Scoop: Rod Rosenstein is resigning

[brooklynite]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by DonViejo (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: Axios

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has verbally resigned to Chief of Staff John Kelly in anticipation of being fired by President Trump, according to a source with direct knowledge.

Per a second source with direct knowledge: “He’s expecting to be fired,” so plans to step down.

Background: Rosenstein talked last year invoking the 25th Amendment and wearing a wire during Trump meetings, the N.Y. Times' Adam Goldman and Michael S. Schmidt reported last week. He denied both allegations.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/rod-rosenstein-resign-justice-department-trump-cf761f4c-fca3-4794-92d4-a56c9e32ff43.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=organic&utm_content=1100

[SHRED]

1. Wow

[Fred Sanders]

23. Not so fast...until this is confirmed...why verbally announce to Kelly? Seems strange kind of leak.

Who is Axios?...The internet is full of scoops doing scooping.

[lagomorph777]

33. Not so fast; exactly. Pete Williams says Rosenstein is refusing to resign.

https://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/2018/09/rod-rosenstein-is-resigning-ahead-of-being-fired-by-trump-axios/

[Fred Sanders]

41. Axios should change their headline to "Oops, Rosenstein not resigning, our reporter fucked up!"

Last edited Mon Sep 24, 2018, 12:20 PM - Edit history (1)

[lagomorph777]

42. Yeah, that could happen.

[HuskyOffset]

68. Wait, who the hell is Rothstein?

I'm losing track of all the players here.

[Fred Sanders]

69. Corrected spelling...but not hard to keep track of the false reporting despite that!

[lagomorph777]

82. Whoever they sourced that from should be blacklisted.

Axios should privately share their identity with their colleagues.

[lagomorph777]

45. Notice that admin sources are pushing the story that he has resigned.

Pete Williams' source is Rosenstein.

Looks like a disguised firing. Not gonna fly.

[Fred Sanders]

47. I do now...Axios should have mentioned their scoop source was Shitler! Just saying.

[Chakaconcarne]

2. What the hell does this mean?

[lagomorph777]

3. Mueller will need to trip the dead-hand switch.

NOW.

[Hoyt]

51. +1. Time to issue a preliminary report.

[ananda]

5. Next in line is Noel Francisco.

If he's a Trump stooge, next step would be
to fire Mueller.

[regnaD kciN]

54. He's definitely a Trump stooge...

Big Federalist Society guy.

[calimary]

66. It means WE get off our duffs.

https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response/search/?source=MF

[yodermon]

4. Damn. should have made trump fire him outright.

NYT with the assist.

[ananda]

7. Agree!

This whole thing stinks!!!

[demmiblue]

9. Yep. n/t

[brush]

13. There seem to be trump moles on the Times staff...this article on Rosenstein put nails in his coffin

[lagomorph777]

35. According to Pete Williams Rosenstein is refusing to resign.

https://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/2018/09/rod-rosenstein-is-resigning-ahead-of-being-fired-by-trump-axios/

[Duppers]

74. Thank you! This is as he should. nt

[Scarsdale]

6. tRump destoys

yet ANOTHER person's career, after they worked for years to achieve what they have. All the years of schooling, studying down the drain. HE should be the nominee for the SC, he certainly has something Kavenaugh does not, CHARACTER.

[honest.abe]

8. This is going to get ugly soon.

Yikes.

[Texin]

22. Damn. It's ALREADY ugly. This is about to become a bloodbath.

Next step: cancellation of the mid-terms.

[SWBTATTReg]

10. If true, I am surprised, I thought Jeff Sessions only had the authority to 'fire' Rod R.? nt

[janterry]

11. This is terrible

isn't it?

[Recursion]

12. May you live in interesting times

Oy

[pazzyanne]

43. That blessing sure is working overtime!

Oy, is right!

[Still In Wisconsin]

81. Time for some Yiddish swearing? Excellent! Let me help!

This bunch of farkakta shmegges have really begun to piss me off! First it's this Kavanaugh waving his shvantz in women's faces in college, then the whole bunch of putzes decide to fire Rosenstein, the only mensch in the administration! Oy vey, I'm going to schpatzir a while, get fershnicket, and take a schluff.

Translation: This bunch of fucked up idiots is really beginning to piss me off. First it's this Kavanaugh waving his dick in women's faces in college, then the whole bunch of (dicks) decide to fire Rosenstein, the only decent, honorable person in the administration! Oh my gosh,, I'm going to wander around for a while, get piss drunk off my ass, then take a nap.

[Botany]

14. Jesus God!

It is not the Russians who worked with Trump to rig the elections that is the crime
but the law enforcement people who are investigating those crimes who are the problem.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is about the rule of law Trump is about the
rule of organized crime.

[Lonestarblue]

15. Irresponsible journalism by NYT.

I really wish Rosenstein would not do this. I think there are enough questions about the sources (and their motives) for the NYT article that he can ride it out. Plus, it’s better for the country if Trump is forced to fire him. Rats.

Follow up to my post: I just sent an email to Rosenstein from the DOJ website supporting his staying in the job. Some of you may want to send your own messages of support.

