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Prosecutors rip into Trump's ex-campaign chief Manafort as trial opens

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By Nathan Layne, Sarah N. Lynch and Karen Freifeld

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what a waste of time... meanwhile waiting for the reports on record high stocks, jobs and record low unemployment

-29 ( +4 / -33 )

His trust in Rick Gates was misplaced," Zehnle said, alleging that Gates had embezzled millions of dollars from Manafort.

Manafort and Gates, each part of a global group of thug capitalists connected with ‘foreign’ oligarchs, among other racketeers. 

Manafort, Gates, George Papadopoulos, Micahel Flyn, Charles Kushner etal.

“You’re known by the company you keep.” “Birds of a feather flock together.” 

And then there’s Don Jr. 

“Apples don’t fall far from their trees.”

20 ( +21 / -1 )

Manafort is being tried for tax fraud and evasion like any other mobster not campaign related activities but you have to wonder who hires a scam-artist to run a Presidential campaign? The answer is another scam-artist.

22 ( +23 / -1 )

Drain the swamp!

20 ( +21 / -1 )

Manafort and Trump should take a photo smiling together in matching orange jumpsuits.

15 ( +17 / -2 )

So Tony Podesta is not being prosecuted?

Notice the Podesta name and is not even mentioned here, which makes this a perfect example of fake news.

Anti-Trump protestors outside the court room even though this has nothing to do with Trump shows how stupid people can be.

-22 ( +3 / -25 )

meanwhile waiting for the reports on record high stocks, jobs and record low unemploymen

Cult 45ists keep repeating this mantra ad infinitum .

16 ( +18 / -2 )

@fizb Notice the Podesta name and is not even mentioned here, which makes this a perfect example of fake news.

Anti-Trump protestors outside the court room even though this has nothing to do with Trump shows how stupid people can be.

Fake news isn't, except perhaps to GoTrumpers, news that doesn't include everything a reader thinks should be included. What does calling an article like this 'fake news' say about people who claim it's fake news?

One thing it says is they're unable to defend their political messiah. And at this point that must be hard to do. But something about leopards and spots, or you knew he was a snake before you GoTrumped him in.

15 ( +16 / -1 )

One thing it says is they're unable to defend their political messiah. 

More evidence of a lack of critical thinking as well as an MSM addict, Obfuscation and redirection.

There is no connection to Trump if the charges against Manafort date back to 2014, Yanukovych and Ukraine.

-19 ( +2 / -21 )

The beginning of the end for Trump and his dodgy cronies.

13 ( +14 / -1 )

So Tony Podesta is not being prosecuted?

Nope! Not as long as out justice is based on the rule of law and not nutty websites.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

So Tony Podesta is not being prosecuted?

Notice the Podesta name and is not even mentioned here, which makes this a perfect example of fake news.

There's some great logic for you. 'Every person I have ever had a problem with is not mentioned in this article, so it's fake news'.

You know what, I bet you can fix this. The solution lies in the depths of tower 7...

17 ( +18 / -1 )

There is no connection to Trump if the charges against Manafort date back to 2014, Yanukovych and Ukraine.

Yeah, it's not like Manafort was on Trump's campaign team or something.

Oh wait...

15 ( +16 / -1 )

Actually Podesta is related to the next trial and will be sure to get immunity for doing exactly what Manafort is being accused of. When you are “linked” with Trump you even get TWO trials just in case the first one finds you innocent.

But whatever. Basically the prosecutor wants the jury to be mad that Manafort made some money. Trial witnesses include his tailor, a guy who sold his wife a new car and the season ticket sellers at the baseball stadium.

-19 ( +1 / -20 )

You know what, I bet you cant climb out of the sand box.

Prove it! Prove it! Fake news!

7 ( +7 / -0 )

So Tony Podesta is not being prosecuted?

Notice the Podesta name and is not even mentioned here, which makes this a perfect example of fake news.

It's being reported that Podesta was offered immunity to testify against Manafort. It's odd that they don't mention that fact here, but that doesn't mean the other facts mentioned are "fake."

12 ( +12 / -0 )

There are so many dodgy people surrounding Trump.

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Trump:

Yesterday: "There was NO COLLUSION!"

In other words, there was no treason.

