It doesn't matter that the media seized upon the term "collusion" as a shorthand manner of describing Russia's interference in the 2016 election and the Trump campaign's possible connection to Russia in that regard.
What matters is what the DOJ's Appointment of Special Counsel order spelled out Mueller's duties. The word "collusion" does not appear in the order. Not once.
In fact, Mueller has been authorized to "conduct the investigation...including....(i) any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump; and (ii) any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation; and (iii) any other matters within the scope of 28 CFR Section 600.4(a).
The media is being quite disingenuous in allowing this charade to play out. They know what the order calls for. They know "collusion" is a term they coined in this instance, but they refuse to call out Trump on this crucial misstatement of fact.
Regardless, Mueller and the federal courts are well aware that this is simply a diversion; the order is being abided by and the fact that collusion isn't per se a crime is totally irrelevant and inconsequential.
= new reply since forum marked as read
