I don't believe Mueller's worry about looking political is about how he's concerned with his reputation or how it looks politically (like he's turned on the Republicans), so much as what that perception has the power to do. He knows that the senate is Republican, and can shoot down an impeachment in a blink of an eye. If it appears he's a shill for the Dems, they'll tune out what he has to say, instead of giving proper assessment of the information he presents. There will be those Republicans who actually listen, who haven't read the report who will sit up and take notice. But will their numbers be great enough to make a difference? The same can be said for his supporters. Some, even if he's subpoenaed will still think he's part of the deep state. It could cause more violence and upheaval.
I also think that being ex-military, he's accustomed to following what his superiors tell him to do. He doesn't have to agree, he just needs to follow orders. Right now, he's being told not to testify. These miscreants are defying subpoenas themselves, or telling others to be in contempt. Mueller can also be subpoenaed and then view it as someone above the rank of his boss as giving an order. Or he may even quit, and as a private citizen then have no restraints.
I've also wondered if he's not waiting for something, like the investigation of taxes or money laundering thru Deutche Bank to be a concrete case. There were still over a dozen cases farmed out to federal and state courts according to his report. Maybe he wants to make sure that there will be a way to charge Twittler once he's out of office on charges where the Republicans can't sweep it under the carpet.
I do think it's time for the house to start hearings to see if impeachment is warranted. I know most of us believe it's past time for impeachment proceedings to begin, but until you sway enough Senators, it's an exercise in futility. Too many haven't even read the report, so it's time they started hearing the contents while waiting on the financial records that will prove to be the straw that broke the camel's back.
I agree Cindy. I heard thta Mueller is retiring May 31. Has anyone else heard that? I believe he wants to testify closed door because he knows mango and his minions will have a twitter shit storm going if he testifies in public. I also agree they are waiting for the bank to release the financial records. I read somewhere that some of the records are already in the hand of the committee. I hope so. I also think Nancy is baiting him to see how far he will go. He is now badmouthing his political opponents to foreign dictators, hoping to see if one will take them out for him? Anyway I believe moron is on the brink of committing treason. He clearly is not inhis right mind. He made more than a few foopas in Japan. Acting like a spoiled baby sitting wiht his arm crossed a pout on his face in public. Can't wait to see how he handles the protestors in London. I have a friend who lives there and she says the protest is planned and will be big. Her majety will do nothing to stop the protest. Can you just see moron and his vile offspring calling themselves US royalty? His behavior or misbehavior will not sit well with the Windsors. Megan has been vocal against him so I doubt you will see her in their company. Although I'm sure the Princess Ivanka and stepford momma will try to badger Megan into a photo op with the baby. Good luck with that. Charles will put anend to that.
Has anyone else seen this article from the Guardian that claims that Mueller had 3 indictments sitting on his desk for DT but ultimately decided not to use them? I am going to look around and see if and other sources confirm this.
On Mueller retiring, I threw cards on him last night and half of the cards were about him looking forward to retirement.
I was disappointed in the reading and decided not to post it until I could get more of a handle on what I was seeing. I had not read anything about him retiring prior to doing the reading, but the cards kept talking about it. I'd also seen retirement in earlier readings I've done on him. Him looking forward to a life of play, relaxing, enjoyment with family, with wife.
I know the man has worked hard all his life, but I am surprised to see him just walk away like this. He reads as a methodical soldier who believes in military service and in doing his duty to his superiors. I asked how he feels about Barr and he is friendly. I also saw he was blocked from testifying and does not relish the idea of publicly testifying. He hopes to keep it to a closed door meeting.
The man reads as steely in determination. No wavering. Solid. Possibly rigid. But solid in what? I connected somewhat to Cindy's reading of him. I still can't get him. I believe he believes Trump to be a bad man. But he focuses fully on the legal process not on whether someone is in fact guilty. More later.
It would make sense that he would focus on the process. Also, if you believe in the process, I would think you would believe it will work out in the end, that those who are guilty would likely be found out during the "process". I have heard he wants to retire. I believe he knows that he needs to have time to relax with is family. HIs family likely desires that time with him as well .
What specifically bothers you Jeanne about the reading? Is he really walking away or is there not much more for him to do under the given circumstances?
Also, Cindy, I also feel similar thoughts and perceive the situation in a like manner.
Does anyone else get the sense that Mueller, like Joe Biden, is somewhat naive about how deep the rot runs in the GOP? Biden uses his decades-long Beltway friendships with Republican figures to back up his claim that the GOP is "basically fine" and that the Trump phenomenon is a transient blip on the radar. Meanwhile, Mueller is leaning on an old school belief that "the process" will sort things out without realizing that the current administration is trying to take a sledgehammer to that very process.
@Baba: I'm somewhat skeptical of Woodward's claims that Mueller ever drew up obstruction of justice indictments against T. I get that Woodward is a respected author and all, but in the current political environment where things are moving fast and everyone has something to say, even respected authors are cutting corners when it comes to verifying their source.
Coyote,
I don't know whether it's naiveté or denial. "T won't get in," and he got in. "It can't happen here," and it's happening here. During the time leading up to the 2016 election, even Obama kept saying "I have faith in the American people." And I did love how Obama spoke to our higher angels. While it's true that Hillary won the popular vote, it's still pretty shocking that so many people voted for T.
Biden is holding on to a time when he could argue with the Reps, then make a deal and have dinner with them afterwards. Likeable Joe can't imagine that, deep down inside, that still isn't the case. We're not there anymore. And I really can't figure out Mueller. I've stopped trying.
I also think sometimes arrogance prevents us from recognizing the truth. Or maybe it's just the horror of it all. Denial can be foolishly comforting.
I just saw that Mueller is going to make a public statement today at 11am EST. Apparently, he will speak but not take any questions.
I am so tired of being disappointed. I don’t even know what to expect.
I agree Baba. I am really nervous about this news conference. Th eWH wouldn't allow it if it was going to be hurtful to the moron. Hopefully he will make a statement of intent that he will testify or that he is leaving the DOJ. Don't know but I agree I am so tired of being disappointed. Moron and his minions are pushing the envelope. His statements in Japan were borderline treason. What US president bad mouths a former vice-president to a hostile dictator much less sells weapons to a hostile regeme without the approval of the nation? Take bets some of the money for those weapons goes into the Crookfamily coffers.