Impeachment:  Donald Trump sets another record


By mid-morning on Friday, December 13th, 2019, Donald J. Trump the nations 45th President of the United States set another record.  Surely, he likes to boast of all of his achievements and this one puts him on top of the list.  He became the first POTUS (President of the United States) in the history of the House of Representative’s Judiciary committee to vote for his impeachment – during his FIRST TERM.  The formal process has moved to the full House and in several days his official impeachment is imminent. Of course, impeachment is a political process.  The House has the sole purview to issue an indictment or charge.  The next step known as the formal hearing or trial is the sole purview of the Senate and as of this writing, despite strong evidence of guilt, it is likely he will be acquitted as the charges are very likely to be dropped.

Did he bring this on himself?

Donald Trump prides himself on being his own spokesperson.  He often brags of his media prowess and how he is a master of manipulating others in agreeing and supporting his ideology.  A quick analysis of the issues which have stymied his presidency is beyond political opposition or as he likes to state; those who hate him.  In fact, most of his problematic issues could be defined as self-inflicted or those he brought on himself.  His constant tweeting, badgering people, making ridiculous comments and other things unimaginable to be sprouted from the president of the United States bring direct radar on him.

He thought he received a reprieve from the Mueller report as even though it was strategically misconstrued by him and his supporters the only thing that saved him was the Office of Legal Counsel ruling.  In fact, the report clearly stated any remedy to deal with his behavior was the impeachment process.  Yet, he and his supporters have insisted the report was a flop and a big waste of taxpayer funds.

The threat

Many have concluded Trump’s actions are the sole reason why impeachment is even discussed. He and his team of mouth-piece acolytes have insisted those who attempt to reign in his behavior or try to impeach him will suffer greatly.  They try and compare his impeachment to Bill Clinton’s, who escaped being removed from office as those who pushed it were promptly voted out of office at the next election.  It is a dare worthy of consideration but surely one Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has assessed.  Her main benchmark is understanding the worse case scenario of being removed as the majority but weighing the alternative in doing nothing or accepting the intimation that is touted by Trump, which would be a terrible reaction in allowing his consistent disruptive behavior to go unchecked.

 

Conspiracy theories

“The more I can create alternative realities are better for me because people will be looking elsewhere which allows me to do what I want.”  Donald J. Trump

 

Perhaps the fuel or motivation for Donald Trump to operate is his insatiable appetite for conspiracy theories.  The more outlandish, the better.  The humiliation he suffered at the 2011 correspondent’s dinner when President Barack Obama put an end to his tirade over his birth certificate was not enough.  It seems each month or each week he belts out another conspiracy theory.  Sadly, precious time and millions of taxpayer resources are wasted tracking down to what only can be summed up as a “fool’s errand.”

“Donald Trump wants you to believe the Mueller report cleared him from any wrongdoing.  Further, he has no respect for the people of the United States (unless you absolutely agree with him) as well as the constitution.  We have a duty.”  Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Trump is a proud person and despite solid evidence from officials whose job is to determine fact from fiction, he will not accept that Russia interfered with the 2016 election.  Instead he adopted the premise that the real culprit was Ukraine.  Holding what he assumed was his literal “trump” card he waited and waited for the right time to use the power of his office to make clear his notion was more than a theory; it instead was a fact.

 

Fast forward, following the House of Representatives authorizing nearly 400 million dollars in military aid to Ukraine, Trump known for his savvy business behavior which some have defined as “gangster” crafted a plan to leverage the aid for a favor the Ukraine government must provide before its release.

Unfortunately for him, his actions were uncovered and as they say “he was caught in the act.”  Once it became clear how his plan was mapped out, he was doomed.  There was very little doubt, at least from those with a modicum of objectivity to conclude his actions were in violation of the Constitution.  Sadly, his actions were avoidable.

One could conclude it is very difficult to rehabilitate a person’s behavior, especially if they are in their 70’s.  What he defined as a “perfect call” is anything from being perfect.  It’s the call and subsequent knowledge of the overall scheme in handling the aid earmarked for Ukraine which has granted Trump the dubious honor of achieving the first person in U.S. history of being impeached during his first term.


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Mueller has testified………now what?


Above image - MUELLER-Steve-Sack-The-Minneapolis-Star-Tribune-MN1

 


A Special Report on the Robert Mueller Testimony delivered Jul. 24, 2019

Special Counsel Robert Mueller has finally completed his long-awaited testimony before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee.  It was aired so the public had the opportunity to tune-in or in the case of those who read the 448 report to complement what they had discerned.

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 24: (AFP OUT) (L-R) Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller and former Deputy Special Counsel Aaron Zebley are sworn in to testify before a House Intelligence Committee hearing about his report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in the Rayburn House Office Building July 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day Mueller testified before the House Judiciary Committee. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst – Pool/Getty Images)

Hyper-Partisanship

 

In the era of hyper-partisanship those who support the republican party and Donald Trump have claimed victory stressing the testimony did not deliver any negative news.  On the other hand, those who support the democratic party have stressed Mueller’s testimony makes it clear the wrongdoing committed by Trump and those associated with his 2016 presidential campaign.

