Is Trump Guilty or Does He Just Look Guilty?

 

When absorbing news about the Mueller investigation, I can’t help thinking of Saddam Hussein. No, I’m not equating our president with the late Iraqi dictator. I’m thinking more about our assumptions regarding Saddam’s guilt. In the run-up to the Iraq war, the whole world was asking whether Hussein had a secret WMD program. The head of our CIA said it was a “slam dunk.” Our allies’ intelligence agencies agreed. There were good reasons to think it was true.

Hussein had used chemical weapons against the Kurds. He had threatened to “burn half of Israel.” He had used nerve gas against Iran in the Iran/Iraq war.  Following the first Gulf War in 1991, the coalition was surprised to find Iraq’s nuclear program quite advanced. Throughout the decade of the 1990s, Saddam thwarted and harassed international weapons inspectors. In 1998, signing the Iraq Liberation Act, President Bill Clinton cited Hussein’s long cat and mouse game with international inspectors and declared “It is obvious that there is an attempt here . . . to protect whatever remains of his capacity to produce weapons of mass destruction, [and] the missiles to deliver them . . .”

But, as we later learned, it was mostly a bluff. During interrogations in 2004, Saddam told the FBI that he had encouraged the world to believe he had WMDs so as to deter Iran. This isn’t to say that Saddam’s strategy was smart – he invited a US invasion that could have been avoided if he had come clean — but it was a strategy. He was acting guilty for a reason other than being guilty.

Which brings us to President Trump. He sure acts guilty. Let us count some of the ways. He chose Paul Manafort, well known for shady Russia ties, as campaign manager. He picked Carter Page, a wannabee Russian agent, as a campaign foreign policy advisor. Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Manafort met with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer. The president reportedly dictated a false statement about the meeting when it became public. With the Trump campaign’s approval, Page traveled to Moscow in July 2016.  Wikileaks was in touch with Trump Jr. After Michael Flynn, who failed to disclose his lobbying for Russia and Turkey, was fired for lying to the vice president, Trump asked James Comey to go easy on him. The fact that Flynn lied to the FBI is odd. Why lie? It’s routine for incoming administration officials to have contact with other governments.

Jared Kushner attempted to set up a back channel to communicate with Russia through the Russian embassy. Trump told the Russian ambassador in an Oval Office meeting that he had fired Comey, thus “relieving great pressure” regarding Russia. Trump resisted sanctions on Russia and, after they passed by veto-proof margins, failed to implement them. Trump suggested, after meeting the Russian leader, that the U.S. and Russia should set up a joint cyber security effort (causing security experts to spit out their coffee.) He repeatedly said he believed Putin’s denials of election meddling and fretted that he was insulting Putin by asking.

He has obsessed about the Mueller investigation and taken every opportunity to impugn it. He reportedly ordered that Mueller be fired at one point. He colluded with Rep. Devin Nunes, talk radio, Fox News, and other sycophants to discredit the FBI.

Among the president’s nearly 100 tweets about Vladimir Putin, hardly any have breathed a word of criticism about the malign figure who daily attempts to sow discord in our country. Often painfully obsequious, Trump has indulged the idea that Putin’s hostility was to Obama personally. “Putin hates us,” he told CNN in 2015, then thought better of it and added “He hates Obama. He doesn’t hate us. I think he’d like me. I’d get along great with him I think. If you want to know the truth.” There is always a suspicion with Trump that he cannot see beyond the end of his own nose. But I digress.

Trump publicly humiliated his attorney general for recusing himself from the Russia investigation – as if Sessions were his personal lawyer, but moreover, as if he has something to hide from an investigation into Russian meddling in our election. And there’s more.

Does this add up to collusion with Russia to hack the DNC or otherwise affect the presidential election? Not by itself, no. It seems perfectly plausible to me that Trump was cultivating his Russia ties during the presidential race because he believed he would lose. He would then monetize this goodwill with business deals (to supplement the large share he already had, his persistent denials notwithstanding). But since holding office, some of his policies –including arming Ukraine and admitting Montenegro to NATO – have been objectively anti-Russian, not the actions of a Manchurian candidate.

He acts guilty in so many ways. He lacked the judgment to keep his distance from dodgy characters like Manafort, Page, and Roger Stone. But, recalling Saddam, I’m open to the idea, (not convinced but open), that he isn’t as guilty as he seems.

