November 4, 2016

"The most obnoxious spin of the 2016 campaign came this week, as Democrats, their media allies and even President Obama accused the FBI of stacking the election."

"It’s an extraordinary claim, coming as it does from the same crew that has—we now know—been stacking the election all along in the corridors of the Justice Department," writes Kimberley Strassel in The Wall Street Journal.

190 comments:

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

The reports of FBI agents hating Clinton and viewing her as the anti-Christ somewhat undermine this argument.

David Begley said...

Dems, media and Obama have no shame. Doing what they do. But if she wins, it will be very bad for the country.

Curious George said...

But Obama sang "Purple Rain" to some kid!

Curious George said...

"AReasonableMan said...
The reports of FBI agents hating Clinton and viewing her as the anti-Christ somewhat undermine this argument."

Could you point me to some of these reports please?

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

It appears that Comey sent his letter to congress because he was certain that the information would be leaked any way by Clinton-hating agents in the FBI. If this is true then Comey has lost control of his organization and should resign. Those agents who can't put aside partisan feelings should also resign.

Ann Althouse said...

"The reports of FBI agents hating Clinton and viewing her as the anti-Christ somewhat undermine this argument."

What are you talking about? Did you misread it? It says the Justice Dept, not the FBI has been rigging things. The FBI stands accused now, but is it wrong to think that the FBI was following its normal process and getting stymied from the Justice Dept.?

If the FBI is, at this point, for Trump, maybe that just means there is a big problem and if Clinton is elected, it can't be dealt with. That would also imply that the FBI people don't think Trump is dangerous and abnormal. That means a lot to me.

dreams said...

With each election the corruption becomes even more which is a result of an increasingly biased corrupt liberal media. The corrupt Dems don't get any push back from an unbiased media because we don't have an unbiased media.

Lyle Smith said...

If Hillary wins, and nothing is done about her... things could get physical.

MayBee said...

I remember way back two weeks ago when Trump said the system was rigged and the votes are rigged. The Democrats and the news media (and anti-Trump republicans) went crazy. This is undermining democracy itself! This cannot be allowed!

And then all of a sudden...Democrats are saying the system is rigged, and Republicans are suppressing voters in early voting locations. And I'm not seeing the collective fainting spell.

Lyle Smith said...

Trump isn't dangerous or abnormal; the Clintons are dangerous and abnormal.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Ann Althouse said...
"The most obnoxious spin of the 2016 campaign came this week, as Democrats, their media allies and even President Obama accused the FBI of stacking the election."

Did you misread it? It says the Justice Dept, not the FBI has been rigging things.


You seem to have already forgotten the title of the post. F.B.I.

If the FBI is, at this point, for Trump, maybe that just means there is a big problem and if Clinton is elected, it can't be dealt with. That would also imply that the FBI people don't think Trump is dangerous and abnormal. That means a lot to me.

This is fascism, pure and simple. Using law agencies to undermine the democratic process.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Lyle Smith said...
If Hillary wins, and nothing is done about her... things could get physical.


More fascism.

MayBee said...

The FBI had a terrible time with Clinton in the White House. I'm sure their institutional memory is quite strong.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

MayBee said...
The FBI had a terrible time with Clinton in the White House. I'm sure their institutional memory is quite strong.


The poor darlings should suck it up and stop trying to influence an election, which is classic fascism.

MayBee said...

This is fascism, pure and simple. Using law agencies to undermine the democratic process

And what if...as I believe, the FBI is being the honest actor here, and Obama et al are using the DOJ to suppress the FBI from doing their job....so that the Obama allies are undermining the democratic process?

Jake said...

"This is fascism, pure and simple. Using law agencies to undermine the democratic process."

Awfully hyperbolic for someone that claims to be reasonable.

MayBee said...

The poor darlings should suck it up and stop trying to influence an election, which is classic fascism.

I don't think they are trying to influence an election. I think the DOJ, Lynch, and Obama are by trying to suppress the FBI.

Hagar said...

Dear Old Marblehead,
FBI agents are supposed to be against criminals and their activities.

traditionalguy said...

Silly rabbit. Everybody knows that Obama is the Anti-Christ. She is his a mere apprentice about to be told "You're Fired" by the new owner of the show.

Matt Sablan said...

"It appears that Comey sent his letter to congress because he was certain that the information would be leaked any way by Clinton-hating agents in the FBI."

-- No. He sent his letter after sitting on the documents and confirming that, yes, they did have something to do with the investigation he had testified before Congress on and said was closed. He sent the letter because he needed to update his testimony, as the facts had changed.

The only "fascist" thing that has happened this election cycle is people on the left hiring people to incite violence at Trump rallies.

mccullough said...

I still am surprised Lynch met with Bill Clinton while the initial investigation was wrapping up. Obama should have fired her immediately

Matt Sablan said...

"This is fascism, pure and simple. Using law agencies to undermine the democratic process."

-- Bob McDonnell, Rick Perry, Ted Stevens, and a host of right leaning non-profits all await your recognition of where the actual "fascism" you believe exist lies.

Todd said...

AReasonableMan said...

This is fascism, pure and simple. Using law agencies to undermine the democratic process.

11/4/16, 9:31 AM


LOL! OMG! Now you notice this and have a problem with it? Is it because maybe this time the fix is not going in for a Democrat? Where was your claims of fascism when the Dems were shoving Obamacare down America's throat? Or when the initial fix was in to let Hillary skate on her careless handling of the country's secrets or her selling Government access to the highest bidder? Or the IRS targeting? Or the DOJ ignoring malfeasance by Democrats? Or any of the dozens of other criminal actions by Democrats? Oh, right, those don't count because Democrats mean well and have the best interests of ALL of us at heart and well they have to bend the rules some because of those evil, obstructionist Republicans!

Don't worry. When Hillary finishes stealing the election and is sworn in, she will make those evil FBI agents pay! Hillary does not forget or forgive...

JPS said...

MayBee,

"And what if...as I believe, the FBI is being the honest actor here, and Obama et al are using the DOJ to suppress the FBI from doing their job....so that the Obama allies are undermining the democratic process?"

Well, then, we'll just have to discredit the FBI as unprofessional partisans willing to undermine democracy to make sure their side wins, won't we? Even if they're not. Eff 'em - it's for the greater good.

320Busdriver said...

"If the FBI is, at this point, for Trump, maybe that just means there is a big problem and if Clinton is elected, it can't be dealt with. That would also imply that the FBI people don't think Trump is dangerous and abnormal. That means a lot to me."

Did you see ex fbi head James Kallstrom on Kelly last night? Stunning testimony.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

No ARM- fascism is the corrupt DOJ under Obama and the Clinton Crime Family who used her time at State for personal enrichment.

Todd said...

AReasonableMan said...
It appears that Comey sent his letter to congress because he was certain that the information would be leaked any way by Clinton-hating agents in the FBI. If this is true then Comey has lost control of his organization and should resign. Those agents who can't put aside partisan feelings should also resign.
11/4/16, 9:24 AM


Um, no. He sent the letter because he swore to Congress that he would keep them informed if there were any new developments. This qualifies as a new development, you know, 600K+ newly discovered government emails after team Hillary promised that they turned over all of them months ago. Or do you disagree?

MayBee said...

Don't forget Tom DeLay!

rhhardin said...

It's dangerous but not abnormal that you have to watch out for.

320Busdriver said...

AReasonableMan said...

This is fascism, pure and simple. Using law agencies to undermine the democratic process.

11/4/16, 9:31 AM

John Chisolm and the Wisconsin John Doe ....yeah

Matt Sablan said...

Fun fact: Abedin pretended to be shocked to learn that Obama had been secretly sending and receiving emails using a pseudonym to Clinton's email on her secret, illegal server. This came out during the FBI investigation where she is quoted as saying, "How can this NOT be classified?"

Guess what we learned from Weiner's laptop? Abedin provided the White House with Clinton's email address every time she changed it.

I imagine the FBI is not pleased to be lied to.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Strassel:

"This is the true November surprise. For four months, FBI Director James Comey has been the public face of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s email server. He played that role so well, putting the FBI so front and center, that the country forgot about Mr. Comey’s bosses. Revelations this week build the case that President Obama’s politicized Justice Department has been pulling strings and flacking for Mrs. Clinton all along.