 

Mueller stated with clarity the investigation uncovered numerous examples of criminal behavior by Donald Trump and some of his associates.  He further stated the core reason Trump was spared being charged was due to the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel guidance which prevent a sitting president from being indicted.

 

Donald Trump is known for his bombasity and his vociferous attacks on those he deems as opponents.  It has been mentioned more than once by his team that when attacked he will hit back with vigor.   Has the presidency descended to what might be compared as a school yard brawl or a place where adults act with restraint and discipline?   Perhaps it is that behavior why his approval rating has never exceeded 50% or a majority?

 

The mesmerizer

 

His supporter’s view him as some wordsmith master claiming he is a genius at using media to his advantage.  Despite his rhetoric being challenged as outright lying or misleading his philosophy has been repetition or a drum beat to try and convince anyone who listens that what he states must be accurate?  He takes pride in mesmerizing crowds that attend his political event.    Unfortunately, most understand it is more show than actually factual but as mentioned in the world of Trump many are enamored by his celebrity and enjoy the entertainment provided, as well as countless promises of how their lives will improve.  The result is a basic smoke and mirror exercise; make people believe they are part of the team so they dismiss any questionable behavior or actions being employed.

 

I’m not your savior, I’m your president!

 

Some with a sense of “street culture” define Donald Trump’s behavior as “gangster.”  He surrounds himself with associates who have been defined as questionable.  The result is a veil shrouded by what experts have defined as criminal behavior.

 

Trump has understood bombasity gets your attention.  He also has been cleaver in generating support by making sure he delivers the “goods.”  Such action seems pretty simple as many admire him for accommodating their public desires.  His questionable reputation or criminal behavior becomes a non-issue for those who support him or otherwise known as his acolytes.  They quickly dismiss anything negative about him stressing they did not vote for a savior or squeaky-clean person.  Instead, they support him based on him delivering on issues they view as important.    The problem with that summary is supporters are trading Trump’s lack of integrity for their personal gain.  Therein, lays a conflict as those with a “hustler’s personality” understand human nature can be compromised and many will do anything to get what they want…..even if it might be questionable.

 

No collusion – total exoneration

 

Mueller kind of laughed when asked about the notion of Trump’s claim that his report resulted in no collusion and 100% exoneration.

Surely Trump is not stupid and understands his statement is totally incorrect but he has embedded it into those who support him and figures now is not the time to come clean?  As Mueller stated, “the report speaks for itself, If I could exonerate the president I would have.”

 

 

Lack of cooperation and lies

Mueller surprised some by stating not only did Donald Trump fully not cooperate with his investigation, he instructed staff or those who were called by the Special Counsel to do the same.

Donald Trump is known to have very little restraint in dealing with basic questions about him or his administration.  When engaging with the media, except FOX or those he considers friendly, his posture is very combative.  Following the Mueller testimony he could not sit still so the media was summoned to the lawn area so he could provide his perspective.   Yamiche Alcindor who represents PBS and is a noted White House correspondent questioned him about Mueller’s assertion he was not honest during the investigation.

WASHINGTON, DC – (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Here is a short-clip of the exchange.

 

You mean my White House aides lied?  You are untruthful! Donald Trump

 


It’s your turn at-bat

 

Republicans or those who support Donald Trump are claiming Mueller’s testimony did nothing to negatively impact them.

 

Imagine this, you’re a baseball player who is better than average.  You are known as an All-Star, yet when it is your turn to bat…. everyone comes out of the wood-work to tell you how to hit?

That is perhaps the feeling of democratic leader Nancy Pelosi?  Every pundit, every critic, every person on the bench and stands feel it is perfectly acceptable to pontificate on the next move.  They have bought into the notion of wanting blood or for the Mueller testimony to reveal the block-buster they have long wanted.  In their mind, anything less would signal a defeat.  Thus, they marginalize their own position by being overzealous or having unrealistic expectations.  They forget or don’t accept there is a process that is not necessarily designed for the insatiable reporting we have come to expect from cable news programs.

 

The facts are clear.  Robert Mueller clearly stated despite uncovering actions of criminal behavior by Donald Trump, the DOJ OLC ruling has served as his shield or protection.  Instead as articulated in the report the primary resolution to address Trump’s behavior as long as he is president cannot be adjudicated by our criminal institutions but instead solely rest politically, and that is the responsibility of  Congress.

“The Mueller testimony had been billed as some blockbuster.  Mueller is Mueller.  He is not a game-show host, a reality TV star or the type of communicator whose goal is to entertain.  The core criticism I have heard is about his style or how he presented his responses.  There has been very little criticism on the more important issue – the substance or the facts!”  Joe Madison, Sirius XM The Urban View

 

Impeachment?

