Prediction: Trump is going to fire Mueller and there will be zero consequences for it.

[oberliner]

The Republicans will roll over as they have been since day one.

[WheelWalker]

1. Oh pshaw.

[oberliner]

4. Have you seen his latest tweet?

Link to tweet

The firing is coming soon.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

33. Stupid move on the Fuhror's part; hope he does it. That will lead to landslide election of Democrats

in the House and Senate and will guarantee his impeachment. Do it!!

[still_one]

93. I would like to think your assessment would be right InAbLu if such a thing occurred, but based on

what has transpired so far I am not that confident

[Tanelorn]

87. I can't read these tweeets .Can you get Stephen Colbert please.

[Bradshaw3]

156. Firing Mueller doesn't end the investigation

Dumbass donnie may think so but he is sadly mistaken.

[njhoneybadger]

2. Why not

[brush]

3. That doesn't mean everyone else will. I think you're way off with that prediction.

Seems you have little faith in the rest of the country.

Are you posting contrarianism just to get a rise out people?

[oberliner]

5. What consequences can there be without any Republican support?

[Demsrule86]

9. well first of all, Trump is going to preside over the loss of the House I think...and then we can

investigate him as he deserves...if he has done illegal things he can be indicted even by states you know...and we can impeach him.

[oberliner]

15. We need Republican votes for the impeachment to result in him leaving office

[Demsrule86]

114. He may not leave office.But if we get the house...we stop him from anymore damaging legislation...

and if we get the Senate...heavy lift but possible, we stop judges. I don't understand the obsession with impeachment ...I knew long ago that unless we got a super majority in the Senate, impeachment shouldn't happen because without removal, it is futile. Unless his conduct is shown to criminal in someway, and we can convict,there should be no impeachment. We get Pence no matter what or Ryan...so what is the point? And we could lose Congress again...consider what happened to the GOP after Bill Clinton's impeachment. If we get the house we can run a real investigation that could lead to resignation or we get rid of him the old fashioned way in 20 by voting the SOB out.

[oberliner]

133. True

I'm with you 100 percent in devoting our efforts towards Congressional electoral success.

[brush]

13. You must be very young with little knowledge of the history of protest movements in the country.

[oberliner]

16. You couldn't be more wrong

And I do agree that there would be protests.

But I think Trump will have the backing of the Republicans for this move.

[brush]

28. He will have the backing of the cowards. They won't prevail though, hell, even high schoolers...

are in revolt.

The zeitgeist has shifted left.

[pbmus]

60. Agree...and not tooo soon....

[oberliner]

80. High schoolers are in revolt?

[onetexan]

82. Juju where have you been?

Watched the news lately?

[oberliner]

85. I don't think most high schoolers are especially clued in to what Trump is tweeting about Mueller

Nor are most non-high schoolers for that matter.

[brush]

88. High schoolers have a different issue of concern, but trumps tweet's don't matter.

What will matter is if he fires Mueller.

There will be massive push back if he does.

As I said, there has been a decided shift left in attitude towards trump's debacle of an administration, attested to by all the Democratic wins in state and special elections lately.

You might be a bit behind the curve.

[Kirk Lover]

147. I want to put your mind at ease. I know these Republicans 'play along' with

RUMP, but they are counting on Mueller's report to rid themselves of this man. They will protect Mueller if they are forced to.

[zentrum]

120. They take years...

….to produce results.

The civil rights marches still haven't fully realized their dreams. Yes, there's more and more movement and agitation but It's been a 50 year arc at least.

The Vietnam protest took four years. And made no difference when it came to going into Iraq illegally.

We never stay really focused, organized and ready to sustain the sacrifice of time.

[brush]

144. Don't know if I agree with that. Both movements you mentioned got tangible results, and if trump...

fires Mueller there will be, IMO, clear ramifications come seven months give or take in November. That's not far off at all.

And one thing seemingly forgotten and not being mentioned in this thread is that trump would have to fire Sessions then have his replacement fire Rosenstein then fire Mueller.

Even for trump that's a lot of bloodletting for repugs not to at some point react.

And of course Democrats and the Media will be howling, and even more repugs will be putting in their retirement papers in order not to hit by the coming blue wave.

[zentrum]

145. They do, but my

…point is they take a long time (years, even decades) to produce those results. I feel we don't have time.

[brush]

146. Aren't you leaving out that the election is 7 months away? There will be tangible results from...

a protest movement of Sessions/Rosenstein/Muellar being fired—results from voting booths which can change control of the House and possibly the Senate and trump's future.

[zentrum]

152. Yes, that's a very good point.

[Proud liberal 80]

29. I have no faith

Seems you have little faith in the rest of the country.

Why should he? I had faith and thought there was no way that people in this country would elect trump. And of course we know how that turned out.

[mythology]

50. A setback doesn't mean one shouldn't have faith

Look at the history of this country. We had slavery for a couple of hundred years, gays couldn't get married, women could be legally raped by their husbands, etc. We have made amazing progress.