One piece of evidence comes from WikiLeaks, in a hacked email between the chairman of the Clinton campaign, John Podesta, and Assistant Attorney General Peter Kadzik. It was sent in May of 2015 via a private Gmail account, which has become the favored way for Obama employees to hide communications from the public. “Heads up,” Mr. Kadzik warned, informing the campaign about a coming hearing and a recent legal filing about Mrs. Clinton’s emails.

Don’t let Mr. Kadzik’s fancy title fool you: He is a Clinton partisan. Before joining the Justice Department in 2013, Mr. Kadzik spent 30 years at the (now-closed) law firm Dickstein Shapiro, engaging Democratic causes—and Clinton causes. Mr. Kadzik’s wife, Amy Weiss, was deputy press secretary in Bill Clinton’s White House and a communications director for the Democratic National Committee. Mr. Kadzik also represented the DNC. Campaign-finance records show the two variously donated to Hillary’s Senate leadership PAC, to her 2008 presidential campaign and to her current campaign."

traditionalguy said...

Comey's only offense is being branded Elliott Ness style "Untouchable." In the Prohibition, era corruption was popular. The Chicago folks loved their Al Capone because he was such a good, corrupt crime boss.

Elliot Ness was seen as a nasty G-man. It took several years of newsreel PR before the Federal Bureau under Hoover made that style popular.

All together now, " How stupid do the Dems think we are?"

Matt Sablan said...

[At least, I think I have the quote right. I might not; the point is the same either way. She lied to the FBI. That normally doesn't end well for people. That might have more of an influence on the FBI coming down like a hammer on Clinton's associates than accusations of fascism.]

MayBee said...

Matthew Sablan-
Where did we see this:
"Guess what we learned from Weiner's laptop? Abedin provided the White House with Clinton's email address every time she changed it."

However, you are right that Abedin must have been acting. Everyone in the Podesta emails knew Obama had emailed Hillary at her private email address.

(also, isn't it weird that she asked if she could take it with her?)

320Busdriver said...

If Hillary wins, which cabinet position will have the largest potential for self enrichment, or, said another way, which position will have the highest price tag?

Left Bank of the Charles said...

Most obnoxious? That's a high bar for the 2016 campaigns.

It would mean a lot to you if the FBI people don't think Trump is dangerous and abnormal? I'm surprised you don't see the parallel between the latest Republican innuendo and the John Doe investigation in Wisconsin. Or perhaps you do see it and think that turnabout is fair play.

Matt Sablan said...

First link I could find on it.

bagoh20 said...

A fascist regime would do what it could to suppress information and truth, not expose it. The FBI is exposing the facts. The Dem's are suppressing them so that they can maintain power by hiding them from the people, so yea, fascism, but not from who you want to pretend. The usually powerless working agents in the FBI vs the Democrat cabal and the administration IN POWER. I think you misunderstand the f-word.

Nonapod said...

It's certainly a clever and fascinating defense to claim that it's not the Obama appointed Justice Department that's corrupt and politicized here, but instead the FBI that's the bad actor! Of course it's nonsense, but desperate times I guess.

To buy that the FBI are the bad guys in all this, you'd have to proceed on the premises that:

1) Hillary did nothing wrong, or at least nothing that warrants further legitimate investigation.

2) The original indictment wasn't nixed completely by the Obama through Loretta Lynch. That Comey came to that conclusion not to indite on his own, which given what we all know defies credibility.

Curious George said...

"Left Bank of the Charles said...


I'm surprised you don't see the parallel between the latest Republican innuendo and the John Doe investigation in Wisconsin."

What is that parallel? Let me help you. There is none.

bagoh20 said...

"... latest Republican innuendo and the John Doe investigation in Wisconsin."

It's not innuendo. It's purposefully and illegally hidden evidence hidden by proven violators of the law. Defenders of Clinton seem to forget who is hiding the truth, who is exposing it, and why it's important for the people know it. You really want us to know less when we vote? Why is that?

Rusty said...

Blogger Todd said...
AReasonableMan said...

This is fascism, pure and simple. Using law agencies to undermine the democratic process.

The rule of law is fascism? Pounding a healthcare law down the throats of the American people based on lies and deceit isn't? remember, "We've got to pass this bill to know what's in it"?
"fast and furious", the Iran deal?
I'm afraid, ARM, that you don't have a fucking clue as to what fascism really is.
Occupy Democrats.
Soro's paid thugs.
The Hillary campaign maumauing Sanders.
That's fascism ARM.
You love fascism.

Night Owl said...

"If the FBI is, at this point, for Trump, maybe that just means there is a big problem and if Clinton is elected, it can't be dealt with."

It certainly doesn't speak highly of Hillary that the rank and file of the FBI want to take her down. Makes you wonder what they know that we don't know.

Hillary supporters want us to believe that the FBI is a partisan organization that is part of the "vast right-wing conspiracy". In reality, the mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the United States Constitution. Maybe they're just trying to do their job.

MD Greene said...

Don't know whether any of this will affect the election result, but either way I expect that sometime between November 8 and the inauguration, Obama will give Clinton a full pardon. At this point, what does it matter?

I don't know if our government ever has operated with integrity, but during my lifetime there have been repeated instances when it has not. As cynical as I get, I just can't keep up.

Henry said...

A Reasonable Man has honed his message.

dreams said...


"Don't know whether any of this will affect the election result, but either way I expect that sometime between November 8 and the inauguration, Obama will give Clinton a full pardon. At this point, what does it matter?"

I expect a pardon too.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Speaking out against Hillary or Obama is fascism.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Speaking out against Hillary and Obama should be illegal.

n.n said...

The left is on one of their infamous baby hunts. We can expect more baby trials, public monopolies through regulation and litigation, and sale of foreign and domestic indulgences, if their Party is sanctioned through a pretense of social consensus.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Ann Althouse said...
If the FBI is, at this point, for Trump, maybe that just means there is a big problem and if Clinton is elected, it can't be dealt with. That would also imply that the FBI people don't think Trump is dangerous and abnormal. That means a lot to me.


It is deeply troubling that people do not immediately see the problem here. This is classic fascism. The police are not the arbiters of guilt in our society. They already have vast power. To cede decisions on guilt to the police is fascism. To argue that a police state is just fine is insane and incredibly destructive to a democratic society.


Sprezzatura said...

It's pretty cool to see what a handful of leaking FBI folks can do w/ good timing and anonymity.

Con media has for many months been publicizing FBI folks leaking about their big resignation plans. Presumably it makes sense to question what these anonymous leakers say about anything when even their leaks about their own actions are definitively disproved.

Sprezzatura said...

Btw, does it occur to the folks who are being fed by anonymous FBI leakers to ask these FBI leakers why they didn't follow through w/ their previously leaked threats of resignations? Seems like you'd want to find out why they previously used anonymity to lie to you before you carry on w/ more anonymous info.

Just sayin'


shiloh said...

"FBI agents are supposed to be against criminals and their activities."

Yes, but there's a constitutional process and FBI agents leaking either accurate or inaccurate info, rumors, innuendo is not part of that process.

bagoh20 said...

Say a democracy was in danger from internal fascism and/or corruption, and we wanted to remedy that through peaceful and legal means. Wouldn't it be people just like the agents and investigators at an agency just like the FBI that would do it by exposing lawlessness and informing the people of it before an election? Wouldn't that be exactly the way to accomplish that incredibly uncommon and supremely important feat? Wouldn't that be historic, and very very American? This could really be something to make us proud, and should I say it? Make America great again.

Or, we could accept that corruption, give it more power, and be very banana republic.

Matt Sablan said...

"Btw, does it occur to the folks who are being fed by anonymous FBI leakers to ask these FBI leakers why they didn't follow through w/ their previously leaked threats of resignations?"

-- What anonymous leaks? The articles reporting on what has been found is about released emails and Comey's public letter. The leaks barely factor in.

bagoh20 said...

I guess it really comes down whether or not you think what the Clintons and the Justice Department have been doing is acceptable or the very epitome of corruption. It depends on how important you think that is and how dangerous you think it is to just leave it unchecked.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

As long as it's Democrat doing the corruption, all evidence pointing to their corruption is "innuendo."

MayBee said...

Are we pretending now that law enforcement, government officials, or the FBI leaking are a phenomenon that is new right now?

