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brooklynite

(93,873 posts)
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 11:33 AM Jun 2019

'It's a farce': Dems livid as Hope Hicks dodges questions

Source: Politico

Democrats erupted Wednesday at what they said was the White House’s repeated interference in their interview with Hope Hicks, a longtime confidant of President Donald Trump who was a central witness in special counsel Robert Mueller’s obstruction of justice probe.

Three House Judiciary Committee lawmakers exiting the closed-door interview said a White House lawyer repeatedly claimed Hicks had blanket immunity from discussing her time in the White House. They said she wouldn’t answer questions as basic as where she sat in the West Wing or whether she told the truth to Mueller.

“It’s a farce,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), who said Hicks at one point tried to answer a question about an episode involving former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski only to be cut off by counsel.

“We’re watching obstruction of justice in action,” said Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.).

Read more: https://www.politico.com/amp/story/2019/06/19/hope-hicks-testimony-trump-oversight-1368164?__twitter_impression=true

115 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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'It's a farce': Dems livid as Hope Hicks dodges questions (Original Post) brooklynite Jun 2019 OP
Arrest them both. notdarkyet Jun 2019 #1
The Republicans are determined to destroy the our democratic republic. olegramps Jun 2019 #63
Indict on obstruction and get a judge involved. democratisphere Jun 2019 #2
Congress doesn't have indictment powers FBaggins Jun 2019 #6
yeah good luck with that HopeAgain Jun 2019 #27
the 3 dems who voted for Barr should be thoroughly ashamed UpInArms Jun 2019 #32
They ought to be primaried. What good are KPN Jun 2019 #60
Even Dems who don't vote with us every time vote with us FAR more often than the R's. pnwmom Jun 2019 #86
We're in an ideological war. Blue Dogs only help us lose that war. Not to mention, KPN Jun 2019 #104
What good is a progressive winning a primary in a red state if a Republican wins the general? pnwmom Jun 2019 #111
The only way we will ever see a progressive KPN Jun 2019 #114
WVA had the highest percentage of DT voters in the country. There's no way we could get pnwmom Jun 2019 #115
Well, there ya go RVN VET71 Jun 2019 #68
Not a time for litmus tests. First we need a legislative majority, and a sane President. Midnight Writer Jun 2019 #83
Which doesn't pass that power on to the House FBaggins Jun 2019 #35
That's part of the game plan .. pangaia Jun 2019 #46
That's the next step. ehrnst Jun 2019 #92
Why did they expect anything else, really? This can't be a surprise at all or... Guilded Lilly Jun 2019 #3
authoritarian dictatorship pangaia Jun 2019 #47
There seems to be no consequence to their lawbreaking. Cracklin Charlie Jun 2019 #4
They should seriously stop being surprised by this crap. shanny Jun 2019 #5
We are rapidly becoming first-place candidates for COLGATE4 Jun 2019 #15
+1 shanny Jun 2019 #16
This is the Great Strategy LiberalLovinLug Jun 2019 #40
most of the fear is based on perception they have 'base power' but the hardcore really just a certainot Jun 2019 #100
So just start a rumor, and MAKE IT TRUE greymattermom Jun 2019 #101
i have been! certainot Jun 2019 #103
Yes I agree. LiberalLovinLug Jun 2019 #106
#VoteBlueNoMatterWho joost5 Jun 2019 #107
From Tulsi Gabbard to Joe Biden LiberalLovinLug Jun 2019 #108
all americans have to do is stop ignoring it and artificial intelligence is a game changer certainot Jun 2019 #109
authoritarian dictatorship pangaia Jun 2019 #48
Yup Sherman A1 Jun 2019 #22
"We're watching obstruction of justice in action," said Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.). Botany Jun 2019 #7
Cherrying picking comes home to roost with law enforcement? Brainfodder Jun 2019 #8
Color me not surprised Watchfoxheadexplodes Jun 2019 #9
Has there been a public statement from Annie ?, the gal who took notes for McGahn? Frustratedlady Jun 2019 #10
They need to stop playing Charlie Brown to... Bonhomme Richard Jun 2019 #11
Of course it's a farce. kacekwl Jun 2019 #12
Zactly. Duppers Jun 2019 #33
THIS. Mike Niendorff Jun 2019 #85
Well, gosh, that's a surprise. Merlot Jun 2019 #13
Time to cut to the chase 50 Shades Of Blue Jun 2019 #14
republicans are the Party of Lies Achilleaze Jun 2019 #17
So do something about it, damn it! DavidDvorkin Jun 2019 #18
Agreed Sherman A1 Jun 2019 #24
We're reduced to throwing tantrums DavidDvorkin Jun 2019 #38
When they don't throw tantrums, they're accused of merely ehrnst Jun 2019 #95
