JULY 18, 2018


NEWS AND VIEWS


THE MAGISTRATE HAS COOPERATED FULLY WITH THE PROSECUTION TEAM, INCLUDING ASSIGNING MARIIA BUTINA, AND HOPEFULLY HER “EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF OTHER INFLUENTIAL AMERICANS”TO JAIL WITHOUT BOND. I’M SURE THEY WILL ALL BE FLIGHT RISKS WHEN THEY HEAR ABOUT THIS ASSERTIVE MOVE BY MUELLER. I ASSUME THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT HE HAS MOVED DECISIVELY AGAINST ONE OF THE FELONY-LEVEL CRIMINALS IN THE RUSSIA CASE. PERHAPS THE SERIOUSNESS OF THEIR POTENTIAL CRIMES, WILL BE MORE CONVINCING FOR THE AMERICANS INVOLVED, AND FOR THE ATTORNY GENERAL, CONGRESS AND SENATE. MAYBE THAT WILL RUN FROM “CONSPIRACY” TO “TREASON,” ACCORDING TO THEIR ROLES.

IT’S INTERESTING THAT THIS COMES AT THE SAME TIME THAT YESTERDAY, A NUMBER OF CONGRESS AND SENATE MEMBERS HAVE STRONGLY SPOKEN OUT AGAINST NOT TRUMP, BUT PUTIN. MCCONNEL ESSENTIALLY THREATENED HIM; THAT IS AN INDIRECT ATTACK ON TRUMP AS WELL, OF COURSE. OF COURSE, THEY WILL WANT VERY PERSUASIVE PROOF AND A PROPER UPROAR IN THE PRESS SO THE PUBLIC WILL GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION; THEN, I DO HOPE THEY WILL FILL UP THE SWITCHBOARDS AND THE INBOXES OF EVERYBODY IN A POSITION OF POWER. .

SEE THE SECOND ARTICLE FROM YESTERDAY'S POST: "TRUMP VOICES SUPPORT FOR IT IS ANOTHER OF TRUMP’S SUDDEN TURNAROUNDS WHEN HE HAS FOUND HIMSELF IN TROUBLE; THIS IS ANOTHER OF TRUMP’S SUDDEN TURNAROUNDS WHEN HE HAS FOUND HIMSELF IN TROUBLE.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/07/17/trump-addresses-summit-criticism/790354002/?csp=chromepush
Trump voices support for U.S. intelligence a day after fueling bipartisan outrage with Putin comments
David Jackson and John Fritze, USA TODAY Published 2:48 p.m. ET July 17, 2018 | Updated 3:58 p.m. ET July 17, 2018

VIDEO – Trump delivers remarks after .... 15:04
(Photo: YURI KADOBNOV, AFP/Getty Images)
10 PHOTOGRAPHS – GOP LAWMAKERS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP.

TODAY, JULY 18

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/07/18/accused-russian-agent-mariia-butina-represents-extreme-flight-risk/795953002/?csp=chromepush
Magistrate orders accused Russian agent tied to NRA to be jailed without bond
Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY Published 1:07 p.m. ET July 18, 2018 | Updated 3:35 p.m. ET July 18, 2018

PHOTOGRAPH -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcomed upon his arrival at Helsinki Airport in Helsinki, Finland. (Photo: Mikhail Metzel, SPUTNIK POOL via EPA-EFE)

WASHINGTON – A federal magistrate ordered Wednesday that a Russian national, accused earlier this week of infiltrating American political organizations including the National Rifle Association, be held without bond.

Magistrate Deborah Robinson sided with federal prosecutors who argued that Mariia Butina, 29, represented an “extreme” risk of flight from the country.

Robinson said there was “no condition or combination of conditions that could assure” Butina’s return to court where she faces two felony charges, one which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison.

In new court papers filed in advance of Butina's detention hearing here, prosecutors asserted that Butina engaged in a years-long campaign as a covert agent for the Kremlin in an attempt to "advance the interests of her home country."

"The defendant's covert influence campaign involved substantial planning, international coordination and preparation," prosecutors argued. "The plan for Butina also required, and she demonstrated, a willingness to use deceit in a visa application to move to the United States and bring the plan to fruition."