Today: "COLLUSION is NOT A CRIME!"

In other words, treason is not a crime.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

This particular pigeon stinks, and birds of a feather flock together.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

It is worth noting that this article fails to mention that Manafort is on trial for alleged tax evasion in 2005 and 2014; years before joining DJT's campaign.

What's more, Mueller's prosecution team has instructed its witnesses not to even mention President Trump's when they testify on the stand.

So, best of luck to anti-Trump cultists trying to get him thrown out of office based on the results of this trial.

-14 ( +1 / -15 )

President Trump's name

-12 ( +0 / -12 )

The crime organisation is unravelling, bit by bit.

However, the damage is already done. America is divided and with more meddling yet to come, expect more division - no matter which of the stale parties is in power.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

It is worth noting that this article fails to mention that Manafort is on trial for alleged tax evasion in 2005 and 2014; years before joining DJT's campaign.

What's more, Mueller's prosecution team has instructed its witnesses not to even mention President Trump's when they testify on the stand.

I'm sure interesting things will come out of this trial and one shouldn't ignore the Russia connections. That ain't co-incidence.

So, best of luck to anti-Trump cultists trying to get him thrown out of office based on the results of this trial.

Meh. They got Capone on tax evasion. As for cultists, I find that a wee bit ironic, coming from those who talk about nothing else than how great the lying, traitor and sex pest is.

13 ( +13 / -0 )

@texag So, best of luck to anti-Trump cultists trying to get him thrown out of office based on the results of this trial.

Thanks for wishing folks good luck, but I don’t think many people think Trump will be impeached or will resign as a result of this trial. Same can probably be said for the trials that follow. 

What these trials are showing, except perhaps to Trump’s most ardent followers (i.e. Cult45ists) and the richest .01% in the US and throughout the globe who are getting even richer and more powerful because of his administration, is what a slimeball he’s been throughout his life. But that’s long been known. The only positive I can see about Trump’s administration is the US is no longer pretending to be morally and ethically superior. The sheet’s off the nation’s face.

@texag Look, Russian meddling has been going on here since the 1950s.

Interesting that some who call themselves patriotic conservatives are now willing to accept foreign interference in US elections. Is that because it helps their cause? Interesting, too that Russia's using the NRA and other far right organizations to spread their propaganda. But many US 'patriotic conservatives' actually believe that Putin's a Christian and a conservative. Just because he says so. And because Trump says he's a good guy.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

It is worth noting that this article fails to mention that Manafort is on trial for alleged tax evasion in 2005 and 2014; years before joining DJT's campaign.

2014 is only four years ago from now, and only two years before the campaign. That's not even half a decade.

Even Rosenstien said a few Fridays ago that no election outcome was affected by Russian interference in the last election cycle.

Nobody can really say with certainty how effective the interference was because the effects are on voter perceptions of the candidates. There's no way to actually measure that. But if you think things like the one-sided hacking into DNC servers and subsequent leaks via Wikileaks and paid trolls flooding the internet with misinformation has zero effect, I think you're not being honest with yourself.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

It is worth noting that this article fails to mention that Manafort is on trial for alleged tax evasion in 2005 and 2014; years before joining DJT's campaign.

Manafort is facing 32 felony charges of tax evasion and bank fraud. As far as the dates go, I suggest that you re-read the indictment below. Look at charges 28-32 which cover the periods March 2016 through January 2017:

https://c-8oqtgrjgwu46x24yyyx2elwuvkegx2eiqx78.g00.newsweek.com/g00/3c-8yyy.pgyuyggm.eqo/c-8OQTGRJGWU46x24jvvrux3ax2fx2fyyy.lwuvkeg.iqx78x2fhkngx2f3250513x2ffqypnqcf_$/$/$/$?i10c.ua=1&i10c.dv=14

Mueller's prosecution team has instructed its witnesses not to even mention President Trump's when they testify on the stand.

Why would they mention Trump? He is not on trial here--Manafort is.

So, best of luck to anti-Trump cultists trying to get him thrown out of office based on the results of this trial.

I doubt "anti-Trump cultists" are counting on the fact that if Manafort is found guilty of these charges that Trump should be thrown out of office. This is another feeble attempt by Cult-45 members to somehow discredit Mueller's investigation.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Basically the prosecutor wants the jury to be mad that Manafort made some money.  made some money by evading taxes, these elitists evading taxes masks the average citizen have to pay for the shortfall by paying higher taxes or reduced services, whats not to mad about!

