Sean Spicer: Mueller's investigation is not a witch hunt
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer said he does not believe special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation is a witch hunt, contradicting a claim often repeated by President Donald Trump.
"As of now, I see no evidence that it is," Spicer said during an exclusive interview on "Today" when asked if Mueller's probe is a political witch hunt.
Spicer, however, said that there has been "no evidence" of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.He also added that he believes Russia meddled in the 2016 election but he did not criticize his former boss for the president's widely condemned comments in which Trump appeared to say he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin's assertion that Russia did not orchestrate a campaign to interfere in the presidential election.
"I think it's very important to be clear that Russia meddled in our election and there's no evidence of collusion," Spicer said.
Trump faced a groundswell of criticism from all sides for his performance in Helsinki on Monday, where he blamed the U.S. for hurting relations with Russia and contradicted American intelligence agencies' assessment that Russia interfered in the election.
Trump faced additional backlash after attempting to clarify his remarks on Tuesday. He said he misspoke in Helsinki.
Then on Wednesday, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders had to again clarify that the president agreed with the assessment of the intelligence community that Russia is looking to interfere with U.S. elections this year. The president had responded "no" earlier in the day when asked if Russia is continuing to meddle, but Sanders said that had been his way of indicating that he was not going to respond to questions from reporters.
In an interview conducted after his return from Helsinki, Trump was asked whether he held Putin personally responsible for meddling in the 2016 election.
"Well, I would, because he's in charge of the country. Just like I consider myself to be responsible for things that happen in this country," he told CBS News. "So certainly as the leader of a country you would have to hold him responsible, yes."
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Spicer left out the most important word here, "Yet".
This whole mess was started by a fake dossier paid for by the democrats which led to illegal spying by the Obama administration in an attempt to dig up dirt on Trump.
That is false information you're hanging onto. Sad really that you believe it was just oppo research, but even if it was, So what?
that doesn't change the facts of the case.
Not according to Sean Spicer and, people appointed by Trump and, serving in both the FBI and, the DOJ.
And has evolved into investigating the hacking of the DNC server without the server. Wonder how he got that evidence? But then again, there hasn't been much evidence of a damn thing anyway.
You and, Gregg should stop watching Judge Jeanine and, Sean Hannity.
Well so far the facts are no collusion.
Any charges thrown out so far have nothing to do with the Trump campaign. As far as I know.
One, forget the collusion thing, that is a Trump meme. Two, every American charged so far have one thing in common, they all worked on the Trump campaign.
So? Now because you have no proof that any one of them colluded with the Russians to change the election, you simply just don't like them because they worked on the campaign.
Says alot about you.
They do have a lot to do with the trump campaign. Conspiracy is the same thing as collusion and it is a crime to conspire against the US.
"President Barack Obama was caught on camera on Monday assuring outgoing Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that he will have “more flexibility” to deal with contentious issues like missile defense after the U.S. presidential election."
Funny thing this Missile defense. Seems the systems promised to allies, just went "Poof" after that little on-mic discussion.
Was that just simple "Collusion"....or was it a MAJOR "Conspiracy".
Haha, you have fallen for that BS too? Ready last weeks indictment. It explains how they know what happened.
That is hardly a cause for concern compared to what we are facing with Trump and his lying campaign staff. I don't deal with what about this or what about that. It is in NO way shape or form the same thing.
Besides it is past and I prefer to deal with the present. There's nothing that can be done about the past.
Tell Me....what has gone on that "Dooms the world" because of Trumps ways.
And by the way....the Allies that were supposed to get that missile defense system from Obama (President of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA), and then he backtracked, weren't too happy with the United States. At least Trump tells out allies how it is....up front !
"Besides it is past and I prefer to deal with the present."
History....is how we are supposed to learn the "what" and the "what nots". Not from the present.
Glad you brought that arms deal up. Robert Mueller is particularly interested in it as well since sending those missiles just happened to coincide exactly with Ukraine abruptly deciding to terminate its cooperation with Mueller's investigation:
What history do we have that informs us about trump and his corruption?
I never said it dooms the world, that is your hyperbole not mine. Here are some of the things he has done that damages the us.
Climate change denial and inaction.
Meeting with dictators and giving concessions without getting any thing in return,
Trade war
Calling our allies foes
Calling fascists friend.
Massive increase to the debt for no good reason.
Which of these things that trump has done is conservative? I remember how the right on NV screamed and wailed over Obama's so called apology tour. Now you've got trump saying much much worse things about the US to putin and along side him while you applaud and cheer.
I'll add to my list
off the chart hypocrisy, oh and of course
his lies.
Climate change denial and inaction. - SO !
Meeting with dictators and giving concessions without getting any thing in return - REALLY ? Obama gave up Missile defense for Allies....for a DICTATOR ! What is different now ? What did Obama Get for doing that ? Russian Help with the Iran Non-Binding Deal ?