None of those causes were advanced without setback. Throwing your hands up and saying "oh there's nothing we can do in the face of X, Y or Z" is not the same spirit that led to fixing any of those causes. I really don't get the notion that we should all run around screaming the sky is falling because of an idiot like Trump. The only way to guarantee Trump wins is to not stand up.

[0rganism]

70. i don't think we can afford any more of these "setbacks"

even if it ended tomorrow, this setback would leave a nasty mark
looks like we're in for at least another 1-3 years of this madness; we'll be lucky to have a nation at the end of it, let alone be continuing the social progress we've made over the last 60 years

[maxrandb]

111. We didn't have Facebook and Twitter

Or Faux News during those "setbacks".

We didn't have Sean fucking Hannity telling 40% of the population that slavery really is cool, and the real scandal is Abe's railroad deal.

Just admit it. This country is fucked. We had one fucking job. We failed.

Enough dumbasses were convinced that "both parties are the same" and sold this fucking country out to fascism.

[zentrum]

121. It all takes

….too long. It doesn't really unfold in the neat way one reads about in the books. In actually, millions of individuals, and whole life times are swallowed up before the incremental change occurs.

It. All. Takes. Too. Long.

Trump has pulled off a kind of coup in less than a year.

[chuckstevens]

6. I think the flood Gates of anger will erupt!

The November Blue Wave will be so strong that it will be much harder for the GOP to steal the election! Don't Give Up!

[oberliner]

11. But what happens if he fires Mueller in the next week or so?

[A HERETIC I AM]

103. He can't fire Mueller.

It would be up to Rosenstein to do it, and he has said he won't unless there is cause.

Trump would have to fire Rosenstein, then go down the ladder, like Nixon and the "Saturday Night Massacre" to find someone in the DOJ that will do it.

If he were to do that, all hell would break loose.

[oberliner]

134. He didn't fire McCabe directly

But he made sure that he was fired. Functionally the same.

[A HERETIC I AM]

148. Sessions fired McCabe

Sessions can’t fire Mueller as he has recused himself

[Demsrule86]

7. So cheery as usual...

[oberliner]

10. The statement by Dowd and the latest tweet from Trump point in that direction

Trump is getting ready to fire Mueller.

What will the Republicans in Congress do? I fear, nothing.

[Demsrule86]

12. The White House walked back Dowd's statement.

[oberliner]

17. Trump tweeted tonight about Mueller

His tweets supercede any "White House" statements.

[Demsrule86]

113. They walked it back after.

I see no reason to expect the worse...just keep your eye on the ball, we will get rid of this guy in the end...one way or the other. He will be kicked out of office or lose the next election.

[bettyellen]

45. The indictments out and the investigation doesnt disappear w Mueller. The information is shared w

Multiple agencies in many jurisdictions have this information. Obama started that practice and Mueller has continued it. It’s not going away.

[Demsrule86]

110. The White House backed off the statement.

[Kingofalldems]

104. Correct. I smell something.

[Demsrule86]

112. I have never seen a positive post.

[msongs]

8. but what about sternly worded letters? nt

[pnwmom]

14. Like there were zero consequences for firing Comey? n/t

[oberliner]

18. Exactly

I think this would be even worse, though.

[pnwmom]

27. Appointing Mueller was a significant consequence. Nineteen indictments

and guilty pleas so far is a consequence.

The Rethugs in Congress won't be able to shut down all the ongoing Grand Juries and prosecutions.

[njhoneybadger]

48. Trump is not the greatest strategist to ever live

Anyway what will happen? As long as his base stays with him congress won't make a move
If congress goes against it will be a blood bath in Nov.

[pnwmom]

73. That's what we have to fight for -- a bloodbath in November. nt

[brush]

90. Your sarcasm detector must not be working. Of course there were consequences from firing...

Comey.

[chuckstevens]

19. The AG of New York has much dirt and they can't touch him!

Here's the thing, you are right the GOP will do nothing. However, the story is not going away and we have to work to take back Congress in 2018.

[herding cats]

20. Your concept of consequence seems to be extremely narrow.

Will the GOP impeach Trump? Likely not, I agree.

Will there be consensus for their inaction if they don’t? Definitely.

Even the Republicans know this, which is why they’ve been trying to keep this from happening.

[oberliner]

21. Fair enough

My prediction, better stated, is that he’s going to fire Mueller and almost every Republican is going to be totally cool with it, because party over country is their MO.

[herding cats]

25. Thats true. Or, so I think.

Would you like to speculate as to what consequences this may lead to? In your opinion I mean. I have my own I’ll share also.

[oberliner]

35. I feel like it's the great unknown

Last edited Sun Mar 18, 2018, 12:43 AM - Edit history (1)

I've been hearing for so long that he couldn't possibly fire Mueller - now that it appears he is about to do that, I just don't know what the recourse will be.