7 ( +7 / -0 )

So, best of luck to anti-Trump cultists trying to get him thrown out of office based on the results of this trial.

thats not the goal , its to expose the corrution within Trumps team, the racists , misogynistic , egotistical pathological lying part Trump does all by himself. The "thrown out of office" part will be done come next election.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

oh did he evade taxes? Proven on day 1? Last time he was investigated years ago those same charges were dropped.

As I said the prosecutors want jurors to be mad that Manafort made money and for them to assume he didn’t pay taxes. But they actually have to prove that, and prove Manafort himself knew and was involved.

Rich people don’t do their own taxes, you know? They hire people and those people couid have misinterpreted a law or a deduction. Who knows, that’s why there is a trial.

-13 ( +0 / -13 )

What's more, Mueller's prosecution team has instructed its witnesses not to even mention President Trump's when they testify on the stand.

That sounds like a pretty smart tactic to me. If they even mention Trump, it's just going to drag a bunch of unnecessary crap into the trial. It also indicates that he is confident in his being able to get a conviction based on the non-Trump evidence.

So, best of luck to anti-Trump cultists trying to get him thrown out of office based on the results of this trial.

Your comment about this is the first I've read by anyone. Or in other words, I haven't seen anyone saying that Trump should be thrown out of office (or not) based on the results of this trial. Trump isn't even on trial this time.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Who knows, that’s why there is a trial.

Hehehe, you say this after going on about all the reasons why you feel he's not guilty.

Yeah, there's a trial. Maybe take your own advice on that.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

@Blacklabel

Good to see you are waiting for the evidence to be presented before finding someone guilty or dismissing the whole thing as imaginary.

Some people don’t see the value in thinking that way and ape the language of morons on Twitter who parrot idiotic phrases like ‘fake news’ and ‘witch hunt’.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

I said what could be found to have happened. Gates could be the criminal. Tax preparers could have messed up. Everything could even be legal, it’s not illegal to make money for lobbying.

So same as liberals claiming he is guilty at the end of Day 1 (really claiming it every day since indictment) Remember when Manafort was going to “flip”? Fake news.

Based on the fact that these charges are old and were already dropped once I would think he is not guilty. but based on his limited time on the Trump campaign i assume he will be found guilty anyway.

Still not related to anything he did with or for Trump so don’t really care either way.

-11 ( +0 / -11 )

I said what could be found to have happened.

Ok. Or maybe would could be found to have happened is that Manafort is guilty as sin, and flips on Trump, who is also guilty as sin. I mean, that could be what could be found to have happened.

Or maybe it will all be a conspiracy to cover up the real truth behind Tower 7, in the depths of which can be found that smoking gun with Hillary's name on it, and a bullet wrapped in Obama's Kenyan birth certificate.

You know, it could be.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Nail 'em. Jail 'em all.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Or it could be that mueller tries Manafort not once but twice under the “Russia probe special counsel”.

While sending Tony Podesta and an Obama staffer outside his “Russia probe” to NY prosecutors who have been “looking into it” without all the months of speculation Manafort got?

Wait, that actually happened months ago and was leaked to CNN today, of all days.

-11 ( +0 / -11 )

Still not related to anything he did with or for Trump so don’t really care either way.

It's too soon to speculate, but it's long been rumored among the New York business community that Russia (and Saudi Arabia) were the only people willing to lend Trump money after his multiple bankruptcies and business failures. Before The Apprentice landed in his lap, he was really hurting for money.

I get the feeling that's when he met Manafort and this trial is foreshadowing a Trump tax evasion / money laundering trial, and not the collusion he keeps denying.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

This trial has nothing to do with Russia.........

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

This trial has nothing to do with Russia.........

Prosecutors also accuse him of lying to U.S. banks to obtain real estate loans in a bid to maintain a lavish lifestyle after his client, former pro-Russia Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, fell from power in 2014 and the money stopped.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

hear that little whimper?

Thats the sound of liberals choking back more tears, realizing their socialist agenda is on hold for at least another 7 years

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

BlacklabelToday 12:03 pm JST

[...]

