The thread where we meet to discuss the unfolding Trump administration catastrophe, but end up discussing adoptions from Russia

[illegitimateMortificadospawn]

If we can get our hands free to type from the constant facepalming, we should be able to post on this topic.

Continuation of the previous thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2968382-The-one-where-Trump-just-cant-stop-being-Trump

McCain has a brain tumour.

(The Hill) Trump warns Mueller off investigating his finances. This seems a bit off a derpy move to me. Understandable, but derpy.

thehill.com/homenews/administration/342845-trump-warns-mueller-against-investigating-his-familys-finances-beyond

I heard that about Sen. McCain, Saffron . I hope it is operable.

He really should stop talking for a bit.

Fox News‏Verified account @FoxNews 38m38 minutes ago
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#Trump: 'Sessions should have never recused himself' from Russia investigation

V sad about Sen McCain. I disagree with his politics, but he is an honourable, decent man who lives by his principles. A true American hero.

Yes McAin's concession speech in 2008 was so gracious and unifying. Have admired him since then.

I have just seen the news about McCain.

Although, it could explain his previous questioning of Comey. It was rather odd for him.

Trump accusing mueller of conflicts of interest

Caroline O.
Caroline O. @RVAwonk
This is big --> Trump's finances are under investigation and Deutsche Bank is expected to provide records to Mueller

t.co/iWcS8Rh10U?amp=1

Richard Blumenthal @SenBlumenthal
Threatening the Mueller investigation is more evidence of obstruction of justice - a criminal case unfolding in real time before our eyes.

I hadn't thought of that Lweji but you may be right. He certainly wasn't himself that day.

ooh, Pain, you're right! Scrotus' finances may actually be the 'follow the money' holy grail! Here's hoping!

Quite interesting the worried faces of the sidekicks on the Guardian link about repeal and replace(?) Obamacare last.

I wouldn't be surprised if trump now does fire mueller, although hopefully mueller's got some contingency plans. Trump's panicking and drawing red lines about family finances = huge red arrow saying "this is what I'm trying to conceal'"

Laurence Tribe @tribelaw
Saying T wdn't have named Sessions as Atty Gen if he'd known S wd recuse himself = admitting T wdn't have wanted an AG who'd be unbiased

Adam Schiff‏Verified account @RepAdamSchiff 35m35 minutes ago
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Replying to @RepAdamSchiff
President claims he discussed "adoptions" with Putin in previously undisclosed meeting. Just what Don Jr. said, before we learned otherwise.

I don't understand why discussing adoptions is given a free pass - they are part of the sanctions in the Magnitsky Act! So there's no reason to discuss adoptions unless trump wants to grant Russia even more concessions without once again getting anything in return (assurances of changed behaviour etc).

I know it's a moot point because it's unlikely he's telling the truth anyway but it's weird that they deny trying to do Russia's bidding by deflecting onto something else where they'd be doing Russia's bidding

Morning joke

good one!

I don't understand why discussing adoptions is given a free pass*

I don't think it is, except in Don's head.
I think there's some truth in that he wanted dirt and the cunning Russians started off with "but let's talk about adoptions first". Quid pro quo.

I don't understand why discussing adoptions is given a free pass

It's because adoptions is about ickle, orphan babies..awwww...what kind of cold, heartless monster would complain about the Trumps simply trying to save the sad, helpless children? Only nasty, elitist beuracrats would question such a thing

Asked if Mr. Mueller’s investigation would cross a red line if it expanded to look at his family’s finances beyond any relationship to Russia, Mr. Trump said, “I would say yes.” He would not say what he would do about it. “I think that’s a violation. Look, this is about Russia.”

Isn't most of the money laundering connected to Russia anyway? I can't find the exchange in the transcript.

But the Russians have great fighters in the cold. They use the cold to their advantage. I mean, they’ve won five wars where the armies that went against them froze to death. [crosstalk] It’s pretty amazing.
So, we’re having a good time. The economy is doing great.

This is from the excerpts

Ah, I missed Pain's Deutsche Bank link. Interesting timing ....

The thing is that as President (if he had separated from his business, etc) he could legitimately discuss embargoes with Russia.
As a candidate with an election to win and as part of negotiating interfering with the election, or as a President with current business interests, then, no.
He's made himself vulnerable.

From the olden days when presidential candidates respected their opponents. My thoughts are with John McCain.

twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/887862031331713025/video/1