More: Feds: Russian operative tried to infiltrate National Rifle Association, other groups

More: Grand jury indicts Russian accused of infiltrating US political organizations, expands on charges against her

Citing FBI surveillance conducted during the past week, prosecutors said Butina had access to thousands of dollars and "an intention to move money out of the U.S."

At the time of her weekend arrest, federal agents said Butina's apartment was packed with boxes "consistent with a move."

"All of Butina's known personal ties, save for those U.S. persons she attempted to exploit and influence, reside in the Russian Federation," the court documents state.

The court documents, however, do refer to a personal relationship with an unidentified, 56-year-old U.S. person who prosecutors asserted was used by Butina to access "an extensive network" of other influential Americans.

The relationship did not appear to represent "a strong tie to the United States," because prosecutors alleged that Butina allegedly offered a separate U.S. person sex "in exchange for a position within a special interest organization." That organization was not identified.

Butina has remained in custody since her Sunday arrest.

During her time in the U.S., prosecutors argued that Butina had contact information for known Russian intelligence officers and was allegedly observed earlier this year in the company of a Russian diplomat, a suspected intelligence officer for Moscow.

"The Russian Federation has the ability to remove or exfiltrate its citizens from foreign countries," prosecutors argued. "And due to international law and treaty restrictions, law enforcement would be prevented from stopping Butina from entering the Russian embassy... Simply put, neither the court nor law enforcement could stop her or has any recourse or remedy, in the event Butina decided to seek safe harbor in a diplomatic facility."

The case against Butina is not related to Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing inquiry into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election.

But Monday's charging announcement came on the same day that a summit in Helsinki between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin put a spotlight on accusations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election. After meeting with Putin, Trump accepted Putin's denials that Russia had interfered in the U.S. election. Although Trump sought to clarify his remarks Tuesday, the president's conduct continues to draw outrage from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers.

In the Butina case, the FBI investigation revealed that the graduate student was working in the United States at the direction of an unnamed Russian government official, adding that both operatives sought to establish "back channel lines of communications."

"These lines could be used by the Russian Federation to penetrate the U.S. national decision making apparatus to advance the agenda of the Russian Federation," investigators said.

Before Monday's action by federal authorities, Butina's activities in the United States — along with those of Alexander Torshin, a Russian politician and a top official of Russia's central bank — have been the subject of several media reports about their attempts to cultivate political influence in the U.S.

Torshin was not named in the court documents made public Monday, but the "Russian official" described as Butina's co-conspirator matches Torshin's public profile as a former member of the Russian legislature who later became a top official at the Russian bank.

A March report issued by Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee referred to the public reporting about the Butina and Torshin, claiming that Butina "sought to facilitate meetings with Trump campaign officials and between President Putin and candidate Trump during the election."

"Ms. Butina, who appears to have been active with the NRA in recent years within the U.S., reportedly has founded a Russian counterpart gun advocacy organization," the congressional report stated. "She may be able to clarify for the committee the origin and purpose of alleged Russian-directed efforts to approach U.S. organizations and persons connected to the Trump campaign throughout and prior to 2016. (The Democrat) minority believes that it is important to request as a matter of record Ms. Butina’s cooperation even if she is not a U.S. citizen ..."

Butina's attorney, Robert Driscoll, has denied the government's claim of her work as an agent of the Russian government. Since her home was searched by the FBI in April, Driscoll said Butina has "repeatedly" offered to cooperate with federal investigators.

Separately, Driscoll said Butina has testified privately before the Senate Intelligence Committee investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.

"The substance of the charge ... is overblown," Driscoll said. "While styled as some sort of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agent Registration Act, in actuality it describes a conspiracy to have a 'friendship dinner' at (restaurant) Bistro Bis with a group of Americans and Russians to discuss foreign relations between the two countries – hardly a shocking development for (a) Russian international relations student living in Washington."




http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-touches-off-new-russia-controversy-%e2%80%93-and-prompts-new-clarification/ar-AAAgubF?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=iehp
FOX News
Trump touches off new Russia controversy – and prompts new clarification
Brooke Singman
JULY 18, 2018 1 hr ago

VIDEO BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS – SENATOR, HOUSE MINORITY LEADER, AND FORMER CIA CHIEF SAY PUTIN IS PROBABLY BLACKMAILING TRUMP AND MORE; VIDEO BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 12:21 MINUTES

President Trump, just as he was moving to quell the raging controversy over his press conference with Vladimir Putin, touched off a new one Wednesday when he appeared to deny Russia is still targeting the U.S. – prompting another White House clarification.

