There’s a new diary on the rec list that takes Trump at face value, excitedly claiming “Trump gives in: FBI can interview anyone necessary in Kavanaugh investigation.”
Not so fast.
i don’t believe it, and I think I understand the shell game they are playing to limit the investigation without admitting it and without being held accountable.
Here’s 10 things we know:
1) When Flake called for the investigation, he called for it to be limited — but refused to specify what limits.
2) Reports surfaced that the WH was only letting the FBI interview 4 witnesses, not chase down leads or try to corroborate witness statements.
3) Then Trump tweeted the FBI had free reign to investigate. (some speculated that tweet meant he backed down).
4) Reports surfaced that the investigation was limited anyway.
5) According to published reports, the limited list of only 4 witnesses (Judge, PJ, Leland, Ramirez) was drafted by Senate Republicans.
6) Today, Trump was careful to add a caveat that while he wants a full investigation, he wants it done according to the limits set by Senate Republicans (emphasis added)
“I want them to do a very comprehensive investigation, whatever that means, according to the senators and the Republicans and the Republican majority,”
7) The FBI so far has refused to interview Julie Swetnick.
8) The FBI so far has refused to interview Mark Judge’s ex-girlfriend, who will testify to a confession by Mark Judge admitting to her behavior consistent with some of the allegations.
9) The WH has NOT released the instructions to the FBI limiting (or placing no limits on) the investigation.
10) While everyone tries to figure out what’s really going on, time is running out for a real investigation.
Seems to me what’s happening is a con game:
— The Senate set the limits on the investigation, but the WH is overseeing the investigation.
— When asked, the Senate says the WH is in charge of the investigation.
— When asked, the WH says they want the FBI to run a comprehensive investigate — but includes the caveat “according to the Senators.”
The goal is for NO ONE to be accountable for limiting the investigation, while ensuring it remains limited, and to run out the clock before people get wise to the con game they are running.
I think it’s probably better if we treat these proclamations from Trump with skepticism rather than cheer that “Trump gives in.”
Must remain vigilant.
(originally posted as a comment, but thought a rebuttal deserves its own diary).
Update: Also, Dr. Ford herself hasn’t been contacted by the FBI, which suggests reports of the limit of just 4 witnesses remains accurate and operative, and Trump has not yet given in.