Whitaker and the Republicans are intentionally obstructing the Mueller investigation ...

[kentuck]

Whitaker knows what is expected of him.

The Republicans could have a Senate hearing at this very moment if they so chose. But both are silent in their complicity with Donald Trump to sidetrack and to obstruct the Mueller investigation.

Instead, they argue that he is just "temporary", an acting Attorney General. But he still has the power of the Attorney General with oversight of the Russia investigation.

Three Senators have filed suit this morning challenging the constitutionality of Whitaker as acting AG without Senate advise and consent. They do not appear to have a strong hand at this time.

Unless Mueller decides to subpoena or force the issue, it appears that Trump has successfully placed a firewall of protection berween himself and the investigation.

Personally, I do not expect to see any meaningful subpoenas in the near future. Mueller has been temporarily check-mated by Donald Trump.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. As far as we know Whitaker has not taken any steps (yet) to hinder the investigation.

You are just assuming that he's done something based on the WH's arguments in the court case. I think Whitaker knows better than to do anything because he is under intense scrutiny by the incoming House Intelligence Committee and other Democrats, who will be ready in January to haul his ass before them for questioning. I don't think he wants to be charged with obstruction of justice.

[kentuck]

5. Just being in the position hinders the investigation

Democrats still have about six weeks before they take over the House. Much can happen in six weeks.

Trey Gowdy has signaled the Republican strategy.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. How does just being in the position hinder the investigation?

I would think that the investigators would be working that much harder to be sure as much as possible gets done before he can even try to do anything.

[kentuck]

7. If Mueller had any intention of subpoenaing Trump, Don Jr, or anyone close to the family ...

He must now go thru Matt Whitaker, not Rod Rosenstein. Whitaker is presently in control of the investigation, not Robert Mueller.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. And if Whitaker refuses to allow Mueller to issue subpoenas, what do you think

will happen in January? Don't forget, the special counsel rules require Whitaker to notify Congress if he blocks any “investigative or procedural step” Mueller recommends, such as issuing an indictment or subpoena. He can't just do it. And if he were to do that the new House Intelligence Committee and other House committees would want to know why.

[kentuck]

11. We should not assume the investigation will be intact in January.

Also, we should not assume that Whitaker will not attempt to end the investigation and that McConnell and Republicans will not support his decision.

If we make it to January 4th, we will be in much better position, I would agree .

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

12. Congress is not in session for most of the rest of November and December.

They're actually at work for only a few more weeks, and they probably want to try to repeal the ACA one more time.

[kentuck]

14. We shall see...

But, Republicans are probably in no hurry to mess with ACA after last election ?

[duforsure]

2. I see jail in their future.

[maxsolomon]

4. Who's future?

Senators obstructing? Whitaker? Trump?

As much as you want it, they'll never see the in side of a jail. Be realistic about the nation you live in.

Manafort is only in jail because the other option is Polonium Tea.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. Whitaker probably won't go to jail no matter what he does,

but he will see his career ruined, just like what's happened to almost every other unqualified, corrupt swamp creature Trump has appointed. Whitaker's appointment was obviously a done deal before the midterm elections, but neither he nor Tiny expected the Dems to take the House (notwithstanding the polls). I don't think Whitaker anticipated that he was going to find himself in Adam Schiff's crosshairs come January, but just assumed he could derail the investigation in exchange for a permanent appointment to AG. But he isn't going anywhere, except maybe back to Iowa to run some fraudulent operation selling "masculine toilets" to MAGAts with insecurity issues.

[maxsolomon]

13. None of them are going to jail.

For lying to the FBI, or not reporting the Rooshin contacts, or Obstruction, or whatever else Mueller finds. If there was clear evidence of direct, deliberate collaboration with Putin's Lie Factories, the press would have it by now.

Conviction, fine, probation, conviction, fine, probation all down the line. Then pardons.

Whitaker is just another Trump pawn. At best, he's a rook. He hasn't done anything yet - he'll sit on the report if he can until a real AG is confirmed by McConnellites.

[PJMcK]

3. Is the Senate even in Session?

It would be difficult to have a confirmation hearing if the Senate is in recess for Thanksgiving.

[TheBlackAdder]

10. Trump publicly stated that he won't interfere if Whitiker does something to affect the Mueller probe

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

15. And of course we can believe every word that falls from his asshole-shaped mouth.

[TheBlackAdder]

17. With this, I say yes. He said he's not going to stop Whitaker if he interferes with the probe.

.

This implies that Whitaker has the green light to interfere and Trump won't stop him.

.

[Bluesaph]

16. Right now he's Trump's informer

Whispering details in Trump’s ear.