Rolling Stone: Why Trump Should be Afraid With Robert Mueller on the Case

[pnwmom]

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/why-trump-should-be-afraid-with-robert-mueller-on-the-case-w496316

By now, it's clear: Robert Mueller, the special counsel looking into Russiagate and related matters, is a determined, relentless inquisitor whose investigation could lead to criminal charges against a wide range of Donald Trump's staff, associates, former campaign officials and members of his immediate family. And, when its work is complete, it isn't out of the question that Mueller's team could deliver a report triggering Trump's impeachment.

SNIP

From the start, Mueller had a broad mandate – and it isn't limited to the question of Russia. The statement appointing Mueller authorized him to investigate "any links or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Trump," along with "any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation," plus "any other matters within the scope" of the law. That statement also gave Mueller the job of looking into efforts by Trump or others to impede or block the inquiry.

What that means, and what's scariest for the White House, is that Mueller isn't limited just to the question of collusion between Trump and Moscow. Mueller might suspect that the ties between the Trump organization and the allied financial and real estate empire run by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to Russian banks and various Putin-linked oligarchs, even going back years, might help explain Trump's ties to Russia – making that fair game for the special counsel's office. In addition, should any evidence of other crimes emerge while looking into the Trump-Kushner businesses – such as financial misdeeds, involvement in money-laundering or improper real estate deals, for instance – well, that too could lead to indictments.

And then there's the question of obstruction of justice. Even if Mueller can't prove collusion with Russia and doesn't find any financial or real estate wrongdoing, he can still nail the president if he determines Trump tried illegally to obstruct the investigations that are underway – not only by the special counsel, but by the FBI itself, the Department of Justice and the several congressional committees that are looking into Russiagate.

SNIP

[Cicada]

1. No Republican will vote to impeach

Jeff Flake has attacked Trump. His approval ratings have fallen sharply.

[pnwmom]

2. It's too early to know that. If there are serious crimes involved,

and they're staring their next election in the face, they could decide to impeach.

Or they could go down with the Trump-ship.

[Cicada]

6. Serious crime like shooting someone in fifth avenue?

Trump supporters will say serious crimes are fake news. They will punish anyone voting for impeachment. Republicans have already proven they will do horrible evil things to stay in office, such as voting to repeal Obamacare. They know that would kill vast numbers and cause widespread economic and psychological harm. But they voted for it to keep themselves in power. Many know their votes for pollution risk horrible harm.

[pnwmom]

7. I refuse to be hopeless about this. Yes, I am surprised that the R's have put up with as much

as they have.

But I still believe they will reach a breaking point, once approval among R voters drops far enough. Party leaders want Presidential approval numbers to be in the 80's and 90's, but it's already dropped into the mid 70's (for R's alone). If it gets much lower the R's in Congress will get alarmed.

[Cicada]

8. Well, that's a good point.

If they think Trump will drag them all down anyway.....

[sandensea]

3. No small planes for you, Director Mueller.

[bora13]

4. it's a wonder

he is still alive. is he?

[sandensea]

5. Right.

I'm sure Cheeto would have dispatched him already; but his handlers keep talking him out of it - for now.

Another possibility is that they could go after his loved ones. If something happens to a family member or close relative/friend of Muellers, I'd be very suspicious.