Republicans: Abandon Trump or Sink With Him

By Jeralyn, Section Trump Administration
Posted on Wed May 17, 2017 at 11:47:33 AM EST
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In the Atlantic: The Week the Trump [Administration] Fell Apart (I still won't print the P word with Trump.)

Further developments yesterday: James Comey took notes.

Israel reportedly managed to infiltrate ISIS and learn of its laptop bomb plan, and now its spy is at risk.

The Washington Post reports Trump met with Russian officials and their photographer at the White House as a favor to Vladimir Putin. [More...]

On May 2, eight days before Lavrov showed up at the White House, Russian President Vladimir Putin was on the phone with Trump and made a request. Putin had “new ideas” about stopping the civil war carnage in Syria, according to a senior U.S. official, and noted that his top diplomat, Lavrov, would soon be visiting the United States for a previously scheduled meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Russia is offering to provide the transcripts of the Russia meeting (but not the tapes.)

Is this enough to sink the Ship of Fools? Probably not yet. It's getting closer though, and Donald Trump may already be the most disrespected, untrusted, disliked, and most negatively viewed President since Nixon.

Republicans are too late with their "inexperienced" defense. It's now a matter of competency, rather than experience. The learning curve is too steep for Trump. He has so many other issues, and we probably don't know the half of them.

It's too bad someone can't stop him from taking this overseas trip. His loose lips and bizarre unpredictability, along with his lack of impulse control, are likely to land us in more hot water with our "allies." He's bringing his handlers, Ivanka, Jared and Melania, but that's no assurance he'll listen to them.

< Tuesday Open Thread | DOJ Taps Ex-FBI Director Mueller as Special Counsel for Russia Probe >

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Republicans: Abandon Trump or Sink With Him | 41 comments (41 topical)

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We don't have to (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by KeysDan on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:03:22 PM EST

rely on the "fake media" to know that Putin asked Trump to meet with Lavrov. Trump, himself, said so during his interview with Lester Holt. And, now, from Russia with love, Putin is trolling us on the Oval Office conversation, and, throwing the drowning Trump an anchor. Surely, Lavrov and Kislyak will be available to appear before the Intel Committees.

The Best People; Sheriff Dave Clarke, of Milwaukee fame, is to be nominated for a position in Homeland Security. The Sheriff was at the same Moscow gala celebrating RT in 2015 as Mike Flynn (and Jill Stein).

And, Joe Lieberman is being considered for FBI Director. Lieberman is Senior Counsel for the law firm that has represented Trump and Ivanka in bankruptcy/casino matters--Trump's lawyer at the firm, Dave Friedman, was confirmed as Ambassador to Israel.

Lieberman?! Say it ain't so. (5.00 / 3) (#16)
by caseyOR on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:41:29 PM EST

I think I would rather have Andy McCabe stay as interim director than have Lieberman in a position to exert influence over any aspect of our government.


: it aint (none / 0) (#18)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:46:07 PM EST

gonna be LIEberman

who is in the bushes now? (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 06:44:19 PM EST

After interviewing Sen. Tim Kaine about the Trump/Comey firing and possible obstruction of justice charges, Charlie Rose, co-host of CBS' This Morning told his audience why no Republicans were on to give their opinion..
Rose said, "We'd like to note that we reached out to twenty Republicans, senators and representatives to appear on this broadcast. We also reported and requested that someone from the White House join us at any point during our two hour broadcast to respond to the latest news. All declined our invitation."

His name is Robert Mueller (5.00 / 1) (#28)
by Militarytracy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 07:00:24 PM EST

His name is Robert Mueller. In death, a member of Project Mayhem has a name. His name is Robert Paulson Mueller.

Sorry. Fight Club plays in my head all day right now for some reason. Can't imagine why.

Evan (5.00 / 1) (#40)
by FlJoe on Sat May 20, 2017 at 11:03:38 AM EST

McMullen? He's has always been virulently anti-tRump and I have suspected that he had something to do with Chaffetz bailing.

Now, lo and behold this little gem,

Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) says the possibility that more secret recordings could be leaked is a "cause for concern" after a leak emerged from a 2016 House GOP leadership meeting.
Ryan on Friday refused to speculate who might be the culprit, but he agreed that former independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin, a former leadership staffer who attended that meeting, was the name on everyone's lips in Washington.
As a staffer for Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), McMullin had been present for many leadership meetings in Ryan's office. Last August, the former CIA officer shocked Capitol Hill by announcing an independent bid for the White House.
"I'm not going to speculate," Ryan told conservative talk radio host Hugh Hewitt, "but that's the name most people -- you hear about."

