(s) (and probably is)...thanks...

[berni_mccoy]

61. Lying by tweet may not be a crime, but obstruction and witness tampering are

And Trump could arguably be guilty of those crimes by his use of Twitter.

[NightWatcher]

46. True or False: if Mueller is ready to interview shitgibbon, he's finished/nearly finished.

All he has left to do is let shitgibbon lie about things Mueller already has proof of. We might be closer to a conclusion than we think.

[berni_mccoy]

53. I think it means he has enough to nail Trump. I don't think it ends there.

There are plenty of Congress critters who are implicated as well... I expect Mueller goes there too.

[LudwigPastorius]

48. This isn't the end, but it may be the beginning of the end, of the investigation.

If Mueller can get Trump under oath, he can get Trump for perjury at the very least.

Trump WILL lie. He cannot help himself.

Perjury and Obstruction will be the minimum charges Trump will face. Mueller will probably also have him on Conspiracy and Money Laundering.

[sprinkleeninow]

51. Thanx for your opening post. Outlines stuff for me! Beneficial discussion.

[ProudProgressiveNow]

54. K&R nt

[red dog 1]

68. Can Trump do what Bush 43 did after 9/11?

When asked if he would testify under oath before the 9/11 Commission, George W. Bush answered:
"I don't 'testify'..but I'll sit down and talk with them."

He and Vice President Dick Cheney both "sat down" together, at the same time, and answered questions, but they weren't "under oath"

Can Trump legally do likewise? (Not testify under oath)



K&R, thanks for posting!

[berni_mccoy]

74. There is a big difference between the 9/11 Commission and a Federal Investigation of Crimes

Yes Trump could say he's not testifying under oath, but that only saves him from perjury. It doesn't save him from the crime of obstruction or lying to a federal investigator who is investigating a crime.

[world wide wally]

69. There is only one thing that is certain...

Trump WILL lie

[lindysalsagal]

95. 2: Lie, and make crap up that doesn't even make sense, or matter.

[Gothmog]

93. I will be surprised to see Trump do a live interview with Mueller

[L. Coyote]

97. I foresee a really bad case of Alzheimer's developing.

"I can't recall." "I can't recall." "I can't recall." Can't wait to read that transcript.

[Wednesdays]

100. I have two words:

Merry Fitzmas!

[Amaryllis]

106. T is not capable of distinguishing truth from fiction. But it doesn't matter, since he loses

either way.

[certainot]

110. that scurrying cockroach won't go anywhere near that trump

in your avatar....