# A Thread for the Mueller Investigation Results and Outcomes (Part 1) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 28, 2017, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093 "2017-10-28T20:14:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 292
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5822 "2018-07-22T19:42:37Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Ummm, wut? Meant to believe? > > I’d urge you to review [this timeline](https://investigaterussia.org/timelines/everything-we-know-about-russia-and-president-trump) and click on the Papadopoulos link. You’ll find the information on Papadop has been in the public record for a very long time, and that he first came to the attention of the FBI in May of 2016 via London-stationed Australian diplomat Alex Downer. This has not been a secret. I will grant you there is a lot to keep track of. JAN. 27, 2017 Papadopoulos Lies to the FBI During a voluntary interview with the FBI about its investigation into Russian interference with the election, George Papadopoulos lies about his communications with Russian officials during the campaign. I don’t see anything referencing the FBI for him in 2016. So far as that timeline is concerned he was only and purely on the side of evil until Jan 27, 2017. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5823 "2018-07-22T19:57:49Z")
> [@SteveG1](#): > > and PizzaGate And…and other Presidents met with Putin! ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5824 "2018-07-22T20:22:20Z")
Trump says the Carter Page documents prove the prosecutors lied to the FISA court. > ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5825 "2018-07-22T21:30:18Z")
I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that the FBI’s official Twitter account on Friday ran a long thread about the history of Russian spies and US accomplices being convicted of crimes in the United States. > ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5826 "2018-07-22T23:25:36Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > Trump says the Carter Page documents prove the prosecutors lied to the FISA court. > [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1020978929736265729](https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1020978929736265729) Of course as is usual with Trump’s Topsy-Turvy approach to facts, the documents prove that the prosecutors did _ **not** _ lie, and that the Devin Nunes/GOP fictions supporting their claims that the warrants should not have been issued _ **were** _, in fact, lies. But Trump et al, like Joe McCarthy, know that the actual contents of the document they hold up matters not one particle. All that matters is having a document to hold up. Characterize the contents any way you like, and the base will accept it without question. _“I have in my possession the names of fifty-seven Communists who are in the State Department at present…”_ ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5827 "2018-07-23T01:21:39Z")
It’s official: this country is fucked. On the one hand, Lindsey Graham says: [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/22/graham-carter-page-wiretap-russia-trump-735562](https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/22/graham-carter-page-wiretap-russia-trump-735562) > [@](#): > > Appearing on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” the South Carolina Republican said, “The whole FISA warrant process needs to be looked at.” He called the Christopher Steele dossier that the FBI cited in its FISA warrant applications “a bunch of garbage” and criticized the government for not being clear that the dossier’s research had been partially funded by Democrats. Look, Graham knows damn well that Steele was initially hired by Republitards who were competing with Trump. He knows that, and so does everyone, so why does he cast aspersions on the legitimacy of the FISA wiretap process, especially since he was presumably one of its strongest supporters during the GWB era? Of course, this is the same Lindsey Graham who says: > **[Lindsey Graham: Trump needs to get tougher on Vladimir Putin ‘before it’s too...](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/1400332/lindsey-graham-trump-needs-to-get-tougher-on-vladimir-putin-before-its-too-late/)** > > Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., challenged President Trump on Sunday to get tougher on Russia to prevent it from interfering in the 2018 midterm elections, like the country did in 2016. He suggested Trump is afraid to toughen cybersecurity measures... > [@](#): > > Graham said the Trump administration is “doing a lot of good work” implementing policies to punish Russia for its 2016 election interference, but needs to do more. > > "What I think he needs to do is lead this nation to make sure the 2018 election is protected, and he needs to be the leader of the movement, not brought to the dance reluctantly,” Graham said. “So I hope he will direct his government working with Congress to harden the 2018 election before it is too late.” Good work? Like what? Oh but wait, it gets better: [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/22/gowdy-trump-putin-russia-735558](https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/22/gowdy-trump-putin-russia-735558) Trey Gowdy, the same Trey Gowdy who believes the investigation should be finished the hell up, now says **some members of the Trump administration should quit if Trump won’t listen to their advice**. That’s it, folks! There it is. You now officially have it. Gowdy pretends on one hand to care so much about the negative optics of Vladimir Putin coming to meet Trump at the White House, but finally reveals himself: Congressional Republicans want anyone who challenges Trump to be purged from the government – and replaced with loyalists. It’s official. The war on America, from within, has officially begun. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5828 "2018-07-23T02:43:39Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > JAN. 27, 2017 > Papadopoulos Lies to the FBI > During a voluntary interview with the FBI about its investigation into Russian interference with the election, George Papadopoulos lies about his communications with Russian officials during the campaign. > > I don’t see anything referencing the FBI for him in 2016. So far as that timeline is concerned he was only and purely on the side of evil until Jan 27, 2017. I misunderstood the point you were making. Apologies. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5829 "2018-07-23T03:05:58Z")