Trump made the comment at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Asked if Russia is still targeting the country, he said, “No.”

This led to a new wave of condemnations from Democratic lawmakers, who cited his own national intelligence director's warnings to the contrary.

But White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, during a contentious press briefing, sought to tamp down controversy yet again -- chalking up the furor to another misunderstanding.

She claimed the president was actually saying “no” to answering more questions, not to whether Russia is still targeting the U.S.

Sanders was then pressed to clarify whether the White House believes the threat is ongoing.

“Since there’s currently not an election today, not specifically, but we certainly believe that we are taking steps to make sure they can’t do it again,” she initially said, before adding: “We believe that the threat still exists which is why we are taking steps to prevent it.”

It was the second instance in as many days of the White House going back to clarify a presidential comment and suggesting a misunderstanding – first claiming Trump misspoke, and this time claiming he was not responding to the question asked.

PHOTOGRAPH -- a woman in a red shirt© Provided by Fox News Network LLC

Sanders stressed, though, that, “I’m interpreting what the president said, I’m not reversing it.”

The press briefing was Sanders’ first since Trump left for his overseas trip, where he stirred controversy on a daily basis, by tangling with NATO allies over defense spending and later by appearing to side with Putin over the U.S. intelligence community on allegations of Russian meddling in American elections.

The biggest controversy centered on his statement that he doesn’t “see any reason why” Russia would be behind election meddling.

Facing bipartisan criticism, Trump walked that back on Tuesday. During a meeting with GOP lawmakers, Trump said he reviewed the transcript and “realized that there is a need for some clarification.”

The president said that he meant to say he doesn’t see why Russia “wouldn’t” be responsible.

“I said the word ‘would’ instead of ‘wouldn’t’…sort of a double negative,” Trump explained.

Other statements during the press conference, like his declaration that the Russian leader gave a “strong and powerful” denial, still seemed to give weight to Putin’s account.

But Trump’s clarification was enough to satisfy some Republican critics. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said he was “glad” Trump addressed the press conference.

But Democrats weren’t as quick to let him off the hook. And they blasted him over his latest comments on Wednesday.

“Mr. President, it is time to stop taking the word of a KGB agent over that of your own intelligence officials. Russia interfered in our 2016 elections. They’re actively trying to do it again. You must wake up to that fact,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement Wednesday.

Last week, National Intelligence Director Dan Coats said warning lights on cyberthreats to the U.S. were "blinking red" -– and Russia has been “the most aggressive foreign actor” and is continuing efforts to “undermine our democracy,” though not at the same level as in 2016.

During the press briefing Wednesday, Sanders defended the admininstration's "tough" stance on Russia, listing their recent actions against Moscow--including sanctions, the expulsion of 60 Russian operatives from the U.S., and the closing of two consulates.

"The president has been extremely tough on Russia and to say anything different is just not true," Sanders said, while also noting that the president "sees this as an opportunity to work with Russia."

"What's been done in the past hasn't worked, so we're trying a new approach," Sanders said of Trump's relationship with Putin.

The Trump-Putin summit came just days after the Justice Department announced the indictments of a dozen Russian intelligence operatives for allegedly hacking Democratic targets in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Putin has previously told Trump that Russia did not meddle in the 2016 presidential election. He repeated those denials Monday.

And when asked whether he would extradite the 12 Russians allegedly involved, Putin instead detailed a plan, which Trump called an “incredible offer.”

Putin offered to question the 12 indicted for meddling in the election, and added that Mueller's team of investigators could be present for questioning, if U.S. officials would “reciprocate.” He suggested this would mean Russian agents could be present for questioning U.S. officers "of interest" to them.

Sanders on Wednesday said that the president would meet with his team, and would update reporters when they have an announcement on whether the U.S. will cooperate.

"There was some conversation about it, but there wasn't a commitment made on behalf of the United States," Sanders said. "The president is considering it."



