Carl Bernstein just said on CNN that Loretta Lynch needs to recuse herself from the Clinton

[floriduck]

FBI investigation should an indictment be recommended by James Comey.

Don't kill the messenger but the media, even Clinton supporting media is outraged over this event.

[HumanityExperiment]

1. interesting, thx for posting

n/t

[MohRokTah]

2. "Clinton supporting media"

[MohRokTah]

8. OFFS!!!!!

[floriduck]

9. Bye!

[MohRokTah]

10. AND THE CRACKUPS JUST KEEP ON COMING!!!!!! I HAVEN'T LAUGHED SO HARD IN YEARS!!!!!!!

[HERVEPA]

11. At yourself I assume

[elleng]

53. Constantly

[840high]

61. ...!100++++

[Grassy Knoll]

43. Right?.....

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

13. Ahhh the old Clinton News Network canard

Rush Limpballs still using that?

[JoePhilly]

71. +1

[Purveyor]

3. Still can't figure out what the hell they were thinking... eom

[scscholar]

58. Well, it is nice that we'll probably get someone less anti-Clinton than Lynch (ntxt)

[DisgustipatedinCA]

59. Lynch recuses herself, names a special prosecutor, and we start over again.

And of course it would take a long time to get ramped up with someone new on the case--months and months, and on into next year.

[leftofcool]

4. Good gawd!

There is not going to be an indictment.

[Lord Magus]

5. Carl Berstein can go to hell.

And if an indictment is recommended, it should be James Comey that Lynch files charges against, for abuse of power. Because that's clearly what any recommendation of indictment would be.

[morningfog]

31. Oh cool, you've seen all the evidence gathered and read

all the witness interviews. Glad to have someone in the know weigh in! I can rest easy now.

[SoLeftIAmRight]

79. lol

I think it is amazing that the most informed people in the world post here

[DemonGoddess]

7. Oh FFS

you do realize that Bernstein absolutely loathes HRC, don't you? He's made no secret of it.

[Arizona Roadrunner]

12. Clinton's have problem recognizing potential conflicts of interests

The lack of propriety by both Clinton for approaching Lynch and Lynch for letting it happen is outrageous but it gives an example of the lack of proper recognition of conflicts of interest on the part of the Clinton's. This article in Atlantic Magazine points out how the then Secretary of State assisted a foreign bank and then a foreign bank, at that, all of the sudden "gives" Bill Clinton $15 million dollars in speaking fees money. The Clintons should not have accepted those monies nor should they have accepted a contribution from that bank for it's foundation. Even if there is no cause and effect it is the APPEARANCE of such a potential that should have rung the warning bells but with the Clintons it doesn't and didn't ring a warning bell about potential conflicts of interest. They have too many of these types of situations.

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/07/hillary-helps-a-bankand-then-it-pays-bill-15-million-in-speaking-fees/400067/

[amandabeech]

25. This retired attorney agrees.

Bill has lost a few steps, but his aides should have restrained him. Lynch should have sent her aides to say no thanks, or she should have said to him herself outside the aircraft with witnesses in a polite but firm manner. Bad on both of them for this. Hillary is probably about ready to strangle Bill about this.

It would be wise for Lynch to at least turn this over to the deputy for criminal cases and recuse herself entirely. She would best be thinking about resignation, however, particularly considering the motion yesterday by the DOJ on behalf of the State Department to relay an FOIA request for over 30,000 e-mails between Hillary's aides at State and the Clinton Foundation and the consulting firm where Houma Abedin worked part time, as did Bill. Bad timing on the motion in light of the private meeting between Lynch and Bill.

Unfortunately, this is a very bad business all around.

[elleng]

54. Yes.

Thanks

[amandabeech]

65. You're very welcome. nt

[840high]

62. To put it mildly - it stinks.

[lostnfound]

68. I agree. Depressing to hear this was happening. Totally inappropriate.

I'm not a fan anymore of the Clintons but I'd rather that they changed my mind and restored my faith in them, than pull stunts like this. What the heck was he hoping to accomplish, that was worth tainting the process?

[DonCoquixote]

14. as much as I despise the messenger

The fact is Bill should have known better. I honestly wonder if he thinks that he can do no wrong. Let's be blunt, we cannot let him torpedo Hillary from within, so if Hillary needs him to be pilloried, then all is fair in Love war and politics, especially when we are trying to keep trump out.