Aren't leaks or off the record conversations how most journalists get their stories?

Matt Sablan said...

"It is deeply troubling that people do not immediately see the problem here. This is classic fascism. The police are not the arbiters of guilt in our society. They already have vast power. To cede decisions on guilt to the police is fascism. To argue that a police state is just fine is insane and incredibly destructive to a democratic society."

-- No one is arguing a police state is fine.

No one sees a problem with the FBI investigating evidence they were told -- under oath mind you -- did not exist. There is nothing "fascist" about wanting to make sure that evidence that had been hidden from you wasn't done so deliberately and does not conflict with what witnesses told you. And, wouldn't you know it? Turns out Abedin HAD lied to the FBI about whether she knew Obama had knowledge/contacted Clinton on her secret server.

If we did it your way -- closed the investigation and ignored new evidence -- we wouldn't know about Abedin perjuring herself to the FBI. That's an appropriate use of the FBI's power. The DOJ trying to quash the investigation so we do NOT learn about the DOJ's allies perjuring themselves is an inappropriate use of the DOJ's power.

MayBee said...

To cede decisions on guilt to the police is fascism.

I am unaware that the FBI has declared anyone is guilty.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

bagoh20 said...
Say a democracy was in danger from internal fascism and/or corruption, and we wanted to remedy that through peaceful and legal means. Wouldn't it be people just like the agents and investigators at an agency just like the FBI that would do it by exposing lawlessness and informing the people of it before an election? Wouldn't that be exactly the way to accomplish that incredibly uncommon and supremely important feat? Wouldn't that be historic, and very very American? This could really be something to make us proud, and should I say it? Make America great again.


Not their job in a democratic society. Perfectly acceptable in a fascist society.

alan markus said...

I thought the issue was the FBI basically getting a "stand down" order after Bill Clinton met with the person who would actually prosecute any case that the FBI made - Attorney General Loretta Lynch. I don't think these are rogue "pro-Trump" FBI agents. This seems to be some kind of pissing war between DOJ & FBI.

Sprezzatura said...

Matt S,

Among other leaks, they're saying HRC is satan, FBI is Trumpland, and an indictment is on the way for the Clinton Foundation.

But, by their actions, we see that it's not so bad (or true) such that they're compelled to come forward w/o anonymity.

Matt Sablan said...

"Not their job in a democratic society. Perfectly acceptable in a fascist society"

-- The FBI's job IS to investigate crimes; Congress has oversight and can make inquiries. Comey was called to answer for his actions in front of Congress, provided answers, and needed to amend them because the FBI had been lied to about being given all the evidence previously to review.

bagoh20 said...

"The police are not the arbiters of guilt in our society."

That's right. It's the people who actually have the final say with political guilt, but they need to have the information. If there was nothing there, Hillary would win, which is why she created the private server, deleted the emails, lied to us all and continues to fight to keep it all hidden.

Exposing the truth is never fascism, but hiding it almost always is.

tim in vermont said...

The reports of FBI agents hating Clinton and viewing her as the anti-Christ somewhat undermine this argument. -ARM

Well Wikileaks demonstration that there is a mole in the Justice Department, and giving his name somewhat undercuts the credibility of reports from inside of these institutions, doesn't it? Why isn't this just as likely a pro-Hillary agent trying hard to cover for her?

The best disinfectant is sunshine, and Hillary and her supporters, like ARM (who denies he supports her, but stupid is as stupid does) hate sunshine.

The only reasonable thing to do is keep the facts from the electorate! Then after you win, you purge the FBI! That's how pure democracies handle this kind of insolence!

Scott M said...

If this is true then Comey has lost control of his organization and should resign.

Did you make similar statements about Gina McCarthy or John Koskinen and their respective disaster departments?

Unknown said...

A Reasonable Man: "The IRS hunting down Conservatives and punishing them with punitive audits? Fantastic, great, it's the entire point of government agencies to punish conservatives! It's what Washington and Jefferson were hoping for!

The FBI investigating Clinton? Fascist, beyond the pale! Why, next we'll have Hitler and the camps!"

When the truth is, he's right. With Clinton, we'll have Hitler and the Camps. And that's what A reasonable man is really hoping for.

--Vance

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Sunshine is fascistic.

tim in vermont said...

Among other leaks, they're saying HRC is satan, FBI is Trumpland, and an indictment is on the way for the Clinton Foundation.

Yes, those sound like the measured words of a disintrested observer whose only aim is to shed light on the situation.

Henry said...

It is deeply troubling that people do not immediately see the problem here. This is classic fascism. The police are not the arbiters of guilt in our society. They already have vast power. To cede decisions on guilt to the police is fascism. To argue that a police state is just fine is insane and incredibly destructive to a democratic society.

Mark Felt could not be reached for comment.

Scott M said...

This is fascism, pure and simple. Using law agencies to undermine the democratic process.

Like the IRS?

Scott M said...

The poor darlings should suck it up and stop trying to influence an election, which is classic fascism.

You mean like the DNC?

Thorley Winston said...

I'm surprised you don't see the parallel between the latest Republican innuendo and the John Doe investigation in Wisconsin.

No, I’m not seeing the parallel. In the case of the John Doe investigation we had a vague law that was being selectively enforced. In Hillary Clinton’s case, we have pretty clear laws that other people have been prosecuted for breaking on numerous occasions and in which Hillary Clinton was being given a pass because the FBI was requiring an element of “intent” that was not part of the statute nor relevant in the other prosecutions. There was also the matter of the John Doe investigation being shut down on multiple occasions by the courts whereas in this case, the only person trying to “shut it down” is the Attorney General who – after previously promising to leave it to the FBI – was meeting secretly with the spouse of the target of the FBI investigation.

Where it is that you think there are parallels?

shiloh said...

IOKIYAAR FBI agent/whatever who feels Trump is the second coming and Hillary is the anti-christ!

Little known clause in the Constitution.

bagoh20 said...

Yesterday on the Bill Handle show I listened to an interview of a Air Force LT. Colonel who carried the nuclear football for Bill Clinton for a few years. He lived with the Clintons everywhere they went, including during the Monica times. His description of Bill's behavior was as you would expect of a unashamed womanizer, pretty embarrassing, but his picture of Hillary was scathing. Absolutely scary. She treated everyone including Bill like hired help and with no respect. He described her as completely cold, calculating, and humorless. He and most of the people he worked with there hated her. For what it's worth, I also believe the stories about Trump.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

bagoh20 said...
Exposing the truth is never fascism, but hiding it almost always is.


By your logic it would have been perfectly acceptable for the IRS to leak Trump's tax returns.

Sprezzatura said...

"The only reasonable thing to do is keep the facts from the electorate!"

If the anonymous leakers were peddling facts, they could skip anonymity.

1) Being an anonymous leaker puts them in legal jeopardy.

OTOH

2) Being a known whistleblower running to some congress con would be a safe slam dunk for someone w/ legit facts rather than carefully timed anonymous electoral manipulations.

shiloh said...

Althouse Republicans ~ why do you hate the constitutional process?

Unknown said...

AReasonableMan: If the IRS leaked Hillary's too. That's the problem: you are outraged, Outraged! at Democrats getting hit for once.

I have zero problems because this is the way it's always been with Republicans and conservatives. Obama leaked his opponent's sealed divorce records; that was fascist. But it worked, and I'm sure you had zero problems because a Democrat won.

Now that the whole "Leak the scandalous and illegal things" is running against a Democrat, now you have an attack of the morals? Now it is totally wrong? Now it is fascist? Please!

The New York Times leaked the Pentagon Papers, and you cheer. Hillary's far far worse than that, and you want to sweep it under the rug because "fascism." So Hillary's illegal doings are to be forever private, because it's fascist to oppose her?

Get a life, man.

--Vance

Sprezzatura said...

"Althouse Republicans ~ why do you hate the constitutional process?"

Trump is going to MAGA, and you've got to scramble eggs to make an omelet, so it's all good.

Henry said...

There are a lot of leaks coming out of the FBI these days. It allows the Guardian to run a story about FBI agents being anti-Clinton while inadvertently revealing the depth of agent distrust of the Obama DOJ. The spin that The Guardian applies, and that ARM picks up is that the FBI is trying to sway the election.

