Thank you for taking the time to post this - it’s easier to read than some other transcripts I tried wading through!
As a non-lawyer my understanding is that years ago the DoJ was working on a case against Manafort for various illegal schemes involving Russia and Ukraine. The case wasn’t active in 2016- maybe lack of proper evidence or interest by DoJ.
When Trump was elected and russiarussiarussia was brought to us for whatever reason, certain people at DoJ “found” this tired old case and used it as a way in the door for russiarussiarussia.
I like that this judge has ordered August 2nd to be read by him. I may be wrong, but I think some fishy stuff will be found in that memo.
Judge Ellis seems tough, fair and wily. Good traits for a judge.
He sure is wily.
Judge Ellis pointedly said to attorney Dreeben, what you’re basically saying is, “we issued these internal things but don’t expect us to be bound by them.”
Dreeben had no choice but to admit that they don’t have to honor DOJ regs because they’re not statutes.
Well then, why have regulations?
It seems the purpose is to bamboozle the American people into complacency, just as Dreeben tried his best to bamboozle Judge Ellis, who politely told him ‘that’s helpful, but you didn’t answer my question.”