Rich people don’t do their own taxes, you know? They hire people and those people couid have misinterpreted a law or a deduction. Who knows, that’s why there is a trial.

Are you genuinely serious ?!

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Let's see: The prosecution's evidence of Manafort's guilt is that he lives a lavish life style ("fancy clothes", owning and upgrading several real estate properties, etc.) If that is their criterion, then it's way past time to investigate/put on trial D.C. politicians. I understand how a lawyer or businessman can get rich. As a taxpayer, it'd be interesting to see how do lifelong professional politicians become millionaires who also own fancy clothes and mansions/estates on a limited annual salary.

-12 ( +0 / -12 )

The prosecution's evidence of Manafort's guilt is that he lives a lavish life style ("fancy clothes", owning and upgrading several real estate properties, etc.) 

No, that is not their evidence. You obviously didn't bother to read the link that I posted earlier today to the copy of the 32-count indictment. The charges are spelled out quite clearly with plenty of evidence of bank fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Let's see: The prosecution's evidence of Manafort's guilt is that he lives a lavish life style ("fancy clothes", owning and upgrading several real estate properties, etc.)

That's just the character evidence they kicked off with in the opening statements of the first day of the trial.

Relax, I'm sure they didn't charge him with hiding "tens of millions of dollars earned in Ukraine in offshore accounts" and "defrauding banks for loans" and "money laundering, failing to register as a foreign agent and witness tampering" for the next trial without any actual evidence.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Let's see: The prosecution's evidence of Manafort's guilt is that he lives a lavish life style ("fancy clothes", owning and upgrading several real estate properties, etc.)

It's so much fun playing make believe, isn't it?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

“The Virginia trial, which is expected to last about three weeks, will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday when prosecutors will call Daniel Rabine, a political consultant, and an unnamed FBI agent to testify, the Post reported.”

If this agent is unnamed because he is actually “Peter Strzok”, Im done.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

There sure are a lot of hyperbolic hypotheses, here. Why not just wait out the trial, and then make your own (distanced from the event) judgment? It's all very interesting, but the squabbling between commenters on JT doesn't do a thing to add to the truth.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

what a waste of time... meanwhile waiting for the reports on record high stocks, jobs and record low unemployment.

I agree and for what purpose? I’m not saying the man shouldn’t do a little time for what he’s allegedly done, but we are talking about a vindictive person that takes everything to the extreme, Martha Stewart, Rob Blogovitch are two of those examples.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

I hope he gets what he deserves, whatever that may be,

1 ( +3 / -2 )

There is no connection to Trump if the charges against Manafort date back to 2014, Yanukovych and Ukraine.

Aesop told us over 2500 years ago that we should judge a man by the company he keeps.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

"The prosecution on Tuesday portrayed U.S. President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort as a man who felt tax and banking laws did not apply to him"

Yeah, and Hillary Clinton felt national security laws didn't apply to her, but thanks to the Deep State she hasn't been prosecuted yet. Yet.

"Drain the swamp!"

Putting Manafort in prison without putting Hillary in prison ain't gonna drain the swamp, Super.

I'm still trying to figure out what any of this has to do with Trump supposedly colluding with Russia to throw the 2016 election?

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

I hope justice is served, regardless of which political side “wins”. That’s what this investigation is about. A little patience is needed.

Eveyone agreed?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

"Aesop told us over 2500 years ago that we should judge a man by the company he keeps."

You must have missed the fact that Trump replaced Manafort as his campaign manager with Kellyanne Conway in Aug. 2016.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

I'm still trying to figure out what any of this has to do with Trump supposedly colluding with Russia to throw the 2016 election?

Heh, I’m sure you are.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

"I hope justice is served, regardless of which political side “wins”. That’s what this investigation is about."

Unfortunately, no, monkey, this "investigation" is all about trying to bring down the duly elected president of the United States. It will fail. Trump's not going anywhere until noon, Jan.20, 2025.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

Oh my, Northern -

Bernard Kerik: Mueller's weaponized justice system should scare all Americans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egLRRgw7YJw

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

If Manafort is convicted, can't you guys just think up a new conspiracy theory?