This claim completely ignores the fact that the timing of the leaks is almost entirely the result of Clinton obstructionism. From the day the Clintons set up their private email server, Hillary has been attempting to conceal, and then delay, the revelation of its use. With both HRC's server and the Clinton Foundation under investigation for the past year, full exposure could have come at any time. The fact that the leaks come now is bad luck for Hillary, but entirely her own fault. Sometimes, when you attempt to run out the clock, you lose.

Richard Dolan said...

The subtext of Strassel's piece is that a highly politicized DOJ is a departure from the norm. Perhaps so, but that is a hard case to make. During the FDR administration, for example, DOJ was put to use against FDR's chosen political wiping boys, most famously Andrew Mellon in a bogus tax case. Leading the charge was Robert Jackson, at the time the assistant AG for tax, later Solicitor General and Attorney General, an attack dog par excellence before he was elevated to sainthood. DOJ under Robert Kennedy as attorney general was just as politicized, and if anything it got worst under Mitchell, Kleindienst et al. during Nixon time.

Non-political attorneys general are the exception -- Edward Levi and Michael Mukasey come to mind but stand out mostly for their rarity. In all events, the reality is that the DOJ has to take a position on what cases it will pursue, what appeals it will take to the Supreme Court, what view of vaguely worded statutes it will adopt, etc. All of that involves, by definition, a political agenda. There is no avoiding it, no "non-political" approach that is just waiting in the wings to be put into practice.

Nostalgia for a mythical past contrasted with today's supposedly more tawdry reality may sometimes provide a bit of comfort but isn't a particularly useful guide either to the past or to an understanding of the present.

Unknown said...

And as for the "It's cowardly to do it anonymously! Be a whistleblower!!!!!!" Guess what: we had that too. Project Veritas, remember? James O'Keefe?

And how did you leftists respond? Why, by smearing O'Keefe and saying we should ignore it because O'Keefe was a bad person. You tried to turn the story to O'Keefe, not what his videos revealed. It was a full on "Shoot the messenger!" Just like the planned parenthood videos. "Kill the messenger, and say it's all edited!"

So, maybe... just maybe.... these are anonymous so that the story remains on Hillary, not your "shoot the messenger" strategy.

--Vance

traditionalguy said...

Wiki Leaks has released e-mails showing Podesta attending a serious ritual to empower himself by using Aliester Crowley's Thelema evil spirits.

That is not funny at all. That is precisely the same way Adolph Hitler used to empower himself. It worked then.

Rusty said...

The FBI does its job and it's fascism.

Rusty said...

shiloh said...
Althouse Republicans ~ why do you hate the constitutional process?

Law enforcement is part of our constitutional process.

Sprezzatura said...

The reason the leakers aren't going to congress is because they're not being truthful.

This is also the reason that the leakers timed the leaks to occur days before the elections. Not because satan made them do it.

We know that anonymous FBI leakers have lied by anonymously leaking that they were going to resign, but they didn't resign. They lied about their own actions which they 100% control. Obviously it's silly to ignore that these anonymous leakers are proven leak liars.

Michael The Magnificent said...

By your logic it would have been perfectly acceptable for the IRS to leak Trump's tax returns.

If Name-your-republican had cheated on his/her taxes, and the IRS commissioner was attempting to quash an ongoing audit that had uncovered the evidence of cheating, then yes, I'd be quite happy if the evidence of his/her cheating was leaked. I would want to know, and I would want the electorate to know, especially before an election. I do not want corrupt people in power, regardless of party.

Matt Sablan said...

"By your logic it would have been perfectly acceptable for the IRS to leak Trump's tax returns."

-- The IRS has already illegally released conservative groups and individuals tax information to political operatives/the public. Is that fascist?

bagoh20 said...

"By your logic it would have been perfectly acceptable for the IRS to leak Trump's tax returns. "

There is no evidence of Trump doing anything illegal with his taxes.

It is specifically illegal for the IRS to publish them.

The purpose of the FBI is to find evidence and expose it.

Trump's taxes have been exposed, and still nothing there. So that's out of the bag. Now lets see what Clinton has been hiding.

You seem concerned about fascism. The typical maneuver for fascists is for the powerful to use the law selectively to control the opposition by shutting them up. Nobody is shutting up those who have dirt on Trump.

Unknown said...

None of the leftists here whining about fascism have addressed the IRS, despite repeated invitations to do so.

Clearly the talking points have arrived, and they don't care about fascist behavior on the left: clearly fascist, not this FBI stuff, which actually is clearly for freedom and liberty.

--Vance

Michael The Magnificent said...

Man, I've got to say, it is entertaining watching the vampires scream at the sunrise.

Because the sun is fascist! Fascist, I say!

bagoh20 said...

What daming thing have "the leakers" leaked?

We just know what we knew and was verified before: Hillary lied and deleted evidence under subpoena. All that's changed is that we now hear the stuff she tried to hide may still be around.

Michael The Magnificent said...

If the truth hurts, it's because you are on the wrong side of it.

tim in vermont said...

I am sure that there are no highly political agents in the FBI who support Hillary who are willing to provide quotes like these!

How fascist is it to send thugs to create violence at Trump rallies? How fascist is it that our collection of tech billionaires are dedicating huge resources from their businesses to support a candidate who has accepted scores of millions, hundreds of millions of dollars for what? For inside information about her true intentions, such as the unraveling of the ACA, as long as it has "Republican fingerprints on it" (HRC)

I remember when ARM was here decrying each of those developments as creeping fascism too!

dreams said...

I'm beginning to accept that our country is doomed, that its inevitable. I'll turn now to the stock market and look forward to the post election rally, albeit after another possible day or two of stocks selling off.

shiloh said...

"Nostalgia for a mythical past contrasted with today's supposedly more tawdry reality may sometimes provide a bit of comfort but isn't a particularly useful guide either to the past or to an understanding of the present."

Major difference is the mass media/cable/internet instant communication. True corruption, misleading info goes back to Adam & Eve, if one believes the Bible, but the vessel to distribute such ad nauseam minutiae now has light speed capabilities.

Good thing most Americans have short term memories, so who remembers Trump bragging about pussy grabbing. As previously mentioned the last two weeks is statistical noise as most folk have known who they would vote over a year ago.

>

ok, ok just wanted an excuse to say pussy grabbing again.

Qwinn said...

Yeah, Jelly, cause we know that namwd whistleblowers with facts (and video!) On their side get respect and fair treatment from the Left and the media (redundant, I know).

Oh, wait, no, that has never, ever happened. Ever. What happens, every single time, is character assassination of the whistleblowers, and ignoring of the evidence.

Vance has it right. Whistleblowers against the Left HAVE to hide now, because it's the only way to keep the focus on the evidence. Fasciam has ita price. Cry me a river.

tim in vermont said...

By your logic it would have been perfectly acceptable for the IRS to leak Trump's tax returns.

Yeah, I remember when ARM was up in arms that the IRS sent hundreds of returns to the White House. He probably thinks I am fantasizing about that, but no, I am not, it happened.

ARM is always up in arms about fascism descending on the Republican Party when it always seems to light on the Democrats.

And PB&J is trying to somehow imply that the Clinton Foundation, which employs and dispenses large bonuses to Clinton cronies, to the point that it was put on a charity watch list, and which took 23 million dollars or so from Morocco, then tacitly recognized their disputed claim to mineral rights in another country (at least according the the UN), is not a pay for play operation.

The above facts are known. Look at the Redditor who worked at her server company caught on-line deleting evidence in this case. We shouldn't know about that either, right? That he destroyed evidence AFTER being given immunity, because we might come to the wrong conclusion and not vote for the Clinton Oligarchy!

tim in vermont said...

ok just wanted an excuse to say pussy grabbing again.

Well, that's what Hillary has to run on, against the mountains of evidence of her incompetence and corruption, so I guess you have to go with it.

damikesc said...

You'd think that a Hillary supporter wasn't leaking info about the email investigation to her or something...

The poor darlings should suck it up and stop trying to influence an election, which is classic fascism.

Like the IRS has done for it at least the last 4 years?

Michael The Magnificent said...