Why do you think Dems are not doing something about it? ehrnst Jun 2019 #94
WELL! SOMEBODY... orangecrush Jun 2019 #19
You think? Will it reach the level of ... gasp ... the strongly worded letter, too?!? Egads! (nt) mr_lebowski Jun 2019 #28
I must say I'm very disappointed.... bsiebs Jun 2019 #43
I tremble orangecrush Jun 2019 #71
Easy call: Contempt of Congress. Eyeball_Kid Jun 2019 #20
Agreed Sherman A1 Jun 2019 #26
Daily fines won;t do anything.... pangaia Jun 2019 #49
$10K fines a day would get her attention. n/t pnwmom Jun 2019 #87
Why? WHO is going to make her pay them? pangaia Jun 2019 #105
Congress hasn't rejected the idea of using "inherent contempt." pnwmom Jun 2019 #110
Subpoena her back and if she refuses to answer, vote contempt and immediately arrest her LastLiberal in PalmSprings Jun 2019 #75
That was my thought, too! Isn't this contempt? Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #82
She didn't take the Fifth, she claimed blanket immunity, which doesn't exist. LastLiberal in PalmSprings Jun 2019 #113
What. The. Fuck. Did. They. Expect? Baitball Blogger Jun 2019 #21
Either she would testify, or she would not comply with the subpoena. ehrnst Jun 2019 #91
Everything is going according to plan watoos Jun 2019 #23
this is why testimony should be in public under oath, no behind closed doors garbage nt msongs Jun 2019 #25
they'd still refuse. maxsolomon Jun 2019 #29
Whaaa?? And we're trying to be so nice. jalan48 Jun 2019 #30
Shocked!!!! Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2019 #31
When Barr investigates the investigators, Comey, McCabe muntrv Jun 2019 #34
Oh please, if any Congress person was surprised about the outcome of her "testimony"...they are an SayItLoud Jun 2019 #36
Why don't they just amp it up and have the Sargent at Arms evict the two WH attorneys? KPN Jun 2019 #37
Right, what standing do WH attorneys have to attend such hearings? nt Cognitive_Resonance Jun 2019 #41
Exactly What I Said DallasNE Jun 2019 #45
Blanket immunity from WHAT, exactly? Volaris Jun 2019 #39
Yeah, WTF IS blanket immunity? Nobody has "blanket immunity" except the Emporer. Blanket KPN Jun 2019 #52
Right? HER attorney can be there, but since she no longer works for the WH, Volaris Jun 2019 #55
ok, soooo, what are you going to do about it? Are the fascists untouchable? nt yaesu Jun 2019 #42
Our prevent offense strategy continues to pay HUGE political dividends BeyondGeography Jun 2019 #44
No legal authority is provided for the preposterous claim that there is a "long-standing" principle mahatmakanejeeves Jun 2019 #50
Arrest them or just go home. rainin Jun 2019 #51
At the moment, the House appears completely toothless. mn9driver Jun 2019 #53
Democrats in the House either have to go immediately to court to get an order that forces Vinca Jun 2019 #54
Well duh. Turin_C3PO Jun 2019 #56
Being shocked at this point is ridiculous SHRED Jun 2019 #61
What's the plan to stop it? SHRED Jun 2019 #57
.... ehrnst Jun 2019 #96
So, what are you going to do about it? rateyes Jun 2019 #58
Hope that she pays for this obstruction duforsure Jun 2019 #59
I never expected anything different so I'm not disappointed in the least. old guy Jun 2019 #62
Have you noticed her EYES??? Eustace is Useful Jun 2019 #64
They are pretty? prodigitalson Jun 2019 #78
Do something then!! gibraltar72 Jun 2019 #65
ENOUGH!!! LovingA2andMI Jun 2019 #66
Post removed Post removed Jun 2019 #67
THIS!!!!! Wuddles440 Jun 2019 #70
Did they really think they would get any answers? blueinredohio Jun 2019 #69
John Dean explains the big mistake Hope Hicks made by stonewalling Congress Gothmog Jun 2019 #72
OK. And..? jvill Jun 2019 #73
We didn't see any "lividness" from Nadler. Grasswire2 Jun 2019 #74
So, what are they going to do about it? nt Honeycombe8 Jun 2019 #76
Can they get John Dean and a bucket of chicken again. prodigitalson Jun 2019 #77
It's a shame the AMERICAN people couldn't see their employees Ferrets are Cool Jun 2019 #79
LIVID? Oh no! Alert the strongly worded letter writing squad! Still In Wisconsin Jun 2019 #80
the only farce is the Hearing itself... cntrfthrs Jun 2019 #81
They can now charge her with not complying with a subpeona ehrnst Jun 2019 #93
This definitely calls for action. Mike Niendorff Jun 2019 #84
What do you expect from the Trump administration? UCmeNdc Jun 2019 #88
She walked in.... Highway61 Jun 2019 #89
This is the first step. She didn't comply with subpoena, and Trump has another obstruction ehrnst Jun 2019 #90
WHAT ARE... zentrum Jun 2019 #97
Don't get pissed, do something. Hotler Jun 2019 #98
Do you think Republicans would put up with this shit? BlueIdaho Jun 2019 #99
Well gosh if we just labeled these hearings impeachment Nuggets Jun 2019 #102
This nonsense is weakening our case gldstwmn Jun 2019 #112

