Isn’t it true that the White House has no authority to prevent a former official from testifying? If Bolton really wanted to testify, he could already have done it. He wants…something else. Beyond book sales, it’s hard to figure out what it is.
I don’t know if that’s a thing or not, but I do know that Bolton was waiting to see the judge’s ruling on another witness first.
I guess at this point it would also be a thing as far as to whom he’d testify. I guess presumably Schiff’s House Intel Committee is still able to continue the investigation and can make that call if they want. I think what they really want now though is for the Senate to make that call – basically be forced by public opinion into making that call.
vyshka
6058
Most likely war with Iran.
Yeah, that strikes me as posturing. But Bolton is a private citizen, and the President doesn’t have any authority to prevent a private citizen from responding to a subpoena. I don’t think he can even constrain the scope of testimony with a private citizen. Bolton can choose to honor the President’s desire that he e.g. protect privilege, but no one can compel Bolton to do so. And of course any witness reveals classified info at their own peril.
Certainly that, but I don’t see how the testify tap dance gets him that. Probably I lack the proper degree of devious mustachery.
Bolton is a fucking coward. He could have said this under oath at any time. Still could.
Also, if Bolton wrote this in a manuscript and passed it to the publishers and to associates for comment, there is no possibility of an executive privilege claim prevailing. No privilege, no obstacle to subpoenaing Bolton.
Oh absolutely he could. But he:
- Wanted to sell some books, and
- Didn’t want to tarnish his rep. Remember, he’s the guy so conservative and hawkish on foreign policy that he scares other Republicans. He’s got a brand to watch out for.
This is weird, and I’m not sure I follow. The White House has had the manuscript for several weeks…but they didn’t know about this passage?
Like, what, they’re literary agents now and just threw Bolton’s stuff into a pile somewhere?
This is kinda me, lately. I’ve tried to read summaries and I watched Schiff’s excellent wrap up on Thursday or Friday or whenever it was, but I’ve been so busy with other stuff I haven’t really paid too much attention but…yeah.
Banzai
6066
Its a good start to infrastructure week!
Timex
6067
So… There’s zero chance the GOP call him as a witness now.
I think they’re saying that the White House didn’t give their press office any heads up about it.
I think it may get to be pretty tough to not call Bolton, if the early coverage of this is any indication.
jpinard
6071
White House people reading? That’s your answer. Too lazy. Too illiterate.
The “You know nobody in this WH ever talks to anyone else”-defense is pretty believable.
