#TRUTHBOMB: You've heard it a million times.
"There was No Collusion except with the Democrats and Russia!"
It's an often-repeated right-wing counter-narrative pointing to the FusionGPS commissioned #SteeleDossier.
Here's why they're full of it and how to counter it.
[THREAD]
"There was No Collusion except with the Democrats and Russia!"
It's an often-repeated right-wing counter-narrative pointing to the FusionGPS commissioned #SteeleDossier.
Here's why they're full of it and how to counter it.
[THREAD]
#FLAG: Trump defenders say if it's illegal to get "opposition research" from a foreign national...
...then the Democrats are guilty of it, because they commissioned Christopher Steele, a former British spy and UK national, to gather intel that became the #SteeleDossier.
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...then the Democrats are guilty of it, because they commissioned Christopher Steele, a former British spy and UK national, to gather intel that became the #SteeleDossier.
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#FLAG: Let's look at the specific law...
52 USC 30121 - It's illegal to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution (opposition research) or donation of money or other thing of value from a foreign national in connection with an election.
But the fact is. STEELE WAS PAID.
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52 USC 30121 - It's illegal to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution (opposition research) or donation of money or other thing of value from a foreign national in connection with an election.
But the fact is. STEELE WAS PAID.
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#BOTTOMLINE: It's LEGAL to pay a foreign nation in exchange for a service.
The DNC/Clinton Campaign hired FusionGPS for opposition research into Trump and Russia, after the primaries.
They commissioned Steele. NOT a donation or contribution.
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The DNC/Clinton Campaign hired FusionGPS for opposition research into Trump and Russia, after the primaries.
They commissioned Steele. NOT a donation or contribution.
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#FYI: Steele DID NOT PAY RUSSIAN SOURCES for the raw intel.
Republicans have tried to connect the money trail from Democrats to Russia — to make it appear more shady AND to discredit Steele and the info. They claim sources lied b/c they were paid.
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Republicans have tried to connect the money trail from Democrats to Russia — to make it appear more shady AND to discredit Steele and the info. They claim sources lied b/c they were paid.
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#FTR: On the other hand, the Trump Tower Meeting DIRECTLY VIOLATED the law.
At a minimum, Don Jr. and the Trump Campaign solicited a contribution from a foreign government — in the form of "dirt," a thing of value (they call opposition research).
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At a minimum, Don Jr. and the Trump Campaign solicited a contribution from a foreign government — in the form of "dirt," a thing of value (they call opposition research).
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#FTR: Don Jr. solicited free "dirt" — a donation or contribution. If called opposition research, it's certainly a thing of value that campaigns pay for.
P.S. - It's in the context of a Quid Pro Quo. Dirt in exchange for lifted Magnitsky Sanctions.
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P.S. - It's in the context of a Quid Pro Quo. Dirt in exchange for lifted Magnitsky Sanctions.
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**Foreign NATIONAL
