Addendum: while this event so far does not appear to have the Election-eve "traction" that either the Trump bus ride where he was recorded talking about women, or Comey's release of tapes embarrassing to Hillary's top Campaign Aide, something of substance had best be found, or the "blowback" against the Democrats (remember who the FBI ultimately works for) could be HUUUGE.
Posted by irishchieftain (Member # 1473) on :
Even Chris Cuomo has criticized this move.
Former FBI agents such as Buck Sexton and Dan Bongino have stated that this utterly destroys the FBI’s credibility and that the documents could have been subpoenaed, plus have called into question just who issued this warrant and the circumstances under which it was issued.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
The Journal's Editorial Board shares same concerns that both Mr. Helfner and I hold.
Fair Use:
Monday’s unannounced Federal Bureau of Investigation search of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home isn’t a moment for anyone to cheer. The Justice Department is unleashing political furies it can’t control and may not understand, and the risks for the department and the country are as great as they are for Mr. Trump.
As everyone knows by now, an FBI law-enforcement action of this kind against a former American President is unprecedented. Monday’s search needed a judicial warrant in service of probable cause in a criminal probe. The Justice Department has provided few details beyond what has been leaked to reporters, so it is hard to judge what the FBI was looking for.
The media leaks say the search is related to potential mishandling of classified documents or violations of the Presidential Records Act. If that is true, then the raid looks like prosecutorial overkill and a bad mistake. Document disputes are typically settled in negotiation, and that is how Mr. Trump’s disagreement with the National Archives had been proceeding.
What I find "dangerous" and "an abuse of power" is what if the "Fibbies" find nothing? Well, they can "fib" about it and say "we found something, but we can't tell you what it is because it's classified".
Lest we not forget who their boss is. The FBI is not an autonomous agency much as is the NTSB, or Amtrak.
Joe and his supporters have been touting all about their "wins" of late (certain enactment of IRA22, the Ukraine War has stalemated thanks to our arms, inflation appears abating) could stem a "Republican landslide" in the Mid-Terms. But this ill-timed "stunt" could easily result in an even more precipitous one, complete with Trump becoming POTUS 47 (48; if Joe does not complete the term) in '25.
Posted by irishchieftain (Member # 1473) on :
Name of judge was revealed: one Bruce Reinhart, who once was the defense attorney of people linked to Jeffrey Epstein and also a donor to Barack Obama. Also currently out there that Chris Wray approved the raid.
What purpose was there in ransacking Melania Trump’s wardrobe, continues to be an open question.
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
One more effort by those in power to make the US a one party state with a population of quivering subjects. At this point our only hope is to have enough real voters (as opposed to stuffed boxes and cemeteries) that see the light to truly throw the rascals out. The whole thing seems to have been handled in a way that would maximize publicity, which hopefully will resoundingly backfire on them.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Did David Brooks ever express my concerns better than I ever could:
What happens if a prosecutor charges Trump and he is convicted just as he is cruising to the G.O.P. nomination or maybe even the presidency? What happens if the legal system, using its criteria, decides Trump should go to prison at the very moment that the electoral system, using its criteria, decides he should go to the White House?
I presume in those circumstances Trump would be arrested and imprisoned. I also presume we would see widespread political violence from incensed Trump voters who would conclude that the Regime has stolen the country. In my view, this is the most likely path to a complete democratic breakdown........America absolutely needs to punish those who commit crimes. On the other hand, America absolutely needs to make sure that Trump does not get another term as president. What do we do if the former makes the latter more likely? I have no clue how to get out of this potential conflict between our legal and political realities.
Posted by irishchieftain (Member # 1473) on :
quote:America absolutely needs to punish those who commit crimes. On the other hand, America absolutely needs to make sure that Trump does not get another term as president …
Oh indeed; what would we do without the present-day chaos of the current administration? And is that (i.e. Trump as President) really more of a problem than what the FBI has done?
Back on topic: A judge has granted Trump’s request for a special master. Hopefully that will not be impeded by the usual suspects.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman (@ another topic): But I'm fearful it was a campaign speech - and government apparatus - Marines, government property - beyond his security and his seal, which are "his" wherever he goes, was used.
Both FPOTUS45 and POTUS46 held separate campaign rallies in Northeast PA this past weekend. PA, and in particular that region, is deemed a "battleground state" in the Midterms.
Had Joe delivered The Speech (Independence Hall last week), such would been a more appropriate venue. Yes, his seal and plainclothes agents were present and visible, as the Seal goes with him wherever. Likewise, agents were present with FPOTUS45 Trump, as he is entitled to such for life.
quote:Originally posted by irishchieftain: Back on topic: A judge has granted Trump’s request for a special master. Hopefully that will not be impeded by the usual suspects.
I wholly concede, Mr. Helfner, that a Special Master, who will have an appropriate, security clearance, should be appointed to oversee a review of the documents. Some could possibly be Group 4, which provides for automatic downgrades to Unclassified.
Now what I think will be a positive result from this appointment is that The Raid has been taken off the table as an issue at least until after the Election. This action will enable the candidates - the entire House, thirty four Senators, and numerous state and local offices - to focus on issues, and not on alleged misdeeds by an individual who is not running for any elected office.
But I still hold that PRA78 is the law of the land, and by allowing the removal of these documents to his private residence, he violated such.
Of course, Hannity's "stand in" last week, who I acknowledge I watched the evening after the Speech, holds that such law is unconstitutional and will be struck down by the Judiciary.
Should FPOTUS45 Trump be indicted, he had best be afforded a fair trial.