Here's what Harry Reid REALLY just wrote about Trump and Putin. (It will make you feel better)

[Fahrenthold451]

Last edited Mon Oct 31, 2016, 12:22 AM - Edit history (1)

There isn't a word on Harry Reid's letter to James Comey that wasn't written, re-parsed, and rewritten. The fact that it was a letter is also important. There's no context to be taken out of. And the words Harry Reid used are extraordinary. They also prove many realities about the current state of affairs.

Here's the money paragraph:

In my communications with you and other top officials in the national security community, it has become clear that you possess explosive information about close ties and coordination between Donald Trump, his top advisors, and the Russian government - a foreign interest openly hostile to the United States, which Trump praises at every opportunity. The public has a right to know this information. I wrote to you months ago calling for this information to be released to the public. There is no danger to American interests from releasing it. And yet, you continue to resist calls to inform the public of this critical information.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/harry-reid-james-comey-clinton_us_58166a08e4b0990edc31d618

There are many many specific allegations and definitive statements in this letter.

1) Reid writes that, "In my communications with you..."

This means Reid is declaring that Comey personally told him or wrote to him

2) "You possess explosive information..."

Meaning that he directly has the actual intel, not source, innuendo or belonging to a third party.

3) "coordination between Donald Trump...and the Russian government"

This means Trump--not Manafort-- (and coordination with a hostile government is damn close to treasonous). And the word Reid used is "government" not Russian "interests" or "actors." This means Trump and Putin ("Putin" meaning his government.)

4) "I wrote to you months ago calling for this information to be released..."

Means that Comey had reason to know that the shoe could drop contra Trump at any moment.

5) "There is no danger to American interests from releasing it."

It's NOT classified! Reid would not have asked Comey to release it if it were classified and he certainly wouldn't be referencing it in an open letter. That would be illegal.

This letter that Reid disclosed is one of the most amazing political documents I have ever seen. The allegations are incredible and don't let the media tell you that they are cryptic. Reid flat out is alleging that he spoke to Comey and Comey related to him that Trump was working with Putin's government. This allegation is specific and intentional on Reid's part. At this point we don't have to speculate or wonder what the allegation is and Reid would NEVER put such an allegation in writing if it were not true and if Reid could not prove it. His lawyers would never let him write it.

So why did Reid write this letter and distribute it? Did he write it to compel Comey to disclose it. No, of course not. This story is juuuuuust about to leak. After the story drops the press will find out that Comey told Reid. The Dems will be pissed that Reid kept it a secret so long. Reid is getting ahead of it and blaming Comey. That letter Reid previoulsy sent Comey months ago? That was a CYA letter as well.

Expect the story of Trump/Putin collaboration to drop soon. Reid is just clearing the field for himself. No other explanation makes sense.

Except....If I'm wrong and it doesn't come out, it's safe to say that the FBI is effectively staging something akin to a coup and the powers that be are going along with it. This information about Trump's Russian ties is real--as is the danger to our Republic.

[semby2]

1. Part

This letter that Reid disclosed is one of the most amazing political documents I have ever seen

I agree. It is astounding. And awesome.

I don't really agree with your conclusions, though. Yes it's possible the Russian thing will leak. But I think Reid is forcing Comey to say, "we don't comment on ongoing investigations" in order to highlight his hypocrisy. Reid is laying the groundwork for Comey's ouster, IMHO.

[Fahrenthold451]

6. I thought long and hard about that

Except for the fact that Comey may not be investigating because while damn close to treasonous it may not be illegal for Trump to do what he is doing. The information isn't classified, not in the national interest--laughably. What Reid is saying is that there's no investigation ongoing and no reason not to let it out.

At this point, I'm not sure Comey is too worried about being labled a hypocrite by Reid.

But, you might be right. I get all fired up.

[watrwefitinfor]

48. Another possibility - a major plan to install Pence as president?

There has been much quiet speculation that Repub leadership wants Trump elected so they can impeach him in the first year, thus vesting the presidency in Pence.

If an FBI investigation of Russian collusion, etc. were to be made public now, Trump's possibility of winning the election would be nil. Thus no President Pence.

In addition, if these potential charges remain in the bag, they are still there in all their pristine glory to use in impeachment proceedings should Trump win.
-----------

Your comments added much insight into Reid's letter. Thank you.

Wat

[NoGoodNamesLeft]

11. Reid just changed the narrative for Monday morning...

Huma's emails are far less scandalous than Trump coordinating with Putin...and far less damaging. Reid just told America there is something huge that they don't know. The media will spend all day tomorrow discussing what it could be and trying to find out more. He's retiring so he has nothing to lose by going a little rogue.