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4inlAokPAQ
TRUMP AT HELSINKI


RACHEL MADDOW VIDEO REPORTS

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show
THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/18/18
Butina case raises questions on Russia's role in Tillerson pick
Rachel Maddow highlights a portion of the charging document against accused Russian agent Mariia Butina in which there is a suggestion that Russians thought they had a say in Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state. Duration: 5:53


THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/18/18
McFaul 'flabbergasted' that White House would not defend him
Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador the Russia, talks with Rachel Maddow about the Trump administration's apparent consideration of Vladimir Putin's suggestion of blindly handing over American citizens for "questioning." Duration: 7:08


THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/17/18
Butina previously testified privately to Senate Intel Committee
Rachel Maddow reads excerpts of the transcript of Mariia Butina's court hearing on Monday, in which it was revealed for the first time that Butina had testified in a closed session of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Duration: 13:55


HELP THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/17/18
Congress begins to shape plan for protecting US from Trump crisis
Rachel Maddow points out the necessity of Congress to step up to help the United States through the national security crisis that is Donald Trump if American democracy is to be preserved. Duration: 9:37


HELP THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/17/18
Plenty for Congress to do if it wants to deal with Trump crisis
Rachel Maddow outlines some of what Congress can do to fulfill its duty to defend the system of democracy in the United States against the crisis posed by Donald Trump and his dubious allegiance to the U.S. Duration: 9:34


HELP THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/17/18
Murphy: The good news is we're only four months from an election
Senator Chris Murphy talks with Rachel Maddow about the obstacle congressional Republicans pose to Congress doing anything to adequately deal with the national emergency of Donald Trump's compromised posture toward Russia. Duration: 4:58


HELP THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/17/18
Mueller looks to give immunity to five witnesses in Manafort case
Joyce Vance, former U.S. attorney, explains to Rachel Maddow what it means that Robert Mueller wants to give "use immunity" to five witnesses in the prosecution of former Donald Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort. Duration: 4:57


THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/17/18
Widespread protests on tap after Trump show of servility to Putin
Rachel Maddow reports on planning for a "Confront Corruption: Demand Democracy" protest taking place in scores of cities around the United States in response to Donald Trump's behavior toward Vladimir Putin. Duration: 1:03


THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/16/18
Maddow: Time for Americans to face 'worst case scenario' on Trump
Rachel Maddow notes that what ultimately explains a host of inexplicable developments in the story of the Donald Trump campaign is the worst case scenario that Trump is compromised by Russia, and points to the unfolding legal case as a guide for how to understand what has happened and what to do about it. Duration: 27:13


THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/16/18
Russian theft of DNC data paralleled Trump camp strategy changes
Glen Caplin, former senior national spokesman for the Clinton campaign, talks with Rachel Maddow about the theft of DNC analytics by Russian hackers, and how actions by the Trump campaign suggest they were using insights gained from the attack. Duration: 7:52


HELP THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/16/18
McFaul: Trump with Putin shows U.S. 'national security crisis'
Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, talks with Rachel Maddow about the public reaction to Donald Trump's deference to Vladimir Putin at their Helsinki press conference, and what the appropriate public response is to the realization that Donald Trump is beholden to another country. Duration: 4:44


HELP THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/13/18
New hacking indictments focus questions about Trump campaign ties
Carol Lee, NBC News national political reporter, talks about how Robert Mueller's indictment of 12 Russian military intelligence agents advances public understanding of the Russian intrusion into the 2016 election to help Donald Trump. Duration: 11:37


THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 7/13/18
New intrigue as Trump remarks pair with alleged hacking timeline
Rep. Adam Schiff, top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, talks about the questions Robert Mueller's indictment of 12 Russian military intelligence agents answers and the new ones it raises about what Donald Trump and his campaign staff knew and when. Duration: 5:50



NOW, FOR DESSERT !! BERNIE VS BORAT -- THIS IS HILARIOUS. BERNIE CLEARLY DIDN’T RECOGNIZE BARON COHEN, BUT QUICKLY CONCLUDES THAT HE IS TOTALLY BONKERS, AND SAYS, “BILLY, I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT. I REALLY DON’T. AT THAT POINT, THE VIDEO ENDS.

IN THESE VIDEOS, COHEN’S DISGUISE IS SO GOOD, AND SO IS HIS PALAVER. HE REMINDS ME HERE OF SID CAESAR WHO DID, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TOTALLY WILD COMEDY, AND OTHER THINGS SUCH AS “DOUBLE TALK.” THAT WAS PUTTING OUT A SPIEL OF SOUND THAT SOUNDED LIKE LANGUAGE, BUT IT WASN’T. FOR YOU YOUNG FOLKS WHO DON’T KNOW WHO SID CAESAR WAS, VIEW A YOUTUBE VIDEO OF HIS PERFORMANCE, AND FROM THERE, GO TO WIKIPEDIA:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Caesar.

