# 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:** 82
**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:** [January 10, 2018, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1621 "2018-01-10T19:49:27Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > It’s all for the good, IMO. One purpose that threads and MBs like this serve is so that partisan dimwits can surround themselves with likeminded members of their own intellectual class and agree with each other about how right they are. “Hey, let’s call him This”, “that’s good but how about let’s call him That?” is about right for that level of discourse. Unfortunately for us, members of your intellectual class include dead batteries and moldy cheese, which don’t typically have message boards of their own, so you continue to troll here. Yay. ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1622 "2018-01-10T19:52:13Z")
> [@wonky](#): > > Grassley’s comments are exactly like someone not asking you for details of your sex life. If you weren’t so partisan, you could see that. > [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > It’s all for the good, IMO. One purpose that threads and MBs like this serve is so that partisan dimwits can surround themselves with likeminded members of their own intellectual class and agree with each other about how right they are. “Hey, let’s call him This”, “that’s good but how about let’s call him That?” is about right for that level of discourse. I think they’re being generous, considering most thoughts I would use to describe you sounded better coming out of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. Whiny baby enters Pit, gets upset. No one is surprised. ---
**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:** [January 10, 2018, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1623 "2018-01-10T20:19:36Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > It’s all for the good, IMO. One purpose that threads and MBs like this serve is so that partisan dimwits can surround themselves with likeminded members of their own intellectual class and agree with each other about how right they are. “Hey, let’s call him This”, “that’s good but how about let’s call him That?” is about right for that level of discourse. If the Pit is too hard on your fragile sensibilities, there’s another thread in [Elections](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=822218) where you can post your compelling links and arguments on this subject. Of course, you won’t be able to name-call over there, so there’s that. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1624 "2018-01-10T20:22:52Z")
No, I’m with things as they’re going here. I was merely commenting on the dynamics of the discussion, as I might on any other topic. It was an observation that not many others seemed likely to make, and also happened to be correct - characterizations which apply to most of my comments on this MB. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1625 "2018-01-10T21:20:29Z")
When asked if he would sit down for an interview, Trump [responded](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/10/trump-on-potential-mueller-interview-well-see-what-happens.html): “We’ll see what happens…It seems unlikely they could even have an interview.” Not sure what that means, or why he thinks they can’t have an interview. ---
**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:** [January 10, 2018, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1626 "2018-01-10T21:22:49Z")
> [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > When asked if he would sit down for an interview, Trump [responded](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/10/trump-on-potential-mueller-interview-well-see-what-happens.html): > > “We’ll see what happens…It seems unlikely they could even have an interview.” > > Not sure what that means, or why he thinks they can’t have an interview. Like I said somewhere else: this interview will never happen. Thump will cause some big distraction. I only hope it isn’t WWIII. But it might be. ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1627 "2018-01-10T21:23:29Z")
Just saw the full quote (which doesn’t really change much): “We’ll see what happens … When they have no collusion, and nobody has found any collusion … it seems unlikely that you’d even have an interview.” ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1628 "2018-01-10T21:34:00Z")
Today’s headlines: [Donald is mad at Sneaky Diane Feinstein](https://www.vox.com/2018/1/10/16873614/trump-tweet-feinstein)for blowing up his spot and maybe also for making him look like a dope in their meeting ([a fact the Whitehouse tried to censor from the transcript!](https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/10/trump-clean-daca-deal-333154)): > Donald J. Trump ‏Verified account @realDonaldTrump \* The fact that Sneaky Dianne Feinstein, who has on numerous occasions stated that collusion between Trump/Russia has not been found, would release testimony in such an underhanded and possibly illegal way, totally without authorization, is a disgrace. Must have tough Primary!