[DanTex]

15. LOL. "Clinton supporting media". Comedy!

[Uponthegears]

16. This is ridiculous

I may not agree with Secretary Clinton's policies. She may not have been my preferred candidate. BUT I had more than a toe in the water of the criminal justice system for over thirty years and a prosecutor meeting in secret with a citizen REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE.A SUSPECT OR A GRANDPA, raises exactly ZERO ethical questions. This is a bull puckey issue. If someone tells you otherwise, laugh in their face.

Yea, I'm talking to you Carl Bernstein.

[amandabeech]

28. Well you can laugh in my face, then.

Because I think that both Bill and the AG made a major, major mistake here. I've known some prosecutors myself, and I have known none who have had private conversations with the spouses of criminal suspects because they would run the risk of disbarment if it were found out.

Bill survived a five year suspension of his license to practice law after he didn't tell the truth in the Paula Jones case. The Arkansas Bar Association thought that his testimony amounted to perjury. He figures he can do what he wants and he apparently thinks that Ms. Lynch will be fine, too. I think that he thoughtlessly put her in a bad position, and that she didn't handle it well.

[Uponthegears]

34. Honest question here

Are you really saying that prosecutors do not routinely have confidential conversations with criminal suspects?

Note: this is a hypothetical question. Neither Hillary nor Bill are criminal suspects, I am just saying that, even if they were, it is almost routine for prosecutors to have confidential communications with not just the spouses of suspects but even suspects themselves, particularly when there is no risk that that unfair advantage of the suspect will be taken.

Now "laugh in their face" was just a rhetorical device, but I tell you that you are incorrect.

[amandabeech]

36. Hillary Clinton is under investigation by the FBI for possible criminal violations as per

comments a few weeks ago by James Comey, the director of the FBI appointed by Pres. Obama. In fact, it is quite likely that the investigation now encompasses the Clinton Foundation and those associated with it. It is a bad situation, and don't let anyone here tell you otherwise.

A prosecutor represents the state, not the defendant, and the prosecutor's interest is directly opposed to that of a suspect or after indiictment or charge, the defendant. You should never talk to an investigator or prosecutor without an attorney present because anything you can and will used against you and you're attorney will shut you up.

Conversely, and prosecutor is not supposed to allow persons close to the case to just walk in on them and maybe make some sort of offer of favors or remuneration or threats that would hamper the prosecution. That's what the Repukes think that Bill may have done, and considering Bill, it wouldn't surprise me too much if he had it in mind to at least get some information which is not public and to which he is not entitled.

I'm not sure if I'm being clear here, but does it help?

[leftofcool]

45. No she is not!

How many times does the FBI need to come out and tell you that Hillary is not the target of their investigation?????????????????? They have said this at least 5 times. Do you understand what it means to not be a target?

[amandabeech]

47. She has not been named as a target yet, but Comey has said that the FBI does not do

"security reviews" which is what Hillary has been calling the investigation of her e-mail situation.

You are splitting legal hairs to mislead people to think that FBI is investigating Hillary's e-mail situation for no reason. The FBI is probably investigating the Clinton Foundation as well at this point considering that the FBI subpoenaed records from the Clinton Foundation last fall.

The FBI has interviewed several of her aides and has given her computer guy a form of immunity so that he will talk.

So far, Hillary has not talked to the FBI, but they are in no way done with her or anyone around her or around the Clinton Foundation.

To continue to suggest that this is nothing really strains credibility and does not do credit to the Hillary campaign.

[leftofcool]

69. Yea, I read all that at Free Republic.

[amandabeech]

74. Well, check the WP comment section on today's article about AG Lynch. n/t

[charlyvi]

94. Comment Section?

Oh please.

[TheDebbieDee]

17. I'm not understanding... Was Pres Clinton supposed to IGNORE the presence of

the current Attorney General and she him? That only would have spurred speculation that AG Lynch might try to indict Hillary out of spite for being ignored. I mean, really!

[HereSince1628]

23. Fiction depends on willing suspension of disbelief rather than critical thinking

I don't think non-parsimonious additions are particularly helpful.