Trade war - SO ! Like that has NEVER happened before....and yet here this country STILL stands.
Calling our allies foes - He called out our allies in order to get them to stand on their own two feet. Isn't it Liberals that don't want the United States of America to be the Police of the world ? NOW THEY DO ?
Calling fascists friend. - Like Obama, Bush and other past Presidents have.
Massive increase to the debt for no good reason. - And what IS a good reason....since that has been going on for a millennial or so.
A dumb statement...but good try anyway.
Take down confederate statutes and the civil war and slavery NEVER happened....right ?
Good grief, do you ever just discuss an issue without deflection? I provided my list, I have no intention of debating you on my list. I already know you don't care about what trumps doing.
Besides your responses are non responsive.
I answered . Didn't like the answers ?
Good Grief !
So far there seems to be a mountain of dirt.
What the hell does that have to do with trump?
They aren't answers.
You've said so what and deflected.
Everything !
Liberals all riding on Conjecture about what they think Trump is doing or did, since day one.
I see you think this is just a partisan disagreement. It is not that. It is a serious national security matter.
I'm no longer going to entertain discussions with hyper partisans when it's very clearly about the US and not parties. The tribe I belong to is Citizen of the United States. Which one do you belong to?
How do you know this.
The media said so ?
Hell....Some idiots in congress wanted to call in Trumps interpreter for questioning after the Putin Meeting. Deep State Wants ?
What has the "Deep State" been doing before Trump....pussy footing around the Hot coals as a good thing, and then Trump Dives in head first, and they're scared ?
They sure were !
The better question is how do you not know that?
Trump appointed intelligence agencies know it to be true.
They were not. are you going to come back with they were too?
lol
Deep state...Hahah right.
that's ridiculous name for career professionals.
AND they all had contact with various Russian nationals that they either lied about or refused to disclose.
Not at all. Politics is supposed to be "For the People"...not for the one serving.
They were too.
So they say.
The DNC Server story is still being told to us by a third party....and the third party is not the FBI.
The FBI Was and IS satisfied with the "Third Parties" explanations of what's in it though. Ask Comey.
Did you read the indictment?
If you did you would know there wasn't just 1 computer it was several and they don't need the server because the way it happened has been tracked from person 1 to victim 1 etc.
career professionals aren't supposed to be political and you know it. That's why ya'll so upset about those hateful text messages.
It just gets deeper and deeper.
That's just it, the FBI and, DOJ aren't suppose to be involved in the politics end of government, however, the current head of the DOJ was a politician before accepting Trumps nomination and, he's one of the ones who lied about conversations with Russians while he worked for the Trump campaign.
So you really don't have anything but assumptions about me. Shouldn't you be out creaming at the sky or getting your vagina costume ready for the next outrage?
No it doesn't. Bobby is dumb enough to take the word of the rest of the mindless clods in the DNC. I don't recall hearing him checking into the China aspect of the hacking. Wonder why.
I know....right ?
Eric and HIS secret police were just GREAT !
The Dinosaurs in Congress ?
It DIDN'T happen because Comey and his bunch said it was okay for someone else to look at them and report back. Wouldn't it be great if that thought process went for ALL ?
I think Friday's indictment provides very clear evidence.
It provides clear evidence that Russians were involved, the one that I'm interested in is the "Sparrow" that was arrested on Monday.
It proves they THINK russians were involved. No server, no evidence. Just a lot of speculation based on ignorance and crying because they lost the election.
Mueller wouldn't have set up the indictments if he didn't have enough evidence to PROVE the Russians were involved.
He's already done it the last time he indicted Russians. You should really keep up.
If Muller was serious about trying those Russians he would have kept the indictments under seal and hoped the indicted Russians traveled to a place they could be caught and brought to trial. Instead, he handed their prosecution off to the Trump Administration. If, of course, there was evidence of collusion the Trump administration would be too conflicted to try these Russians. That's the whole point of an "independent prosecutor," to handle prosecutions that the DOJ is too conflicted to handle itself.
Every time Mueller hands prosecution off to the Trump DOJ, you can bet the case has nothing to do with "collusion" with Russia.
Then why are you on here trying to support Trumps line of "It might have been a 400lb man in his mothers basement in New Jersey"?
Mueller, didn't hand it off to the DOJ, he handed it off to the courts in the states that were involved and, offered up the evidence of the Russia meddling to the DOJ so, that someone there could hand it off to Congress and, Congress could do something about preventing the meddling in the next election but, of course if Russia is favoring the Republicans why would a Republican Congress want to do anything about Russian meddling in the 2018 election, after all the Russians are helping the Republicans win. Right?