[herding cats]

42. Oh, it can happen.

It’s the consequences of the act that have staved it off so far and made the Republicans terrified that he might do so.

It could happen, though. It’s seeming more and more likely as things are moving closer to Trump.

This day (below) will end up being of historic importance I suspect.

Link to tweet

?s=20

[lunasun]

22. Passover and Easter weekend both start Fri march 30 these major spring holidays are a time of

movement and traditional holiday commitments
Harder to get people out protesting during this period, Many will not be watching current events and there is little else recourse but to show protest unfortunately
That is my own prediction of when he will do it somehow someway and these next two weeks will be tweet propaganda and WH shake ups all to get to Mueller .
Who can stop him? His party and R maj.congress leaders but not happening imo

[oberliner]

23. Good points

I think you are right to observe the significance of that timing potentially.

[oberliner]

41. Also, Congress is on vacation as well

They are gone the last week of March - first week of April.

[lunasun]

43. Yeppers!

[marylandblue]

38. Trump is not that strategic or subtle

He already forced McCabe into early retirement. He got what any smart man would want. But no he had to make a loud and dramatic gesture that everyone would notice. So he is not going to upstaged by trivialities like the Redemption of the World. It's all about him. So it will probably when the attention (and the heat) is on him, such as when Mueller issues a subpoena.

Mueller IS strategic. When he senses that Trump is about to fire him, he will indict someone. Or reveal new information. Or maybe he will issue indictments on the same day as the subpoena.

[sprinkleeninow]

49. Hay now!

[marylandblue]

52. From Trump's point of view, it's a triviality, because it isn't about him

But I respect how important it is for you.


Plus, if I am right, we are safe for at least two more weeks.

[sprinkleeninow]

59. I replied some thoughts to a poster downthread.

Was just giving you a shout out!

Actually, if 'something' is perpetrated around the holy days, it may/can be dealt with regardless.

Our Pascha/Easter is the week following the Western dated one. Orthodoxy calculates each one (moveable feast) thus: After the first full moon of the spring equinox *and* after Passover. Every so many years it coincides with the Wetern date. And that's very much welcomed by me and others!

So we got Westen Easter, Passover and Orthodox Easter to get thru unscathed, or not.

Remarked to my other half earlier that if Mueller's let go, then it begins. Mb that's what it'll take. A crisis of our Constitution. And I do not relish even the consideration. But if it's necessary, let them bring it.

[ismnotwasm]

24. Possibly, if Sessions is replaced

What’s the next legal recourse?

[dhol82]

26. I think, if he actually fires Mueller, we will be marching in the streets

I know I will and I know tens of thousands of others will be also.

[brush]

30. Count me in.

[herding cats]

57. I know I will be.

As will my local peers.

They (Republicans) know this, and they know the international media will eviscerate Trump, and any Republicans when they fail to act. Rock, meet hard place. They’ve rather painted themselves into a corner, haven’t they?

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of consequences here.

[PSPS]

31. Thanks for your "concern."

[oberliner]

36. You're welcome

It's more than concern at this point - it's honestly frightening.

[syringis]

32. If he fires him, he will trigger a tsunami which will take him along

The way Mueller has set the last indictments, if Trump fires him, technically, it will be an obstruction of justice.

[oberliner]

37. But can anything happen without Republican support?

I certainly hope so because I don't believe there will be any.

[njhoneybadger]

51. He doesn't need support as long as there is not much GOP opposition

[syringis]

100. Remember that you have very strong institutions

Checks and Balances are still alive (see what happened after Comey's firing).

Also, in all fairness, there is still some decent republicans who will not support treason.

And Democrats will fight. As will most of the citizens. Latest elections here and there have shown it

For now, in the eye of the rest of the world, it is only Trump that is a laughingstock. If Republicans covers an obstruction of justice, then, it will be the US seen as not reliable and selling cheap their democracy.

What's the interest for the GOP to keep the power if the US is downgraded to a banana republic status ?

[Binkie The Clown]

34. A good bet. So far there have been zero consequences for everything he's done. nt

[oberliner]

39. Exactly

And if this one passes without consequence as well, that would truly move us into a new reality.

[bettyellen]

47. What? Firing Coney triggered the Mueller investigation and many indictments-

As well as a few guilty pleas and trials coming up- ones where he cannot pardon people, either.

[marylandblue]

44. I think Mueller would be reinstated by the courts

The DOJ regs state he can only be fired for "good cause." Mueller can easily show he was fired to obstruct justice rather than for good cause. As usual, he just needs to bring Trump's twitter feed.

[EllieBC]

46. The consequences won't be immediate, no.

They'll be in November.

That said I also agree with the poster upthread who said with Easter, Pesach, and Spring break coming many people won't be paying attention so it would be perfect time for shitbag to pull a shitbag move.

[sprinkleeninow]

53. Remember some predictions regarding Mueller at Christmas?

That did not manifest.