olegramps

(8,200 posts)
63. The Republicans are determined to destroy the our democratic republic.
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 02:09 PM
Jun 2019

They are the greatest enemy that we face. They far surpass the ability of any foreign power to transform the presidency into a virtual dictatorship. They are the enemy within and must be defeated. Just how far will they be allowed to go before the only option is revolt.

UpInArms

(51,253 posts)
32. the 3 dems who voted for Barr should be thoroughly ashamed
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 12:29 PM
Jun 2019
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/14/senate-confirms-william-barr-1170020

The Senate approved Barr’s nomination in a 54-45 vote, with three Democrats joining nearly every Republican in support.

Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) split with most in their party to back Barr. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to oppose Barr’s nomination, citing his record on privacy issues.

KPN

(15,587 posts)
60. They ought to be primaried. What good are
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 01:59 PM
Jun 2019

Ds if they don’t vote with the Party on key issues/appointments? Meanwhile, Bernie Danders is vilified because he had principles but no D. All of that nonsense is bullshit that put us right where we are today. It’s all about controlling the House and r the Senate and has been for the past 40 years. Yeah, it worked on social issues ... as long as we ignored the economic ones. A lower tide affects all boats.

And before anyone responds w/ rationale, forget about it. I just want and need to rant.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
86. Even Dems who don't vote with us every time vote with us FAR more often than the R's.
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 05:05 AM
Jun 2019

And every Dem in the Senate puts us one vote closer to getting a majority. We're lucky Manchin got elected in W VA -- Trump carried that state with the greatest margin of all the states. The reason Manchin got elected was because he was a popular Governor before becoming Senator.

KPN

(15,587 posts)
104. We're in an ideological war. Blue Dogs only help us lose that war. Not to mention,
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 11:30 AM
Jun 2019

Blue Dogs have actually been losing seats to Rs overall in the past several elections. While many hang on to the illusion that we're better off with them until we can actually elect progressives, blue dogs actually hold us back as a party long term because we ultimately fail at delivering. However misinformed at times, people want and vote for results. ... So sorry, I respectfully disagree. They need to be primaried. There';s no such thing as a viable middle in the midst of ideological warfare.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
111. What good is a progressive winning a primary in a red state if a Republican wins the general?
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 03:02 PM
Jun 2019

No good at all. And yet you say you're concerned with our majority.

I don't know how you think we can carry out any agenda from the perspective of a minority.

KPN

(15,587 posts)
114. The only way we will ever see a progressive
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 05:14 PM
Jun 2019

elected in those states is to run progressives. The only way progressive goals will ever appeal to voters in those states is if they hear about them and how they would affect their personal lives consistently over time. The only way that will happen is if progressives run first in primaries and then in elections. It can’t and won’t happen without that.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
115. WVA had the highest percentage of DT voters in the country. There's no way we could get
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 05:25 PM
Jun 2019

a strong progressive elected there. As it is, Manchin votes with us 60% of the time, versus R's who vote with us about 10% of the time. We're lucky to have him there.