[brooklynite]

18. Please explain...

If the reported actions by Rosenstein were true, it's the job of the media to report them, not to hide them because it would be better to keep him in orrice.

[Lonestarblue]

44. NYT used sources not in the meeting with Rosenstein.

One of the writers has acknowledged that their sources provided second- and third-hand accounts of the meeting, as well as memos written by McCabe. I may be interpreting incorrectly, but the NYT relied on anonymous sources and their writers do not know who these sources are, so there is no way to know their motives. Agents in the DOJ usually record notes from meetings like this, and the only notes reported so far that Rosenstein mentioned wearing a wire or the 25th Amendment were those written by McCabe, who certainly may have a grudge against the DOJ. I think the NYT was irresponsible in publishing the article because they didn’t know all the sources and they published without fully documenting that those sources were telling the truth. Otherwise, I agree with you. The media should tell the truth; I’m just not convinced that in their push for a scopp the NYT did fully report the truth.

[brooklynite]

16. Historic comparison...

During the Saturday Night Massacre, AG Elliot Richardson resigned rather than got fired.

[blaze]

17. Does he lose benefits if he is fired? (As opposed to resigning) nt

[brooklynite]

25. Likely only if fired for "cause".

If he's simply fired as of right, he retains all retirement benefits. (FWIW - in a position like this, I'm guessing Rosenstein isn't worried about Unemployment Insurance).

[mahatmakanejeeves]

32. I don't think he'll be pounding the pavement.

The gummint pension retirement system has been gone for 35 years. Every new hire since then (I'm simplifying) is in the FRS (Federal Retirement System), which runs like a 401k. The money you put in is all yours.

[louis c]

19. NBC is reporting that Rosenstein won't resign

He has been asked to resign, but Rosenstein says if Trump wants him out, he has to fire him.

[Fred Sanders]

24. THAT is far, far more logical!

More like, "Fuck your Shitler, if you want me gone have the balls to fire me and stop using a nothingburger to stir up your braindead base".

[justie18]

30. Exactly!

According to NBC:

.@PeteWilliamsNBC reports on @MSNBC that Rod Rosenstein is on his way to the White House. He has been summoned to the W.H. The W.H. is saying Rosenstein will resign. But it's Pete's understanding that he will not resign and that if the W.H. wants him out, he'll have to be fired.

[ehrnst]

20. Is he doing this so that Drumpf will see the consequences of shutting down the Mueller investigation

before the midterms?

I know that there was a probability of him being fired after the midterms.

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

50. Trump is in NYC at the UN...

... so this would obviously toss a wrench into his mindset while there. If not cause further loss of respect for Trump while on the world stage. Let the world see it for what it is.

Just my two cents.

PS: CBS News Live is still with, "Source: Rosenstein On Way to White House", expecting to be fired, at this time.

[BigmanPigman]

21. CNN and MSNBC are saying he may be fired but won't resign.

If ROSENSTEIN is fired PROTESTS in 900+ cities...RESIST!
No One Is Above The Law has been organized since last Dec. and 1/2 million people have signed up already to protest the fake prez within hours of an announcement. Check the link and see if an event is near you.
https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/search/

Donald Trump could be preparing to put himself above the law. We won’t allow it.

Trump will create a constitutional crisis if he fires special counsel Robert Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversees Mueller, or attempts to compromise the investigation by other means. (See The Plan for details.)

Our response in the hours following a potential power grab will dictate what happens next—whether Congress will stand up to Trump or allow him to move our democracy toward authoritarianism.

That's why we're preparing to hold emergency "Nobody Is Above the Law" rallies around the country, in the event they are needed—900+ of them and counting, in every state, with 400,000 RSVPs to date!
Join us.

[Me.]

26. He Says He Hasn't

They will have to fire him

[Fred Sanders]

29. Huge giveaway in the thin as gossamer claim in the article is the use of clipped quotes....

See tat?

"Per a second source with direct knowledge: “He’s expecting to be fired,” so plans to step down."

Adding "so he plans to step down" as a fucking edit and not part of the source quote.

Strike Axios off any list of reliable sources.

A RW trial balloon is what this is.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

27. This could mean a lot of things, because "verbal" and "oral" are not interchangeable.

I hate to be a grammar Nazi (right), but this is why we need those old school writers. They would have made clear what happened.

I know; you (in general, not brooklynite specifically) don't want to hear about it. For people on the specturm, here are some links:

The Spoken Word: Verbal vs. Oral

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 24, 2015 BY ANDY HOLLANDBECK

Oral vs. verbal

Here’s the traditional distinction: Verbal applies to things that are put into words, whether written or spoken, while oral pertains to the mouth, to medications taken by mouth, and to things that are spoken.

English authorities have traditionally urged against using verbal in reference to spoken things—for example, verbal/oral communications, verbal/oral reports, and verbal/oral warnings—but verbal is increasingly used in these phrases, perhaps in part due to oral‘s prurient associations. But oral is still a good word, so one does not have to follow the trend toward favoring verbal. Still, using verbal in the newer way is not wrong, as it is sanctioned by common, widespread usage and is by no means new.