Published in General
Like this post? Want to comment? Join Ricochet’s community of conservatives and be part of the conversation. Join Ricochet for Free.

There are 121 comments.

Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.
  1. DocJay Inactive
    DocJay
    @DocJay

    When absorbing news about the  professional political pundits coverage of the Mueller investigation,  I can’t help thinking of Nazi torture doctors.  No I’m not equating political pundits with twisted racist murderers but what’s similar are the odd motivations of each group.  Perhaps they’re both just misunderstood.

    • #1
  2. contrarian Inactive
    contrarian
    @Contrarian

    Another comparison…

    Look at how Obama refused to acknowledge the problem of Islamic extremism, how he treated Iran and promoted their interests, and undermined Israel and you can start to see how some people suspected him of secretly being a Muslim.

    Usual response: ‘No. That is absurd.’

    Agreed, but how is it different from people looking at Trump’s rhetoric and connections to Russia and suspecting him of secretly being a secret Russian operative?

    Both are absurd.

    • #2
  3. Mike LaRoche Inactive
    Mike LaRoche
    @MikeLaRoche

    The Warhol-Godwin Axiom comes to mind: in the future, everyone will be Hitler for fifteen minutes.

    • #3
  4. contrarian Inactive
    contrarian
    @Contrarian

    I didn’t think that sounded like Crowley. Makes more sense that it’s Charen.

    • #4
  5. Seawriter Contributor
    Seawriter
    @Seawriter

    Or maybe Trump did nothing wrong, Obama ginned this all up to help the Clinton Crime Family, and Never-Trumpers have to tell themselves that “Trump looked guilty” because that is easier than admitting they were wrong.

    Nah. Fuggettabout it. That’s just crazy talk.

    • #5
  6. Basil Fawlty Member
    Basil Fawlty
    @BasilFawlty

    Mona Charen: He colluded with Rep. Devin Nunes, talk radio, Fox News, and other sycophants to discredit the FBI.

    Ricochet deserves better than this.

    • #6
  7. Unsk Member
    Unsk
    @Unsk

    Mona,  You’re way behind the Curve again.

    Please note:

    In Unexpected Twist, Judge in Flynn Case ask Mueller for Exculpatory Evidence” By Tyler Durden

    “The federal judge assigned to the criminal case against Trump’s former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn has ordered Special Counsel Robert Mueller to turn over any “exculpatory evidence” to Flynn’s defense team.

    Oddly, however, Flynn’s legal team did not make this request. Instead, Judge Emmet G. Sullivan issued the order “sua sponte,” or at his discretion, invoking the “Brady Rule” – which requires prosecutors to turn over previously unfiled evidence that might have a material impact on a defendant’s case. Interestingly, two days before the order Mueller filed a motion for an agreed-upon protective order regarding the use of evidence in the case, including “sensitive materials,” provided to Flynn’s lawyers by the office of the Special Counsel.”

    Since that so-called “Conspiracy Theory” you last whined about came true, you know the one – about the FBI using biased and unfounded “evidence’ to get the FISA warrant  to search Flynn, this Judge as in other cases, is asking the criminal Special Counsel Robert Mueller to explain himself and his criminal prosecution.  Mueller is now in the crosshairs, not Trump. And once again you have a whole lot of egg on your face.

    • #7
  8. contrarian Inactive
    contrarian
    @Contrarian

    Unsk (View Comment):
    In Unexpected Twist, Judge in Flynn Case ask Mueller for Exculpatory Evidence” By Tyler Durden

     

    From Fight Club?

     

    • #8
  9. Hugh Member
    Hugh
    @Hugh

    I don’t think he has broken any laws.  Mona, you should turn off CNN (or at least the volume) while you are sleeping.  It appears to be affecting your ability to separate the facts from the conjecture.

     

    • #9
  10. contrarian Inactive
    contrarian
    @Contrarian

    Mona Charen: It seems perfectly plausible to me that Trump was cultivating his Russia ties during the presidential race because he believed he would lose. He would then monetize this goodwill with business deals (to supplement the large share he already had, his persistent denials notwithstanding).

    Alternatively, he saw Russia as potentially useful in fighting terror and hindering China’s expanding influence, or we could both be right. The theories aren’t mutually exclusive.