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Look at our economy right now. If the Russians colluded in order to elect Trump in order to weaken the United States, they failed miserably, and then they were left trying to control a puppet they couldn't control and now Trump has made them their bitch. The Mueller probe has become nothing more than a Manafort focused BS show.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

The problem with the economy is the same problem, and it's getting worse. Wages are not increasing so the working class is being left out and still live check to check.

The stock market has been climbing steadily which has been happening since Obama took office. It's on steroids now party thanks to stock buybacks that inflate the price, which is where a majority of tax savings are going towards, not wages. Why would management pay the working class when they can pump up the stock prrice and bonus off of it instead?

We basically made the rich richer and the bottom half are still fighting for the scraps. And it's been happening since the 80s across all administrations.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

THE US economy is, in a word, TERRIBLE. Stocks? -- only the ultra-rich own any. Jobs? -- the newly-created jobs are all PART-TIME, and don't pay a living wage. Unemployment? -- all the people who gave up and LEFT the work force are NOT COUNTED in the statistics. Prices? -- they rise continuously while wages stay stagnant, so people are having to cut out more and more of the things they used to buy regularly, which is KILLING retailers.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

THE US economy is, in a word, TERRIBLE.

I am in the U.S. at the moment and I must say business is booming! Every grocery store you go into is packed full of fresh food, and very inexpensive for what you get. New cars and happy people everywhere. I went to little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles and was amazed at the renaissance happening there. Public transportation is better,Uber and Lyft are dirt cheap and tourists LOVE coming here! I asked a few Japanese tourists what they thought and they were all smiles as they were blown away with how much there is to do and at how free and wonderful they felt. The funny thing is a homeless man asked me for some money to get something to eat, not 1 dollar but 10.00 dollars.......Times are changing. Oh and @mukashiyokatta, These are not all rich people, these were very middle class happy people.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

  I am in the U.S. at the moment and I must say business is booming! Every grocery store you go into is packed full of fresh food, and very inexpensive for what you get

It's been booming since Obama :)

And those supermarkets.. they always been packed full of...........

I asked a few Japanese tourists what they thought and they were all smiles as they were blown away with how much there is to do and at how free and wonderful they felt. 

They always feel free and blown away when they are on holiday....felt wonderful by what btw? By a poster of the Big Leader? :)

1 ( +4 / -3 )

The problem with the economy is the same problem, and it's getting worse. Wages are not increasing so the working class is being left out and still live check to check. 

What? So now the left know more about the economy than every economist? The left also said, raising the minimum wage in Washington State would help the economy and look how that turned out.

The stock market has been climbing steadily which has been happening since Obama took office. It's on steroids now party thanks to stock buybacks that inflate the price, which is where a majority of tax savings are going towards, not wages. Why would management pay the working class when they can pump up the stock prrice and bonus off of it instead?

What a joke.

We basically made the rich richer and the bottom half are still fighting for the scraps. And it's been happening since the 80s across all administrations.

LOL, yeah, sure.

No, that is not their evidence. You obviously didn't bother to read the link that I posted earlier today to the copy of the 32-count indictment. The charges are spelled out quite clearly with plenty of evidence of bank fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.

Here is the interesting thing, Judge Ellis is not a stupid judge, he sees exactly what is going on and excoriated the prosecution interjecting outside of the initial charges on how much money he spent on clothes and that there is nothing wrong with spending money or being rich. He had previously came down hard on Mueller and on the way he has treated Manafort and everyone knows Manafort is not the real issue, the issue is, if they apply as much pressure as they can and hope that he will flip. One thing is for sure, Manafort is not designed for prison and that is the hope of that threat of squeezing him like a lemon he will give up something, but like with torture (something that the left abhor) there is no proof that he knows anything or won't fabricate something. I am not sure, but I think given the skepticism that this judge holds over this entire witch hunt, I would be surprised IF based on the evidence of dealing with foreign governments if Manfort gets more than a year, if at all.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

It's been booming since Obama :)

Fake news!

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

I'd be happy to hear your counter arguments about the lack of wage growth and stock buybacks. It's always good to see other information about economics.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The noose tightens.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Two days about all the fancy things Manafort owns and implying that he got money from supposedly “shady” people By saying the “oligarch” buzzword all day.

