The Intel Committee hearing has begun. Chairman Adam Schiff's opening statement is a clear indictment of Trump's ambition, lies, and "disloyalty to country." He's holding back nothing. If you haven't heard it, check it out. He should have a copy hand delivered to Nancy Pelosi.
In Mueller's opening statement, he seems to be saying he'll comply with Barr's letter to him limiting what he can say. Based on his statements, I'm assuming most of his refusals to answer certain questions is because there are still counterintelligence investigations ongoing in those avenues.
Mueller was asked if he would say Manafort giving polling data to Kilimnik was a betrayal of our country, and he said he wouldn't agree with that assessment. Then, he added, "Not that it's not true, but I can't agree with it." That puts a different light on the previous hearing where Mueller often said he wouldn't characterize something the same way, or didn't agree with an assessment. He "can't".
Mike Quigley (D) noted that publishing the stolen Clinton emails was illegal, and then asked if Don Jr publishing a link to those emails wasn't essentially republishing. Mueller answered, "I'm not certain I would agree with that," which I was glad to hear. That's been a concern in other cases where the FBI has gone after people on the internet for merely publishing links to other information that's already been published.
Quigley also noted that a second term for Trump, which would surpass the statute of limitations on his crimes, would essentially put the president above the law. Mueller said he wouldn't characterize it that way. But it's effect is right, and Quigley noted that this is why we have to pursue other avenues - i.e., impeachment.
Break time.
...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.
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