Live coverage: FBI director testifies to Congress

1. 66

   ptosisposted 7 years ago

   http://thehill.com/policy/national-secu … o-congress
   
   18 minutes from now.   For those who are interested.
   
   FBI Director James Comey and National Security Agency head Adm. Michael Rogers on Monday will break their public silence in the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. election.
   
   Remember the tweet and remember what DJT said last week;
   "As far as wiretapping, "we said nothing.  All we did was quote a certain very talented legal mind who was the one responsible for saying that on television.  I didn’t make an opinion on it.  That was a statement made by a very talented lawyer on Fox.  And so you shouldn’t be talking to me, you should be talking to Fox, okay?"
   
   This guy never take responsibility for anything he does or says.
   

   replyreport
   1. 78

      Credence2posted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, maybe now we can get some answers.....

      replyreport
      1. 66

         ptosisposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         I missed the live but have transcript of the first part located here:
         
         https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/pos … 6a94a9c46d
         
         Some excerpts below (In order)
         
         SCHIFF: Ambassador Kislyac also meets with Trump national campaign chair, National Security Campaign Chair and now attorney general, Jeff Sessions. Sessions would later deny meeting with Russian officials during his Senate confirmation hearing. Just prior to the convention, the Republican Party platform is changed, removing a section that supports the provision of lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine, an action that would be contrary to Russian interests.
         
         Manafort categorically denies involvement by the Trump campaign and altering the platform, but the Republican Party delegate who offered the language in support of providing defensive weapons to Ukraine states it was removed at the insistence of the Trump campaign"
         
         On August 8th, Roger Stone, a long time Trump political advisor and self-proclaimed political dirty trickster, boasts in his speech that he has communicated with Assange and that more documents would be coming, including an October surprise. In the middle of August, he also communicates with the Russian cut out Guccifer 2.0 and authors a Breitbart piece denying Guccifer's links to Russian intelligence.
         
         I have total confidence that WikiLeaks and my hero, Julian Assange will educate the American people soon, he says, #LockHerUp. Payload coming, he predicts and two days later it does.
         
         In December, Michael Flynn has a secret conversation with Ambassador Kislyak, about sanctions imposed by President Obama on Russia over attacking designed to help the Trump campaign. Michael Flynn lies about the secret conversation.
         
         COMEY: With respect to the president's tweets about alleged wiretapping directed at him by the prior administration, I have no information that supports those tweets and we have looked carefully inside the FBI. The Department of Justice has asked me to share with you that the answer is the same for the Department of Justice and all its components. The department has no information that supports those tweets.
         
         SCHIFF: Did you ever request that your counterparts in GCHQ should wiretap Mr. Trump on behalf of President Obama?
         
         ROGERS: No sir, nor would I, that would be expressly against the construct of the Five Eyes agreement that's been in place for decades.
         
         SCHIFF: I would like to ask you whether the Snowden disclosures did damage to our relationship with our German ally and whether the Chancellor herself expressed her concern at the time.
         
         ROGERS: Yes, sir.
         
         SCHIFF: In light of this, is it helpful to our relationship with the Chancellor or our relationship with German intelligence, to bring this up again in a public forum?
         
         ROGERS: It certainly complicates things.
         
         COMEY: Well all I can tell you is what we're investigating which includes whether there was any coordination between people associated with the Trump campaign and the Russians.
         
         HIMES: the people around the president, Michael Flynn, Jeff Sessions, Carter Page, Paul Manafort, have an odd connection to Russia.
         
         SEWELL: I ask these questions because on at least four occasions that I can count, Mr. Flynn, a three-star general and a former intelligence officer, someone with influence over the U.S. policy and someone with knowledge of state secrets and the incoming national security advisor, communicated with and met with the Russian ambassador and failed to disclose it.
         
         SCHIFF: It wasn't simply that the Russians had a negative preference against Secretary Clinton, they also had a positive preference for Donald Trump, isn't that correct?
         
         COMEY: Correct.
         
         SEWELL: Mr. Flynn lied about his communication with the -- with the Russian ambassador.
         