Hopefully it won't either the end of March, beginning of April.

If it does, it will be the start of 'unprecedented'/'unheard of'.

[EllieBC]

56. I feel like that has been his whole presidency so far. And he thrives off it.

It's like he gets off on people's shock and/or disgust.

[sprinkleeninow]

64. Predictable in that he continues to pull outrageous crap,

but not predictable as to the timing of the pulling.

[Xolodno]

54. Agree with you, I do, in firing Mueller.

As desperation increases, this will happen.

As for no consequences, that I must disagree.

Almost immediately several states will likely "adopt" the investigation and keep it funded. They may not have Federal Jurisdiction, but Trumps business dealings will be under scrutiny by state regulators from New York and New Jersey to Las Vegas and California. And given that he's pissed off the FBI, I wouldn't be surprised a few agents pass on info to local authorities...in the name of "cooperation" of course.

And, Mueller will no doubt take the firing to the Federal Courts, where Trump will lose. And the firing will be hell on the polls come November, it won't just be a blue tsunami, it will be a wave like the movie Impact Earth. And that gurantee's his removal....but he probably doesn't see it. So at worst, it will only be delayed.

Finally, where in the hell is the Yoda smiley?

[onenote]

55. If I had a dollar for every post that assumes Mueller's firing is imminent.....

Seriously, maybe it will be happen. But I'd take predictions based on Trump's tweets with a grain of salt.

[oberliner]

58. Today is the first time for me

I could be wrong, of course, but between the Dowd statement and the Trump tweet, I feel like it is imminent.

[brush]

92. Mueller is no fool. He's probably got sealed indictments ready as trump has been threatening...

to fire him for months.

As thorough as he's shown himself to be in this investigation, he's not going to let trump outmaneuver
him. He'll be prepared.

He's probably already put in motion contingency plans with attorneys general of the states where trump's businesses operate for them to take up the investigation.

There will be dire consequences.

[Liberal In Texas]

65. Yeah well, this is the first time Muller has invaded the finances of the herr Trump empire.

Things are ramping up and the weasel will be trying everything in his power to make sure that these financial irregularities and crimes don't become public. He's in bed with Putin and the finance data will prove it. Halting the independent investigation by Muller will give him more breathing room.

[Lucinda]

61. Nope. n/t

[greyl]

62. On what date will you know if you're wrong or right?

(Not the firing, the lack of consequence and Republican roll over.)

[oberliner]

63. I don't know

It's just a feeling I have from the Dowd statement and the Trump tweet today.

Wanted to share, commiserate, and get insights from DU folks.

[hibbing]

66. Agree with the OP

I truly believe this revolting resident of the White House will serve 4 deplorable years. I wish I felt less cynical, but I lived through Iran Contra, let alone all of the corruption and lying that resulted in the Iraq War.


Peace

[tavernier]

107. I think Don Gotti will serve 4 years and more, but not in the White House.

Based on year one, his approval rating will continue to fall and plunge rapidly if he pulls a stunt like firing Mueller. November will put the repugs heels to the fire as millions more angry women and brand new teenage voters head for the polls. And of course, he won’t have stopped doing stupid stuff... perhaps he will shtupp a siliconed, mags hat wearer on the golf course to delight his “base”... just because he can.

[Rollo]

67. Perhaps, but it will help ensure that Dems take over Congress in November...

Silver lining...

Unless Trump times it for just after the elections...

He's sneaky that way.

[longship]

68. We've been hearing that for months.

Alas, Mueller is still in place. Thankfully.

Please stop ringing that cockamamie bell.



My best to you. I know how you feel. But let's keep a positive outlook. Things are going our way in a big way. And Drumpf fires Mueller at his own peril.
Have a hug.

[oberliner]

79. The Dowd statement and the Trump tweet are new and don't bode well

But I appreciate your optimism and hope I am completely wrong.

[longship]

81. Me too, you!

My best to you. Keep looking up, my friend.

[StevieM]

69. The scariest thing about Trump is how he is making other Republicans seem less dangerous.

The American people are not seeing how evil the entire GOP is.

[oberliner]

75. That's a great point

[jaysunb]

71. The fact that Mueller has engaged Trump w/ questions ( that he already knows the answers to)

it will be almost impossible for him to successfully fire him. If he tries, it will go straight to the courts, who will reinstate him. Unless of course they also want to blow up the rule of law therefore ending America as we know it. The subject of an investigation can't decide they don't want to be investigated.

I think the Republicans are playing chicken They are outta here if he fires him, but they've got to keep their base convinced they hung in to the end.

[oberliner]

78. You don't think Trump will fire him?

I hadn't thought he would until yesterday.

[jaysunb]

151. No

He's been warned and I'm sure he doesn't want his presidency to end in the way it would if were to fire him.
Don't be surprised if he resigns just prior to the indictment.

