A few thoughts on the Bolton excerpts:
1) The leak likely came from the permanent NSC bureaucracy, meaning lawyers who deal with whether information is classified, who likely don’t like Trump.
1) The leak likely came from the permanent NSC bureaucracy, meaning lawyers who deal with whether information is classified, who likely don’t like Trump.
2) The leak is problematic for POTUS. It contradicts him and is contrary to his lawyer’s argument in the Senate about critics, who had no evidence, but instead “presumed” a connection between aid and an investigation.
3) What didn’t leak from Bolton’s book? We don’t know if Bolton went on to write there were also corruption related reasons aid was held up or due to POTUS’ concerns about burden sharing.
4)The House in its rush to impeach by Christmas failed to do its job. They should have subpoenaed Bolton.
5) Beware the hype about blockbuster witnesses. They typically have nuances and multiple explanations for events. Smoking guns are rare in politics.
5) Beware the hype about blockbuster witnesses. They typically have nuances and multiple explanations for events. Smoking guns are rare in politics.
6) Even if Trump held up aid, is it a crime that requires the removal of a president, especially in an election year? My answer remains no.
7) One way or another, we will hear from Bolton. Most likely when his book comes out, not prior to then.
7) One way or another, we will hear from Bolton. Most likely when his book comes out, not prior to then.
8) The Senate is under no obligation to fix what the House did wrong. If Bolton was that important, the House should have done its work properly and subpoenaed him.
9) Will here be 50 votes in the Senate to subpoena Bolton? I don’t know. [end]
9) Will here be 50 votes in the Senate to subpoena Bolton? I don’t know. [end]