         Secondly, That Mr. Flynn lied about taking money from the Russian government and thirdly, that Mr. Flynn at a minimum did not disclose work as an agent of a foreign -- of a foreign power and that the White House did not help in this concern.
         
         So gentlemen, it's clear to me that Mr. Flynn should be under criminal investigation. And I know you cannot comment but I believe it is my duty as a member of this committee to comment to the American people that this -- that his engagement of lying and failure to disclose really important information and contacts with a foreign ambassador do rise to the level of -- of disclosure and to me, criminal intent.
         
         
         IMHO seems like TrumpGate to me. a swirling mass of something smelly.
         
         

         replyreport
2. 78

   colorfuloneposted 7 years ago

   "James Clapper and others stated that there is no evidence POTUS colluded with Russia. This story is FAKE NEWS and everyone knows it!
   ...
   The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign. Big advantage in Electoral College and lost!"
   
   
   
   I like memes! 

   replyreport
   1. 66

      ptosisposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I think you're kidding me yes? You must me joking.
      How can Congressional testimony be 'fake news'? Clapper said "no comment" please refer to link.
      
      jeez, you are kidding,  - my bad, I didn't know you had cut and pasted Trump tweet, (sheepish look)
      
          James Clapper and others stated that there is no evidence Potus colluded with Russia. This story is FAKE NEWS and everyone knows it!
          — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 20, 2017
      
          The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign. Big advantage in Electoral College & lost!
          — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 20, 2017
      
      
      

      replyreport
      1. 0

         ahorsebackposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Its really funny that on Hub--Pages even  R-Rated political discussion is acceptable .  Or is it only acceptable from the left Hub-Pages ?
         
         What is the matter with you people ?

         replyreport
         1. 66

            ptosisposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            What do you mean by "you people" ?
            
            Reminds me of the "Mars Attacks' Jack Nicholson  Presidential Speech:
            
            If you haven't seen it, it's one of the best scenes  of Jack Nicholson in a very silly movie
            Mars Attacks "Why Can't We All Just Get Along?"
            https://youtu.be/MPMmC0UAnj0
            
            I think you would enjoy it. It'll put a smile on your face and a hearty laugh erupts.

            replyreport
      2. 60

         Live to Learnposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Well, gee. A filthy poster must mean you have something valid to say.

         replyreport
   2. 85

      Marisa Wrightposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      So your way of refuting Trump's made-up story is to claim other people are making up stories as well, as if that excuses everything. 
      
      That's called changing the subject when you haven't got a leg to stand on.  It's Trump's favourite stance.

      replyreport
      1. 78

         colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Reality check:  Trump is the President of the United States.
         
         
         
         Fact vs Fantasy!

         replyreport
         1. 0

            ahorsebackposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            ++++++++++++++++     How crazy is it that liberals continually hold Conservatives to a higher ethical accountability while totally ignoring the transgressions of their own loser candidate ?

            replyreport
            1. 78

               colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               The only thing the Russians MAY have done in regards to our election is reveal to the American public just how corrupt the Democrats are.
               
               "There is no evidence of collusion with Russia. The real issue is the unbelievable amount of classified information that has been illegally leaked, putting our national security at risk – must get to the bottom of it!"  -  President Trump

               replyreport
            2. 88

               GA Andersonposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               How crazy is it to justify a wrong with previous wrongs?
               
               GA

               replyreport
               1. 0

                  ahorsebackposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                  G.A,   lets face it , The left woke up in about nineteen sixty six or  having decided to oppose everything traditionally political ,.....for all time .    The moment Trump announced his interest in running America , the left had already compiled an impeachment  schedule .

                  replyreport
         2. 66

            ptosisposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Which make his  constant lying and not taking responsibility  for what he say even that much worse.

            replyreport
            1. 78

               colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               President Trump isn't constantly lying...the liberal media and Democrats are constantly lying and spinning what he says, or they are projecting their own crap onto Trump. 
               