As this is supposed to be a 3 week trial, seems the prosecution needs to move on to the actual evidence soon. I get it that a multimillionaire businessman has nice suits and a nice watch and a new car. Next!

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

seems the prosecution needs to move on to the actual evidence soon.

Um, do you have any idea whatsoever as to how trials work and flow? The comment above definitely calls into question whether or not you do.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Trump's losing it with his repeated outbursts on Twitter. Watching Giuliani and Huckabee Sanders try to spin his authoritarian meltdown is fascinating, in a clinical way.

Surely there's only so much an electorate can take of this man's lies and tantrums?

A dignified person would have kept his mouth shut but that seems impossible for Trump.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Trump's losing it with his repeated outbursts on Twitter. Watching Giuliani and Huckabee Sanders try to spin his authoritarian meltdown is fascinating, in a clinical way.

Meltdown? They all seem fine. Didn't see anyone sweat. I think even Manfort doesn't have much to worry about, even the judge was saying "tighten the screws and they will begin to provide information in what you're really interested in." This can't be stressed enough as to how radical and ludicrous this case has become and even the judge sees this for what it is, a complete farce.

Surely there's only so much an electorate can take of this man's lies and tantrums?

Judging by the polls and how the people are less interested in this witch hunt and how radical the left have become and how they got everything wrong last time, they are setting themselves up for a second downfall. With the exceptions of the desperate usual left suspects, No one cares about Manafort. 

A dignified person would have kept his mouth shut but that seems impossible for Trump.

Thank God for that.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

The more Trump says witch hunt and calls for the investigation to be shut down, the more it looks like obstruction of justice.

Americans, despite the stereotypical view, are far from stupid. There's only so much they can take and/or believe.

On the plus side, this is what rampant ego and letting a confirmed sex pest and serial liar leads to. People will have hopefully learned a valuable lesson after the impeachment.

Unless the sociopath get his war, of course.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Two days about all the fancy things Manafort owns and implying that he got money from supposedly “shady” people By saying the “oligarch” buzzword all day.

Actually the buzzwords of the day are "tax evasion" and "bank fraud."

The "oligarch" is just background information on where the money came from. It'll probably take center stage in Manafort's second trial, though, concerning his failure to register as a "foreign agent" and "money laundering."

These are all real crimes that seem to refute the "witch hunt" buzzword. And if we're actually getting close to catching real criminals, why does Trump want to stop the investigations?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Toasted HereticToday  10:36 am JST

Trump's losing it with his repeated outbursts on Twitter. Watching Giuliani and Huckabee Sanders try to spin his authoritarian meltdown is fascinating, in a clinical way.

Surely there's only so much an electorate can take of this man's lies and tantrums?

A dignified person would have kept his mouth shut but that seems impossible for Trump.

You wouldn't think any rational, reasonable, half-way intelligent person could take issue with a comment like that, would you.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

You wouldn't think any rational, reasonable, half-way intelligent person could take issue with a comment like that, would you.

Ach, I don't bother replying to it anymore. It's no surprise that the peculiar blend of lies, spin and chaotic loyalty has bled out to all corners of the globe. The glorification of the man and his bizarre rants is something I'll never fully comprehend.

Manafort is toast, and he's a desperate slice at that

Prosecutors are seeking to provide details of Manafort's work for a pro-Russian political party in Ukraine, raising the possibility that new information about his Russian connections could emerge. Manafort has filed a motion to have details of that work excluded from trial.

How long can he keep that quiet, I wonders.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

let us see how the trail moves. indeed inyeresting Monafort did not think he have to pay taxes. He can cheat banks. Yet a great Trump political advisor. I wonder how Americans trusted Mr Trump. wonder of wonders.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Americans, despite the stereotypical view, are far from stupid. There's only so much they can take and/or believe.

But with what you call a 'stereotypical view' you can't say that some, or 'at least 62 million, are not so smart.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

@Netgrumpy,

Gee, I wonder where your from?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

"This is a disgraceful, one-sided witch hunt by a bunch of left-wing Democrats"

Oh my...

Gingrich: 'Good Chance' Manafort Wins at Trial, Making Mueller 'Look Like a Fool'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma7Pmpts4MI

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Meltdown? They all seem fine. Didn't see anyone sweat. 

