Althouse: Least surprising scoop.

November 25, 2020

Least surprising scoop.

"Scoop: Trump tells confidants he plans to pardon Michael Flynn" (Axios).

54 comments:

Political Junkie said...: Flynn - Liked him first time I saw him, which was a Charlie Rosie interview. Those 2 have both taken beatings.; 11/25/20, 6:21 AM
Political Junkie said...: First to post on an AA blog post is a nice way to start the work day!; 11/25/20, 6:23 AM
Wilbur said...: He better find a way to pardon himself, or resign the day before he leaves office and let Pence do it.

Not that he committed any crimes - no one's been more investigated in office - but the Leftists are hellbent to get their pound of flesh from him. They will demand and insist that he be indicted by Biden's Justice Department (already a contradiction in terms), and every Democrat state AG in the country. It will bring new meaning to the term "trumped-up charges".

Let the healing begin.; 11/25/20, 6:26 AM
Political Junkie said...: Meant Charlie Rose of course, not Charlie Rosie.; 11/25/20, 6:27 AM
Leland said...: Only because it is reported by Axios, I'm not sure I believe it. However, since Flynn's prosecution is entirely politically motivated and lacking in any crime; he is definitely worthy of a pardon.; 11/25/20, 6:28 AM
gilbar said...: Wilbur, my $0.02 worth is NO!
Indicting a former President is a bad precedent for Jo Biden.
Once President Trump is out of office, the Powers That Be will act like he never was

They'll HOPE that IF they pretend he doesn't exist, that he'll Go Away
They'll be WRONG, but still; 11/25/20, 6:31 AM
David Begley said...: And the Fake News will scream and speculate.

The judge sat on this case for this very reason. A complete disgrace. But the Dems have no shame.

Scene from “Open Range.”

Sue Barlow slaps Sheriff Poole hard across the face on Main Street in front of the entire town.

Sue Barlow, “Sheriff Poole, you’re a disgrace. Always have been.”

Sheriff Poole, “I know it.”; 11/25/20, 6:31 AM
iowan2 said...: The DoJ motion to drop the Flynn prosecution was filed May 5, 2020.
The Corrupt Judge Sullivan, has just refused to make a ruling. 10+ months and the Judge refuses to make any ruling.
Another thing President Trump exposed. A judiciary that ignores black letter law to advance their personal agenda.; 11/25/20, 6:31 AM
wendybar said...: Good. AND, I hope he declassifies everything. Let the chips fall where they may. We DESERVE to know the truth...not the Propaganda the left spews.....; 11/25/20, 6:33 AM
Sally327 said...: I am a bit surprised by it because I've thought possibly Michael Flynn wants to be vindicated by having the charges dismissed. But it seems obvious that the Judge in the case has refused to act in the hope that the election would turn out as it has and the Flynn prosecution would be put back on track by a Biden justice department.

I know we're supposed to be happy with all the judges that were nominated by Trump and then confirmed but I think when it comes to the law I wish he could have done more to clean out the justice department, the FBI, etc. Maybe the rot is just too systemic.; 11/25/20, 6:34 AM
Humperdink said...: It would be sweet if Trump could nudge AG Barr to appoint a special "persecutor" to investigate all things democratical.; 11/25/20, 6:35 AM
iowan2 said...: no one's been more investigated in office - but the Leftists are hellbent to get their pound of flesh from him.

Granted there is an element of wanting the pound of flesh. As big a factor, I think far greater factor is the mid-evil practice of "head on a pike" a very visual message that more of this awaits the next attempted interloper. The Swamp/uniparty is signalling that no person of any stripe is going to be allowed to do what President Trump has done. Lots of rice bowls got kicked over, and they are pissed.; 11/25/20, 6:38 AM
Readering said...: When did democratical become a thing?; 11/25/20, 6:40 AM
Anonymous said...: Hey's when that blockbuster AG John Durham report coming out?

Biggest disappointment since I was promise a horse for Christmas and it turned out plastic and about three inches high.; 11/25/20, 6:44 AM
Breezy said...: Demonicratical is more apt.; 11/25/20, 6:47 AM
D.D. Driver said...: "Scoop of chocolate. Scoop of vanilla. Don't waste my time.; 11/25/20, 6:50 AM
Temujin said...: The larger question: Where has the press been, where have the people's clamoring been- asking why Flynn is still charged with anything? The entire case against him was based on fiction. The Government admitted as much and dropped charges. A single, crazy judge who has an issue with Trump is holding Michael Flynn. Flynn has, in the meantime, lost everything. His savings, his home. The Government coerced a statement from him by threatening his son.

The crime? Flynn, as acting National Security Director, spoke to foreign representatives during the transition. Hmmm. I wonder what Biden's team- formerly lobbyists for the CCP- are currently doing? Oh well...nothing to see here.

Heads should roll over what they did to Flynn (And Trump. And the nation.) Trump should pardon him immediately.; 11/25/20, 6:54 AM
Humperdink said...: "When did democratical become a thing?"

