Political Wire

Max Boot: “There is only one way to get to the bottom of this tawdry affair: Appoint a bipartisan, 9/11-style commission to investigate all of the allegations and issue a public report. The former C.I.A. directors Leon E. Panetta and Michael V. Hayden, among other possible choices, would provide instant credibility if they were appointed to lead such a panel.”

Has there ever been a more inept person slated to fill the Presidency than Trump? If what Max Boot recommends comes to pass, this will be the first President to enter office under investigation.

 

 

Oh, and there’s this from Fortune:

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, the law firm advising President-elect Donald Trump on handling his business conflicts, won the Russia Law Firm of the Year award in 2016.

The law firm announced the award in a press release last May, noting it was recognized in the Chambers & Partners’ 2016 Chambers Europe guide. According to Morgan Lewis’ website, the firm’s Moscow office staffs more than 40 lawyers who are well known in the Russian market and “have deep familiarity with the local legislation, practices and key players.”

Trump tweeted on Wednesday morning that he had no ties to Russia and repeated the sentiment during a press conference later in the day.

Is he truly that ignorant to believe he can get away with claiming no connection when his law firm won the Russia Law Firm of the Year award in 2016? What the hell? In what world is it okay to lie like this? And don’t get me started on the fact he has been cozy with Putin, the ex-KGB and now ruler of Russia.

And the GOP is okay with all this?

I swear, a Russian sleeper cell must have finally managed to drop acid into ever single water supply for the whole damn nation.

 

(BuzzFeed)

Now BuzzFeed News is publishing the full document so that Americans can make up their own minds about allegations about the president-elect that have circulated at the highest levels of the US government.

The document was prepared for political opponents of Trump by a person who is understood to be a former British intelligence agent. It is not just unconfirmed: It includes some clear errors. The report misspells the name of one company, “Alpha Group,” throughout. It is Alfa Group. The report says the settlement of Barvikha, outside Moscow, is “reserved for the residences of the top leadership and their close associates.” It is not reserved for anyone, and it is also populated by the very wealthy.

The Trump administration’s transition team did not immediately respond to BuzzFeed News’ request for comment. However, the president-elect’s attorney, Michael Cohen, told Mic that the allegations were absolutely false.

At this point posted without comment except that maybe this will develop along further lines.