\* Underhanded and illegal and _totally_ without authorization! You go Dianne! ```auto In other news,[Donald is calling on Republicans to "take over" the Russia investigation,](https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/trump-rages-grassley-responds)a move that gave Chuck Grassley the willies: https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/951109942685126656 Donald J. Trump ‏Verified account @realDonaldTrump * The single greatest Witch Hunt in American history continues. There was no collusion, everybody including the Dems knows there was no collusion, & yet on and on it goes. Russia & the world is laughing at the stupidity they are witnessing. Republicans should finally take control!* To which Grassley, a career politician, replied: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/10/trump-republicans-control-russia-investigation-333158 [quote=Politico link just above] “I don’t know what the president has in mind, and I don’t think I better comment until I have a discussion with the president on that,” Grassley said, when asked by reporters. Then, seemingly catching himself, Grassley added: “And I don’t intend to have a discussion with the president on that point, and I hope he doesn’t call me and tell me the same thing that you said he said.” [/quote] Things are moving faster but I think more people coming to a consensus that the Fat Lady should start her warm ups. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oh - and Donald is now saying that he's not sure he wants to talk to Mueller. Confusion to the enemy! https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/10/trump-russia-probe-mueller-well-see-333735?lo=ap_a1 ``` ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1629 "2018-01-10T21:39:10Z")
Donald Trump spelled Dianne right? I don’t know if I can believe that one. ---
**Author:** ![Fubaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@Fubaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fubaya)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1630 "2018-01-10T21:47:17Z")
> [@Merneith](#): > > Today’s headlines: And Bobby Threesticks hired a veteran cyber prosecutor > **[Mueller adds veteran cyber prosecutor to special-counsel team](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/mueller-adds-veteran-cyber-prosecutor-to-special-counsel-team/2018/01/10/860f3364-f585-11e7-b34a-b85626af34ef_story.html?utm_term=.5295dfef7d07)** > > Ryan K. Dickey was involved in the prosecution of the hacker “Guccifer,” who accessed the accounts of U.S. political figures. ---
**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:** [January 10, 2018, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1631 "2018-01-10T21:58:07Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > Oh. I was just thinking exactly the same thing. I bet Twitler had his buddy David Pecker\* dig into Graham’s personal life. And I bet they’ll release the story whenever Trump says the word. And I bet he knows it. It won’t be the first time Trump has done this, either. He had them investigate Joe Scarborough and Mika Brezinski, then he had someone on his staff call Joe and tell him Trump would spike the story if he called Trump and groveled and changed the tone of their coverage. > Joe basically said no told him to go to hell and the story - which was really lame - ran. And Trump tweeted that they had begged him to kill it and he said no. > And J and M have been awfully low key about that incident, given how traumatic it was, The NE reporters were following and harassing Mika’s daughters. I really hope they are pursuing it through channels other than the media. I’d forgotten about Trump’s operation intended to give him control over J and M…but, you’re right. Trump may be personally blackmailing Lindsey Graham. I had been assuming it was Russian-curated material that was being used to induce Graham to work so hard to shield and defend the man he’d earlier been so dismissive of (even scathing–“kook” and “not fit”). But, yeah: it could be Trump’s own operation. > [@SteveG1](#): > > I sure hope the kompromat is discovered, and published. I love that Feinstein released the Fusion GPS transcripts. Yes, and as far as I can discover, Feinstein was within her rights to release the transcript. Cue calls in right-wing world to Lock Her Up in 3 - 2 - 1 … > [@asahi](#): > > I think it’s now pretty obvious that there are more Republicans than just Trump who, at minimum, had direct knowledge of Russia’s attempts to influence this election. And at worst, they have probably aided and abetted the conspiracy before, during, and since the election. I’m not simply referring to members of the Trump campaign and administration but also, quite possibly if not likely, members of congress… This seems likely to me, too. It can’t just be ‘Trump will sign our bills,’ because Pence would certainly sign their bills, too. There has to be some real fears of discovery motivating people like Devin Nunes. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1632 "2018-01-10T22:29:01Z")
> [@Merneith](#): > > Donald J. Trump ‏Verified account > @realDonaldTrump > > - > > The single greatest Witch Hunt in American history continues. There was no collusion, everybody including the Dems knows there was no collusion, & yet on and on it goes. **Russia & the world is laughing at the stupidity they are witnessing.** Republicans should finally take control!\* (emphasis added) Holy fuck, Donald tweeted something that is true! ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1633 "2018-01-10T23:01:25Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > Awww, isn’t he just so PWECIOUS? > > Let it go, SamuelP. Just let it go… Wrong thread? \*Folks, I’m goin’ down to St. James Infirmary See my baby there; She’s stretched out on a long, white table She’s so sweet, so cold, so fair Let it go, let it go, ohh bless her Wherever she may be.\* ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1634 "2018-01-10T23:28:57Z")
