Pelosi calls for probe of possible Russian blackmail of Trump

[Native]

Source: Politico

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi urged the FBI to probe President Trump's finances and personal ties to find out if the Russian government is blackmailing him.

"I want to know what the Russians have on Donald Trump," the California Democrat told Chuck Todd on NBC's "Meet the Press." "I think we have to have an investigation by the FBI into his financial, personal and political connections to Russia, and we want to see his tax returns, so we can have truth in the relationship between Putin, whom he admires, and Donald Trump."

Intelligence officials briefed Trump and outgoing President Barack Obama on claims that Russia has attempted to compromise him, and the FBI is investigating those allegations, CNN reported in January. The investigation of included intercepted communications, according to the New York Times.

House and Senate panels are also investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, including possible contacts between the Kremlin and Trump's campaign.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/pelosi-trump-russia-234664

[J_William_Ryan]

1. She can call for whatever she wants.

The blind partisan Republican Congress will take no action.

[Native]

2. After tonight's interview airs, I don't know if that will be the case.

Repubs are starting to fire back. Rubio just said: "When have our politicians poisoned opponents?"

[riversedge]

8. Rubio talks big--then he seems to cave a lot.

[LenaBaby61]

42. Rubio talks big--then he seems to cave a lot.

He doesn't SEEM to cave in a lot.

He CAVES IN ALL OF THE TIME.

[DemoTex]

3. Partisan Republican Congress, yes ..

Blind, no.

[Scarsdale]

10. Upraising

People are finally waking up, taking to the streets. The gop are running from "meetings" with constituents, angry about the ACA and other topics. It may take a while, but eventually (when it gets close to voting time) they will realize that they need to change in order to keep their cushy jobs with all the perks. They can stand back, smirking at tRump as he destroys the country, but he is ALL THEIRS, the democratic population hates the orange arse. He represents THEM, and people are disgusted and dismayed at how fast he has shown just what a disaster he truly is. He needs a mental evaluation - FAST.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

18. Resistance works

[madokie]

45. that pic will go on my refrigerator

for a few days at least.

We're so FUCKED

I apologize for using that word so much but what else works like it does.
Screwed, Screwn, screwd, nope not a one of those is acceptable for the message I'm trying to put forth.



Peace

[mulsh]

20. At least call or email your congress critters about this issue. the more calls/emails they get the

more likely they'll act. It couldn't hurt and it's easy to do. Call the Congressional switch board 212 224 3121 or google your rep's name and link to their office. neither one takes very long to do.

[calimary]

29. Also, there are TOLL FREE Capitol Hill switchboard numbers available!

I have updated ones listed in my sig line, below.

But I've also discovered that it helps to google your rep's name to get their LOCAL office contact info. That way you can send a letter, or email, or call them locally, or even drop by. Present your letter in person! Bring them a box of cookies or something. Leave a message on their locked office door if nobody's there. I've started keeping a roll of Scotch tape and a notebook and pens in my car for just such a purpose.

ALWAYS-ALWAYS-ALWAYS PEACEFUL AND NON-THREATENING! Make damn sure of it!

[JudyM]

32. I can't say "great!" too often re:your inspiring posts. This is another one.

[calimary]

40. Aww, thanks!

[LiberalLovinLug]

34. Even if they take "action" by ordering Comey to investigate

How thorough will this insider saboteur actually be on this?

In fact I fully expect them to make a public call soon. They are stalling to get all their ducks in a row. Like the 9/11 investigations. That way, Comey can "investigate" and report back 'nothing to see here folks'. And then if they get any continuing pushback they will go on talk shows and smirk and roll their eyes and tell America how Democrats just want to be partisan and not accept the facts from the esteemed intelligence community.

[starshine00]

46. I am not so sure.

They will have a lot easier time controlling Pence. I think they will wait til the time is right then Dump Trump, who probably wants to get back to the private sector anyway.

[Sunlei]

4. This is what we need. Republicans never even gave trump a basic security clearance. And, I think

a campaign Republican first ordered that Russian contact list investigation by the UK expert. Someone else bought the contract from the PI. The R party knows something about what information Russia has on trump.

[onecaliberal]

5. I'm sorry but comey does what trump says. He's just as much putins as the maggot

[dalton99a]

6. It is good that people like Pelosi are speaking out in forceful language

[Scarsdale]

13. Exactly

More politicians need to back her up. Anyone with a speck of true patriotism would join her in this request.

[riversedge]

7. It is past time for the People of the U.S. to know Trumps connections to Putin!

[dchill]

51. Four months past time!

As intended, I'm sure.

[bucolic_frolic]

9. Even if they find something, don't expect much

It might precipitate an international crisis

However, if they found something they might hold it over his head
from our side, to effectively neutralize him

[zentrum]

11. A little late Nancy.

Should have been demanding this loudly before the election and being more strategic about the media coverage it would receive.

Might have a Pence in the WH and a Goresuch Supreme Court before this is resolved. Etc. The pain and damage will still be great even of we get rid of Trump. Trump is a hateful man but Trumpism is being installed on a daily basis.

Can you imagine the Repug SCREAMS before the election if the story was the other way around? --That Hillary was under Putin's thumb?

[Botany]

12. This needs to go public .... let Trump, Spicer, or K.A.C. defend that they are in power because ....

.... of Russian crimes against America.


http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/24/russians-suspected-hacking-wisconsin-dems/97023222/

[starshine00]

47. just out of curiousity I wonder does anyone here suspect Russia of taking down this site?

during the election? I didn't have a membership then but I was going to follow the election on here and it was taken down...