[amandabeech]

33. He should not have approached her and she should not have talked to him.

Her professional ethics as a prosecutor forbid her from talking to someone closely connected with a criminal investigation occurring under her. She must avoid even the appearance of impropriety in addition to actual impropriety. The FBI is the investigative unit of the Justice Department of which Ms. Lynch is the head, and the FBI is conducting a criminal investigation of Sec. Clinton as per the remarks of James Comey, the head of the FBI appointed by Pres. Obama.

AG Lynch is a very professional individual, and she would not take it as a snub if Bill's plane had left before hers landed. In fact, I suspect that she would be quite relieved if Bill had left, because if Bill weren't there she would not have found herself in an ethical "pickle" presented by Bill's visit.

All of this may sound strange to you, but as a temporarily retired lawyer and a good friend of a prosecutor for 10 years, it is absolutely clear to me. Bill put AG Lynch in a difficult position, and no one in the legal community would think that AG Lynch would attempt to indict Hillary because of a perceived snub by Bill. In fact, indicting for spite would be considered gross ethical violation and might result in the suspension or loss of AG Lynch's law license. I'm sure Ms. Lynch wouldn't want to end her excellent career like that.

[leftofcool]

46. Horse baloney!

You really need to ask the FBI to clarify for you a few things.

[amandabeech]

48. Are you with the FBI? Are you with the DOJ?

Are you an attorney?

Are you claiming that the FBI is not conducting any investigation into Hillary's e-mail situation?

Are claiming that Mr. Comey was wrong when he said that the FBI did not do security reviews?

Please state your claim directly and clearly.

[TheDebbieDee]

66. AG Lynch works at the discretion of the current President, Barack Obama...

Get real... It doesn't take Pres Bill Clinton to get AG Lynch to drop any potential case against Hillary Clinton. All it takes is Pres O to say, "Drop this case or you're gone!"

[SoLeftIAmRight]

80. The Saturday Night Massacre

borked - lol

[SoLeftIAmRight]

81. The Saturday Night Massacre

borked - lol

[amandabeech]

90. Yes, and if he had done that, she should have resigned.

She hasn't resigned, and there have been no leaks that he has told her to do so.

The poster below has mentioned the "Saturday Night Massacre" in which Nixon tried to maniuplate the justice department. First the ag resigned, and others below resigned as well. Finally someone deeper in the depth agreed to do Nixon's bidding. I'm really not giving it justice, but I encourage you to do some googling. It was part of what brought Nixon down.

Off to dinner. Have a good evening.

[treestar]

85. There is an ethical rule about not talking to the opposing

party if they are represented. Talk to the lawyer instead.

Prosecutor could discuss things with an unrepresented party and they'd have been warned they had a right to a lawyer and remain silent.

And they may not have talked about the case at all.

[treestar]

84. +1

We have a winner. You gotta know that's how it would be interpreted. Or they'd find some other nonissue to blow up.

[840high]

18. NPR said it's a

bipartisan feeling.

[amandabeech]

38. Hillary and her campaign staff are probably roasting him over the coals.

I'm serious. Bill really stepped in it here. I think that he's lost a few steps, and I don't think that we'll be seeing him in public until she accepts the nomination at the convention, when he'll appear onstage with Chelsea and her husband.

[840high]

60. That would be wise.

[NCTraveler]

19. "Clinton supporting media"

[HereSince1628]

20. There's often more to a conversation than the conversation.

Last edited Thu Jun 30, 2016, 10:43 PM - Edit history (1)

I don't doubt Lynch told the truth about the conversation.

But direct conversation can dangerous and the possible move that could be played in that situation really doesn't need to involve conversation.

It's probably an advantage for a defendant to have a prosecutor who has seen the pictures of your grandchildren. I'd bet damned few defendants are in that position.

[amandabeech]

37. That's why prosecutors are not supposed to be palling around with

those under criminal investigation or their spouses. This is basic prosecutorial ethics, and Bill should have known that. It is also important for judges and prosecutors to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. AG Lynch should have had her assistants tell Bill that a visit was not appropriate and refused him access to her plane or she herself should have sent him on his way before he entered the plane.

He really put her in a bad position.

[Grassy Knoll]

21. BWAAAAAAAAHAAAAA!!!111!!

[giftedgirl77]

22. Wow, saw this same thing posted on Facebook by one

of my Trump loving friends. The source was Fox, great source you have. 😂😂😂

[840high]

63. NPR pretty much had

the same thing.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

24. The decision resides with her and I am confident in her trustworthiness.

https://www.justice.gov/criminal/meet-aag

[morningfog]

32. I agree.

It seems she had no forewarning that Bill was coming to speak with her. I think if she had, she would have declined.