"I have said repeatedly I want those emails out. Nobody has a bigger interest in getting them released than I do. - Hillary Clinton

FBI Director James Comey identified 110 emails as containing information that was classified at the time it was sent, including 65 emails deemed "Secret" and 22 deemed "Top Secret." None of these had classification markings. However, as noted in Clinton’s non-disclosure agreement, unmarked classified information should be treated the same as marked classified information. An additional three email chains contained “portion markings,” simply a “(C)” indicating “Confidential” in front of one or more paragraphs. These were not included in Comey’s list of 110 because the State Department failed to confirm they were classified at the time they were sent. Clinton told the FBI she did not know the meaning of “(C).” Nearly 2,100 emails on the server were retroactively marked as classified by the State Department.

Bruce Hayden said...

The leftists are desperately trying to put this on the FBI instead of the DoJ. But the biggest scandal has always been the public corruption, the pay-to-play with the Clintons and their personal foundation/slush fund. And it has been scrupulously squashed by AG Lynch and her DoJ. The investigation was being run out. Of her old SDNY office, where she had been the USA under both Bill Clinton and Obama. And is now under the control of AAG Peter Kadzig, who was a LS classmate of Podesta, Crooked Hillary's campaign chair at Georgetown, represented Podesta as his atty before Ken Starr, tipped off Podesta about the email investigation, and, with his wife has given money to the Clintons. The complaint by the FBI has been that this investigation has been hampered and thwarted by the DoJ as much as possible is far more credible, given what we know about the politics in the DoJ, than the claims by the leftists here about the FBI.

Unknown said...

Want to know what's truly fascist? In every argument about gay marriage I've seen recently, the leftists advance one idea, and one idea only: That a business license means you don't have any constitutional rights anymore. You Must obey the "law" i.e. whatever the government wants you to do. You can't do "hate speech" and you don't have any 1st amendment rights anymore.

Then they pull out the Warren idea, "You didn't build that! We did! So we in government have the right to tell you what to do, because we built the road your business uses!"

It's explicit fascism; demanding the right for government to tell you what business decisions you make. That's Mussolini, that's Albert Speer. And that's the argument leftists are making all over the place. Hey, if you don't want to have government fining your religious actions, don't do anything with commerce! The commerce clause overrides the 1st amendment, somehow.

But it's the FBI that's fascist for revealing truths about Hillary!

--Vance

Michelle Dulak Thomson said...

Some people here just don't know what "fascism" means. HRC's slogan is "Stronger Together." I read in the first section of Wikipedia's article on Fascism that the point of the symbol of the fasces is "Strength through unity." Pure coincidence, natch. Only it's Trump who is supposed to be the fascist.

Trump doesn't seem to me any sort of fascist. He's a combination of one part old-school isolationist conservative, one part populist demagogue (a la Huey Long, not a la the two other Democrats always and inevitably used for comparison, Father Coughlin and Joe McCarthy), and one part sui generis Trump. It's HRC, not he, who is all about binding everyone tightly together (fascistically!) via government; she, not he, who said long ago that it takes a village to raise a child. Trump (if he had sense, anyway) would retort that it takes a family to raise a child, and the village can't do it if the family can't.

Again, where is the alleged fascism? Trump wants to build a wall with Mexico. Well, HRC has in the past suggested the same, and certainly doesn't want the 25% of the border already walled made free again. Trump wants Muslim immigration restricted. So, I think, do many Americans, who are not thereby automatic "Islamophobes." Trump has insulted women; I don't think the Clintons are wise in pursuing this line. The official queller of "bimbo eruptions" had best keep stumm. The guy who stuck a cigar down the twat of his unpaid intern had better not declaim on how "they let you grab their pussy" is beyond the pale.

Everything and everyone is out in force. It's beyond sad.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

It is genuinely pathetic that the partisan hacks on this forum will not mount a defense against fascism when it is staring them in the face. Instead they cry like children, 'but they did it first'.

Althouse's statement is indefensible if you give a rat's ass about maintaining a free and democratic society.


Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Michelle Dulak Thomson said...
Trump doesn't seem to me any sort of fascist.


No one said he was. Get a clue.

Bruce Hayden said...

Think about the message that Obama and. AG Lynch by appointing good Podesta friend and Clinton contributor Asst AG Kadzig to be in charge of the Clinton public corruption/pay-to-play investigation last week. To me, they were telling the FBI that the investigation was going nowhere, and if it did, heads would roll. Don't bother asking for subpoenas or grand juries, because the DoJ wouldn't help provide them. The investigation had better be dead, or else. Pretty naked use of force in my mind. Either pretty brazen, or pretty desperate.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

"Rudy Giuliani said Friday that he knew the FBI planned to review more emails tied to Hillary Clinton before a public announcement about the investigation last week, confirming that the agency leaked information to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. "

Michelle Dulak Thomson said...

Vance, that's also right; much of fascism is what's pretended to be cooperation between corporations and government, but in practice turns out to be either their merger, or the complete subordination of the former to the latter. In Nazi Germany the merger was practically complete. The government would deploy so much slave labor to such and such company (Krupp, AG Farben, whatever), and the company would carry on with its new slaves.

Michelle Dulak Thomson said...

"This is fascism, pure and simple."

OK, you weren't asserting that Trump was a fascist, ARM; just that his FBI supporters were. Whew. I thought for a moment you had a point.

Again, can you see anything Trump has said or done that is actually fascist?

shiloh said...

"Trump doesn't seem to me any sort of fascist."

As mentioned previously, Trump's any political ideology you want him to be depending on which way the wind is blowing on that particular day.

IOW a typical clueless/flip-flopping garden variety politician. But he's also a celebrity/reality show host.

So in essence, how could Rep primary voters deny his ascendancy to power as he's the full bs spewer package!

>

ok, his so called deep-bench invisible opposition in the primary was quite pathetic. Being generous.

Michelle Dulak Thomson said...

ARM,

"Rudy Giuliani said Friday that he knew the FBI planned to review more emails tied to Hillary Clinton before a public announcement about the investigation last week, confirming that the agency leaked information to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. "

Which is exactly like Donna Brazile leaking upcoming debate questions to HRC.

Rusty said...

ARM
Care to weigh in?

Michelle Dulak Thomson said...

ARM, an update: How people can see no fascism when "it's staring them in the face" and also see fascism in Trump when "no one said he was" ... what exactly are you saying? That there's fascism around Trump, but not in him? Where is this fascism staring us in the face? Is it the old bugaboos, Fox and Limburgh? Or what?

exhelodrvr1 said...

Comey has influenced the election by deliberating not taken action he should have, because he knew it would influence the election. That is actually worse.

Bruce Hayden said...

@ARM - you have still not shown us why the fascism would be on the part of the FBI, My view, and that of many more here, is that any fascism here is on the part of the Administration, the DoJ, and the Clintons. They are the ones squelching investigations, profiting personally from government "service", using bully tactics, beating up opponents, etc. indeed, all, or almost all of the campaign violence has been on the part of the Dems this cycle, using the Brown Shirts of our time,. The ones who have used the power of govt against their opponents, whether it was D'Sousa for making an anti-Obama film, the guy who did the video on Islam that they blamed Benghazi on, or the IRS going after Tea Party groups. Etc. why are their opponents the fascists? Because of a half century or so of projection and trying to rewrite history. The fascists, and the Nazis, were never right wing groups. They were, and continue to be, corporate socialists, gaining popularity as a response to the communist socialism of the USSR during the Great Depression. My view is that there is little distinguishing the fascism of Mussolini, the Naziism of Hitler, and the Dem party of Obama and Crooked Hillary.

Henry said...

There are multiple ongoing FBI operations. One of the Clinton Foundation. One of the HRC Email Server. One of Anthony Weiner.

The Anthony Weiner investigation found material pertinent to the Clinton Email foundation.

Directory Comey released that information to Congress. Congress leaked it.

Meanwhile every reporter and politician with an FBI source was trying to get confirmation.

Some sources leaked that there unhappy FBI agents who think Comey should have recommended indictment. Other sources leaked that the unhappy FBI agents were anti-Hillary and shouldn't be trusted. Both sides leaked that the investigation into the Clinton Foundation was hamstrung by political appointees in the DOJ.

This is messy, but it's not fascism. It's actually pretty run-of-the-mill scandal mongering.

And Hillary has no one to blame but herself. As a Hillary voter, she's a train wreck. Out of all the viable Democrats in the United States only Hillary could lose this election.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

A song for the occasion

She's got a number in her cranium.. you're gonna get your uranium...