[Botany]

48. i have no doubt that russia or russian agents were behind the hacking of DU ...

..... but then again I might be wrong.

The video that was posted here was chilling.

[starshine00]

49. what was it, I wasn't on here yet then, any link to it?

or will it make me have nightmares?

[triron]

50. I think so as well.

Happened about the time Florida vote count changed abruptly.

[Ford_Prefect]

14. All they need to do is ask the NSA. They've been listening to it all for years.

[2naSalit]

16. Right? So why has the NSA

become a secret all of a sudden? Nobody ever asks them for anything on this issue and any investigation should have started there.

[fountainofyouth]

19. Resist buying into right-wing conspiracies

E.g., that the NSA magically has stored all communications on the planet on its computers. Doesn't work that way.

[Ford_Prefect]

22. NSA has been listening to specific targets like Trump for some time given his known connections.

I find it surprising that no one has referred to it.

[fountainofyouth]

27. NSA does not have authority to listen to Trump's conversations

You might be referring to NSA's surveillance of several contacts of Paul Manafort, as reported by the New York Times. But those were foreigners on foreign soil.

[Ford_Prefect]

31. I am referring to conversations Trump made over the many years prior to the election.

NSA and other agencies most certainly had both permission and motivation during that period and likely they were not alone in that interest. Trump would have been a target of interest due to his extensive Russian banking and investment connections long before he became the nominee or even lined up to try it on.

[Skittles]

15. it's the ONLY LOGICAL REASON why he PUBLICLY KISSES PUTIN ASS

[2naSalit]

17. THIS

[Gothmog]

21. Putin can blackmail trump at any time

[benld74]

23. CIA heck with FBI!!

[mopinko]

24. you have to say it before you can do it, and the right people have to say it.

the politicians are saying it. mark pocan blasted it all out on the house floor.

i think the end is near, i really do.

and remember the dems have blackmail material, too. a call for a full investigation is a direct threat to the dictator.
that and people in the streets the way they are?

this cant last.

[Amaryllis]

25. See this: This Senator Is Hell-Bent on Getting Out the Truth About Trump and Russia (David Corn)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1016176517

[NNadir]

26. The FBI investigating Trump is a dubious enterprise. Comey, like Trump, is a traitor.

[avebury]

28. The Democrats have to make the issue radioactive grad toxic for the Republicans.

They need to tear into the FBI like this is no tomorrow. Are they in bed with the Russians too? Why did they meddle in the election. Who go paid and by whom>

Tie the whole thing around Ryan, McConnell and the rest of the Rethug's necks. Investigate their involvement in the whole mess. Are they protecting Trump because they are involved?

The Dems need to make it so toxic that the Republicans cannot get anything done. New mantra - if the Republicans aren't willing to support a thorough investigation it must be because they are involved in something that they don't want to have come out.

If the Republicans are not willing to instigate a full investigation the Democrats should start talking about appealing to the UN for an investigation of the election. That would be a huge embarrassment for Trump.

The Dems should really start referring to Trump as the illegitimate president.

[Crash2Parties]

30. I'm with avebury - the Dems need to *push* the question of FBI involvement in the media

They *cannot* continue simply assuming that all of the unspoken, unwritten rules protecting us (and them) will exist a year from now.

[CETrotman]

33. Something huge will be leaked...

..which will force the investigation.

[Greensix1]

35. Blackmailing Trump?

Why would the Russians Need to Blackmail Trump, when he's already deep in their hip pocket, and as eager to destroy the American democracy as Putin is? He just wants to be a dictator like Putin, which is why he admires my so much. I think he hopes if the Russians use the decryption technology he's Selling them that they will hack into the American CIA, NSA and other intel agencies and forewarn him of any impending assassination plans, or impeachment.

[triron]

36. hope some patriot leaks his tax returns

will show him for the traitor he is

[NoGoodNamesLeft]

37. I'm afraid the only way this will be exposed is if a European country does it

By getting video, audio and photo proof and leaking it.

[Amaryllis]

38. See this: This Senator Is Hell-Bent on Getting Out the Truth About Trump and Russia (David Corn)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1016176517
I posted it Friday and it got a ton of recs and then disappeared....wondering if i should repost because it's really important and I haven't seen anything else about it.

[triron]

39. I think you should.

First time I saw your post was here in this thread,

[Amaryllis]

41. I just reposted in GD. Please K and R! here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10028601560
I think it's really important that people know Wyden and others aren't going to let it be forgotten and are working hard for us.

[Calista241]

43. I don't think the blackmail has happened yet.

Trump hasn't done anything for Russia yet. The blackmail will also not be so obvious that everyone in America takes notice. That kind of defeats the purpose of having blackmail material if you out them the first chance you get.

[nikibatts]

44. Unless there is a tape, you can't prove blackmail. Better to go for "connection"

and interference in election with ties to Trump campaign advisors.

[unblock]

52. it's not blackmail if you're just happy to cooperate.

i have no doubt that putin's "got the goods" on donnie, just to be prudent, but by all appearances, there's been no need.

donnie is not at all acting like a man caught in a tough spot regarding russia. he's happy to play along, and it looks like he'll profit from it thanks to his ongoing business.


also, if ever there was an easy mark, it's donnie. the russians must have been laughing themselves silly at how easy it was to get the goods on donnie. huge ego, no impulse control, no sense of ethics, etc.

easiest mark ever.