               I must agree that Trump is lying about one thing consistently though, but I don't believe you would have a clue as to what that one thing might be.  Even if I told you, you would not be able to grasp and comprehend it because we have all been lied to about that one thing consistently during Obama's two terms, and you probably believed it then every single time.

               replyreport
               1. 60

                  Live to Learnposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                  Oh please, do share.What is the one thing he has lied about?

                  replyreport
         3. 0

            jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Don't you mean "President of the un-unite people of the un-Unite States of America?

            replyreport
            1. 60

               Live to Learnposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               No one means that because it isn't true. That's the beauty of being an American.

               replyreport
               1. 0

                  jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                  Well - if you say so.

                  replyreport
                  1. 60

                     Live to Learnposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                     Since I'm an American and you aren't....I would probably be in a better position to judge.

                     replyreport
                     1. 0

                        ahorsebackposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                        Its always interesting to see what outsiders have to say about America  and I welcome that , yet I immediately question the motives and perhaps why their own national ,political shortcomings aren't more important to them .

                        replyreport
                        1. 60

                           Live to Learnposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                           Yes, I agree that it is interesting they don't discuss their national shortcomings. I've noticed when I have brought anything up concerning problems within their borders it appears to irritate the person I am speaking to, to no end.
                           
                           But we are, and have always been, a leader. We are perceived as a beacon of light in a dark world. I suppose it is frustrating to be a foreigner and see us with our pants down. I'm sure they'd like to see us step up to the plate and bring our government back in line with the ideals we were founded on.

                           replyreport
                           1. 0

                              jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                              "Leader?"  "..beacon of light in a dark world...?"
                              Look inwards with clarity and honesty.  Listen to the opinions of those who can view America from the outside.
                              You and various others here in HubPages are complaining about the antics of your politicians.  Yet you put them there.  They are American.  Do they represent America, or don't they? 
                              You will get the governance you deserve.
                              The trouble is, the USA is so influential around the world that we cannot escape the negatives of your political dealings - or the lies of mass-media controlled by Corporate America.
                              So, don't disparage the views of us across the oceans. The solutions must come from you, but they will not come all the time you indulge in self deception.

                              replyreport
                              1. 0

                                 ahorsebackposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                                 Johnny , true ,  we have to clean up our house and that is "In Progress " or at least  as we have voted so  , and yet  , from the outside we are fighting off a barrage of  leftist  supporters  that honestly support the deepest parts of that "Swamp " that so..... needs draining !    You are a liberal , at least as I perceive your political  ideologies ,   perhaps you can enlighten us as to why  the deepest part of our swamp  is also leftist ?
                                 
                                 NYC
                                 NO.
                                 LA.
                                 Atlanta
                                 Detroit
                                 Chicago
                                 Baltimore
                                 D,C..........Some of the deepest muck in the swamp  is legislatively  busy at all times engaging all our nation treasures in the destruction of our inner cities . Care  to share ?

                                 replyreport
                              2. 66

                                 ptosisposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                                 I didn't put 'them there', I'm not a megadonor. and to put 100% US people into one bucket appears .... to be a bigoted opinion.  Don't forget, Trump didn't win the Popular Vote. so NO, not 100% of all voting American put the Prex in the Oval Office.

                                 replyreport
                                 1. 0

                                    jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                                    Ok, ptosis, thanks for comment.  Not 100%, for sure.   I was indulging in a bit of finger poking, please don't take it as a specific insult....  just trying to open the discussion beyond "the Lefties" emphasis.
                                    
                                    Yes, I know and agree that much silliness comes from a blind anti-corporation and anti-big-business stance.  In my opinion, good business ethics, honest and diligent management, giving customers a little more good service than they expected, keeping the "bottom line" healthy, etc., is all vitally important in a nation's progress.  The "Left Wing" attitude seems to be all against such principles.  And the word "profit" is often seen as a dirty word. 
                                    
                                    Yet so can the other extremes:  Business attitude that is greedy, profit-alone-orientated, playing sides against sides for ulterior motives.... utter lies from directors and the rich entrepreneurs leave the little people in business out on the garbage heap.
                                    
                                    There are worthy and unworthy members in each camp.
                                    