RVN VET71

(2,686 posts)
68. Well, there ya go
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 02:48 PM
Jun 2019

Manchin is a DINO, almost of necessity, because he represents a constituency of closed-minded coal miners and others connected to that dying industry. He really has only limited choices if he doesn't want to lose his Senate seat.

Jones squeaked by in his campaign against a goddam pedophile! and most likely would be sure to lose re-election if he acted like a Democrat -- he's likely to lose anyway because Alabama.

And Sinema, same deal: she beat out a fascist liar (who is now running for the other Senate seat from Arizona) and may have convinced herself that Barr would be an upright man of honor and integrity and not a corrupt, venal blob whose answer to questions about his ruined "legacy" because of his kissing of Trump's posterior was "well, everybody's gonna die."

Of the three, I can give Manchin a pass -- the Dems need his seat, dammit, and if he's primaried, who is going to take his place? -- and beat a Republican?

Jones has to please Alabamans, but if he's the only Democrat who can hold that seat, let's keep him and hope that maybe, somehow, he can guide Alabaman voters to rejoin the human race and stop backing people like Jeff Sessions.

Sinema, again, beat out a fascist in a very tight race. Don't expect her to be a publicly fierce protector of the Liberal philosophy. Being unashamedly and openly bisexual is enough to give her credit for liberal politics -- so I wouldn't primary her and risk losing her seat to the party of racists because she felt constrained to vote for the first unashamedly and openly nihilistic AG. (Seriously, he said, words to the effect of "hell, I don't care about my legacy because what will it mean to me after I'm dead?&quot

Midnight Writer

(21,548 posts)
83. Not a time for litmus tests. First we need a legislative majority, and a sane President.
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 02:12 AM
Jun 2019

These should be our absolute priority. Nothing else can be achieved if this does not happen. And we have to make it happen.

Should I now support Rand Paul because he opposed Barr?

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
92. That's the next step.
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 08:22 AM
Jun 2019
WASHINGTON – Democratic lawmakers accused President Donald Trump's former aide Hope Hicks of rejecting questions about her time in the White House during a marathon hearing on Wednesday.

While Democrats aimed to unearth new aspects of Hicks' role in the White House, which spanned some of the most controversial moments of Trump's presidency, both sides of the aisle seemed to agree that very little, if anything, was learned from the all-day testimony. But despite the roadblock, Democrats vowed that their fight was only beginning, one that would likely go to court, so key officials may testify before lawmakers.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/06/19/hope-hicks-testify-congress-robert-muellers-report-trump-administration/1486526001/

Guilded Lilly

(5,591 posts)
3. Why did they expect anything else, really? This can't be a surprise at all or...
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 11:39 AM
Jun 2019

They really aren’t paying attention.

COLGATE4

(14,732 posts)
15. We are rapidly becoming first-place candidates for
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 11:57 AM
Jun 2019

Idiot of the Year Award. Why did anyone over 14 believe that there was going to be any result other than the one they saw this morning? Instead, the papers trumpeted that "Hicks breaks with Trump", lauding her appearance to the skies. And we agreed to all the conditions that let her get away with this farce. Testify behind closed doors (so the public can't see the charade)? Sure. Let her bring a lawyer from the Justice Department to be sure that she never admits to even being called Hope Hicks? No problem.

It's just mind boggling. We are enabling the Apricot Hellbeast to (correctly) let his followers laugh at us all the way to the polls in 2020.

LiberalLovinLug

(14,154 posts)
40. This is the Great Strategy
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 01:14 PM
Jun 2019

No impeachment because Fox News will get mad, and get Trumps hard core 30% even madder. And all the carefully nurtured Never Trumpers and those that regretted voting for the Don will suddenly reverse their opinion on him and join in with the Deplorables. People with be shocked....SHOCKED I tell ya, that Democrats would do what the majority wants and start impeachment.

No, the best way to win in 2020 is to look weak and ineffectual, with Trump's crime family laughing at us. Never showing up, and only on their strict conditions. When one falls through like that, we do nothing to enforce it, just move on to making a blistering speech about it and then send out another polite invitation to the next Trump crony, and cross your fingers. That'll show em!.