I think that traditionally, upper echelon political appointees have a letter of resignation already composed and ready to go from the time they assume office. That would be a written resignation, and a verbal one as well. If, instead, RR has told the chief of staff orally that he will resign, that is something else entirely.

Discuss.

[avebury]

28. Could Trump be pushing Rosenstein to detract from the Kavanaugh story? nt

[BigmanPigman]

31. Of course he would.

[janx]

39. No.

This business is just as important, if not more so, in the grand scheme of things. All hell is breaking loose.

[avebury]

49. Trump probably sees his Get out of Jail Free card

going away as Kavanaugh's nomination continues to implode.

[Fred Sanders]

60. On that topic, all four con judges would also have to agree a sitting President can not be

prosecuted for crimes punishable by death and one man is totally above any law...I have a bit more faith than that. Could be wrong but Roberts may not buy into that.

[neohippie]

34. This looks like a resign vs fired battle

Apparently Rosenstein says he didn't resign

Link to tweet

text from tweet

NEW: @PeteWilliamsNBC reports that Rosenstein has said if Trump wants him gone, they'll have to fire him, and that Rosenstein will refuse to resign and go quietly.

Link to tweet

text from tweet


"Fired" vs. "resigned" MATTERS.

Why? Federal Vacancies Reform Act gives Trump power to appoint an Acting AG if it's a resignation.

If he's fired? It's murkier.

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/31/did-shulkin-get-fired-or-resign-veterans-492877 …

[regnaD kciN]

59. But, even if the Vacancies Act doesn't apply...

...the next person in order of succession is a wingnut Trump loyalist.

[kwassa]

36. A verbal resignation is not worth the paper it is written on.

to misquote Sam Goldwyn.

[lillypaddle]

37. MSNBC says he will not resign

and they will have to fire him. Per Craig Melvin 11:09 ET

[strangedaysindeed]

38. Actually, I don't blame him

I think he has asked himself, is this how I want to spend the rest to my career and working life.

I think he doesn't want to be defined by this sh#t anymore.

[neohippie]

40. Is the White House caught in another lie here

Link to tweet

text from tweet


Looks like the White House is lying to the American people by claiming that Rosenstein verbally resigned to WH Chief of Staff John Kelly.

Who ultimately oversees the Russia probe could well hinge on whether he resigned or was fired, so this isn't just any white lie from the WH.

[PubliusEnigma]

46. Bullshit. This is the White House line.

[FreepFryer]

65. +1 (n/t)

[Pantagruel]

48. He shoulda worn

a wire!!

[Calista241]

52. welp, Kavanaugh is now off the front page.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

56. Don't worry, he'll be back.

The news cycle moves so fast these days that you could use it to generate electricity.

[Gothmog]

53. It is time to boycott the NYT

Last edited Mon Sep 24, 2018, 01:14 PM - Edit history (1)

Michael Schmidt was played

[bearsfootball516]

58. That's what Trump wants you to do.

[Gothmog]

62. I subscribe to the Washington Post

[uppityperson]

73. Why?

[cstanleytech]

55. So a "Resign now or be fired" issue and the administration jumped the gun and thought he would

rather resign than be fired?

[George II]

57. Watching Rosenstein get in the car outside his house.....

....all I can think of is Carlo Rizzi getting in the car in "The Godfather".

[exboyfil]

61. Did the front windshield get kicked out?

[George II]

63. That was my second thought! But he got in the back seat.

[FreepFryer]

64. Note to self about what outlets are pushing Trump's story about Rosenstein's visit to the WH. (n/t)

[onetexan]

67. Let him resign, and call up Mueller and team

to let them know everything he knows

[solara]

70. Rosenstein is not resigning

@PeteWilliamsNBC reports that Rosenstein has said if Trump wants him gone, they'll have to fire him, and that Rosenstein will refuse to resign and go quietly.

[oberliner]

71. So this story turned out to be BS

Any explanation from Axios?

[Fred Sanders]

72. When Axios pulls both feet out of their asses? Not going to bother finding out how credible they

were before this.

Shades of Ed Whelan.

[Bfd]

79. Rosenstein & Mueller are STILL here.

Link to tweet

[LanternWaste]

75. I'm certain a sincere mind would seek out that information.

I've little doubt you simply wanted it delivered.

[oberliner]

77. I haven't seen any statement

Can you point me in the right direction if you have?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

76. Apparently he isn't.

[DallasNE]

80. Sounds Like Thursday seals his Fate

Will it be immediate or delayed until a replacement is announced.

[Fred Sanders]

83. Apparently Sessions was not available for a scheduled meeting with Kelly so Rosenstein as

Deputy took his place...WAY too early for worry...seems we have the upper hand any way this plays out.

[DallasNE]

78. IS John Kelly Source For NYT Article?

That was my first guess and this just deepens the suspicion. Coupled with Trump retracting his order to declassify and release all Russia material shows some kind of compromise agreement and who could it be if not John Kelly.

[DonViejo]

84. Locking...

Speculation and opinion, not latest breaking news news. As of now, better for GD.