                                    What can the likes of you and I do to work against such injustice?  For me, the only way is to get involved in the volunteering I do, subsist on the small pension, do that which I know in my heart is the "right" way to live.

                                    replyreport
                                    1. 66

                                       ptosisposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                                       Yes it's true that there seem to be only extremists, and no middle .  I consider myself middle of the road but left leaning. I didn't vote for Clinton but voted against Trump. Voted for Martha McSally as my Rep. I hate having to put in a niche as if I'm this or that. People are complicated and not one-dimensional cut outs. Thanks for your reply.

                                       report
                              3. 60

                                 Live to Learnposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                                 I can certainly look at us with clarity and honesty. Whether you realize it or not we are completely and totally unique in the world. We have been a beacon of light. I do believe we have lost the moral high ground over the years by allowing corporate interests to gain such power but our stepping up to the plate to help end two world wars Europe and her colonies started is one of the reasons we were seen as such.
                                 
                                 You guys can talk about us in the negative manner it appears foreigners enjoy doing but as has been pointed out in another thread and as I have pointed out to you on occasion, your own countries have problems just as unsettling. Yet if it is brought up it is pushed aside because many would rather comment on our problems then solve their own.
                                 
                                 We will eventually find the solution to the current problems we are dealing with in Washington but I doubt it will be the solution so many other Western countries have decided upon, which is to allow the government more and more control over our lives.
                                 
                                 Yes, we put the politicians in place. I agree with that. Whether I voted for any one in particular or not I participated in the political process and I accept the outcome. I have no idea what purpose that comment served so I don't see any reason to attempt to respond or rebut past this point.
                                 
                                 I don't disparage your personal views as much as I dismiss them. As you have dismissed my questions about the plight of refugees in your country being abused by the government's consent and the populace turning a blind eye to it. At least we talk about our problems. We are open with each other about them We don't hide them on islands out of sight of the world.

                                 replyreport
   3. 82

      Don Wposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Let's look at what Clapper actually said:
      
      James Clapper: "We did not include any evidence in our report, and I say our, that's NSA, FBI and CIA with my office as Director of National Intelligence, that had any reflection of collusion between members of the Trump campaign and the Russians. There was no evidence of that included in our report".
      
      Chuck Todd: "I understand that, but does it exist?"
      
      James Clapper "Not to my knowledge. This could have become available in the time since I left the government, but at the time, we had no evidence of such collusion.(my emphasis)(1)
      
      Clearly he not say "there is no evidence". If there is another interview Trump is referring to where Clapper says that, please provide a link.
      
      (1) http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/v … 0509379597

      replyreport
3. 88

   Will Apseposted 7 years ago

   I'm not a big advocate of legal action against political players or the wealthy, as individuals. If the powerful become desperate they are a menace to everyone. It is best to let them win or lose their power struggles without threats of death or imprisonment entering the equation.
   
   Having said that, a trial of Flynn could shed some light on the weirdness of the whole Russia/Republican thing.

   replyreport
4. 0

   ahorsebackposted 7 years ago

   Today the House Intelligence Committee  Chairman announced that YES    people in the Obama administration  openly  spied on the Trump transition team  AFTER the election  !
   
   Any comments ?

   replyreport
   1. 78

      colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Well good news!   Just read about it on Breitbart.  Devin Nunes dropped a bomb on Obama team's potential crimes in abusing Intel. 
      
      "The result is a vindication of Trump’s controversial claims. Questions remain about whether President Obama himself knew of the surveillance, which other Obama administration officials were involved, and whether Trump was monitored directly."
      *  http://www.breitbart.com/big-government … veillance/ 
      
      I believed that President Trump wouldn't have tweeted about that unless he could back it up.  He sure is good at getting discussions going and bringing things to light.

      replyreport
      1. 0

         ahorsebackposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         House intelligence committee says it happened ,  actually they are of both parties and torn down the middle ?   We'll see though ,  ...........
         
         Well, Lets impeach Obama !

         replyreport
         1. 78

            colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            So far, the President is making good on a lot of his promises.  He must be breaking some historical records there.  I'm waiting for more of the swamp to get drained. Some indictments would be fine.

            replyreport