 

certainot

(9,090 posts)
100. most of the fear is based on perception they have 'base power' but the hardcore really just a
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 10:48 AM
Jun 2019

pack of dittoheads following 300 coordinated ignorant racist bleating blowhards on the radio and some fox blockheads doing the cartoon cliff notes version, with some kremlin trolls piggybacking the whole thing. most of the 'base' is a large swath of too-busy, lazy, apathetic, and ignorant americans who absorb that ubiquitous buzz from the radio while trying to get a traffic or weather or news report, or from their coworker, bar friend, or maga uncle/father/grandfather.

the tragic part is the only reason the right can convince media, analysts, and dem politicians that the paper tiger is fearsome is the left/dems/liberals continue to ignore rw talk radio, the only medium capable of the unchallenged repetition needed to establish that alternate reality buzz over 40 states with 80 senators.

the majority of the 'base' will fall apart when democrats start protesting/boycotting those stations, which are the closest thing to a local republican power center, and protesting the 88 universities that support 260 limbaugh stations.

i imagine though that dems will just continue to ignore talk radio and call their reps cowards while letting the local chickenhawks take free potshots at them all day and lie us into another war.

or maybe we'll get lucky and talk radio will get noticed when we find out one of the mueller spinoffs is about long term russian use of talk radio going back to using limbaugh to push palin on mcain, using limbaugh and wikileaks to sell 'climategate', use limbaugh to create the tea party, push debt default, etc. or something.

 

certainot

(9,090 posts)
103. i have been!
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 11:11 AM
Jun 2019

but no one's heard it...

all it takes is for a dem congresscritter to ask hope hicks about the trump team use of talk radio, prefacing it with the fact that sam nunberg said he "listened to 1000's of hours of talk radio " in 2014 - was she around (pre-white house) when that happened or when they were talked about it and where the nunberg reports went, etc? did they talk about trump's relationship with limbaugh? did trump and others there listen to limbaugh? etc .

just asking the questions would start something. dems need to ask those questions.

LiberalLovinLug

(14,154 posts)
106. Yes I agree.
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 12:09 PM
Jun 2019

It would be very hard to turn back the clock now though. And Republicans know it. Lord help any politician that dares to try and dictate how and what a private run news talk station can play. The Fairness Doctrine is long gone. I think Dem inaction on this isn't so much ignorance but that even they are confused as to how to proceed combating it.

You're right that there'd have to be a major Rush Limpball scandal where some secret tapes or papers are revealed to show some concrete collusion with an enemy. Him or Hannity. The chances of that are slim.

They need to tackle it differently than another FD that will never pass. When Democrats finally (I'm perpetually hoping) get all three branches themselves, pass a law about truthfulness on the air for all public media. Because RW hosts lie continually. So create a law whereby if enough provable lies are promoted on a show, it gets penalized first, then given its marching papers. And this would apply to TV networks as well. Some idea that the brainwashed cannot argue (much) with. Because they also scream "LIES!" all the time about Democrats. Fox News shouts about how every other network news are lying liberals. So create a law based on verifying indisputable facts. Any RW media org that has been screaming how slanted most media are to liberal lies would have a hard time defending a decision to fight untruthfulness on the air.

Many average Republicans have already moved on to a post-fact world where alternative facts are just as good as real facts to them. So it might be too late, but I think it would help if they could

Of course all hell would break loose in the RW media world. And they'd start demonizing any entity that was charged with sifting out the fact from fiction.

joost5

(421 posts)
107. #VoteBlueNoMatterWho
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 12:22 PM
Jun 2019
Many average Republicans have already moved on to a post-fact world where alternative facts are just as good as real facts to them.


This sadly is true. The only way we can reverse the symptoms of the cancer-in-chief is to #VoteBlueNoMatterWho because we cannot get anything accomplished without a House and Senate majority.
 

certainot

(9,090 posts)
109. all americans have to do is stop ignoring it and artificial intelligence is a game changer
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 01:44 PM
Jun 2019

artificial intelligence-enhanced transcription now makes it inevitable that talk radio will be digitized so it can finally be analyzed - it needs to happen now and the dem party and left orgs have no excuse. i don't think legislation is possible even with 3 majorities - the trolls, radio stations, and naive democrats will scream "free speech!"

boycotts of any advertiser on any rw radio station/show and protests at stations and the 88 universities that support 260 limbaugh stations will send advertisers running and will force the ad industry to ask advertisers if they really support trump and global warming denial. and when universities start looking for apolitical alternatives to broadcast sports on many of those stations will be forced to go to other programming.

it's enjoyed a 20-1 monopoly and invisibility from those it trashes and attacks but it won't survive if the ad industry is forced to apply market demand for the hate and lies.

and talk about messaging - i'd love to see democrats and media start replying to the republican liars and repeaters by prefacing their replies with "that's what limbaugh keeps saying, but..."

for americans to despair over the rise of fascism while doing NOTHING about rw talk radio is very sad, especially going into this election and facing global warming acceleration - it's the biggest political mistake in history.

