@LindseyGrahamSC is using classic defense atty trick during @RodRosenstein testimony - pointing out absence of certain evidence to suggest that means the whole case must fall. He deliberately ignores much more evidence.
@SenFeinstein elicits answer from@@RodRosenstein that Mueller did not rely on Steele dossier whatsover in his report. She might also have included Carter Page FISA. These two items are strawmen that need to be knocked down.
@ChuckGrassley is back on the dossier. @RodRosenstein explains that the information from the dossier that made it into the FISA application was verified. And, of course, concerns about its reliability was noted to the court.
@SenatorLeahy gets @RodRosenstein to agree that Page FISA applications came AFTER inveatigation was opened, and therefore did not contribute to the decision to open it.
@RodRosenstein also agrees with @SenatorLeahy that nothing has changed the conclusion that a Russia interfered with our election, and that the investigation of that attack was appropriate.
@SenWhitehouse says Judiciary Committee is running political errands.
@SenTedCruz is perpetuating the narrative that Obama improperly investigated Trump. Misleadingly quotes from FBI closing memo that was written BEFORE Flynn’s calls with Kislyak and lies to Pence. But, of course, with this new evidence, FBI was right to keep the case open.
And we are back to the Steele dossier. Rhymes with “Benghazi.”
@SenTedCruz says Logan Act was sole basis for investigation, and is unconstitutional. Wrong on many levels. @RodRosenstein uses his answer to defend himself personally rather than point out false premises of question, so I will.
First, just because Logan Act is more than 200 years old does not mean it is invalid. Insurrection Act is old, too.
Second, even if it would have been ultimately been difficult to sustain a conviction under Logan Act, it is a law on the books, and therefore a proper basis for investigation. DOJ calls this the “Al Capone” theory of investigation, and uses it all the time to prosecute threats.
Third, in addition to Logan Act, Flynn’s calls and lies were sufficient predicates to investigate conspiracy to defraud the United States and acting as an agent of a foreign government.
Finally, FBI was investigating Flynn’s calls and lies as counterintelligence threat. He had compromised himself with Russia by exposing himself to blackmail. As national security adviser, he has access to America’s most sensitive information. FBI has duty to probe this threat.
@RodRosenstein agrees with conclusion of IG that Russia investigation was properly predicated and was not a witch hunt.
In response to Sen Chris Coon, @RodRosenstein says he is unaware of any evidence of any wrongdoing by President Obama.
Investigating FISA process so that it can be improved is perfectly appropriate, but using it to suggest that it means Russia investigation was a hoax is dishonest. It is undisputed that Russia attacked our election and that investigation was properly opened BEFORE Steele dossier.
@SenBlumenthal points out that IG found no issue with conclusions of Mueller Report. (And remember what he found: no conspiracy as defined by statute, but Trump campaign knew about, welcomed, and benefited from Russian help. One might even call it collusion.)
In case you were wondering whether this hearing was a political stunt, @SenJoniErnst refers to the last administration as the “Obama-Biden Administration.”
@maziehirono asks @RodRosenstein about “landing the plane.” He denies using those words. Hmm. Not quite a denial of the substance.
I did not hear @RodRosenstein deny wearing a wire or discussing 25th Amendment. He said, ”The idea that I was involved in some conspiracy to get the president is ridiculous.” Those are different things.
@SenJohnKennedy misses the inconsistency in the idea that FBI agents “entrapped” Flynn, but later said they did not believe he lied. Which is it?
@LindseyGrahamSC keeps improperly using the term “exculpatory evidence” about Flynn. There is nothing to negate Flynn’s guilt of lying to the FBI.