[Fahrenthold451]

16. I agree he changed the narrative for sure

But he's also worried about legacy, I would imagine. As he is retiring he could throw caution to the wind and send that letter. Others I'm sure wanted to but didn't have the guts. The letter just feels a tiny bit too CYA for me to believe he just doesn't give a damn, that's all.

[Hekate]

29. From your keyboard to the Goddess's eyes

[ck4829]

50. Good.

[lostnfound]

52. They are NOT talking about this on news channels

Damn TV media.

[Farmgirl1961]

2. Wow! - and thank you for your insightful comments and cross examining skillset

I now wait with baited breath....

With being a professional cross examiner or a person from the legal profession, I too thought that Harry Reid's letter was quite extraordinary. It will be interesting to see how the media responds.

[Fahrenthold451]

7. Yeah, you're right.

I edited it. I'm really not that into myself. I swear. I was just trying to make the point that every single pixel on that letter was parsed over. It took hours. And it was written by lawyers, not Reid really. So, sorry.

[burrowowl]

3. Come may have violated

the Hatch Act as well, even riled former GWB WH ethics lawyer.

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/10/30/1588609/-Former-Bush-Ethics-Head-Files-Complaint-Against-Comey-Alleging-Potential-Violations-Of-Hatch-Act

[Fahrenthold451]

9. And that's the point. Everyone I'm talking to is like holy F.

For Comey to send his letter and for Reid to send his something gigantic is afoot.

[ck4829]

49. Definitely requires further investigation

[Loki Liesmith]

4. I think you are very very close.

[Mme. Defarge]

5. Holy Merde!

[Dawson Leery]

8. kick

[NBachers]

10. Yes- this letter of Harry Reid's is extraordinary; perfectly worded, formatted, and arranged.

And I think, as events unfold, it's impact will grow stronger and stronger.

The letter, I have read over several time. I'm about to go over your analysis a second time.

I have to wonder if Trump is up to his hairpiece in debt to unsavory Russian mob / intelligence outfits.

Sometimes, we have no idea how close we've come . . .

[Cha]

12. Wow! I hadn't read that! That is quite a brilliant letter..

Here's the money paragraph:

In my communications with you and other top officials in the national security community, it has
become clear that you possess explosive information about close ties and coordination between Donald
Trump, his top advisors, and the Russian government - a foreign interest openly hostile to the United
States, which Trump praises at every opportunity. The public has a right to know this information. I wrote
to you months ago calling for this information to be released to the public. There is no danger to
American interests from releasing it. And yet, you continue to resist calls to inform the public of this
critical information.

"It's NOT classified! Reid would not have asked Comey to release it if it were classified and he certainly wouldn't be referencing it in an open letter. That would be illegal."

Thank you for this and your analysis, Fahrenthold.. I like it that you're Lawyer

[Fahrenthold451]

14. Dirty Secret--I kinda can't stand lawyers. Try to avoid them after work at all cost

[Cha]

15. I love Lawyer show.. they can really be helpful!

[dalton99]

13. Excellent letter.

[ColemanMaskell]

17. Here's a link to the entire text of Reid's letter, on his own website:

http://www.reid.senate.gov/press_releases/2016-10-30-in-letter-reid-says-comey-may-have-broken-the-law#.WBbQ1i0rLZ4

IN LETTER, REID SAYS COMEY “MAY HAVE BROKEN THE LAW”
October 30, 2016 | Press Releases
Reid says Comey’s clear “double standard” on publicizing sensitive information violates Hatch Act prohibition against using official authority to influence elections.

Las Vegas, NV – Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid sent the following letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey today:

Dear Director Comey:

Your actions in recent months have demonstrated a disturbing double standard for the treatment of sensitive information, with what appears to be a clear intent to aid one political party over another. I am writing to inform you that my office has determined that these actions may violate the Hatch Act, which bars FBI officials from using their official authority to influence an election. Through your partisan actions, you may have broken the law.

The double standard established by your actions is clear.

In my communications with you and other top officials in the national security community, it has become clear that you possess explosive information about close ties and coordination between Donald Trump, his top advisors, and the Russian government – a foreign interest openly hostile to the United States, which Trump praises at every opportunity. The public has a right to know this information. I wrote to you months ago calling for this information to be released to the public. There is no danger to American interests from releasing it. And yet, you continue to resist calls to inform the public of this critical information.

By contrast, as soon as you came into possession of the slightest innuendo related to Secretary Clinton, you rushed to publicize it in the most negative light possible.