[riversedge]

26. Bernstein takes every opportunity there is to hit on Hillary.

[chillfactor]

27. Bernstein and CNN...really?

just FAUX LITE personalities...

[silvershadow]

29. I hadn't seen that. nt

[Mike Nelson]

30. Oh my...

...the "Clinton supporting media" is outraged! LOL!

[niyad]

35. grasping at straws, eh, carl?

[ram2008]

39. Well she should recuse herself...

Having a meeting with the spouse of a candidate who is under investigation, who just happens to be a former president, on a private plane isn't really the best optics.

[840high]

64. NPR said there is bipartisan outrage

at this meeting.

[giftedgirl77]

70. Do you have any proof of said outrage or am I just supoosed

to take you at your word?

[840high]

72. Let's see - you could always

check NPR.

[giftedgirl77]

75. Ummm, you could provide proof of your statement.

[treestar]

86. nothing wrong with talking to the spouse of anybody

a prosecutor is not forbidden to speak with anyone "under investigation."

They represent the state like the cops. Is if a conflict of interest for the cops to talk to anyone they are investigating ?

As long as they are not under arrest, they don't even have to give Miranda warnings.

This seems to sound good to Clinton bashers and so they run with it without informing themselves of much.

[BlueNoMatterWho]

40. Former AG Michael Mukasey has now called for her to recuse herself as well.

But he's a Bushie. So there's that...

[Kingofalldems]

42. A lot of Bushies and Trumpies around. Some very close.

Here's a clue: No real Democrat cares what a Bushie or Trumpie thinks or says.

[Kingofalldems]

41. The primaries are over. Bernie will not be the nominee.

[still_one]

56. Thought the counting is still going on, Hillary will take California

The remaining ballots left to count confirm that

[oasis]

44. Bernstein stopped being relevant decades ago. (eom)

[Arazi]

49. Agreed. The meeting violated internal ethics and legal ethics. Recuse now

[floppyboo]

50. I don't understand why she would recuse herself now

There has been no recommendation yet. However, if there was an indictment recommendation, and the AG agrees to follow through, I should think she has plenty of reasons to recuse herself. This is a biggy though.

[grossproffit]

51. Carl Bernstein should have retired while he still had some dignity.

[still_one]

52. F*K Carl Bernstein. He has being pushing the anti-Hillary bullshit for sometime now.

[EffieBlack]

55. Bernstein has been trashing Hillary Clinton for months

He's hardly a card-carrying member of the "Clinton supporting media."

[still_one]

57. That's right

[skylucy]

91. Bernstein has been off the rails for quite a while. I can't stand him.

[randome]

67. Maybe the Indictment Fairy visited him not long ago. The guy seems to have issues.

He's been wrong and irrelevant so much lately and yet he still thinks fake scandals can bring down Clinton.

[Bill USA]

73. for all the intelligence Bill C. is supposed to have, he has shown time and again to be entirely

devoid of 'street smarts'.

[SoLeftIAmRight]

82. that "is" true

he has shown poor judgement in the past

[treestar]

87. he does have them

that's why he knows it's not a problem. Don't let the media sway you before finding out more.

[NorthCarolina]

76. That was undoubtedly the motive for his "impromptu" gab fest on the tarmac.

"Coincidentally" of course.

[jalan48]

77. If the FBI indicts Hillary she needs to recuse herself from the Presidential race. nt

[treestar]

88. the FBI does not indict anyone

even grads of Law and Order University know this.

[stonecutter357]

78. seems legit !

[Lil Missy]

83. Carl Bernstein can go piss up a rope. n/t

[liberalnarb]

92. Weird, I thought Bernstein would be a big Clinton supporter.

[Jitter65]

89. Not an issue. She is having nothing to do with the final decision.

Bill can't stop being human just because his wife is running for President. It was a thoughtless action but Bill Clinton has always been the guy who sees a friend and wants to speak and be everybody's friend. It was a stupid thing to do and it caught Loretta of-guard and in the middle.

Be outraged about this but I just think there are more important things to be outraged about.

[MaggieD]

93. Carl Bernstein is like the ultimate concern troll