In the 60's. It's reached it's heyday when the Trump rode down the escalator.; 11/25/20, 6:59 AM
Mr Wibble said...: I wouldn't be surprised if they try to argue that Trump's pardon powers are not absolute, and that his pardon of Flynn is illegitimate and should be discarded.; 11/25/20, 7:16 AM
tim maguire said...: Why would Flynn need a pardon?; 11/25/20, 7:20 AM
tim maguire said...: gilbar said...Indicting a former President is a bad precedent for Jo Biden.
Once President Trump is out of office, the Powers That Be will act like he never was

I think this is right. Remember "lock her up!" During the 2016 campaign, Trump promised to prosecute Hillary and then, the moment the election was over, he forgot all about it. It's one of the few campaign promises he blatantly ignored. They don't prosecute each other at this level--no matter how much they threaten to.; 11/25/20, 7:22 AM
Jaq said...: Hunter Biden sought a meeting with his president-elect dad’s pick for secretary of state shortly after joining the board of a controversial Ukrainian energy company in 2015, according to a report Tuesday. Biden emailed Antony Blinken, then the US deputy secretary of state, to request the sit-down, Fox News said. “Have a few minutes next week to grab a cup of coffee? I know you are impossibly busy, but would like to get your advice on a couple of things,” Hunter Biden reportedly wrote on May 22, 2015. Blinken replied, “Absolutely,” and the two exchanged several more messages regarding the time and place, Fox News said. On May 27, 2015,

This new upright and above board Biden Administration everybody is hoping for is gonna be lit. I am sure the press will be asking Joe all about it.

Don’t worry, the ChiComs do not have massive kompromat on Joe from Scranton. If they did you would be reading about it in the New York Times and Washington Post, right?; 11/25/20, 7:23 AM
Jaq said...: Impeachment was about covering up for people like Blinken. That’s why the phone call scared the shit out of Democrats.; 11/25/20, 7:24 AM
Mr Wibble said...: Why would Flynn need a pardon?

He'd already pleaded (pled?) guilty when the new information came to light and the DoJ requested that the charges be dismissed. Sullivan has refused to do so, and everyone figures that once Biden takes over, the new DoJ will drop the request for dismissal and push forward with sentencing. Pardoning in theory makes that moot.; 11/25/20, 7:28 AM
Ralph L said...: the moment the election was over, he forgot all about it.

It had zero chance of going anywhere in DC or Westchester Co with prosecutors or juries. The accomplices had all been granted immunity under BO. The DoJ attorneys would have become holy martyrs if he had ordered so much as a grand jury investigation.; 11/25/20, 7:30 AM
Jaq said...: Trump should pardon him for pleading guilty under duress when he knew he was innocent. That seems to be what has the judge’s panties in a knot. Let him then have his trial on his alleged crimes, now that the evidence of prosecutorial malfeasance and the withheld evidence has come to light.; 11/25/20, 7:31 AM
Birkel said...: Scoop: Flynn did nothing wrong.; 11/25/20, 7:49 AM
Dude1394 said...: Amazingly corrupt justice system and democrat propaganda with respect to Gen Flynn. Think about a case against Kerry/Clinton/hunter biden being tossed by the doj and a trump judge refuses to drop it. Oh the fake, corrupt angst we would have.
They are all corrupt.; 11/25/20, 7:52 AM
hombre said...: It is an outrage that this is even necessary after what has been revealed. The indifference of some and glee of others about his plight provides insight into the character of Democrats and their fondness for the use of corrupt law enforcement.

Pray for Trump and his family and embrace the Second Amendment for yours.; 11/25/20, 7:55 AM
narciso said...: Gleason who is the persecutor works for a china involved firm, king and spaulding, he gave hsbc the second largest money launderer, a slap on the wrist. Also defended sally yates and weissman.; 11/25/20, 8:03 AM
MikeR said...: Surprise to me. I don't understand what happened to the case. The appeals court sent it back to Sullivan, and then what is happening? Isn't he supposed to, like, decide?
Obviously having the case dropped with prejudice would be better for Flynn than a pardon. What is happening?; 11/25/20, 8:05 AM
tim maguire said...: Mr Wibble said...
Why would Flynn need a pardon?

...everyone figures that once Biden takes over, the new DoJ will drop the request for dismissal...

It's largely out of their hands. Given the current status of the case, I don't see Team Biden convincing judges above Sullivan. Politically, Biden will walk away from the whole mess.; 11/25/20, 8:07 AM
Dear corrupt left, go F yourselves said...: Good. Trump never should have fired him.; 11/25/20, 8:19 AM
Readering said...: Google Gleeson (correct spelling).

Judges keep motions under submission a long time all the time. Juggling their workload.; 11/25/20, 8:20 AM
Readering said...: What about Manafort?; 11/25/20, 8:20 AM
Michael K said...: Let him then have his trial on his alleged crimes, now that the evidence of prosecutorial malfeasance and the withheld evidence has come to light.