Rough translation from weaselspeak, Holy Sh*t he has us by the Ba!!s....on tape.

The GOP will not (none / 0) (#1)
by MKS on Wed May 17, 2017 at 02:04:50 PM EST

abandon Trump....To do so would require that they have principles and care about the Country.

: And a failure to abandon... (none / 0) (#2)
by kdog on Wed May 17, 2017 at 02:14:09 PM EST

sadly will not sink their party. It might cost them a few seats in 2018 and the WH in 2020, but gerrymandering and about 25% of the population willing to rape their mother if Trump asked them too renders the Republican boat unsinkable, unfortunately.

: Nor will his supporters (none / 0) (#3)
by Yman on Wed May 17, 2017 at 02:19:06 PM EST

At least not yet. To do so would mean admitting they were duped by a snake oil salesman and that they were wrong when they chose to ignore all the warnings about his lack of competency, intelligence, temperament, etc.
When he said he could shoot someone in the head and his supporters would still support him, he wasn't wrong.

: It's worse than that.. (none / 0) (#4)
by jondee on Wed May 17, 2017 at 02:46:19 PM EST

They'll tell you they are doing it for America.
A disturbingly high percentage of Republican folks have deeply internalized the proposition that God is a Republican.
In other words, they're risking "the Wrath", the Mark of Cain, and ostracization by the community if they do anything but support the party.
In the blood-red states, the angry Lord thing is all intermixed with unexaminined rage at yankee liberals and a state's rights mistrust of the federal government.

Mueller (none / 0) (#6)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:10:41 PM EST

Good choice as "special counsel" (none / 0) (#7)
by Peter G on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:15:13 PM EST

(I.e., special prosecutor). A straight shooter, in my experience.


I'm glad (none / 0) (#9)
by Ga6thDem on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:16:06 PM EST

to hear you say that. Gives me confidence in the outcome.


also (none / 0) (#10)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:20:26 PM EST

glad to hear you say that. my feeling as well.

IMO we are literally in a countdown to Trumps resignation.


: yeah (none / 0) (#11)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:25:32 PM EST

But Rosenstein said that "based on the unique circumstances, the public interest requires me to place this investigation under the authority of a person who exercises a degree of independence from the normal chain of command."
He said a special counsel is necessary in order for the "American people to have full confidence in the outcome."
Mueller will have the ability to hire a staff and request a budget from the Department of Justice. He will resign from his law firm, WilmerHale.
-
Mueller also will have full authority to prosecute any federal crimes arising from the investigation, Rosenstein's order says.

I agree. (none / 0) (#13)
by Donald from Hawaii on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:38:06 PM EST

Really, the best we can ever ask for in these types of situations is that the special counsel be both fair and willing to go wherever the evidence leads him. And given the extraordinary circumstances we face here, I believe that Robert Mueller is an excellent choice for this particular task.


Think he has the (none / 0) (#24)
by MKS on Wed May 17, 2017 at 06:20:23 PM EST

ganas for this?


: Robert Mueller is (none / 0) (#36)
by KeysDan on Thu May 18, 2017 at 01:10:43 PM EST

receiving high marks from just about everyone. And, it seems, that it, in largest measure, is justified. Mueller, along with the special counsel (special prosecutor) appointment by Rosenstein has provided palpable relief and a modicum of hope.
However, there remains, in my view, the need for vigilance. Not only the possibility of Trump/Rosenstein firing Mueller, but also, the immense pressures and counter-pressures on Mueller to "follow the facts."
Also, Mr. Mueller is human, and subject to the frailties of humans; I, for one, am not entirely ready to deify him. And, then there still is the matter of the appointment of a new FBI Director and cooperation with the DOJ investigation.
It has been noted that Mueller has resigned from Wilmer Hale, a huge law firm (12 offices, 1000 lawyers). But, Wilmer Hale has among its clients, Manafort, Ivanka and Jared. While Mueller did not have any relationship with these clients, there is a potential issue imputed to each and every attorney in a law firm without waivers, even after deparure.
Probably not an issue, but a part, along with the new-found embullience of Congressional Republicans, to suggest a reality check.

I've already read one (none / 0) (#37)
by oculus on Sat May 20, 2017 at 07:35:28 AM EST

article about Trump assoc. salivating over the fact Mueller's former law firm represents Manafort, ivanka, and Jared. A path to discredit whatever is the result of Mueller's position as Special Prosecutor. Assuming Rosenstein will waive a requirement regulation requiring a two-yr. separation between representation of possible persons of interest.


