3373

And yet, that does not justify leaking classified information.

3374
3375

I’m sort of torn on it. I get why people hate it, but I also see the issues with getting rid of it.

I think I lean against it because of the double jeopardy issues rubs me wrong deep inside.
Though after seeing how fucked things are with Trump and pardons, I like knowing that the States can check Federal overreach somehow.

3376

friends in low (high) places

3377

A point that I don’t see addressed very often, brought up by Dave Wasserman – who would likely know – is that even if Nancy Pelosi were to introduce an impeachment inquiry right now – she doesn’t have 218 votes in her own chamber.

I mean, we keep talking about how the Senate won’t convict…but right now there aren’t enough votes (YET, importantly because the case is being built) to even send it to the Senate.

3378

IMHO, she could whip them if she so chose, and will , when the time comes.

3379

I don’t think finding the votes would be a problem. There are a lot of Dems who don’t want to get in front of impeachment, but would surely tag along.

3380

Well duh…

3381

Here’s a question…

So, Trump didn’t claim executive privilege to prevent testimony… and instead claimed “absolute immunity”.

Is that a thing? Cause it seems like it’s not a thing?

3382

The problem with all this stuff is that the body with the jurisdiction to interpret most of this is… Congress, not the courts. (Basically when the privilege or immunity is being asserted directly against a Congressional subpoena, Congress has to interpret this; it would only to go to the courts if it involved a court-based Subpoena or actual court case.) Since Trump has already shown that he will defy Congress 24/7 this means, as long as Congress is unwilling to act on impeachment hearings, these alleged privileges and immunities are going to stymie or delay the investigations.

Bottom line is, on top of all the other crap Trump has done, he is blatantly defying Congress and basically saying “what are you gonna do about it, huh?”

3383

Wouldn’t it be cool if duels were still a thing? ::sigh::

3384

It is not a thing, but, why not? Making shit up as he goes made him the most powerful man in the world.

3385

image
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3386

Ok, so it is a thing.

But… It’s application here is nonsensical.

so… It’s saying that she can’t be held criminally liable, in her execution of duties as a government official? I mean, clearly that’s not true anyway, but even if it were, what would be the thing they are claiming immunity from?

Presumably from contempt of Congress, which would happen if she refused to answer questions?

But she’s… Not a government employee now. So how can she have immunity for actions she’s taking while not a member of the government?

This is just totally nonsensical, right?

3387

Well, even if Trump eventually (attempts to?) pardon Roger Stone, it appears as if he may end up in Jail while awaiting trial…

3388

No more earnest thumb-sucking over phony White House legal theorizing. (In McGrain, the Court ruled that every congressional subpoena must be assumed to have a legislative purpose, and if there is also an investigative function to it, that’s just tough. That’s for you, William Barr.) And, yes, open the damn impeachment inquiry. Announce it on live television, with bunting and balloons and band music. Either that, or stage an elaborate funeral both for the Constitutional order and the concept of irony. Bury them deep in the ground and go on with the farcical parade.

3389

Nadler brought a knife to a gunfight. Only the House can enforce the House’s prerogatives, and as long as they decline to do so, it will be a parade of fuck yous from this administration.

3390

Pretty well done :

3391

After promising he’d “answer every question,” Trump’s Russian-mob connected employee Felix Sater has skipped out on the House Intel testimony he was scheduled to give today:

3392

You must admit, they didn’t ask him one question which he left unanswered.