Posted on 06/08/2017 4:55:50 PM PDT by jazusamo
James Comey’s public testimony exonerates President Trump of obstruction of justice.
To put it simply, “hoping” that something happens is not a crime. The law demands much more than that. Felony obstruction requires that the person seeking to obstruct a law enforcement investigation act “corruptly.” The statute specifically defines what that includes: threats, lies, bribes, destruction of documents, and altering or concealing evidence. None of that is alleged by Comey.
Instead, the fired FBI Director recounts how President Trump expressed compassion for the man he dismissed as his National Security Adviser, calling Michael Flynn “a good guy” who “has been through a lot.” Comey agreed. Then the president said, “I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go.”
The president’s statement is not an order or mandate. It is not even a “request,” though Comey insists he understood it to be. But even if we construe it as such, it is not enough to constitute obstruction. Not even close. There must be a “corrupt” act that accompanies the directive.
For example, if the president had said, “Bury whatever incriminating evidence you have, exonerate Flynn, and terminate the investigation of him entirely… or I will fire you.” That is, arguably, obstruction. It includes two corrupt elements –a threat and concealing evidence. However, this is not what happened.
Comey knows all this. Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, posed the key question: “Do you know of any case in which someone has been charged with obstruction based on the word ‘hope’?” Comey answered, “I don’t.” On that point, Comey is correct.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
As Rush said though, the left will never let it go the headlines tonight tells you this. They have nothing but the “feeling” of a disgruntled democrat hack and his innuendo.
There was no evidence today Trump did anything illegal.
Funny how easily Comey discerns “intent” in what Trump said, but none in all of Hillary’s overt acts.
WOW! This from Fox News. They have been going CNN most of the day.
Brilliant dissection of what really happened today.
Trump did not lie, nor did he obstruct justice in any way.
Only one side was presented to the Senate today.
And it was self-serving tripe that revealed evidences of real crimes by Comey and Lynch.
Amen...I couldn’t agree more.
Yup. They will ride this hobby horse clear through 2020, or 2024 if DJT wins reelection.
And before ever election, in 2018, 2020, and 2022, there will be an opportunity for "Special Council" Robert Mueller to release an October Surprise that will turn the election on its head.
In fact, if Mueller so much as passes gas in public in the weeks before a federal election, the MSM-Democrats will go berserk.
I expect that Mueller will behave as Lawrence Walsh did, releasing dribbles of information during the campaign in order to keep himself in the news and play for more time and budget authorizations.
Comey’s going to be saddled with “intent” the way billy jeff is forever saddled with “depends on what the meaning of ‘is’ is.”
He’s shown himself to be a partisan hack and woefully unfit for the job he held.
Good article.
Excellent read
I know. Even Judge Napolitano went full out obstruction cheer leader
The left will just have to prosecute Comey for this.
“Funny how easily Comey discerns “intent” in what Trump said, but none in all of Hillary’s overt acts.”
I think the investigation will eventually get around to the Clintons.
Why doesn’t *anyone* bring up the two newspaper articles that claimed that Flynn had been cleared for the phone calls? including the CNN article the morning after the WH ‘closed door’ meeting?
My thoughts precisely.\
She gets to skate......even as she actually did all the corrupt things mentioned,
Comey answered, “I don’t.”
And “the five” is totally unwatchable tonight - Jesse Waters isn’t on and they have that a-hole Chris Stirewalt and some black guy that should be on CNN - Dana peRINO is of course joining in on the bashing -
so that leaves only Kimberly Guilfoil to defend the truth. Well, actually, Greg Gutfeld has been good.
I’ve just had it muted the whole time - waiting for Hannity
Agreed; good read.
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