Botany

(70,291 posts)
7. "We're watching obstruction of justice in action," said Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.).
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 11:43 AM
Jun 2019

So start the impeachment (or whatever you want to call it) already. If we don't stop
'em now then our democracy might be dead. From Trump to Pence to McConnell to
Kushner to Kavanaugh to Fox News to the MAGA morons to ... we have persons and
organizations working to finish off the idea called America.

Laurence Tribe, "Trump says he free to violate campaign law and the Hatch act, all as
his DoJ is filing a saying congress has no power to investigate his law breaking. This is
how democracies die and dictatorships arise.

Frustratedlady

(16,254 posts)
10. Has there been a public statement from Annie ?, the gal who took notes for McGahn?
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 11:48 AM
Jun 2019

Maybe she'll be more forthcoming...or, not.

Bonhomme Richard

(8,992 posts)
11. They need to stop playing Charlie Brown to...
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 11:48 AM
Jun 2019

trumps Lucy. They look like fools and to continue to play his (and McConnells) game does nothing but cause despair among those that know what is happening to the country. That will be deadly to the nation.
For Gods sake...they are not even bringing a knife to a gunfight.

kacekwl

(6,994 posts)
12. Of course it's a farce.
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 11:49 AM
Jun 2019

Cut the crap and start handing out subpoenas like mints. And oh yea open impeachment hearings yesterday.

Eyeball_Kid

(7,410 posts)
20. Easy call: Contempt of Congress.
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 12:10 PM
Jun 2019

Daily fines until she answers questions. Start sucking the blood out of her.

pangaia

(24,324 posts)
105. Why? WHO is going to make her pay them?
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 11:36 AM
Jun 2019

Do you understand what has happened?

Jeeze, I sound snooty.. don;t mean to be..

But, we're fucked...

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
110. Congress hasn't rejected the idea of using "inherent contempt."
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 02:29 PM
Jun 2019

She might not be the best person to do this with, because she might be perceived as a sympathetic person, but Congress has a power it hasn't used yet.

https://www.rollcall.com/news/congress/fines-jail-time-democrats-leave-options-table-enforcing-subpoenas

Each chamber has the authority to unilaterally exercise that power by adopting a resolution authorizing its sergeant-at-arms to execute an arrest warrant against an official who refuses to comply with Congress.

Once in sergeant-at-arms custody, the official would be brought before the chamber for a hearing or trial. If the body finds them guilty of contempt of Congress, it can direct them to be detained or imprisoned until they comply.

“It does not appear that either house has exercised its inherent contempt power to enforce subpoenas or to remove any other obstruction to the exercise of the legislative power since the 1930s,” the Congressional Research Service found in a report last month. “Even so, the mere threat of arrest and detention by the sergeant-at-arms can be used to encourage compliance with congressional demands.”

Democrats believe they can also use their inherent contempt power to impose a fine rather than pursue jail time, though they were careful to leave both options on the table.

113. She didn't take the Fifth, she claimed blanket immunity, which doesn't exist.
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 04:29 PM
Jun 2019

If Fat Donnie doesn't like the laws, he makes up ones he likes. Executive privilege is not absolute -- it can't be used to cover up criminal activities, for example -- but claiming executive immunity is a novel legal theory that will have to go through the entire court process -- ending at the SCOTUS -- to determine whether it even exists, and its limits. And remember, Kavanaugh has already stated that the president can do no wrong. Meanwhile the November election comes and goes, without a word of testimony about his criminal actions, nor access to his tax returns, etc.

For all his faults -- and you could fill the entire Wikipedia with them -- Trump is a survivor.

 

watoos

(7,142 posts)
23. Everything is going according to plan
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 12:13 PM
Jun 2019

When Dems let the lawyer in the room this result was obvious.

maxsolomon

(32,992 posts)
29. they'd still refuse.
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 12:21 PM
Jun 2019

the plan is 100% non-cooperation. fight at every turn. expose the powerlessness of Congress to compel testimony.

there is no choice but an impeachment inquiry now. subpoena Mueller. let President Asshole try to claim executive privilege over that.