SACHA BARON COHEN WHO IS AMERICA [WITH BERNIE SANDERS]: http://www.sho.com/who-is-america
ALSO FROM WHO IS AMERICA, WATCH THIS ONE, "A GOOD BOY WITH A GUN": http://www.sho.com/video/62882/who-is-america-101-preview
BORAT’S GUIDE TO BRITAIN [LONG WITH MANY SHORT SEGMENTS, ALL DIFFERENT AND DOWNRIGHT BIZARRE, BUT IN A GREAT WAY] -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDW4hTWbRYs


HERE ARE BERNIE AND COHEN INTERACTING FREEFORM. THESE ARE FROM COHEN’S “WHO IS AMERICA?”

https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2018/07/18/vt-insights-bernie-sanders-holds-his-own-against-sacha-baron-cohen/794989002/
VT Insights: Bernie Sanders holds his own against Sacha Baron Cohen
WHO IS AMERICA?
Aki Soga, Burlington Free Press Published 1:28 p.m. ET July 18, 2018 | Updated 4:31 p.m. ET July 18, 2018

VIDEO -- Official Clip ft. Bernie Sanders | 'Move the 99% into the 1%' | Ep.1 | Who Is America? | SHOWTIME

Bernie Sanders can hold his own against Sacha Baron Cohen.

Vermont's independent senator sat down for an interview with the shape-shifting British comedian known for characters such as Borat and Ali G to talk about health care in Cohen's new Showtime series "Who Is America?" that debuted July 15.

Cohen arrived in the guise of Dr. Billy Wayne Ruddick, an "unbiased journalist" with a website, Truthbrary.org, who says he's sitting down with "Bernard Sanders to talk about the political situation and to see if we have any common ground."

Cohen/Ruddick opens the interview with the question, "Do you believe in Obamacare?"

Sanders, polite and ernest, starts with his standard reply that the Affordable Care Act was a good start but didn't go far enough. He also argues how the wealthy should pay taxes so that everyone should have access to health care.

But it doesn't take long for Sanders to figure out something is out of whack. You can see it in Bernie's face.

Cohen begins talking about how America needs to move the 99 percent into the 1 percent, pulling out a chart showing how that would work.

Sanders starts pointing out that the whole idea makes no sense, but finally tells Cohen, "Billy, I don't know what your're talking about. I really don't."

End of segment with dramatic sound effects.

This screen shot shows Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.,Buy Photo
This screen shot shows Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as he reacts to to comedian Sacha Baron Cohen who interviewed the senator in the character of Billy Wayne Ruddick in Cohen's Showtime series "Who Is America?" Sanders was in the show's premier episode which first aired on July 15, 2018. (Photo: AKI SOGA/FREE PRESS)

In the show, Cohen assumes characters spouting outrageous views to test the composure, character and credulity of well-known figures. The purpose, as the show's tag line puts it, is "to explore the diverse individuals who populate our unique nation."

The first episode also includes segments in which Cohen plays an ultra-liberal sitting down with a couple of conservative Republicans who support President Donald Trump and an Israeli terrorism expert promoting arming toddlers with guns.

The show garnered some publicity last week after reports that Cohen had duped notables such as 2017 Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who accused the actor of impersonating a disabled vet.

Politico reported on how the show gained access to one subject of the show, former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh, a Republican from Illinois.

"In Walsh’s case, Cohen’s team used fake identities and dummy websites, and concocted media opportunities over the course of several months. It also leaned on flattery, intrigue and the disarming use of the word “Liberty” to reel the former congressman into a TV appearance in which he endorsed arming young children with heavy weaponry."

Sanders' office “decline to comment on how the senator came to agree to an interview with Cohen/Ruddick.”

Dominic Patten reported in Deadline Hollywood that "Who Is America?" fared poorly in the ratings, writing, "Just 327,000 sets of eyeballs tuned in to the premium cable on Sunday night to see the Borat star."

Aki Soga is engagement editor for The Burlington Free Press. Email him at asoga@freepressmedia.com or chat with him on Twitter: @asoga