IMO (none / 0) (#38)
by CaptHowdy on Sat May 20, 2017 at 08:22:53 AM EST

if they believe they are going to get away with what is being described as "an arcane ethics regulation" to derail this they are actually delusional.


: quote (none / 0) (#39)
by CaptHowdy on Sat May 20, 2017 at 08:25:29 AM EST

The White House is already trying to hold up former FBI Director Robert Mueller from ... that isn't stopping the White House from attempting to use an arcane ethics rule to slow Mueller down.

Let's hope that Rod Rosenstein once again ... (none / 0) (#41)
by Donald from Hawaii on Sat May 20, 2017 at 07:17:04 PM EST

... finds his spine. Otherwise good and decent people like him and Gen. H.R. McMaster have been significantly diminished on both character and reputation these past couple of weeks, thanks to their respective associations with Donald Trump.

You'd think smart men like those two guys would figure that out and effect a personal course correction, rather than consign themselves to going down with Trump's ship. Certainly, getting fired by Trump for standing up to him and doing the right thing has been a resume enhancer for former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and former FBI Director James Comey.

Aloha.


Bobby Three sticks (none / 0) (#8)
by Ga6thDem on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:15:16 PM EST

returns as special prosecutor.


holy moly (none / 0) (#12)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:33:59 PM EST

House majority leader to colleagues in 2016: `I think Putin pays' Trump

McCarthy (5.00 / 1) (#14)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:39:52 PM EST

it was a joke

Ryan - IT WAS A JOKE

C'MON PEOPLE WHY AINT YOU LAUGHIN
IT WAS A JOKE


Yes, why aren't (5.00 / 1) (#23)
by KeysDan on Wed May 17, 2017 at 06:15:41 PM EST

we laughing. others seems to be yukking it up.


: seemed (5.00 / 1) (#25)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 06:31:55 PM EST

i believe today to correct tense would be "seemed"

I found this response great. (5.00 / 1) (#31)
by Ga6thDem on Wed May 17, 2017 at 08:44:32 PM EST

Whenever someone tells a joke, I always swear all those present to secrecy & will deny joke was said to press. That's how I roll.

Yeah, right (none / 0) (#19)
by Ga6thDem on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:57:22 PM EST

Paul Ryan swore them all to secrecy over a freaking joke.


why its a (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 06:09:48 PM EST

joke


Josh Barrow (none / 0) (#30)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 07:51:59 PM EST

Just made a serious and convincing case for this


Do not believe (5.00 / 1) (#34)
by KeysDan on Wed May 17, 2017 at 11:04:36 PM EST

it was a joke. A lot of nervous laughter, but not a joke response. After all, McCarthy paired Trump "being paid" by the Kremlin with Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R. CA). Rohrabacher is known as Putin's Favorite Congressman, for his enthusiastic, long term cheer leading.


: And added (none / 0) (#35)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 11:58:24 PM EST

"Swear to god" for good measure.
Wasn't a joke.

what if (none / 0) (#20)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 06:03:19 PM EST

I told you...


Oh, man (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by Ga6thDem on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:41:18 PM EST

and Paul Ryan shut it down. Good job Ryan/snark. I have to wonder if Ryan isn't tainted by Russian money with those actions.


: he who laughs last (none / 0) (#17)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 05:44:43 PM EST

laughs n laughs n.........

so much for "what happens tomorrow?" (none / 0) (#22)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 06:15:15 PM EST

but what happens tomorrow?

That's what Melissa Etheridge asked 10 years ago. (none / 0) (#26)
by Donald from Hawaii on Wed May 17, 2017 at 06:43:11 PM EST

"What Happens Tomorrow":

"I believe that we are waking up from the spell
That those who profit from the fear cast so well,
And good people of the earth now can tell
There is no 'us' in them."

No kidding (none / 0) (#29)
by Ga6thDem on Wed May 17, 2017 at 07:20:03 PM EST

about tomorrow.


it's (none / 0) (#32)
by Ga6thDem on Wed May 17, 2017 at 09:09:18 PM EST

tomorrow

Flynn told the transition team before they even hired him that he was under investigation regarding his ties to Turkey.


: Nope (none / 0) (#33)
by CaptHowdy on Wed May 17, 2017 at 09:10:41 PM EST

Still today
It just seems that way