[Kablooie]

72. You're right that the Republicans have given him total freedom to tear apart our government.

But I'd bet a hat of hammers that Mueller has something prepared specifically for this occurrence.
If Rump tries this there will be big consequences, just not from the republican Congress.

[oberliner]

77. I wonder if you are right about that

It feels like Trump will avoid facing consequences but hopefully there is something that is not yet known.

[still_one]

74. Perhaps, but the question is could state or local prosecutors pursue their own charges, or

for that matter what would stop Mueller from writing a report that could be handed over to the Justice Department to be turned over to Congress for public debate and possible impeachment proceedings.

Even bypassing all that, what is to stop the details of the Mueller investigation being sent to the newspapers, and if that is done before the 2018 election, what would the consequence of the election be?

[oberliner]

76. Good questions

I am not sure how that would all play out.

[J_William_Ryan]

89. You are correct

that if Trump were to fire Mueller, most Republicans would do nothing – a few would oppose the firing, more would actually come to Trump’s defense; but ultimately where would be no negative consequences for Trump.

The firing of Mueller would benefit Democrats this November and in 2020, but obviously there’s no guarantee of that.

We also need to understand that Mueller isn’t going to ‘get’ Trump; when the investigation concludes there will be no evidence that Trump himself engaged in a criminal act or acts – no indictment, no impeachment.

The benefit of the Mueller investigation is to expose the truth of the incompetence and dishonesty of the Trump administration, and how many of Trump’s officials were corrupt and lawless, so hobbling and undermining Trump that the voters will turn against him and remove him from office in 2020.

Only the American people can get rid of Trump through the political process – not Republicans, special prosecutors, or Congressional investigations.

[still_one]

91. I think the stakes are so high right now that anything can happen, and I also believe you OP is very

plausible

and that concerns me greatly

[democratisphere]

83. That's rediculus!

If drumpf fires Mueller the earth will move from the massive majority marching to take back the WH!

[John Fante]

84. The only reason Trump hasn't fired Sessions (and by extension Mueller)

already is because he knows the GOP will abandon ship if he does. Don't think they didn't send that message loud and clear after the Comey firing. Trump is stuck.

[oberliner]

86. Republicans seem to be pretty quiet on that front lately

[still_one]

94. What does trump have to lose? His lawyer obviously thinks it is worth considering

Last edited Sun Mar 18, 2018, 09:59 AM - Edit history (1)

[John Fante]

98. Like I said, Trump would have fired Mueller ages ago

if he thought he could get away with it. Why hasn't he? Wasn't he supposed to get rid of Mueller the last time congress was on break? This doom-and-gloom stuff, on the heels of a spectacular victory in Pennsylvania, is puzzling to say the least.

[still_one]

135. The difference this time is that he is starting to fire the people that were his obstacles to

Mueller's firing before.

Session's firing of Mccabe, Trump's is now in the process of firing anyone who disagrees with him, and the public comments from his attorney demanding that the Russian investigation be stopped, along with trump's latest tweets, and the editorials in conservative publications calling for the investigation to stop are clear warning shots.

The question is, if it happens would there be enough republicans in Congress who would do something about it, and if their past performance is any indication of future performance, it is very questionable if they would step in

It would be a very bad mistake for anyone not expect the worst from trump, and worse to give him the benefit of the doubt.

This is not hyperbole

[ucrdem]

95. I think if he thought he could get away with it, he'd have done it. Firing Tilly

was in my view a displacement from what he really wants to do but can't, which is fire Mueller and that dirtbag AG he never should even have considered appointing for a millisecond. Of all his sins that was the worst. Sessions may well be Trump's undoing and he should have fired him when it was on his mind. Now it's probably too late but I hope he rallies and shitcans that stinker.

[oberliner]

132. He seems to be pushing the boundaries

Going on a bit of a firing spree - testing the waters, as it were.

[Miles Archer]

96. I posted Trump's tweet about that in a different thread...

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210373921

My reaction to the tweet was that he's playing this out mentally in his head, thinking about it, savoring it, and that if he could do it without any consequences, he's do it in a heartbeat.

There would be consequences. Big, big consequences.

If he actually lost all control, gave the order, threatened or intimidated Rosenstein into firing Mueller, it WOULD be Nixon all over again.

I'm not at the point where I am convinced he is actually going to do it.

I do believe, however, that the is on "low boil" and thinking about it obsessively and perhaps sending up a trial balloon on Twitter to see how many high-fives he gets in return.

Muller is closing in. Daniels is closing in. He's a trapped rat and knows it and is lashing out.

[oberliner]

130. I hope you are right

It is hard for me to believe that enough Republicans will do the right thing as they did during the Nixon scandal.

[Miles Archer]

138. Ryan and McConnell can't be part of the equation

They will turn their heads the other way and whisper a happy tune.

Nothing's going to happen unless the "Blue Wave" hits in November.