DC juries are the problem. Geoff Craig walked on charges identical to those that have Manafort in prison. The difference ? A "D".; 11/25/20, 8:22 AM
John henry said...: "Sources say"

Well bless their hearts. What would we do without "sources"

My "sources" (which reside in my ass) tell me not to pay attention to their sources. Even if the do have "direct knowledge"

John Henry; 11/25/20, 8:28 AM
Mike of Snoqualmie said...: But does Trump plan to pardon Hillary Clinton for all her crimes? Just to mess with all the leftists heads.; 11/25/20, 8:31 AM
John henry said...: IF president loses the election he should definitely pardon Flynn.

He should also go after the folks who set him up if there is any way to do that.

He should do that win or lose.

John Henry; 11/25/20, 8:32 AM
Jaq said...: " Geoff Craig walked on charges identical to those that have Manafort in prison. “

Hunter Biden’s own laptop shows he is guilty of the same crimes.; 11/25/20, 8:42 AM
doctrev said...: I doubt it.

A Harris DOJ would go after Flynn (and Trump himself, for that matter) until they found some other pretext to indict them on.

But beyond knowing what happens when you yank a man's rhubarb, Kamala Harris isn't terribly familiar with the idea of consequences. So she won't realize what President Trump's about to do until it's too late.; 11/25/20, 8:43 AM
Lurker21 said...: Meant Charlie Rose of course, not Charlie Rosie.

Haven't heard anything out of him lately.

Maybe he went to France.

Charlie Rosé.; 11/25/20, 8:44 AM
Donn said...: Flynn's lawyer, Sidney Powell, asked Trump NOT to pardon Flynn, she would rather see the charges dismissed! Also, today should be the day Powell starts her fraud case in GA!; 11/25/20, 8:47 AM
Jaq said...: Sydney Powell sort of reminds me of Nate Silver. She’s a genius when she guesses right.; 11/25/20, 9:05 AM
Birkel said...: tim in vermont knows so very little about Powell's career.
Which is nice.; 11/25/20, 9:10 AM
Howard said...: Trump should also pardon Michael Cohen just to make the talking heads explode.; 11/25/20, 9:25 AM
Earnest Prole said...: I’ve believed Michael Flynn was innocent from the day I heard about his supposed crime, but after watching his lawyer Sydney Powell release the Krazy Kraken on Steroids I’m thinking I should have second thoughts.; 11/25/20, 9:29 AM
Howard said...: Sydney Powell should have her own show. She makes Nancy Grace look sane. Everyone loves a train wreck; 11/25/20, 9:34 AM
Bruce Hayden said...: “I am a bit surprised by it because I've thought possibly Michael Flynn wants to be vindicated by having the charges dismissed. But it seems obvious that the Judge in the case has refused to act in the hope that the election would turn out as it has and the Flynn prosecution would be put back on track by a Biden justice department.”

My prediction, shared by others here, no doubt, is that tTrump pardons Flynn if he sees himself leaving office. If his court cases are successful and he is re-elected, then I think that he will wait on the pardon. Unless he wants to move Flynn back to being his NSA. I think that Trump is tempted.; 11/25/20, 9:50 AM
Joe Smith said...: "Biggest disappointment since I was promise a horse for Christmas and it turned out plastic and about three inches high."

Three inches? Entitled rich kid ; )

And pardon Assange while you're at it. Let him tell everyone who provided the DNC emails.

Re: Sullivan...doesn't it seem like the same corrupt, lefty asshole judges get all the cases that matter.

DC is not just a swamp, it's an incestuous swamp.; 11/25/20, 10:53 AM
Readering said...: "If his court cases are successful ...."

.... He will spend all his time sitting in a chair letting folks touch his garment because they believe he has miraculous powers.; 11/25/20, 10:57 AM
Lovernios said...: "Maybe the rot is just too systemic." - Sally327

There is more rot than iron in that system.; 11/25/20, 11:49 AM
effinayright said...: Those Trump "confidants" are awfully blabby.; 11/25/20, 1:08 PM
gadfly said...: The White House statement on the Flynn pardon tells a lot of lies. But the important detail is its reference to a “full pardon” only references the charges Flynn pled guilty to and only his prosecution.

"In fact, the Department of Justice has firmly concluded that the charges against General Flynn should be dropped. This Full Pardon achieves that objective, finally bringing to an end the relentless, partisan pursuit of an innocent man."

If that’s right, then Flynn is still at risk of charges for both secretly working as an agent of Turkey and his lies to Judge Emmett Sullivan. In which case, Judge Sullivan’s job is very much not over, and the DC Circuit’s order that he proceed with dispatch about the existing charges presumably no longer applies.

Also now at risk is son Mike Flynn, Jr. having worked closely with his father in connecting to foreign governments, including Russia and Turkey, and he too has previously been a subject of federal and congressional investigations. When Sally Yates becomes Biden's Attorney General, things could get interesting - if the many lip-zipping Trump pardons-to-come are as badly done as this one appears to be.; 11/25/20, 7:59 PM