 

It can’t be stressed enough that some who support Donald Trump proudly state, “so what…. he was not found guilty of anything!!!”  While that is a true statement what gets lost is when you do something that is criminal, not getting caught or charged does not dismiss the act, or in Trump’s case the acts.

Impeachment speaks to criminal intent and unlike legal statues, thus as mentioned it is Congress or more importantly the House of Representatives that decide and define what is criminal or worthy of being charged.

Based on what Robert Mueller has communicated outlining specific criminal behavior by Donald Trump the solution can only be addressed politically.  That is initiate the impeachment process or wait for the 2020 presidential election with hopes he is defeated at the polls.

The 2020 campaign

For many on the democratic side or who oppose Trump, defeating him in 2020 is the most viable remedy.  Unfortunately, the democrats resumed control of the House less than one year ago.  Otherwise with all of Trump’s behavior as outlined in the Mueller report there would have been oversight hearings and the public might be better informed.

For many the election can’t come quick enough.  But as mentioned, it is a process and as of today there are still over twenty candidates vying to be the nominee going up against Trump.  That could be yet another reason for all of the angst the democrats are dealing with because from their perspective Trump has been getting away “with murder.”  In time that will all change as by this time next year both issues will be crystal clear resulting in a crossing intersection:  deal with the impeachment process of have a known candidate who is positioned to defeat Trump next November.

 

In the meantime, Muller has publicly testified or spoken – finally!  Many in the media and those who didn’t fully understand the importance of Mueller finally coming forward are disappointed a big bombshell didn’t go off or the testimony did not result in a Perry Mason moment, or whatever big shocking revelation they were anticipating.  At the same time, those who support Donald Trump have echoed relief that “nothing was produced” or the Democrats wasted everybody’s time while costing the public nearly 42 million dollars, Or, in the zeal to protect their leader, claim everybody can now see what they see and accept Donald Trump is the best president we have ever had?  By doing so, they dismiss the core reason of why Wednesday, July 24th will go down in history as a monumental day as the person who was charged with investigating Russian interference from our 2016 presidential election finally gave voice to his findings.

 

 

Donald Trump cleared by Mueller report


The long-awaited Special Counsel report produced by Robert Mueller was delivered to Attorney General William Barr this past Friday.  Donald Trump, his administration and band of supporters are claiming victory that the report did not find him conspiring with the Russia government during the 2016 presidential election.

But, did the Mueller report really clear him?  As predicted, Trump and his pundits which have flamed throughout media have misstated the conclusions reached by claiming he has been totally exonerated.

 

“Mueller did not find Trump or his campaign conspired with Russia, also did not exonerate him on obstruction”

The spin

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 24: (CHINA OUT, SOUTH KOREA OUT) U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media as he returns to the White House after spending the weekend in Florida March 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. Trump returns to Washington as Special Counsel Robert Mueller has concluded his investigation into allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. (Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images)

While team Trump spins the news that they have been absolutely vindicated by the report, a closer evaluation shows a much different summary.  Prior to Robert Mueller being pulled in to investigate allegations against Trump, for the most part his life was private, especially those related to his financial dealings.

No report would have been necessary…….

Once he summarily fired James Comey, he inadvertently triggered the investigation as we know it.  During that period of countless tweets, threats and other commentary never seen before by a United States president became an unfortunate side show.

 

Unfortunately for Trump, yes Mueller did not find a conspiracy with the Russian government.  But what Mueller did find and was crafty enough to move from his specific mandate, was uncover a long history of Trump behavior which have led to criminal investigations.  The Mueller report has completed and those actions will not be handled by the Special Counsel’s office.  Instead other jurisdictions have taken the baton which have more freedom in their pursuit of justice and the end result is Trump is now more vulnerable than if the report had not been initiated in the first place.

The bigger picture

So, while Trump’s opponents voiced dismay of the Mueller report not providing the results they were seeking, their thirst for a Trump take-down blindsided many from seeing the bigger picture.  Once they awaken from their nightmare of Trump escaping any of the Mueller indictments, they will see he actually did them a huge favor by sending the investigations to other jurisdictions.

Once Trump and his team finish their victory lap and admonishing those who they have defined as their enemies, a gauntlet of criminal investigations await them:

  • The hush money investigation
  • Trump’s inauguration funding
  • Pro-Trump super PAC
  • Trump Organization insurance policies
  • Trump Organization real estate deals
  • The Trump Foundation
  • Trump’s taxes
  • Trump’s golf club employing undocumented immigrants

CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS

  • House Intelligence Committee
  • House Judiciary Committee
  • House Oversight Committee
  • House Financial Services
  • House Ways and Means Committee
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Senate Intelligence