That's right, but the trembling started and the Final Chapter is in sight...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This is interesting -

Tucker: Paul Manafort vs. Al Capone justice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8o4MnSKP5I

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

The more Trump says witch hunt and calls for the investigation to be shut down, the more it looks like obstruction of justice.

Ok and then?

Americans, despite the stereotypical view, are far from stupid. There's only so much they can take and/or believe.

I agree.

On the plus side, this is what rampant ego and letting a confirmed sex pest and serial liar leads to. People will have hopefully learned a valuable lesson after the impeachment.

The Funny thing is, this judge is a No BS judge and scolded the prosecution from using Oligarchs, Trump and Russian or even collusion in this trial, the ONLY thing they can talk about is Manafort’s alleged financial crimes as pertained to how he accumulated his wealth whether he did it legitimately or illegitimately.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

This is interesting -

It's really not, though. That's the problem with your youtube links. And I know, having previously wasted time I'll never get back watching the darn things.

Manafort is going down, any US citizen should be delighted to see a crook and charlatan like him do time. It's hardly a left versus right thing at all.

But the web of dodginess extends to the very heart of Washington - the swamp that was not drained but refilled a thousand times over.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Manafort is going down, any US citizen should be delighted to see a crook and charlatan like him do time. It's hardly a left versus right thing at all.

He’s going down for being rich? Ok, he goes and has to rough it out for a few months, Black coffee, Bologna sandwiches for a year, then Trump pardons him.

But the web of dodginess extends to the very heart of Washington - the swamp that was not drained but refilled a thousand times over.

Got that right.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Im surprised that 1) right wing media outlets are trying to convince their readers that Manafort is charged with being rich and 2) they are repeating it on public message boards.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Im surprised that 1) right wing media outlets are trying to convince their readers that Manafort is charged with being rich and 2) they are repeating it on public message boards.

Nothing surprises me anymore. The level of corruption, misdirection and spin within this adminstration and amongst its supporters can only go so far before implosion and internecine strife takes place.

Giuliani's surreal line of defence, Trump's obstruction of justice and the army of online warriors are doing untold harm to not just the GOP, but to America as a whole.

Not that I completely care if America collapses one way or another but the decent people of that land don't deserve the fallout of being a rogue nation.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Im surprised that 1) right wing media outlets are trying to convince their readers that Manafort is charged with being rich and 2) they are repeating it on public message boards.

Nothing to be convinced, Judge Ellis ordered it or do the left have some grand illusion that the prosecutors have more power than the Judge as to what is allowed to be said in his courtroom? The left hope and pray and hope and pray and this Judge "thankfully" is NOT blinded by the antics of what Mueller is trying to do. So now the prosecution can't use Russia or the word Oligarch and collusion, so what and how will they proceed, their star witness flew the coupe as well. "If" Manafort walks, it's the end of Mueller.

Nothing surprises me anymore. The level of corruption, misdirection and spin within this adminstration and amongst its supporters can only go so far before implosion and internecine strife takes place.

That ain't nothing, the last admin would have made your head spin around.

Giuliani's surreal line of defence, Trump's obstruction of justice and the army of online warriors are doing untold harm to not just the GOP, but to America as a whole.

What obstruction? Trump wasn't charged with anything and even if he were charged with an obstruction charge, then what? 

Not that I completely care if America collapses one way or another but the decent people of that land don't deserve the fallout of being a rogue nation.

If Democrats get back into power, the US will look like California with the exception of Orange County and San Diego County.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Sessions supports Mueller. And Rosenstein.

So he's in on it, right? Yet no calls for him to be fired? Seems illogical.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Day 3: do we find Manafort owns a new car and has season tickets for baseball? Maybe this is the day we confirm the karaoke system in his house.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Or is this the day that a fraudulent loan application is introduced to send him to jail for 305 years? You know the same type of bank fraud that Dem IT guy Aswan pled guilty to and is facing 0 to 6 months for?

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Is the judge Republican?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

This is interesting -

Toasted: "It's really not, though. That's the problem with your youtube links"

That video has 390 likes to 31 dislikes. Heh.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Hey, Toasted, this is interesting too -

Manfort 'guilty' of helping Trump win

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ5vF_F7PeQ

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

That video has 390 likes to 31 dislikes. Heh.