Moreover, in tarring Secretary Clinton with thin innuendo, you overruled longstanding tradition and the explicit guidance of your own Department. You rushed to take this step eleven days before a presidential election, despite the fact that for all you know, the information you possess could be entirely duplicative of the information you already examined which exonerated Secretary Clinton.

As you know, a memo authored by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates on March 10, 2016, makes clear that all Justice Department employees, including you, are subject to the Hatch Act. The memo defines the political activity prohibited under the Hatch Act as “activity directed towards the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.”

The clear double-standard established by your actions strongly suggests that your highly selective approach to publicizing information, along with your timing, was intended for the success or failure of a partisan candidate or political group.

Please keep in mind that I have been a supporter of yours in the past. When Republicans filibustered your nomination and delayed your confirmation longer than any previous nominee to your position, I led the fight to get you confirmed because I believed you to be a principled public servant.

With the deepest regret, I now see that I was wrong.

Sincerely,

Senator Harry Reid

A PDF copy of the letter is available here: http://www.reid.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Letter-to-Director-Comey-10_30_2016.pdf

[AmericanActivist]

44. Thanks for posting this letter from Reid's website nm

[ColemanMaskell]

18. Fahrenheit 451, Thank you for posting that

[Sunny05]

19. Whoa! Good post!

Thank you, and how insightful!

[Fahrenthold451]

20. Thanks for thanking me :)

[ffr]

21. So the conservative R director of the F.B.I. is withholding intel about Trump's direct Russian ties?

Ties that Trump has with red communist Russia and the Kremlin, a country that is openly hostile to the United States. That Russia and that Donal Trump?

That would be consistent with Trump's ties to red communist Cuba and the Fidel Castro regime.

I don't think that we should elect someone with ties to either of those countries, do you? That would be outrageous. Why are republicans okay with electing someone with clear ties to red communist countries like Cuba and Russia? Are conservatives really communists too? I must be so.

[Fahrenthold451]

24. Reagan is spinning in his grave that Rs are aligned with Putin

[ffr]

27. This must not be the party of Reagan then. They must be the Communist American Party

I'll have to ask some of my communist Donald supporters if they've always wanted to turn American into a branch of the Soviet Socialist Party and see how they square with that.

[Hekate]

31. Russia's run by the Oligarchs now, and oligarchy is fascistic, not communistic

Horrible thought -- because we have American oligarchs ourselves, and they are transnational businessmen, aren't they? Trump is American in name only, imo.

[shraby]

22. I did a google about this and so far most are quoting the part

about the Hatch act, overlooking the donald and the Russian government.
I predict that will change when they realize exactly what has been said in the letter.
Thanks for carefully parsing this for us.
A tsunami is about to hit the U.S.

[Fahrenthold451]

25. You know, I agree with you.

This shouldn't be necessary at all. That being said, Trump is on record as not "knowing" Putin. If he is directly coordinating with Putin and Putin is directly hacking Democrats it's beyond politics. I don't see this as winning or losing. It's that a major party candidate has aligned with our enemies who have broken the law to hurt Democrats.

[lovemydog]

42. I think Hillary is staying on course.

It's a shame it doesn't get covered more. She's talking specifically every day about what she'll do if she's elected. I agree she should stay on course. Keep talking about her specific plans that will benefit most Americans and like you say, the economy, inner cities, the midwest, women's rights etc.

Reid wrote that letter for whatever reasons. Trump isn't specific about what he'll do if he's elected, other than 'it will be great.' If he's in massive debt to Russian leaders and / or colluding with a government hostile to ours, that seems important.

[ck4829]

47. And Putin's stuff is helping nobody

Not Americans, not people in the Middle East, not the people who were in MH17, and not the Russians themselves.

[regnaD kciN]

28. I'll only feel better if this becomes as big a media story…

…as Comey's letter was Friday -- and NOT in a "Ha, ha, ha, Crazy Harry Reid is coming up with wild unfounded conspiracy theories to distract from Hillary's collapse in the polls" sense.

If these charges start getting some traction (and I must admit some cynicism about them doing so), the next nine days might be VERY interesting indeed.

[Fahrenthold451]

30. I refer you to Harry's word "explosive."

Old Harry is so soft spoken. "Explosive" in his parlance means nuclear.

[Divine Discontent]

36. SRN news on the local station in heavily GOP county that rebuked Michael Moore for his documentary,

just led with Harry Reid the past 2 hours during the hourly news that the station pays for to run at the top of the hour. It was quite shocking for me to hear it, and in back to back hours, as they usually have different tape reels of news, so unless I missed one, it seemed they did Reid's comment about explosive information twice in a row.