Here's the key...they have both missed their window of opportunity to "do the right thing." If they did the right thing now, they'd have to admit they have been asleep at the wheel the whole time, and I don't see that happening.

Trump would have to be found guilty of something so black and white, so cut and dried, that they couldn't turn away from it.

I think we are looking at money laundering / tax fraud, and Mueller would need to prove it.

Did you see this?

Russian-born businessman Felix Sater has confirmed a bombshell detail in the Russia investigation

http://www.businessinsider.com/felix-sater-confirms-trump-pursued-deal-with-sanctioned-russian-bank-2018-3

Felix Sater, a Russian-born businessman with financial ties to the Trump Organization, confirmed Friday that President Donald Trump's business was privately negotiating a deal with a sanctioned Russian bank during the 2016 US election.

The detail first emerged in a status report that democrats on the House Intelligence Committee released earlier this week in response to Republicans' decision to shut down the committee's Russia investigation. The report outlined dozens of leads — including witness testimony, document requests, and subpoenas — the minority said it was not able to pursue.

On Friday, Sater told MSNBC host Chris Hayes that a local developer in Russia worked on behalf of the Trump Organization to secure financing for a Trump Tower in Moscow from VTB Bank, Russia's second-largest bank and a US-sanctioned entity.

"I had a local developer there [in Russia], and I had the Trump Organization here [in the US], and I was in the middle," Sater said. "And the local developer there would have gotten financing from VTB and/or another Russian bank, but VTB at that point was the go-to bank for real-estate development."

[leftynyc]

97. Maybe, but I don't think so

Both Dowd's statement and donnies tweet were in answer to two things, one Mueller sending those questions which no doubt scared the crap out of Donnie and it showed their frustration that the a House ending their investigation "exonerating" dinnie was greeted with yawns and rolled eyes. They thought everyone would treat it like hannity did-like it was gospel. Senate republicans ignored it also and have shown zero inclination to end their investigation. Then there is the special election news- if you don't think cons in strong red districts didn't notice a 20 point swing in a blood red district-ALL due to a drop in support to Donnie, you're dreaming. It will all come out anyway, the ones indicted will then have to go on trial.

[oberliner]

129. He continues to go after Mueller this AM on twitter

Also, Fox & Friends is marching in lock step with him on this front. Hannity, et al, will be pushing for Mueller to go as well.

[leftynyc]

150. Big deal

Far, far more are NOT watching fox and are seeing even republicans defending Mueller. Rose stein said, just this week, that he saw no reason to fire Mueller. I get its donnies biggest dream but I don't see it happening. He won't even fire sessions who he clearly has contempt for and is his own employee.

[DFW]

99. I think that IF he fires Mueller

The Republican line will be: "There was nothing to chase anyway, waste of our time and taxpayer money, etc."

Basically, they will toss the same line we used on them for the Benghazi farce right back in our faces. Gowdy and friends, instead of pointing out the differences, will be silent in public, and say "why do you think I got outta there?" when the microphones and cameras are off.

It will be up to the Democrats in Congress to get VERY creative in their minority position, because we can march in the streets until our shoes are worn through. The Republicans DO.NOT.CARE. And there is no non-Republican in America that can make them care.

There ARE some people elsewhere that can make them care. The Chinese, The British, the Gulf Arabs, for example. All they have to do is call a meeting with Paul Ryan and Mitch McTurtle and their ambassadors in Washington, and say, "this shit stops tomorrow or we pull our financial investments from the USA tomorrow and publicly demand repayment of all debts within a week." If Trump says no, they shout to the world that Trump and the Republicans have bankrupted the USA, If he says OK, then they DO bankrupt the USA. There are about a thousand reasons why none of this will happen, but the threat can always be used, and very cleverly, if they want to. At least there will be one positive effect, if all that goes down. We'll save billions on the wall. No one will want to come after that anyway.

[syringis]

108. Salut DFW

Sincèrement, virer Mueller, c'est se jeter d'un avion sans parachute...

Et là, c'est en tant que juriste que je parle. Les derniers actes d'accusations de Mueller sont des purs chefs-d'oeuvre. Du génie en termes de procédure.

Il a tellement bien sécurisé ses arrières, que le virer est de facto une obstruction à la justice.

Et ça, c'est sans compter ce que Mueller n'a pas encore sorti de son chapeau magique.

En outre, j'ose espérer qu'il y a quand même quelques républicains pour qui leur pays représente encore quelque chose et ne sont pas prêts à le vendre en soldes...

Il faut aussi envisager l'opinion internationale : jusque maintenant, même si les dégâts sont grands, ils sont encore réparables. Balayer sous le tapis l'enquête russe, c'est purement et simplement donner le signal que les US sont officiellement devenus une république bananière.

Autrement dit, perte de toute influence sur la scène internationale alors même qu'en réalité, c'est le moteur des républicains.