I never pay attention to upvotes or downvotes, either.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Sessions supports Mueller. And Rosenstein.

So he's in on it, right?

Dunno, every other AG Stuck behind and protected the President, every one of them except this one, so your guess is as good as mine.

Yet no calls for him to be fired? Seems illogical.

You haven’t been watching the news all year so far, huh?

Is the judge Republican?

He’s definitely a conservative.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

He’s definitely a conservative.

Ah, well we've learned from court cases Trump has lost with Democratic judges that political affiliation creates bias that overrules the law. Looks like that's what's happening here.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

That's right, but the trembling started and the Final Chapter is in sight...

Really?? I think the final chapter will be about 7 years from now.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Ah, well we've learned from court cases Trump has lost with Democratic judges that political affiliation creates bias that overrules the law. Looks like that's what's happening here.

He if Dems can subvert the law.....

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

His karaoke system made an appearance as predicted. Also his landscaping bill.

Prosecutors didn’t even plan to have Gates even testify. But now they have to.

Should be fun to how a guy who helped Manafort commit the “crimes” per the prosecutor and who pled guilty to lying to Mueller can be seen as truthful.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Yesterday, Manafort's official bookkeeper said that Manafort had secret overseas bank accounts that she was not aware of. She also said that Manafort handled all money issues, and when he wasn't around, she would have to go to Gates.

In addition, the judge rejected another attempt by defense to invalidate Mueller's case and throw it out of court.

Gates doesn't have to be the most important witness because the other 32 witnesses will be used to verify whatever Gates says. The bookkeeper just confirmed Manafort had secret accounts that she said was a serious problem. Secret accounts that Gates verified existed was proven to exist. Gates has a supporting cast and the bookkeeper isn't being indicted, so she has no skin in it. That looks like tax evasion on the $60 million he made in Ukraine. They haven't even touched on his falsifying information to obtain loans.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The defenses attempt to paint Gates as the mastermind will bare little fruit when you have witnesses like the bookkeeper testifying.

The fraud and evasion can't take place without Manafort's approval. He has been paying for lavish items with foreign bank accounts and wire transfers that wasn't disclosed to his accountant.

The final death blow is when Manafort has a bank account with $20 million in deposits... meanwhile he reports $200k in income.

Gates simply told them where to look.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

every other AG Stuck behind and protected the President, every one of them except this one, 

The AG's job is not to protect the president. The last AG to attempt that was John Mitchell, and we all know where he ended up.

Remember that. Justice above partisanship. That's what law professionals with integrity follow.

Good journalists have a similar credo.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I'm still trying to figure out what any of this has to do with Trump supposedly colluding with Russia to throw the 2016 election? give it time Muellers got a lot more eggs to flip, when he accumulated all the evidence & releases his findings you wont have to figure it out anymore.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I'm still trying to figure out what any of this has to do with Trump supposedly colluding with Russia to throw the 2016 election? 

"give it time"

What, another year? Nah, way past time to wrap this up.

Oh my...

Gutfeld: Ending the Mueller probe is good for the country

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmGUH3sRuCU

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

SerranoToday 07:38 pm JST

Oh my...

Gutfeld: Ending the Mueller probe is good for the country

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmGUH3sRuCU

Do you do this tedious "Oh my..." stuff in actual conversations and keep telling people about YouTube videos? If so does anyone ever tell you to get checked out for OCD?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Simon - Oh my...

Levin: Mueller 'Did Nothing' About Alleged Manafort Crimes While FBI Director in 2005

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9C2cUkiOLE

Hey Simon, does anyone ever tell you to checked out for TDS? I challenge you to watch this video and learn something.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

The deplorables in the swamp now tearing into each other? As Donald Trump Jr said, I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

"Robert Mueller's investigation of Russia's role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election."

Oh my...

The Lamest Russia Scaremongering So Far

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odDAqODiN8c

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Robert Mueller's investigation of Russia's role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election."

Newsflash for Mueller! Here's the collusion you've been desperately looking for -

Shortly after the election, Burger King Russia honored the newly-elected president by releasing a Trump-themed burger, which was essentially just their spicy "Angriest Whopper" meal, except larger. OK, so it was shortly after the election, but, hey, good enough! Go get him, Mueller! hahaha

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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