**Disclaimer** Video is fascist and should be illegal.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Ann Althouse said...
If the FBI is, at this point, for Trump, maybe that just means there is a big problem and if Clinton is elected, it can't be dealt with. That would also imply that the FBI people don't think Trump is dangerous and abnormal. That means a lot to me.


This is fascism. Small bore fascism, but fascism nonetheless. It is not a step towards a police state it is the full acceptance of a police state.

Michael The Magnificent said...

I think I may see the problem here. Leftists use words differently than how they are defined in a dictionary.

Refusing to perform a wedding between two people of the same gender? Homophobia.
Refusing to indulge someone's identity dysphoria? Hateful.
Stealing from one person to give to another? Social Justice.
A prostitute? Sex-worker.
Illegal Alien? Undocumented worker.
Hiring or firing someone based strictly on merit? Discrimination.

Thus, investigating a corrupt politician (but only if it is Democrat)? Fascism.

Bruce Hayden said...

Remember, whenever you are talking about leaks that Asst AG Peter Kadzig has been leaking all along to Leon Podesta, Crooked Hillary campaign chair. Somehow, those on the left condemn low level FBI agents (apparently nearing a dozen now) leaking, but meeting with and being tipped by high level DoJ officials is apparently acceptable.

Just_Mike_S said...

I'm so old I remember "Deep Throat" was a hero.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

You're hilarious ARM. Hillary is a criminal, but saying so, according to you, is fascist. wow. Just wow.

shiloh said...

"Leftists use words differently"

Shout-out to M The M for winning the inane generalization award at Althouse today.

Congrats!

>

Indeed, Reps/cons are very efficient re: word usage ie John Fund/Frank Luntz/Limbaugh, etc.

From my post Jan. 2011 at 538 Refugees ie a 538 breakaway site after Nate went to The NY Times. I digress.

We’re makin’ progress ~ stay the course ~ supporting the troops ~ uniter, not a divider ~ benchmarks ~ you’re either w/us or against us ~ freedom fries ~ Obama care ~ mavericky ~ family values ~ activist judge ~ socialized medicine ~ limousine liberal ~ birther ~ death panels ~ they’re gonna take away our guns ~ illegal aliens/immigrant ~ bailout ~ 9/11 oh the irony! ~ terrorists ~ I’m not a witch ~ refudiate ~ held hostage ~ ground zero mosque ~ death tax ~ marriage penalty ~ we’re fighting them over there, so we don’t have to fight them here ~ mama grizzly ~ fair and balanced ~ giving aid and comfort to the enemy ~ Hitler ~ I don’t recall ~ Islamofascists ~ wealth distributor ~ liberal media ~ pro-business/family/life ~ states’ rights ~ civil liberties ~ strict constructionist ~ blood slander/blood libel ~ and my personal fave statist.

Winger catch phrases ~ what's not to like!

Never misunderestimate Reps.

Bruce Hayden said...

I think, more and more, that ARM and the left call pretty much anyone they disagree with a fascist. Maybe Nazi and KKK too. Nothing principled about their definition, rather it seems that the primary requirement for the using these names is that they don't like them, and little else. I'm a fascist, you're a nazi, and he is KKK, just because we call ARM out on his spin and misinformation.

Achilles said...

Blogger AReasonableMan said...

This is fascism. Small bore fascism, but fascism nonetheless. It is not a step towards a police state it is the full acceptance of a police state.

If Hillary was a private citizen you would be right.

But she wasn't. She was a public servant elected to serve the people of the country and she is subject to Freedom of Information Act rules. All of the information the FBI is finding in their investigation should be available to the public on request.

When I had my TS\SCI clearance I didn't have an opportunity to hide my secure communications. I would have gone to jail if I did. If I did what Hillary did I would be in jail for multiple life sentences. If she does not go to jail then she is above the laws apply to me.

When elites like Hillary are above the law that is actual fascism. I will fight that. I will be happy to see you and Shiloh and PBJ across the battlefield.

Bad Lieutenant said...

Words mean things. Define fascism, then define hwo this is fascism, whatever "this" is.

If you had called it dishonorable or scummy or something, we could at least dispute it, but as it is, you are not even wrong.

Michael The Magnificent said...

Police State:
a political unit characterized by repressive governmental control of political, economic, and social life usually by an arbitrary exercise of power by police and especially secret police in place of regular operation of administrative and judicial organs of the government according to publicly known legal procedures

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

AprilApple said...
You're hilarious ARM.


You are a partisan moron. You are so in the tank for the RNC you did not even believe that Trump was a legitimate candidate. Hillary is the political representative, it now appears, of more than half the country. Attempts by the FBI to delegitimize Clinton are an attack on our democracy. This is not complicated.

shiloh said...

Apologies to partisan morons.

Achilles said...

Blogger AReasonableMan said...
It is genuinely pathetic that the partisan hacks on this forum will not mount a defense against fascism when it is staring them in the face. Instead they cry like children, 'but they did it first'.

If you get your wish and Hillary wins there will be a fight against fascism. You really can't be this stupid. You are being deliberately dishonest and disingenuous.

Rusty said...

AReasonableMan said...
AprilApple said...
You're hilarious ARM.

"You are a partisan moron. You are so in the tank for the RNC you did not even believe that Trump was a legitimate candidate. Hillary is the political representative, it now appears, of more than half the country. Attempts by the FBI to delegitimize Clinton are an attack on our democracy. This is not complicated."

Oh. You're serious.
Now that IS funny.

Achilles said...

Blogger AReasonableMan said...
AprilApple said...
You're hilarious ARM.

You are a partisan moron. You are so in the tank for the RNC you did not even believe that Trump was a legitimate candidate. Hillary is the political representative, it now appears, of more than half the country. Attempts by the FBI to delegitimize Clinton are an attack on our democracy. This is not complicated.

11/4/16, 1:33 PM

Blogger shiloh said...
Apologies to partisan morons.


11/4/16, 1:35 PM

Oh dear. Your sock puppet is showing. How much are you getting paid?

Michael The Magnificent said...

Oh dear. Your sock puppet is showing. How much are you getting paid?

Ha! Double ha!

tim in vermont said...

It is genuinely pathetic that the partisan hacks on this forum will not mount a defense against fascism when it is staring them in the face. Instead they cry like children, 'but they did it first'. - ARM

Right, ARM. And we all recall your outrage when "they did it first!"

We remember when you were upset that Wikileaks showed that a mole in the Justice Department tipped off Hillary to the email investigation, after which she destroyed a shit ton of evidence. Which nobody disputes, BTW.

We remember how upset you were that the DNC got caught sending brownshirts to Trump rallies, and their head of field operations, who had visited personally with Obama 30 or 40 times, and hand been to the White House hundreds of times was forced to resign.

Don't we all remember ARMs full throated condemnation of these events!

Remember how upset ARM was when Rick Perry was indicted for doing stuff completely within his powers as Governor of Texas!

When he says that demonstrating that Democrats did it first is no argument, what he really means is that it only matters when stuff like this hurts a Democrat, which surprises virtually nobody. That's what being "reasonable" means.

Qwinn said...

Heh! Shiloh is ARM's sockpuppet? That is freakin' hilarious. Explains a lot too. I also want to know what the pay rate is these days.

tim in vermont said...

Was ARM inveighing against fascism over the whole Scott Walker pre-dawn raids? You know, when his partisan political opponents used their powers as prosecutors against his supporters? I don't remember it.

But let a few facts about Hillary see the light of day, and ARM is apoplectic!

tim in vermont said...

In China the authoritarian government pays 50 cents for each disrupted thread. They are called fifty centers. Chavez used them too, along with snipers on the rooftops around demonstrations by political opponents. ARM/Shilo must be so proud.

Todd said...

AReasonableMan said...
Attempts by the FBI to delegitimize Clinton are an attack on our democracy. This is not complicated.
11/4/16, 1:33 PM


So by your example, were Hillary to be caught standing over a dead body with the bloody knife in her hand, holding an 8 by 10 glossy of her actually stabbing the deceased, if the detective informs the police chief over the objections of the Distinct Attorney, that is fascism? Because that is what happened here.

You said: AReasonableMan said...

It appears that Comey sent his letter to congress because he was certain that the information would be leaked any way by Clinton-hating agents in the FBI. If this is true then Comey has lost control of his organization and should resign. Those agents who can't put aside partisan feelings should also resign.