Mueller added [another prosecutor.](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/mueller-adds-veteran-cyber-prosecutor-to-special-counsel-team/2018/01/10/860f3364-f585-11e7-b34a-b85626af34ef_story.html?utm_term=.e541f3842204) A cybercrimes expert, apparently. Starting to think that they are not going to wrap this up by Thanksgiving, 2017. ---
**Author:** ![Randolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Randolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randolph)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2018, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1635 "2018-01-10T23:40:50Z")
I’d say that’s a given. ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2018, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1636 "2018-01-11T00:29:15Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > … someone of Steele’s integrity, character and reputation, … Do we really know that much about Steele? I’ve read that he was head of the Russia desk at MI6, but I’ve also read LeCarre, so … ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2018, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1637 "2018-01-11T02:17:44Z")
I’m a bit surprised at how much speculation on the part of witnesses is allowed in senate hearings. ---
**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:** [January 11, 2018, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1638 "2018-01-11T02:23:01Z")
> [@j666](#): > > Do we really know that much about Steele? I’ve read that he was head of the Russia desk at MI6, but I’ve also read LeCarre, so … In the end, it just doesn’t matter. What Mueller finds is what Mueller finds. If it turns out the Steele dossier was right about all of it or most of it, that’s incidental. It’s beside the point. But sure, I’ll defend Steele. Just as we can only judge Mueller on a lifetime of ethical behavior and what regard others hold him in, we can judge Steele. I’ve read what I can on the guy, but there isn’t much. In a way, that speaks well of him. If there was dirt on Steele, I’m pretty sure the Republican attack machine would have dug it up by now and spread it far and wide. We know these things: He doesn’t hold interviews and he has not in any way contributed to the politicization of his dossier. He’s held in high regard by the FBI by those who have worked with him closely in years past on the FIFA scandal. He was considered the best Russian expert in his years at MI6, a career that spanned nearly two decades, and is still regarded highly in that particular area. He seems to have been enough of a star at MI6 to be given responsibility in the Litvinenko poisoning investigation. Comey had no problem working with him in his capacity as a Russian expert. I believe Mueller holds a good opinion of him and his work, too. He cared enough about what he learned to bring it to the attention of an American agency that could do something about it. He had no reason to do it other than sincere alarm. It was the right thing to do, and I can’t believe there is even any debate about that. He’s paid a pretty high price for it, too. He has been at times in genuine fear for his life and that of his family. I find it shameful how he’s been treated by what should be a grateful ally. He cares deeply about protecting his sources. Now sounds like he may have had good reason to be concerned. Lastly, portions of Steele’s dossier have been shown to be true. Portions remain unverified. Nothing has to date been shown to be false. That speaks pretty well of him, I think. Do we have any evidence that he’s anything _other_ than a person of good integrity, character or reputation? I’ve seen no evidence for it. Should he be made to prove a negative? ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2018, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1639 "2018-01-11T02:25:42Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > LOL, I’m partial to The PhippPhlopp. That describes it very well! Isn’t that the sound that a turd makes when it splashes into the bowl? ---
**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:** [January 11, 2018, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093/1640 "2018-01-11T02:29:09Z")
> [@John\_DiFool](#): > > Isn’t that the sound that a turd makes when it splashes into the bowl? ROFL, staaahhhhpppp!!! I had to spit wine back into my glass!! But… yeah. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093.md?page=81) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-the-mueller-investigation-results-and-outcomes-part-1/800093.md?page=83)