People don’t understand that democracy in America is dead. It’s over, folks. It’s over. This is what we voted for. This is what we’re gonna get. It’s gonna be fun. You will see. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5830 "2018-07-23T03:41:30Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > People don’t understand that democracy in America is dead. > > It’s over, folks. It’s over. > > This is what we voted for. This is what we’re gonna get. It’s gonna be fun. > > You will see. Everyone stay home in November, it’s gonna be a little chilly on election day with a 70% chance of rain and 100% chance of a dead democracy. No point in leaving your house, everyone! ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5831 "2018-07-23T03:43:39Z")
I’m really starting to hope this ends with final cigarettes and blindfolds for every Republican politician and apparatchik (and never has the Russian term been more appropriate). ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5832 "2018-07-23T05:53:14Z")
> [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > Everyone stay home in November, it’s gonna be a little chilly on election day with a 70% chance of rain and 100% chance of a dead democracy. No point in leaving your house, everyone! So asahi’s self claimed motives of trying to motivate people to vote isn’t working? ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5833 "2018-07-23T12:06:58Z")
I think we all suspected even during the race that Trump was probably compromised by Putin. But the extent to which Russia has been able to penetrate our political system is stunning, and it’s especially stunning considering that for years, the Republicans were largely seen as the anti-Russian tough guys. I mean, they barely even pretend to care. They cut election security funding. They use a variety of means to stop Mueller’s investigation. They try to discredit law enforcement and the intelligence community. HL’s right, though. Getting hysterical isn’t gonna help. My postings remind me of how I used to practically shit my pants as a toddler during loud thunderstorms. I just can’t help myself sometimes.:smack: ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5834 "2018-07-23T12:24:21Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > People don’t understand that democracy in America is dead. > > It’s over, folks. It’s over. > > This is what we voted for. This is what we’re gonna get. It’s gonna be fun. > > You will see. Despair Porn is a helluva drug. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5835 "2018-07-23T12:32:52Z")
> [@Leaper](#): > > So asahi’s self claimed motives of trying to motivate people to vote isn’t working? Much more of it and I’ll be disenfranchised by blowing my fucking brains out. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5836 "2018-07-23T13:14:11Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > I’m really starting to hope this ends with final cigarettes and blindfolds for every Republican politician and apparatchik (and never has the Russian term been more appropriate). Good to see you! ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5837 "2018-07-23T14:31:06Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > HL’s right, though. Getting hysterical isn’t gonna help. My postings remind me of how I used to practically shit my pants as a toddler during loud thunderstorms. I just can’t help myself sometimes.:smack: Heh. Not wearing my glasses. And I first read that as “used to patriotically shit my pants…” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5838 "2018-07-23T14:48:34Z")
Sigh. It must be Monday. “Trump again reverses course on Russian interference, calls it ‘all a big hoax’” > **[Trump again reverses course on Russian interference, calls it ‘all a big hoax’](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-again-reverses-course-on-russian-interference-calls-it-all-a-big-hoax/2018/07/22/c8321528-8e13-11e8-b769-e3fff17f0689_story.html)** > > In an evening tweet, the president once more muddied the waters on whether he thinks Russia meddled in the 2016 campaign. > [@](#): > > After a week of tortuous statements, walk-backs and clarifications on whether he believes the U.S. intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential campaign, President Trump appeared to have come full circle on Sunday night, dismissing the issue as “all a big hoax.” > > In an evening tweet shortly after taking off for Washington following a weekend spent at his golf club in New Jersey, Trump questioned why President Barack Obama did not inform his campaign or the public about alleged Russian interference before Election Day. > > “So President Obama knew about Russia before the Election,” Trump said. “Why didn’t he do something about it? Why didn’t he tell our campaign?” > > Trump then went on to answer his own questions: “Because it is all a big hoax, that’s why, and he thought Crooked Hillary was going to win!!!” > … ---
**Author:** ![MaxTheVool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5839 "2018-07-23T16:32:02Z")
So it’s all a big hoax… …and that’s why Obama kept it secret. That makes absolutely no sense. What’s the point of a hoax that is kept secret? ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5840 "2018-07-23T16:54:52Z")
Manafort’s trial starts this week. Mueller had requested immunity for five witnesses in exchange for their testimony. Today, the judge granted the request and said he would unseal the names of the five witnesses. [https://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/judge-orders-witnesses-granted-immunity-to-testify-at-manafort-trial](https://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/judge-orders-witnesses-granted-immunity-to-testify-at-manafort-trial) So I guess getting the immunity granted is good news for Mueller. I don’t know if the judge releasing the names of the witnesses is typical procedure or if it signifies something about this case. Hopefully one of our resident lawyers can clarify that. I guess we’d find out their names soon enough anyway when they were called to testify. ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/5841 "2018-07-23T17:00:20Z")
> [@MaxTheVool](#): > > So it’s all a big hoax… > …and that’s why Obama kept it secret. > > That makes absolutely no sense. What’s the point of a hoax that is kept secret? To be fair, what he might mean is: “If Russia had been interfering with the election, Obama would certainly have told me. Since he did not tell me, this is evidence that there was no interference. Interference was only brought up later as a topic because Clinton lost.” This is, of course, bollocks. There was tons of Russian interference, and Trump was in on it. Every day I wake up hoping it will be the day that Trump is taken out of the White House in leg irons. But, in the interest of being scrupulously fair, I can kinda make sense of his tweet, if I assume it was written by someone who has a coherent thought process somewhere in his brain. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093.md?page=291) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093.md?page=293)