11/4/16, 9:24 AM


Comey PROMISED Congress that he would inform them of any new developments. This is a new development. Over 600K+ of emails that could not possibly exist according to Hillary and Co. The AG wanted it kept quiet. The AG has been trying to squash this from the get-go and the AG said she would leave the decision to Comey.

Everything else is distraction.

Now it seems there will be proof that Hillary and Co. lied to Congress, the public, and the FBI. You want all of that held until after the election cause?

If instead of Hillary having done ALL of this, what if it were Rubio, would you still feel the same? Somehow me thinks not.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Achilles said...
Oh dear. Your sock puppet is showing. How much are you getting paid?


This is so sadly clueless that it is genuinely funny.

Pookie Number 2 said...

Attempts by the FBI to delegitimize Clinton are an attack on our democracy.

All the FBI is doing is informing people of Clinton's criminality as part of a fully legitimate investigation.

Leftist partisans (even those that mendaciously call themselves "reasonable") think that their government gods should be above the law, but fortunately there are still decent human beings in the FBI standing in the way of actual fascism.

tim in vermont said...

This is so sadly clueless that it is genuinely funny

I don't know, read the two posts in question before you say that. But evidence is not what you are about. Screaming defenses of Hillary is what you are all about. Plus we all know shilo is a couple cans short of a six-pack.

"The American People should be fed bullshit and kept in the dark or it's fascism!"

Still waiting for you to make a peep about the IRS using their powers against political enemies of the Democrats! Not interested in that story? What a surprise.

Pookie Number 2 said...

Anyone looking for actual examples of fascism could focus on Hillary Clinton abusing her power to revoke some hapless film-maker's parole because he posed a political threat.

tim in vermont said...

What we should do is vociferously complain every time an intervention hurts a Democrat, and sit in stony silence each time it hurts a Republican. That is the only "reasonable" thing to do.

I am still amazed that ARM could take that bust of Aristotle, one of the great geniuses of Western Culture, and give it an air of stupidity.

tim in vermont said...

How many of Hillary's political enemies and scapegoats have spent time in jail? That's not fascism! That's "good government!"

For that matter, how many of Hillary's business partners have spent time in prison, even died in prison? More than you would think for a lady who is pure as the driven snow!

Unknown said...

Sure looks like Shiloh is ARM's sock puppet. There is no reason for Shiloh, an independent commentator, to post "apologies to partisan morons" less than two minutes after your screed and attack on "partisan morons."

Yeah, your sock puppet.

--Vance

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Unknown said...
There is no reason for Shiloh, an independent commentator, to post "apologies to partisan morons"


Unless he/she has a sense of humor, something notably lacking in partisan morons.

Pookie Number 2 said...

Unless he/she has a sense of humor, something notably lacking in partisan morons.

I'm now honestly curious as to why you believe your selectively demonstrated hysteria is neither partisan nor moronic.

Hagar said...

All the agents are doing is pointing out that it is raining evidence and they are paid by the people to collect and organize this sort of stuff for presentation to a grand jury if one is authorized.

The DoJ is still in charge of empaneling a grand jury and any eventual prosecution.

shiloh said...

Althouse, please encourage your 90/10 con bubble to look up the definition of sockpuppet. Also advise them the term sockpuppet went out of style about 10/15 years.

TIA

Indeed, haven't seen the word used in at least (10) years.

Althouse, do all of your con minions live in the past? Obsessively longing for the good ole days of the 1950s er 1900s.

shiloh said...

"Unless he/she has a sense of humor, something notably lacking in partisan morons."

ARM, always enjoy when one person, like yourself, can dominate a thread and easily show how Althouse con flock are totally discombobulated/clueless re: the rule of law and U.S. Constitution.

Indeed, it shouldn't be this easy!

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Pookie Number 2 said...
I'm now honestly curious


The answer is obvious, if you aren't a partisan hack, and unfathomable if you are.

shiloh said...

10/15 years ago.

carry on

Pookie Number 2 said...

The answer is obvious, if you aren't a partisan hack, and unfathomable if you are.

That explains why you can't see it, then. Thanks for the response.

tim in vermont said...

In ARM/shiloh's defense, neither one of them has demonstrated the requisite wit to carry on a conversation in two voices.

Pookie Number 2 said...

ARM, always enjoy when one person, like yourself, can dominate a thread

Shiloh, sweetie, he's not dominating the thread. You're just seeing that people like to laugh at clowns.

tim in vermont said...

Podesta has a drawing for his strategy to make Hillary POTUS on his office wall!

Achilles said...

Blogger shiloh said...
"Unless he/she has a sense of humor, something notably lacking in partisan morons.

ARM, always enjoy when one person, like yourself, can dominate a thread and easily show how Althouse con flock are totally discombobulated/clueless re: the rule of law and U.S. Constitution.

Indeed, it shouldn't be this easy!"


You are a legend in your own mind. You just aren't that intelligent. The two posts I highlighted that you posted 2 minutes apart self referencing and using the same phrase. There is no reasonable doubt.

You are dishonest, disingenuous, and an enemy of freedom. A basic tenet of liberty is equal justice and treatment under the law. You clearly support a woman who has put herself above the law. You represent yourself dishonestly in order to support your dishonesty.

You are not a good person. The people that control the democrat party are not good people. The people in the DOJ who have been caught colluding with the Clinton campaign and subverting the rule of law are bad people. It is my duty to my children to make sure they have a country not run by people like this.

Dude1394 said...

Thank god Obama is leaving.

Gk1 said...

I'm troubled by political meddling with the FBI from the likes of Nancy Pelosi. Are we supposed to forget about these scurrilous remarks after the election?

http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/02/politics/nancy-pelosi-james-comey-anthony-weiner/

Sprezzatura said...

Before it was stated by the lyrics to be otherwise, I thought the red suited dude in April's video was supposed to be an Italian mobster.

Anywho, I have two original CCCP sweat suits that I picked up when I was a kid running bomb sweeps on incoming vehicles at the Goodwill Games in Seattle. (I was supposed to be opening the swing gate, but the cops decided they'd let me run the checkpoint so they could checkout.) I also have a Russian watch and a bunch of those dolls that fit inside each other. Going into making these deals the word was that the Russians wanted to trade everything incl the clothes off their backs for blue jeans and such. Nope. They wanted US dough.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Achilles said...
The two posts I highlighted that you posted 2 minutes apart self referencing and using the same phrase. There is no reasonable doubt.


You are so incredibly stupid.

Rusty said...

The time to become concerned about fascism was "we have to pass the bill to know what's in it." That should have concerned any honest broker in this political debate. When the IRS was being used as a political tool of the Obama administration to influence voter turn out by investigating only conservative organizations. That is fascism ARM and since you argued in favor of those and all the things that Democrats and this administration have done to silence the conservative side of the debate, you too are a fascist. You aren't concerned about the rule of law as it extends to everyone. You're only concerned about the rule of law as it concerns your ideology.

Sprezzatura said...

It will be interesting to see if exit polls confirm that DJT's appeal differs from normal Rs by his doing better w/ rural lowly educated folks, but less well w/ educated normal R voters.

It seems like a bunch of his supporters don't care if the FBI or Russia meddle in our elections. This just helps blowup the American system, which is seen as a feature. Accepting, and even welcoming, the Russian gov and FBI leakers to F w/ our election is interesting. Presumably many DJTers just go along because that's what they're used to doing. But, some of these rural low educated folks and other DJTers could be expressing the so-called misery loves company psychology. That thinking goes like: 'The 21st century ain't workin' for us, so lets spread the misery to folks who are succeeding, and we want to callout uppity gals and non-whites; bring on Russian gov and FBI anonymous leaks; the more blowup-y, the better.'

Sprezzatura said...

Anywho, if DJT can psychologically quell these blowup-y folks, while (w/ Rs in congress) lowering taxes and regulations for rich folks, fine by me.

But, at some point these folks may see the swindle, just as they eventually turned against W's Iraq adventure and tax cuts/deregulation for rich folks.