N'oublie pas non plus qu'il y a quelques jours, les républicains faisaient déjà marche arrière et prenaient leurs distances par rapport aux prétendues conclusions de la commission d'enquête que Trump met en avant...

Bien sûr, avec le taré qui est à la WH, on ne peut jurer de rien. Mais je suis presque sûre qu'il n'aura pas le dessus.

[DFW]

143. Tu restes de loin plus optimiste que moi

Espérons que tu as raison!

N'attends pas de voir des Républicains qui ne sont pas à vendre. Soit ils le sont, ou si non, c'est parce que ils sont déjà dans la poche de quelqu'un. Presque sans exception, et quand McCain passe, l'exception n'y sera plus. Oublie ce qu'ils disent devant les caméras. Quand ils votent dans le Sénat, c'est 99% pour Trump et ses (ou bien leurs) sous.

Si les Républicains font une marche en arrière, c'est pour des raisions stratégiques, et pas parce qu'ils trouvent d'un coup qu'ils sont allés trop loin. Dans leurs têtes "aller trop loin," ce n'est pas un concepte qu'ils reconnaissent (à moins qu'ils parlent de nous). Il n'est pas évident de se placer dans la tête d'un fanatique, mais pour leurs comprendre, c'est bien ça qu'il faut faire.

N'attends pas non plus que l'opinion internationale leurs intéresse. Ce n'est pas le cas. Il y a peut-être 25% d'eux qui peuvent trouver l'Allemagne, le Japon, L'Ègypte, la Suisse, l'Iraq ou bien le Pérou sur la carte du monde. Peut-être même pas autant. Tu veux qu'ils s'intéressent à ce que pensent les gents qui habitent dans ces pays quand ils ne savent même pas ou sont ces pays, ni qui habite là bas? Demande à un Républicain quelle genre de personne habite au Japon, et il est sensé de refuser de répondre, en pensant que c'es une "trick question."

En été 1970, quand Agnew, le Vice-Président de Nixon, avait visité Franco en Espagne le 18 juillet (exprès cette date pour célébrer l'anniversaire de l'attaque des fascistes qui commença la guerre civile espagnole), j'était à Washington, et j'avait demandé à un Senator républicain s'il ne trouvait pas que ce n'était pas tout à fait le message que les USA devraient envoyer à la communauté mondiale? Il me reponda qu'il ne voyait rien pour lequel ils devraient se rapprocher. Et ça, il y a presque 50 ans! Cette mentalité n'a pas commencé avec Trump (et ne mourira avec lui non plus). Elle est devenu plus extrème en intensité, c'est tout.

[oberliner]

128. Yes, I think that is a sound analysis

The don't care.

[secondwind]

101. I prefer more positive posts myself.

[oberliner]

127. I hear ya

I just can't believe what I am seeing from Trump - and, almost more significantly, from the Republicans who are letting him get away with this behavior thus far (and I fear may continue to do so).

On a more positive note, there are many good people in the world and life goes on.

[VOX]

102. The moment Mueller began looking into 45s business & finances, the countdown to his firing began.

Last edited Mon Mar 19, 2018, 02:54 AM - Edit history (1)

That’s 45’s biggest fear, since his criminal activity (and there’s likely more damning acts beyond the Russian stuff) will be manifest in his various business accounts.

Mueller’s investigation is now looking into finances and fiscal activity. This is 45’s red “do not cross” line. I, too, think that Mueller will be fired shortly, and the Russian investigations will be dropped,

And then what happens? Are Republicans so craven as to ignore the rule of law? Are they exempt because they currently wield political power?

[oberliner]

126. I think so too

Obviously there must be some pretty ugly activity that would be uncovered there.

[Kingofalldems]

106. Yeah, many see what's going on here.

[oberliner]

125. It is frightening

Reading those tweets literally send a chill down my spine.

[Kingofalldems]

137. Actually reading the OP was quite annoying.

[beachbum bob]

109. the consequences will be made by the american people

Nov 2018
Nov 2020

you are fooling yourself if you think we won't

[oberliner]

115. Yes, that's true

My prediction, better stated, is that he’s going to fire Mueller and almost every Republican is going to be totally cool with it, because party over country is their MO.

[beachbum bob]

116. I don't think so, the majority of americans 55-60% will not buy it and the imapct in Nov

will be even greater than what it otherwise would be. A number of republican senators have already warned against firing mueller for obvious resaons, the political fallout will spell massive defeats of repubublican candidates.

firing mueller will not stop NY AG from continuing parallel investigations at a state court level as so much of the crime have been committed in New York and most of the players are New York residents


mueller aint going away and trumps corruption will be uncovered for what it is. The republicans face annihilation in Nov if they wish to run on "protecting trump" as nothing will motivate american voters more to rid our country of the republican bight.