     

    • #10
  11. CarolJoy Coolidge
    CarolJoy
    @CarolJoy

    So I take it you truly are never Trump. But really, even if that is the case, where do you point out one single example of Trump’s “Russian Collusion.” ??

    So far the lengthy and expensive Mueller investigation has taken down no one close to Trump for activities that occurred while they acted for Trump. Both Manaforte and Gates pre-dated their involvement with  Trump with their nefarious activities.

    Gen Michael Flynn stands indicted for a lie. Now that it has come out via the Strzok texts that the FBI agents taking down the “#302’s” as transcripts of their interviews with alleged Trump Associates-of-Evil, were instructed to “fudge” these same records, no court in the land would find Mr Flynn still guilty. (Unless of course, that court was corrupted like the politicized FBI appears to be.)

    BTW, are you rooting for Hillary to be President, as some other “Never Trumpers” are. If that is the case, how do you feel about Uranium One?

    Or do you want Mr Pence, the  neo con globalists’ wet dream to take over? I find myself a tiny bit curious.

    • #11
  12. Hugh Member
    Hugh
    @Hugh

    CarolJoy (View Comment):
    So I take it you truly are never Trump. But really, even if that is the case, where do you point out one single example of Trump’s “Russian Collusion.” ??

    So far the lengthy and expensive Mueller investigation has taken down no one close to Trump for activities that occurred while they acted for Trump. Both Manaforte and Gates pre-dated their involvement with Trump with their nefarious activities.

    Gen Michael Flynn stands indicted for a lie. Now that it has come out via the Strzok texts that the FBI agents taking down the “#302’s” as transcripts of their interviews with alleged Trump associates-of-Evil, were instructed to “fudge” these same records, no court in the land would find Mr Flynn still guilty. (Unless of course, that court was corrupted like the politicized FBI appears to be.)

    BTW, are you rooting for Hillary to be President, as some other “Never Trumpers” are. If that is the case, how do you feel about Uranium One?

    Or do you want Mr Pence, the neo con globalists’ wet dream to take over? I find myself a tiny bit curious.

    This!

    • #12
  13. Louis Beckett Member
    Louis Beckett
    @LouisBeckett

    Is it really true that it looks guilty to assert your innocence?

    • #13
  14. Hypatia Member
    Hypatia
    @

    GUILTY

    OF

    WHAT?  

    • #14
  15. Max Ledoux Coolidge
    Max Ledoux
    @Max

    Hypatia (View Comment):
    GUILTY

    OF

    WHAT?

    Of not being guilty?

    • #15
  16. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    Have yet to be sold on him looking guilty of collusion with Russia . You sure don’t make the case.

    • #16
  17. Kozak Member
    Kozak
    @Kozak

    • #17
  18. A-Squared Inactive
    A-Squared
    @ASquared

    contrarian (View Comment):

    Unsk (View Comment):
    In Unexpected Twist, Judge in Flynn Case ask Mueller for Exculpatory Evidence” By Tyler Durden

    From Fight Club?

    Sort of. Tyler Durden is the pseudonym of a guy that writes for zero hedge, complete with a Brad Pitt avatar

    https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-02-21/unexpected-twist-judge-flynn-case-asks-mueller-exculpatory-evidence

    • #18
  19. EDISONPARKS Member
    EDISONPARKS
    @user_54742

    I believe this makes it official, the NT has:

    • #19
  20. Black Prince Inactive
    Black Prince
    @BlackPrince

    Oh. My. God.

    • #20
  21. PHCheese Inactive
    PHCheese
    @PHCheese

    No and no.

    • #21
  22. EDISONPARKS Member
    EDISONPARKS
    @user_54742

    Giving Mona the benefit of the doubt, this could simply be a case of a political pundit trying out her new material at a smaller club to see what works and what bombs before she takes her act out on tour at the big name expensive ticket venues.

    • #22
  23. CarolJoy Coolidge
    CarolJoy
    @CarolJoy

    In his comment above, A Squared offers up a very interesting legal advancement, that could end up making Mueller become the new candidate for “looking guilty.” Be sure and check his link out.

