emptywheel

Again, framing this in terms of a criminal concept that does not exist, collusion, is beyond silly. Think in terms of actual crimes+legal principals in conjunction with attempt and conspiracy. The rest is rot.

That awkward moment when 99.9% of those following a topic are neither attorneys nor legal scholars, but some insist the only possible way to discuss the topic is through a narrowly pendantic legal lens. Also see: no attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic is *ever* "terrorism".

Excuse me, but I just don't understand what this relentless pendantry accomplishes except to set oneself aside as the only source of true and accurate knowledge, before whom all others must bow.

I understand the concern. But I feel it important that the public understand valid framing. This is false framing that plays directly into the Trump defense when the actual law is just as easy to report. Why not use the real terms of conspiracy and coordination?

It is not only legally accurate, it is just as easy to understand and broader based than the false and vaporous construct of "collusion".

I’m on team “this is pedantry.” Collusion is a fine term for a pattern of political misconduct that may have entailed crimes. Better off trying to give it concrete meaning, since it is in such wide use, than scolding everyone for using it.

Mueller will figure out what, if any laws were broken. “Collusion” is a valuable concept, because it is highly scandalous, even if they pulled it off without committing any crimes.

And also a ridiculously bad one bc Trump can and has spent his time disproving collusion as a way to distract from quid pro quo.