Thread by @rgoodlaw

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For newbies and for close observers of the Michael Flynn affair, this essay is as near to a definitive account as I've seen.

I track this issue closely, and I learned A LOT from @marty_lederman's analysis of the timeline and the law.

justsecurity.org/70431/understa…

2. In a devastating analysis, @marty_lederman shows how Bill Barr and acting attorney Tim Shea "egregiously and deliberately misstated the law" in motion to dismiss charges against Flynn.

Plus their motion contradicts a DOJ brief filed in another court just three days before!

3. Why would Flynn lie to FBI while knowing the FBI could easily prove he was lying?

Key fact: Trump told Flynn (via Priebus) to "kill the story." Flynn followed that directive by getting McFarland to lie to media (@IgnatiusPost) and to others about content of Russia phone calls

4. Marty's assessment of Comey is harsh but justified.

"Comey's...belief that he alone understood the best interests of the Department...his willingness to repeatedly disregard important and longstanding DOJ norms and the chain of command, bordering on insubordination."

5. Why did FBI agents stop short after Flynn denied speaking to Russians about sanctions and UN vote? Why not probe Flynn on lying to Pence?

Likely did not think he'd lie. Decided before interview "they would not confront him" if Flynn denied calls' substance (Strzok 302 report)

6. Those nuggets and insights for even close observers of the Flynn case, and lots more.