[oberliner]

122. I hope you are right

I get the feeling that Trump is about to fire Mueller, but perhaps he won't.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

117. Doesn't anybody read anymore ?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/12/19/why-trump-cant-fire-mueller-at-least-not-directly/?utm_term=.d2243049b9cb

It will go to SCOTUS. I count at least six votes against Trump

Breyer
Ginsburg
Kagan
Kennedy
Sotomayor
Roberts

Any way, the vote is the ultimate check on a criminal presidency.

[oberliner]

124. He didn't fire McCabe directly

I get the feeling he is moving towards seeing the Mueller gets fired. I could be wrong. I also don't think there will be any consequence. I hate even typing this sentence, but I think he could even be re-elected in spite of everything. The fact that he won the first time still blows my mind.

[workinclasszero]

118. You are wrong but of course the f**king republicans will roll over is that news?

This will happen for one...

NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW - MUELLER FIRING RAPID RESPONSE

Donald Trump is publicly considering firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the person leading the Department of Justice investigation of possible criminal actions by Donald Trump and members of his presidential campaign, as well as the efforts to conceal those activities.

It's also possible that, rather than firing Mueller, Trump will obstruct Mueller's investigation by issuing blanket pardons of key figures being investigated, firing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein (the person overseeing Mueller), or taking other actions to prevent the investigation from being conducted freely.

Any one of these actions would create a constitutional crisis for our country. It would demand an immediate and unequivocal response to show that we will not tolerate abuse of power from Donald Trump.

Our response in the hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next and whether Congress—the only body with the constitutional power and obligation to rein Trump in from his rampage—will do anything to stand up to him.

That's why we're preparing to hold emergency "Nobody is Above the Law" rallies around the country, in the event they are needed.

https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/search/

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210371168

Then we take back the House in the midterms and impeach that dirty traitor! If we gain back the Senate, we convict the Russian spy as well but if not we will have an impeached crippled demagogue that can no longer pass evil laws against Americans anymore. And then the democrats really kick ass in the next presidential election!

It basically comes down to turnout in the midterms. If democrats have a massive GOTV as in all these recent elections that have been flipped red to blue, we will win and save this country from the monster republicans.

[oberliner]

123. Thank you for sharing those links

I agree that I was wrong in the way I stated my initial prediction. There will be consequences such as marches and protests. I just meant there won't be any consequences to Trump, in the sense that I think he will fire Mueller and remain in office.

[workinclasszero]

136. Sure thing

I share your frustrations believe me. Its just our system only allows us to do certain things. We are very unfortunately tied to a four year cycle.

No matter how insane or lawless the president happens to be in office, he or she cannot be removed except by impeachment in the House and conviction in the Senate. Of course Dump's party controls both at this time and they obviously will never lift a finger to stop him because they value party over country.

All we have is our free political speech, the right of assembly and the right to protest. The midterms are the place where we can really slam the brakes on Putin's puppet but it's going to take a historic turnout to do it because the Russians and republicans will be working in concert to suppress the democratic vote, you can count on that!

I think in the parliamentary type of democracy a leader can be thrown out at any time and new elections called. I wish we had that same opportunity here but we don't.

Trump and his ruling party have exposed and exploited many dangerous weaknesses in our way of government and they ain't done yet.

[zentrum]

119. Agree.

It's on us.

To take to the streets.

But I don't think that will be sustained.

[oberliner]

142. On MSNBC or CNN someone was talking about a "cold civil war"

I forget who the commentator was (or what station) but they were describing how bitter the partisan divide is right now in this country.

[kentuck]

131. His base is becoming very vocal about it...

....and they are all scared to death of their "base".

I think he is conspiring to do just that.

[oberliner]

141. Agreed

I wish there was a chorus of voices among the relatively sane wing of the Republican party (if such a thing exists) pushing back against this but there does not seem to be.

[Kingofalldems]

139. Ahh, nope. Not really a good try.

Trumpies won't like this one:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/republican-senators-warn-trump-not-end-russia-probe-141739939.html

[oberliner]

140. I wish I had as much faith in Republican senators as you do

That Yahoo article does not exactly fill me with confidence.

[Oneironaut]

149. I believe that you're correct.

Mueller will be blasted as a "Libtard" and who "deserved it anyways." Anyone who thinks Trump is going to face any consequences is sadly mistaken. I hope to be proven wrong.

[JNelson6563]

153. I'm thinking you don't have your

finger on the pulse of this nation.

I predict if Mueller is fired people will take to the streets. I know I sure as hell will.

[lancelyons]

154. The republicans know they are going to lose in the mid terms badly.

The republicans know they are going to lose in the mid terms badly.

at this point they feel they have nothing to lose. They have already given up their values and have moved to the deplorable side of GOP.

Maybe they feel their best chance is to go 100 percent all in deplorable and perhaps convince the russians to help.

Hard to say what the GOP is up too.

[bluestarone]

155. Don't know BUT

Maybe the repugs will take a second look at this. It's close to election time and they feel the heat. Muellers firing could be the deal breaker before NOVEMBER!!!!