(SRN is the main source of news for CCM stations, but this is a classic rock station)

[Hekate]

32. Bookmarking

[Fahrenthold451]

33. Nite nite all

I just wanted to say that I appreciate the fact that DU exists. I don't tweet, barely Facebook and have never subscribed to an online forum before. It's very nice to be able to read your posts and feedback. It's part distraction from the stress this election is causing and part therapy. So Gracias.

[Divine Discontent]

35. YW and TY

[AmericanActivist]

45. Welcome to DU Fahrenthold451

[Divine Discontent]

34. Thanks, and that's the point of the actions by Reid, I think -

To force the release of the information, or just by mentioning it himself, getting it in the news - as I have heard TWICE on the radio during SRN hourly reports that this station uses (they seem pretty fair, if slightly conservative) and this station has oddball commercials on it about FEMA camps and emergency rations, so it's getting national press! It was the lead story they spoke of.

SO, if Comey doesn't release it, can Reid do something as you elude to (or Obama, or is he holding his powder if needed for later). Because, if Trump has made contact with Putin - it needs spoken especially since Trump made such a huuuuuuge point to say he's not friends with Trump... yeah, we don't care if you call him "friend" Donny --- we do care if he's your COMRADE!

[yortsed snacilbuper]

37. k$R

Thanks, I feel better already.

[colorado_ufo]

38. Thanks very much for posting this.

Very significant and ties together a lot of loose ends for me.

[RiverStone]

39. What will it take for the MSM to cover this?

There is no incentive because anything to put Hillary way ahead again hurts their ratings!

[world wide wally]

40. This information that Reid discusses makes Comey complicit with whatever it is that Trump is

doing with the Russians and Comey is trying to hide.

This will make a great new James Bond movie!

[lovemydog]

41. It will be very interesting to see if he responds to this public letter.

Dear Director Comey:

Your actions in recent months have demonstrated a disturbing double standard for the treatment of sensitive information, with what appears to be a clear intent to aid one political party over another. I am writing to inform you that my office has determined that these actions may violate the Hatch Act, which bars FBI officials from using their official authority to influence an election. Through your partisan actions, you may have broken the law.

The double standard established by your actions is clear.

In my communications with you and other top officials in the national security community, it has become clear that you possess explosive information about close ties and coordination between Donald Trump, his top advisors, and the Russian government – a foreign interest openly hostile to the United States, which Trump praises at every opportunity. The public has a right to know this information. I wrote to you months ago calling for this information to be released to the public. There is no danger to American interests from releasing it. And yet, you continue to resist calls to inform the public of this critical information.

By contrast, as soon as you came into possession of the slightest innuendo related to Secretary Clinton, you rushed to publicize it in the most negative light possible.

Moreover, in tarring Secretary Clinton with thin innuendo, you overruled longstanding tradition and the explicit guidance of your own Department. You rushed to take this step eleven days before a presidential election, despite the fact that for all you know, the information you possess could be entirely duplicative of the information you already examined which exonerated Secretary Clinton.

As you know, a memo authored by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates on March 10, 2016, makes clear that all Justice Department employees, including you, are subject to the Hatch Act. The memo defines the political activity prohibited under the Hatch Act as “activity directed towards the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.”

The clear double-standard established by your actions strongly suggests that your highly selective approach to publicizing information, along with your timing, was intended for the success or failure of a partisan candidate or political group.

Please keep in mind that I have been a supporter of yours in the past. When Republicans filibustered your nomination and delayed your confirmation longer than any previous nominee to your position, I led the fight to get you confirmed because I believed you to be a principled public servant.

With the deepest regret, I now see that I was wrong.

Sincerely,

Senator Harry Reid

[OnDoutside]

43. Yes, a wonderfully well crafted letter, one for the history books

potentially, if it has the effect on the race that we think it will have.

One other thought, if Republican sympathizers in the FBI or NYPD have leaked info about these emails, whose to say Democratic sympathizers didn't leak the Trump/Russia info to Reid etc ? You would have thought that if the Clinton campaign had that info from oppo research, they'd have used it by now ?

[ck4829]

46. K&R

[PJMcK]

51. Great post

Thanks for your excellent analysis, Fahrenthd451.

Donald Trump's Russian connections could be the big reveal that so many people think is coming this week. Perhaps Senator Reid's letter is the opening salvo.

Kicked & Recommended.

[Skittles]

53. woo!

love it when a lawyer can break it down into speak I can understand

[niyad]

54. k and r