Anywho, a DJT win will be fun while it lasts. And, he could keep it going for quite a while by placating his peeps by scapegoating other groups of people, like he already does.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

For the slow-witted hacks, I have been a consistent Trump supporter in this election cycle (unlike April in Vermont). Under no circumstances would I vote for the Clintons. This being said, the involvement of the FBI in the election is very troubling exactly because of these statements by Althouse:

"If the FBI is, at this point, for Trump, maybe that just means there is a big problem and if Clinton is elected, it can't be dealt with. That would also imply that the FBI people don't think Trump is dangerous and abnormal. That means a lot to me."

This is disgusting, anti-democratic talk. In should be troubling to anyone who believes in democracy. There is no conceivable excuse for these statements.

I can't stand the Clintons but if they win this election, which seems most likely, then they are the legitimate representatives of the people who voted for them. Any FBI employees found to have leaked in an attempt to influence the outcome this close to an election should be fired and charged with sedition.


Qwinn said...

"This is disgusting, anti-democratic talk. In should be troubling to anyone who believes in democracy. There is no conceivable excuse for these statements. "

Other than, you know, Hillary has committed crimes. Which she has.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Qwinn said...
Hillary has committed crimes. Which she has.


Your beliefs do not constitute evidence.

Bad Lieutenant said...


AReasonableMan said...
Achilles said...
The two posts I highlighted that you posted 2 minutes apart self referencing and using the same phrase. There is no reasonable doubt.

You are so incredibly stupid.

11/4/16, 4:00 PM

No, ARM, or rather shiloh, you are so incredibly busted. You have just committed blog suicide. You're DEAD on Althouse.

What will your next alias be? I suggest Peter Puffer. And your next sockpuppet can be Peck of Peckers.

Rusty said...

AReasonableMan said...
Qwinn said...
Hillary has committed crimes. Which she has.

Your beliefs do not constitute evidence.

She has committed crimes. The FBI chose not to seek an indictment. She was ruled too stupid to have knowlege that she committed a crime,


Blogger AReasonableMan said...
"For the slow-witted hacks, I have been a consistent Trump supporter in this election cycle..."

Really. When was that?

Rusty said...


NERVOUS DEMS UP 'NAZI' TALK...

via Drudge

holdfast said...

When Bill and Hill ordered the FBI to send them thousands of confidential files so that the Clintons could peruse them and update their enemies spreadsheets - and then left said files lying around the West Wing for months, did that bother ARM et al?

When the IRS used its power to punish conservative activists, and then stymied investigators by willfully destroying evidence, did that ping their "fascism detectors"?

When the President (a/k/a the AG's boss) went on TV and publicly pre-judged the outcome of the investigation into HRC's emails - essentially sending his order "in the clear" to DOJ functionaries, was that a problem? An abuse of power or process?

Guess what - All those FBI Agents investigating HRC have security clearances. They know what would happen to them if they pulled 1/10 the crap that HRC and her minions have pulled. They've probably been involved in investigating and charging dumb 18 and 19 year old sailors and soldiers who took a picture in the wrong place or made some other stupid mistake. So while I doubt that they love Trump, I have no doubt that most of them hold HRC in contempt. Which is the only reasonable thing to do.

holdfast said...

I can't stand the Clintons but if they win this election, which seems most likely, then they are the legitimate representatives of the people who voted for them.

Well, if she's elected only because the investigations into her malfeasance were retarded or quashed by political actors in the DOJ acting politically, doesn't that sort of make her election an act of fraud by deception? Depending what else leaks out, a lot of folks may be making that argument.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Bad Lieutenant said...
No, ARM, or rather shiloh, you are so incredibly busted. You have just committed blog suicide. You're DEAD on Althouse.


Hmmmm.... I'm sure the winger trolls on this site used to be a lot smarter.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Bad Lieutenant said...
You're DEAD on Althouse.


Not DEAD yet.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Bad Lieutenant said...
You're DEAD on Althouse.


Still not dead.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Bad Lieutenant said...
You're DEAD on Althouse.


Nope. Not dead yet.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Bad Lieutenant said...
You're DEAD on Althouse.


Still kicking.

Bruce Hayden said...

Of course Crooked Hillary committed crimes. The FBI director laid out the facts, and they were never refuted, that she was extremely careless in handling classified materials, and the legal standard for the Espionage Act is gross negligence. We can all read the statute. Dir. Comey laid out specifics showing worse. Of course, she wa lying through her teeth - if you actually believed her interview transcript, the woman was brain dead enough that she shouldn't be allowed near sharp knives, more less national secrets. Which is why her claim to competence is so hilarious - she essentially claimed no memory of the time she was Sec of State, or on the Senate Intelligence committee.

shiloh said...

ARM, free speech is only allowed at Althouse when you totally agree with her con echo chamber.

Do not, I repeat, do not rock the boat er burst their con bubble!

Darrell said...

shitloh crossed the International Date Line. The highlight of his life.

shiloh said...

"crossed the International Date Line"

Not true and never said I did so you're a fucking idiot!

Rusty said...

Blogger shiloh said...
"ARM, free speech is only allowed at Althouse when you totally agree with her con echo chamber.

Do not, I repeat, do not rock the boat er burst their con bubble!"

Don't expect your opinions to go unchallenged. If you have facts, present them.
ARM likes to move the goalposts around.

Bad Lieutenant said...

AReasonableMan said...
Bad Lieutenant said...
You're DEAD on Althouse.

Still kicking.
11/4/16, 6:18 PM

Shiloh/ARM, living rent-free in the head of, achievement unlocked. ($0.02 prize, yay.)



Blogger shiloh said...
ARM, free speech is only allowed at Althouse when you totally agree with her con echo chamber.

Do not, I repeat, do not rock the boat er burst their con bubble!
11/4/16, 6:26 PM

ARM/Shiloh, stroking with both hands.

Nobody is disallowing you anything except freedom from rebuttal. Speaking of echo chambers, that is nothing less than the two of you aspire to, to preach to a silent audience. If you're not sock puppets, you're genuinely Tweedledum and Tweedledee. ARM, I bet you pride yourself on yourself, how do you like being indistinguishable from this post-productive mouthbreather with daddy issues.

ARM and Shiloh sitting in a tree,

K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

(NTTAWWT)

shiloh said...

"Except he's probably lying about that too, because I don't really think you can be a sailor for very long without crossing the International Date Line."

Was always stationed on east coast, NAS Norfolk now Naval Station Norfolk and Mayport, FL. Dam Neck, VA ~ '82/'85 shore duty. You only cross the Date Line if you make a West Pac unless you go on a around the world cruise.

My first cruise was an African/S. American cruise leaving Norfolk on Jan 16, '78. My first port-of-call was Casablanca, Morocco and (4) other African ports ~ Dakar, Senegal / Monrovia, Liberia / Libreville, Gabon / Tema, Ghana. On the way from Monrovia to Libreville crossed the equator at 0.00 Latitude/0.00 Longitude ie the Greenwich Meridian becoming a shellback on my first cruise.

It was an (80) day show the flag cruise visiting ports half that time on the USS Spruance DD-963. Was an aviation electrician part of an H-2 helo detachment, squadron, HSL-34.

Vivid memories of my first cruise as we crossed the Atlantic a second time going to Salvador, Brazil. Then Rio for a week March 20-27, 1978. Back to Salvador then Barbados and home to Norfolk. So crossed the equator and visited Rio on my 1st cruise.

>

Changed my rate to Data Systems Tech and crossed the equator a second time on my 3rd Med cruise '85/'86 on the USS Saratoga CV-60 leaving the Med on the way to the Indian Ocean going through the Suez Canal. Crossing the equator north of Diego Garcia.

And now you know the rest of the story ...

>

btw, you can spend (20) years in the USN and never be on a ship ie if you were in a P-3 squadron, H-53 squadron, Operation Deep Freeze, etc. etc. Indeed, back in the day if you were into freezing isolation the South Pole was great duty as whatever time spent there counted towards twice your enlistment ie 10 years would be (20) and then you retire if you survived the elements. I digress.

>

Bad Lieutenant, were you always a fucking idiot or was it a learning process?

Jason said...

Shiloh: Yes, but there's a constitutional process and FBI agents leaking either accurate or inaccurate info, rumors, innuendo is not part of that process.

You know what else isn't part of that process, asshole?

Cabinet officials hiding official records on a private unsecure email server.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Bad Lieutenant said...

Well, Shiloh, you go on about your naval career, doesn't sound like much of a career. Once you got off the boat you did what exactly?