Yes. He did. This is not a secret. That fact is in just about every story announcing the indictments.
I really have no idea what the rest of your word salad purports to mean.
Sorry about that, I've only had one cup of Joe this morning, still feeling groggy. Mueller, from what I understand works for the DOJ, in this case, since Sessions recused himself, he works for Rosenstein, he handed the information over to Rosenstein who handed it to the national security division for prosecution, how they will do that I don't know, maybe prosecute them even though they aren't here to defend themselves, I've heard that's been done before when a defendant can't be brought before a court. This is my way of saying you were right, Mueller did hand it over to Rosenstein but, it is because Rosenstein is his boss, not for any other reason. As far as nothing coming against any more Americans, I think we need to wait and, see, this set of indictments didn't have anything in them about Americans being involved but, that doesn't mean that the next set won't.
Show me EXACTLY where I made any mention of that? Although I will admit, it does accurately describe many of the liberals I have come across.
I have not seen one statement by Trump were he came out and, actually said that the Russians interfered in our elections in 2016, he comes close but, then he says, "It could have been other people, like some 400lb man in his mothers basement in New Jersey.", he always throws an excuse out there to give to his butt buddy Putin.
So you CAN'T show me where I made any mention of 400lb basement dwelling liberals and now you are deflecting because of it. Gotcha.
I didn't say you said that, I was saying that Trump made that statement when he first started talking about the Mueller probe and, the Russia investigation, he has been calling it a witch hunt since he first learned of it and, it has proven not to be so, if you think you said that somewhere, is that a Freudian slip?
Spicer was lucky he got out when he did. He was not as good at lying and deflection as Sanders is.
Funny that he says no evidence though. Some on the right never needed any evidence to make wild accusations.
It just sounds like he is trying to talk out of both sides of his mouth. Yes, no witch hunt but no, no collusion. He is trying to have it both ways.
Collusion doesn't matter, it's not a crime, what does matter is the two other things that Trump could be guilty of conspiracy and, obstruction.
I know that you are just trolling this site and, have no intention of adding anything except BS to any conversation so, I'll make it simple for you. Conspiracy to subvert our democracy, our elections and, to steal items from the DNC and, the Clinton campaigns computers. Obstruction of the Russia investigation by firing James Comey.
Putin put his finger on the scale of the 2016 election and all of you on the right know that. Stop being be disingenuous. It makes you look stupid. I know a lot of you here are not stupid.
conspiring to defeat a democrat
Conspiring to alter the outcome of an election. You're welcome.
Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda.
So is this whataboutism?
No, it's called common sense, try it.
Why would Putin and the Russians want to defeat a Democrat. They received quite a bit of what they wanted from the democrats for 8 years. Was Putin just tired of receiving ? He wanted to give back this time ?
Oh, you mean like this?
And, then Trump did this,
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/‘that’s-going-to-be-special’-tensions-rise-as-trump-invites-putin-to-washington/ar-AAAj9C7?ocid=spartanntp
Yep, Trumps being really hard on Putin.
Trump sent 60 Russians packing after the poison attacks in Britain. Obama could only muster 35. Trumps sanctions are more potent than Obama's ever were. Trump bombed Syria. The Gains Russia got from Democrats Far, Far, Far outweigh the little tickles the democrats did against Russia.Your Point ?
Trump is a pathological liar. He doesnt belong in the presidency for that reason alone. He is psychologically troubled. We need , as a country, to stop playing games about this before something truly bad happens.
Tickle, Tickle, Tickle....again.
Do you mean the same sanctions that Trump refuses to implement?
Funny how this "Funny Guy" has this country working and more positive about itself again. The "Few" that hate....well.....It's their "Life's" goal to hate ...apparently.
I'm doin' fine...and I bet YOU are too !
Burning down the Swamp !
About time someone did !
Nonsense. Trump has never had a majority of support. The country is not "positive", it is appalled.
Sure it is....In "Normal" world. A Couple of "Blue States" aren't the entire country.
By the way...can you guess who won the presidency ?
Which ones ?
Trump's approval ratings have not improved much since he took office 18 months ago. He's not going to get re-elected, he's not even going to survive Mueller. Why not put an end to this farce sooner instead of later? America has suffered enough profound embarrassment from this travesty.
When are people going to STOP underestimating this man ?
I stopped underestimating him long ago, I half expected he'd win and I predicted how his presidency would look like. I called it "Clean up on isle 1,2,3 and 6 and 7 pronto !"
Unfortunately at this point I see the only one capable of trumping trump is trump himself, that's why I advocate for letting trump be trump. I truly believe sooner or latter trump will "trump" himself right out of office.
Till then watch as the weak congress people ether surcome to his wishes or abandoned the political ship hoping for another chance later. Contradicting trump has consequences at this time.