SayItLoud

(1,696 posts)
36. Oh please, if any Congress person was surprised about the outcome of her "testimony"...they are an
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 01:06 PM
Jun 2019

idiot. Once it was announced that a WH counsel was joining her it was clear that she wouldn't answer anything. Agreeing to "behind closed doors testimony or non testimony" just makes the success of the ORAL OFFICE all the more of a win. She didn't even have to look foolish in front of America. All done behind closed doors. If the Dems don't up their game and start playing hardball with tRUMP crime family including the kids....then we will get more of the same and deserve it.

KPN

(15,587 posts)
37. Why don't they just amp it up and have the Sargent at Arms evict the two WH attorneys?
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 01:06 PM
Jun 2019

Do something.

KPN

(15,587 posts)
52. Yeah, WTF IS blanket immunity? Nobody has "blanket immunity" except the Emporer. Blanket
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 01:37 PM
Jun 2019

immunity usually means protection from future prosecution as a result of one's testimony -- part of a deal offered by prosecutors -- not proclaimed by attorneys serving the lynch-pin!!

Geezuz frigging C -- order the Sergeant of Arms to remove the two WH attorneys from the House! Get rid of their asses! Otherwise, THIS is a blatant coup of Congress and Congressional powers by the orange Moron!

Volaris

(10,260 posts)
55. Right? HER attorney can be there, but since she no longer works for the WH,
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 01:53 PM
Jun 2019

wtf is the counsels office rep in there for?

No reason for them to be afaic. If I'm incorrect, someone enlighten me.

mahatmakanejeeves

(56,897 posts)
50. No legal authority is provided for the preposterous claim that there is a "long-standing" principle
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 01:35 PM
Jun 2019
PrinceOfWhalesHat Retweeted

It's worth noting that no legal authority is provided for the preposterous claim that there is a "long-standing" principle that senior advisors are "absolutely immune" from testifying.


mn9driver

(4,412 posts)
53. At the moment, the House appears completely toothless.
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 01:39 PM
Jun 2019

As long as that continues, these witnesses will fail to appear or will simply refuse to answer questions if they do appear. The House does not have their own police force or prosecutors. The DOJ has those things. It will not use them to enforce anything the House does.

The ONLY tool the House has is the Judiciary. It’s not a reliable tool or a fast tool. And it becomes more unreliable and slower with each new Trump appointment. The clock is ticking, and the American Experiment in democracy is almost out of time.

Vinca

(50,170 posts)
54. Democrats in the House either have to go immediately to court to get an order that forces
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 01:46 PM
Jun 2019

these people to testify or give it up as a waste of time. Someone said today they were trying to invoke something called "pre-executive privilege." Take that to court. Now. Today. This is bullshit.

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
96. ....
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 08:31 AM
Jun 2019
WASHINGTON – Democratic lawmakers accused President Donald Trump's former aide Hope Hicks of rejecting questions about her time in the White House during a marathon hearing on Wednesday.

While Democrats aimed to unearth new aspects of Hicks' role in the White House, which spanned some of the most controversial moments of Trump's presidency, both sides of the aisle seemed to agree that very little, if anything, was learned from the all-day testimony. But despite the roadblock, Democrats vowed that their fight was only beginning, one that would likely go to court, so key officials may testify before lawmakers.
.....................................................


Congressional Democrats on the committee said Hicks’ appearance amounted to her not complying with the subpoena. They claimed she did not answer questions about her time in the White House or the findings outlined in the Mueller report. Lawyers for the administration, who were at Hicks' side during her testimony, objected to question after question, claiming she was immune from answering anything related to her time in the White House, Democrats said.


https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/06/19/hope-hicks-testify-congress-robert-muellers-report-trump-administration/1486526001/

LovingA2andMI

(7,006 posts)
66. ENOUGH!!!
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 02:22 PM
Jun 2019

Of this shit. Take it to the Courts, Force them to testify. Arrest Them if that don't show up to Testify! PERIOD!!!!

Response to brooklynite (Original post)

blueinredohio

(6,797 posts)
69. Did they really think they would get any answers?
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 03:43 PM
Jun 2019

They're going to have to start putting people in jail to let them know they mean business.

