A SILLY INDICTMENT

Powerline ^ | February 17,2017 | PAUL MIRENGOFF

[Hojczyk]

Surely, Russian efforts were inconsequential in 2016. As John noted, at the height of the presidential campaign, the Russia campaign budget was only $1,250,000 per month. This pales in comparison to what the major candidates and their parties were spending. It isn’t enough to turn even a close election. Suggesting that Russia’s efforts affected the outcome of this election is like saying that dropping a bucket of water into the sea affected the tide.

In any event, what’s the point of indicting Russians over whom we have no jurisdiction? Doing so serves no apparent preventative or punitive purpose. If we want to deter or punish Russian interference, we can step up our interference in Russian politics, impose more sanctions, and/or take positions adverse to Russia on matters important to it. Each of these approaches imposes pain. This indictment does not.

I think this latest instance of “lawfare” just makes us look weak and foolish. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Kremlin is having a laugh about it. Not as nearly as big a laugh, though, as the one it’s having over the disruption of the Trump administration that the seemingly baseless Russia collusion story has produced.

Because there appears to be no chance of bringing the Russians in question to justice, I can’t help but suspect that Mueller’s indictment is about justifying the existence of a special counsel. It may also be about cementing his position. Allahpundit suggests it may be more difficult for President Trump to sack Mueller now that he has indicted Russians because doing so might cause some to believe, absurdly, that he is protecting Russia.

Here’s what the indictment is not about: it’s not about responding seriously to Russian interference in the 2016 election.

[ctdonath2]

I saw some of the ads. Staggeringly inane.
They were so bad I consider it prima face proof that Trump had nothing to do with them (no “collusion”): Trump is familiar with high quality advertising, and would never pay good money for such ineffective drivel.

[Steven W.]

the Russia campaign budget was only $1,250,000 per month.

So, besides creating the #NotMyPresident thing & seemingly pitting some unwitting Trump supporters against post-election HRC gang protests in NYC, exactly what was this Russian operation doing? it's curious.

[Slyfox]

LOL