    • #23
  24. Richard Easton Coolidge
    Richard Easton
    @RichardEaston

    contrarian (View Comment):
    Another comparison…

    Look at how Obama refused to acknowledge the problem of Islamic extremism, how he treated Iran and promoted their interests, and undermined Israel and you can start to see how some people suspected him of secretly being a Muslim.

    Usual response: ‘No. That is absurd.’

    Agreed, but how is it different from people looking at Trump’s rhetoric and connections to Russia and suspecting him of secretly being a secret Russian operative?

    Both are absurd.

    All Christians accidentally say, “My Muslim faith.”

    • #24
  25. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    What the heck is this garbage?

    I don’t know Mona Charen from Adam, but this essay is pure TDS of the nuttiest sort. Yes.  Nutty.  I said it.  I won’t take it back.

    • #25
  26. MelanieW Inactive
    MelanieW
    @MelanieW

    Hmmm. I just joined 5 min ago. Didn’t expect to find a a known Trump doubter in my first read. But I would say, that if one goes searching for evidence to explain one’s chosen narrative, one can find it… especially if it goes unchallenged. So great job to Mona. I, on the other hand could write as good a piece showing the true Russian collusion was done via Obama admin. and HRC folks. Anybody heard from Tony Podesta lately? Has anybody researched HIS connection to the recent indictments?  Anyone wonder what Judge Sullivan is doing w/ the Flynn case? What about those 702 Title 1 warrant applications?  So much yet to be revealed. IMO Trump neither looks guilty or is guilty. History will not be kind to this writing, but kudos for giving it a yeoman’s effort.

     

    • #26
  27. DocJay Inactive
    DocJay
    @DocJay

    MelanieW (View Comment):
    Hmmm. I just joined 5 min ago. Didn’t expect to find a a known Trump doubter in my first read. But I would say, that if one goes searching for evidence to explain one’s chosen narrative, one can find it… especially if it goes unchallenged. So great job to Mona. I, on the other hand could write as good a piece showing the true Russian collusion was done via Obama admin. and HRC folks. Anybody heard from Tony Podesta lately? Has anybody researched HIS connection to the recent indictments? Anyone wonder what Judge Sullivan is doing w/ the Flynn case? What about those 702 Title 1 warrant applications? So much yet to be revealed. IMO Trump neither looks guilty or is guilty. History will not be kind to this writing, but kudos for giving it a yeoman’s effort.

    There’s a heap of wonderful contributors and writers here.   Enjoy yourself.

    • #27
  28. Seawriter Contributor
    Seawriter
    @Seawriter

    MelanieW (View Comment):
    Hmmm. I just joined 5 min ago. Didn’t expect to find a a known Trump doubter in my first read. But I would say, that if one goes searching for evidence to explain one’s chosen narrative, one can find it… especially if it goes unchallenged. So great job to Mona. I, on the other hand could write as good a piece showing the true Russian collusion was done via Obama admin. and HRC folks. Anybody heard from Tony Podesta lately? Has anybody researched HIS connection to the recent indictments? Anyone wonder what Judge Sullivan is doing w/ the Flynn case? What about those 702 Title 1 warrant applications? So much yet to be revealed. IMO Trump neither looks guilty or is guilty. History will not be kind to this writing, but kudos for giving it a yeoman’s effort.

    Yeah.  But your job would be easier. You have facts on your side.

    • #28
  29. Miffed White Male Member
    Miffed White Male
    @MiffedWhiteMale

    President Obama openly mocked Mitt Romney for describing Russia as our greatest adversary,

    President Obama was caught on an open mike telling the Russian leadership he’d have “more flexibility” after his re-election in 2012.

    President Obama rolled over and did nothing when Russia invaded and annexed the Crimea.

    President Obama well before November 2016 was aware of efforts by Russia to interfere in the Presidential election, and took no action.

    President Obama unilaterally cancelled previously agreed to missile defense systems in former Soviet-occupied countries.

    President Obama failed to uphold the US pledge from the 1990s to guarantee the territorial integrity of Ukraine in exchange for Ukraine giving up Soviet-era nuclear weapons.

    All of these are indisputable facts, not conjecture about “appearances”.

    When can we see expect to see Mona’s column about the obvious pro-Russian tilt of the Obama administration?

     

    • #29
  30. Kate Braestrup Member
    Kate Braestrup
    @GrannyDude

    Hello, Melanie!

    • #30
Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.