Gothmog

(144,005 posts)
72. John Dean explains the big mistake Hope Hicks made by stonewalling Congress
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 05:48 PM
Jun 2019



“Privilege is not being asserted here. Instead, the White House says that Hicks has absolute immunity regarding the time that she spent at 1600 Pennsylvania. Does absolute immunity even exist? And if so, can you explain to me the difference between the two?” CNN host Brooke Baldwin asked Dean.

“There is no such thing as absolute immunity for anybody to appear before Congress,” he replied. “When the U.S. Supreme Court decided the Nixon case, they absolutely said that there was no absolute privilege, rather it had to be weighed in each instance as to the needs for those who are asking for the information and the person who’s resisting giving the information.”

“Absolute privileges are very rare in the law. And they’re always this balancing process. This total immunity is part of the so-called executive theory of unitary executive theory that will theoretically make the person immune to Congress. And that just doesn’t play in our system.”

jvill

(182 posts)
73. OK. And..?
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 07:09 PM
Jun 2019

These stories write themselves.
Until the Dems actually do something, it's just the slow, depressing bleed out of our democracy...

 

Still In Wisconsin

(4,450 posts)
80. LIVID? Oh no! Alert the strongly worded letter writing squad!
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 11:19 PM
Jun 2019

We need to respond to this travesty IMMEDIATELY and in the way we are all accustomed.

cntrfthrs

(252 posts)
81. the only farce is the Hearing itself...
Wed Jun 19, 2019, 11:25 PM
Jun 2019

the dems KNEW she'd refuse to answer certain questions but still they played nice and even allowed a white house lawyer in the meeting. when are the dammed dems going to grow a SPINE and play hardball just like the white house does?!?

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
93. They can now charge her with not complying with a subpeona
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 08:23 AM
Jun 2019

and the public sees that DT is obstructing justice once again.

Mike Niendorff

(3,447 posts)
84. This definitely calls for action.
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 02:52 AM
Jun 2019

Perhaps a strongly worded letter. Or maybe even a threat of further negotiation.

That ought to fix it.


MDN

UCmeNdc

(9,589 posts)
88. What do you expect from the Trump administration?
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 06:13 AM
Jun 2019

Do not negotiate with them. Play it straight by the law and power given to congress. Stop giving them any latitude to do it their way.

Highway61

(2,568 posts)
89. She walked in....
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 08:16 AM
Jun 2019

with the egotism of her former boss. Damn it...she should have left in handcuffs...make-up smeared and hair disheveled!

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
90. This is the first step. She didn't comply with subpoena, and Trump has another obstruction
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 08:20 AM
Jun 2019

charge in the making. Many in congress are pointing to this as evidence of a coverup in the making.

WASHINGTON – Democratic lawmakers accused President Donald Trump's former aide Hope Hicks of rejecting questions about her time in the White House during a marathon hearing on Wednesday.

While Democrats aimed to unearth new aspects of Hicks' role in the White House, which spanned some of the most controversial moments of Trump's presidency, both sides of the aisle seemed to agree that very little, if anything, was learned from the all-day testimony. But despite the roadblock, Democrats vowed that their fight was only beginning, one that would likely go to court, so key officials may testify before lawmakers.
.....................................................


Congressional Democrats on the committee said Hicks’ appearance amounted to her not complying with the subpoena. They claimed she did not answer questions about her time in the White House or the findings outlined in the Mueller report. Lawyers for the administration, who were at Hicks' side during her testimony, objected to question after question, claiming she was immune from answering anything related to her time in the White House, Democrats said.


https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/06/19/hope-hicks-testify-congress-robert-muellers-report-trump-administration/1486526001/

zentrum

(9,865 posts)
97. WHAT ARE...
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 09:35 AM
Jun 2019

....YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

The Dems are just going with running out the clock counting on winning the WH.

But McConnell will still be there and the institutions of government will be forever changed, almsot broken.

Wish they would figure out a bold, out of the box way to make the media report the outrageousness of what's happening instead of just shaking their heads.

Hotler

(11,353 posts)
98. Don't get pissed, do something.
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 09:59 AM
Jun 2019

Somewhere in the books is a law or laws that can be used to handicap these fuckers, find it and use it. or stop having the fucking hearings that produce nothing.

BlueIdaho

(13,582 posts)
99. Do you think Republicans would put up with this shit?
Thu Jun 20, 2019, 10:41 AM
Jun 2019

Not on your life. The contempt filing should have been ready BEFORE she entered the room. It should have been acted on the minute her testimony was over. If our system of checks and balances can be destroyed this easily - We Are Doomed.

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