@Doranimated @benjaminwittes Some comments as I'm listening:
There were two investigations. The compartmented Task Force starting in June that lived at CIA. And the CI investigation starting in July that lived at FBI.
Show this thread
Distinction is critical bc Clapper's denial of collusion (and the ICA) is all about the Task Force, not the CI investigation.
-
-
I also think the record on which Trump associates had FISA orders is contradictory. Key questions: did Page's continue through the campaign? did Manafort's not restart until after he left campaign? If those are both true it's only partly true that Trump campaign wiretapped.
Show this thread -
Notable: It appears Papadopoulos investigation was limited to 702 collection until after first FBI interview (and probably after second). https://www.emptywheel.net/2018/01/01/the-papadopoulos-delay/ …
Show this thread -
Also, wrt the Ignatius piece, it was sourced to "senior U.S. government official," which is often a MoC. So could be someone like Reid, which would only get prosecuted if Senate cooperated.
Show this thread -
WRT Flynn's lies. I'd be interested, Mike, why you think Flynn pled guilty, ESPECIALLY wrt signing a cooperation agreement? One reason I ask is bc--as I lay out here--I think Flynn "collusion" weak is nowhere near as strong as it is for others.http://www.nybooks.com/daily/2017/12/05/michael-flynn-what-we-know-what-mueller-knows/ …
Show this thread -
Which is to say I can see how Flynn might think it was ridiculous to plead to lying in February, but perhaps valid now, when there's a lot more evidence that those who ordered him to say what he did to Kislyak might have a quid pro quo.
Show this thread -
Finally, expansive as Mueller's inquiry MAY look right now, worth remembering that there are at least 3 compartments right now: Mueller (on Trump & co), on the hack and presumed Russians' actions, and the IG report into handling of BOTH campaigns.
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.