Trump and Mueller are in a staredown.

[kentuck]

Neither wants to make the first move. Someone once said, "Once you come after the king, you best not miss".

But they both have itchy fingers. They are primed to slap leather.

Depending on the reactions of Donald Trump after the election on Tuesday, Mueller may be inclined to investigate this matter a bit further? There are still a lot of questions that need answering.

People are expecting fireworks to fly. Most believe Jeff Sessions will be gone. Rosenstein might be an easier fire? Mueller will probably react when Trump acts?

No doubt, Rosenstein already has all the information that Mueller has collected. If Rosenstein is fired, how do they get the information on the investigation to the Congress? Who turns it over?

There are still many questions about the Russian involvement in our elections.

[empedocles]

1. Hopefully, Mueller has fully prepared for anything traitortrump does.

More indictments will be coming before long. Sealed indictments, are likely, ready to go.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

3. +1

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

2. Bob.."You want a shot at 'The Belt'?" (Wrestling title?) Mueller.

Better pack a lunch. (If there's gods)
Hopefully Wednesday we get to get re-acquainted w Bob Mueller...I prefer to see his face everyday...not don ivans. That'll be real news.

[kentuck]

4. I would imagine that Rosentein has all the evidence boxed and grouped ..?

...to hand over to the "enemies of the people", i.e. NY Times and WashPost, if he were to be fired. The people would have access to all the information gathered by Bob Mueller, as determined by our free press.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

7. The Free Press noted in the Constitution??? Right on!

Love it. Remember old 'Bret two-kegs Kav' said he's a constitutionalist.....until he isn't. Ahem.
I think you're correct in that assumption Ken. Fingers crossed.

[GoCubsGo]

5. I'm sure Mueller is quite willing to make the first move.

He's holding his fire until the appropriate time, and in waiting, he is giving Trump more rope with which to hang himself. And, not only has he given all his information to Rosenstein, he has given it to Barbara Underwood, and quite possibly Attorneys General from multiple other states where Mushroom Dick and his demon-spawn have properties. He also has dozens and dozens of people who work under him, and all who likely all know EVERYTHING. Plenty of people to leak things.

[kentuck]

6. True, and I'm sure he has kept copies for himself.

I think Mueller might act if either Sessions or Rosenstein is fired? After the firing of James Comey, FBI Director, this might be a little much?

However, I do expect some sparks to fly soon after the election.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

8. +1

[Achilleaze]

9. "Slap leather, you draft-dodging, treason-weasling, republican liar-wanker." - The Mule (USA)

[Maeve]

10. Mueller is waiting for the midterms to be over

Then he can see the lay of the land and have a better idea of the best moves to make. He doesn't want to be accused of playing politics at this point(he's no Comey) and knows that patience is a hunter's best weapon.

[Takket]

13. REALLY hoping we here from him this week

Unless he thinks he needs to wait for the congress to be sworn in in January. In that case it is another TWO MONTHS of waiting to even START the process

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

11. I'm sure there are a few...

“Dead man switches” in place. If I was faced with exposing a sociopathic criminal family (I believe Mueller knows how to play this), I would have all sorts of “switches” and backups to preserve and present the findings.

[dlk]

12. Mueller is a Seasoned Professional Who Has, No Doubt, Prepared for Contingencies

Mueller knows exactly who he's dealing with and has a backup plan in place (perhaps even more than one). In the end, Trump's hubris will be his downfall.

[ginnyinWI]

14. Rachael Maddow thinks:

That Sessions and Rosenstein may be forced to resign shortly after the midterms. The spot under Rosenstein is vacant, so the oversight will move to the #4 man (forgot his name) who has been given a waiver so that he can oversee an investigation that his law firm is working on!

[Merlot]

15. #4 in line is francisco

[shockey80]

16. Mueller will out smart Trump. I have no doubt.

[Caliman73]

17. I agree. Though that is not a difficult feat.

Trump is not very intelligent in most aspects of intelligence. He is good at picking up on emotional content and using it to manipulate people, but other than that he doesn't have any particular skills. His arrogance and narcissism also put him at a disadvantage with someone like Mueller. Trump doesn't pick people who are competent to work with him. He picks people who are loyal and willing to stroke his ego. The attorneys he has are likely telling him what he wants to hear while they try to figure out how to escape the damage that may come.

The major advantage that Trump has is the institutional power of the Presidency. Americans, as much as we proclaim that people are equal, have a difficult time holding powerful people accountable. While Trump is weak in character and humanity, the office that he was given is very powerful and people, even in the opposition (We Democrats) are usually very hesitant to hold the occupant of the presidency fully accountable, I think for fear of damaging the office (although he has already damaged the office significantly).

I just hope that Mueller is willing, and is not stopped by society from taking this to its full end.

[kentuck]

18. What would be its "full end"?

Imprisonment ?

Impeachment and conviction ?

Something else?

[Caliman73]

19. Full end

I am not certain of what the full end is. I would imagine that if there is sufficient evidence that crimes had been committed then the full end would be impeachment, possible removal from office, and if warranted by the extent of the crimes, then yes imprisonment.

We obviously do not like to put our presidents in jail, even when they have committed pretty serious offenses. Republicans are more likely to go after Democratic Presidents even for stupid things.

What I am hoping for is that Trump's offenses are not swept under the rug in the name of "moving forward".