It seems only yesterday that our Tiny-Fingered Fuhrer was gloating about how former DNI James Clapper said there was no evidence of Trump/Russia collusion (which of course he never said but that’s beside the point).
Today? Clapper is tired of beating around the bush. He says US institutions are under assault, and does not mince words.
"I think in many ways our institutions are under assault both externally -- and that's the big news here is the Russian interference in our election system -- and I think as well our institutions are under assault internally," Clapper said on CNN's "State of the Union."
...
Pressed by anchor Jake Tapper if he meant US institutions were under assault internally from the President, Clapper responded, "Exactly."
My emphasis.
Just to make this clear [my paraphrasing]...
Q: The US is threatened by our so-called Pr*sident?
A: Exactly.
Not maybe, not “whoa, wait a minute,” not in theory, not “currently under investigation,” none of that.
Just, “Exactly.”
Clapper called on the other branches of the federal government to step up in their roles as a check on the executive.
"The founding fathers, in their genius, created a system of three co-equal branches of government and a built-in system of checks and balances," Clapper said. "I feel as though that is under assault and is eroding."
There is no doubt that with TRump’s attacks on the judiciary, as well as the GOP’s refusal to DO THEIR JOB in oversight and investigation, that the executive branch is enjoying a level of freedom unparalleled in my lifetime at least. James Clapper, who has served in intelligence for decades under many Presidents with many scandals of varying significance, has never been so direct and resolute about the state of the executive branch of government.
He goes on to say that he is not aware of any evidence of collusion, but that does not mean no collusion has occurred or is occurring. It must be investigated, the GOP must participate in this investigation, and the so-called President cannot be allowed to hinder or threaten his way out of it. The core of our democracy demands answers. If Clapper can say it, McConnell and Ryan need to step up and say it as well, or they may find up in the undesirable position of obstruction of justice themselves.
Edit: After re-reading the original source, I feel I have contributed to some injustice here. The credit for this story should not go to Mr. Clapper for saying what he thinks, nor should it go to me for repeating it here. 100% of the credit should go to Jake Tapper for asking the question in the first place. That’s how we wound up here. I should have stressed that more in the original diary...as it is, he is barely mentioned, only in one blockquote, and not referenced at all by me. I will do better next time.