America voted for a huge gamble, now we see what hand we were dealt. Good Luck America.
Really ?
It's been almost 2 years now, with only 2 years to go, and no word noting TRUMP ! Just everything else that has nothing to do with what Mueller was supposed to be looking for in the first place.
I'd luv to know your inside source John.
You people really need to do some remedial arithmetic or at least learn how to read a calendar. This Special Counsel was created on July 17, 2017--i.e. just a few days over 14 months. Two years is 24 months.
You need to look at FACTS. This Russian election obstruction Thingy has been going on for Decades.
The "Super-duper Uber Special Council" only came about because Trump was elected. All the other times this has been going on....well..... "What Difference did it make".
Make up your mind which bullshit track you're on. Is it the "2 year" bullshit or the "decades" bullshit? Or in your mind is bullshit bullshit so consistency of the bullshit doesn't matter? Hey and didn't you forget to throw in a "EMAILS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and BENGHAZI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?
Clueless STILL ?
I NEVER said anything about Benghazi and Emails....or did you just make up that part......for a Liberal EFFECT again !
Yeah, from Seattle. Not quite as far from D.C. as he could go but good enough, er? By the way here's the list of the rest of the things Obama did to Putin:
Obama also ordered the seizure of two Russian properties and closed the San Francisco consulate.
Those have done sooooo well.
Thank goodness Obama put Romney in his place and let him know that the "Cold War' was over. Obama supporters believed it and elected Obama.
And the next day allowed their 60 replacements into the country.
June 17, 2017,
If Trump had gotten his wish, which I don't believe he did, then the sanctions that had been placed on Russia under Obama would have been lifted before Trump expelled the 60 Russians and, had Congress put more sanctions on Russia. Trump is only tough on Russia when he thinks that the polls will be against him if he isn't.
Through the electoral college, not the popular vote and, since we are talking about the investigation this line is off topic.
3 or 4 states do not make up the entire United States of America. There are 46 other states.
" since we are talking about the investigation this line is off topic. "
You got it going again. You can Blame me though.
I know I got it going again but, I'd like it to stop.
Not for want of trying, it must be noted.
True that.
After the investigations he did for the NFL, Muller should not be believed.
What sort of fresh BS and pathetic derail attempt is this?
Spicer's net worth is about $4.5 million. I'm sure he covered himself and his assets are safe.
He also said , "The Russians meddled and there isn't any evidence of collusion." Again he is correct on both points. However, the horses are still on the track.
I wonder if he's writing a book? If he is, will it be factual or bs? I suspect bs.
After his time in the White House I'm betting,
"I think it's very important to be clear that Russia meddled in our election and there's no evidence of collusion," Spicer said.
col·lu·sion
[kəˈlo͞oZHən]
NOUN
secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others.
con·spir·a·cy
[kənˈspirəsē]
NOUN
a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.
"a conspiracy to destroy the government"
There is no difference.
Here's the most important thing: Every single person in Trump's inner circle, during both the campaign and the transition, had dealings with Russian representatives. With the exception of 2, every one of them lied about it. Rex Tillerson couldn't very well lie. Exxon Mobil was putting millions in Putin's pocket. In fact, Rex received a friendship award from Putin in 2013. Paul Manafort couldn't lie, either. He's been lobbying for Russian causes for years, both here and in other countries. I'm pretty sure it's how he paid his mortgage...and then some. My point? Why lie? Why did Don Jr. lie? Why did Carter Page lie? Why did Michael Flynn lie? Why did Jared Kushner lie? Why did Jeff Sessions lie? When efforts are legitimate, lying is unnecessary.
This is no longer a partisan issue. This is a holy shit what have we done and how can we fix it issue.
This is the part that the Republicans in Congress that support Trump and, his supporter out here don't seem to get.
O but it is a partisan issue, many republicans are behind trump because of what he wants and are still willing to overlook that no one can really trust this man's word. For now.... if and when trump wants something they dont want... well guess what guys it may be too damn late.
I see trump's presidency as one huge gamble. So good luck America.
What can be done to fix this issue ? Vote
Absolutely. And thus far they have not found a way to fix it. Jeff Sessions may think he has it beat because he is the head of the DOJ, but, no one is above the law, no matter what government dept they may head. Something both Sessions and his Mentor Trump will eventually find out, along with their cleaner fish who avidly serve them.
It certainly is not a "witch hunt". But if the GOP and Trump were so innocent they wouldn't protest so much.
If they were innocent they would be happy to testify, they would not be panicked as it moves forward and they would just stop talking about it altogether without any fear.
We see just the opposite. Lots of panicking, lots of denials, always calling it a "witch hunt" and failure to acknowledge all proof and guilty pleas or indictments so far.
tho do protest too much ... eh?
I tend to agree.
It's more like shooting witches in a barrel.