As much as I’d like to know what’s in the affidavit, I prefer it remain sealed for the reasons DOJ stated. I think at some point we will learn of some of the aspects of the affidavit. I’m willing to wait for them.
A redacted affidavit would look similar to some of the documents like during the Mueller investigations and Part 1 of their report. Maybe they should print it largely redacted and impossible to decipher just to say it had been released.
The fact that the ex-45 doxxed the 2 FBI agents who signed the warrant, I would think falls under some sort of crime, witness intimidation? He likes to hint, but knows full well his hints are capable of inciting violence by his base and needs to be held accountable for this.
So far, I'm pleased with the path that Garland is taking. It would seem that even with redactions, the affidavit might include specific time and place information that could certainly lead people in Trump's circle, or even Trump himself, to be able to identify someone inside who revealed whatever new information was shared with DOJ that led them to secure the search warrant.
Anyone who thinks that unsealing the affidavit will quell the uproar from trump's inner circle is being a bit naïve. I think that they merely want to know who the witnesses are, where the leaks are, and to do something about it. Unfortunately whatever is in there, no matter how egregious, it will not change too many minds. I am hoping that the rule of law prevails and that they would do what they would in any other circumstance where this would jeopardize a criminal investigation and keep it sealed. they need to keep moving forward with this unpleasant business and bring these people to justice or we will be seeing this over and over again...
Joyce, saw your interview on MSNBC last night with Alex Wagner last night and it was refreshing to see you gently push back and keep the facts straight... great interview as always, thank you!
The interview with Alex Wagner was great. Joyce was in the studio with Alex, and I could not quit thinking about who was taking care of the chickens. Will we have more chicks to name soon?
Thanks Joyce - it’s important to note that this SW/affidavit is being treated consistently as others in the criminal justice system. The affidavit is not being withheld because it is Trump-related. It is for the reasons you have so clearly described. This is why Lady Justice is depicted with a blindfold.
What I find particularly galling is that many of the Trumpers demanding the release of the affidavit are attorneys (i.e. Cruz, Graham) and they know damn good and well (my grandmother speaking through me here) why that document should remained sealed.
Before I had a chance to read this piece, I saw you giving a shorter version on Alex Wagner’s new show. (Both of you, in the studio, in person after so many remote appearances!) Thank you again for commenting on tv, writing, and teaching, all at the same time. And I’m not even mentioning the chickens and the knitting...
Mr Garland is right. He knows what it will take to succeed. On the other hand Mr Trump seems to be playing the game “I just want transparency” to make himself seem innocent and with nothing to fear. Twists and turns in this story everyday. Something big is sure to happen soon. I just hope people have the patience to let Garland do what he needs to do and in his own time.
In addition to setting up a situation where the DOJ can be accused of lack of transparency, those demanding access are showing their lack of understanding of the process. It's striking to watch the spread of Trump's bratty attitude that licence depends on intensity of desire. "Oh, Mom! I WANT it so MUCH!"
Thank you, Joyce, for appearing so often on MSNBC with legal interpretations. We appreciate the gift of your personal time.
I see Garland performing wisely, but hope things will move along swiftly. Incendiary far-right thoughts, like calling the FBI the Gestapo and brandishing notions of civil war, are increasing. What might the timing of all of this look like?
Keep it sealed until such a time that the discovery exchanges, or whatever other legal procedures are required to be completed, eliminate the need to keep it sealed. No sense in giving anything to Trump & Crew, so they can read between the lines for possible witness tampering. Tfg knows who, what, where, when, how, and why the actions described in the affidavit will bury him.
As much as I’d like to know what’s in the affidavit, I prefer it remain sealed for the reasons DOJ stated. I think at some point we will learn of some of the aspects of the affidavit. I’m willing to wait for them.
Same!
A redacted affidavit would look similar to some of the documents like during the Mueller investigations and Part 1 of their report. Maybe they should print it largely redacted and impossible to decipher just to say it had been released.
The fact that the ex-45 doxxed the 2 FBI agents who signed the warrant, I would think falls under some sort of crime, witness intimidation? He likes to hint, but knows full well his hints are capable of inciting violence by his base and needs to be held accountable for this.
So far, I'm pleased with the path that Garland is taking. It would seem that even with redactions, the affidavit might include specific time and place information that could certainly lead people in Trump's circle, or even Trump himself, to be able to identify someone inside who revealed whatever new information was shared with DOJ that led them to secure the search warrant.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Yes, he is. And it's a crying shame that more Americans cannot--or will not--see underhanded rightwing partisan gamesmanship for what it is.
Anyone who thinks that unsealing the affidavit will quell the uproar from trump's inner circle is being a bit naïve. I think that they merely want to know who the witnesses are, where the leaks are, and to do something about it. Unfortunately whatever is in there, no matter how egregious, it will not change too many minds. I am hoping that the rule of law prevails and that they would do what they would in any other circumstance where this would jeopardize a criminal investigation and keep it sealed. they need to keep moving forward with this unpleasant business and bring these people to justice or we will be seeing this over and over again...
Joyce, saw your interview on MSNBC last night with Alex Wagner last night and it was refreshing to see you gently push back and keep the facts straight... great interview as always, thank you!
The interview with Alex Wagner was great. Joyce was in the studio with Alex, and I could not quit thinking about who was taking care of the chickens. Will we have more chicks to name soon?
Thanks Joyce - it’s important to note that this SW/affidavit is being treated consistently as others in the criminal justice system. The affidavit is not being withheld because it is Trump-related. It is for the reasons you have so clearly described. This is why Lady Justice is depicted with a blindfold.
What I find particularly galling is that many of the Trumpers demanding the release of the affidavit are attorneys (i.e. Cruz, Graham) and they know damn good and well (my grandmother speaking through me here) why that document should remained sealed.
Before I had a chance to read this piece, I saw you giving a shorter version on Alex Wagner’s new show. (Both of you, in the studio, in person after so many remote appearances!) Thank you again for commenting on tv, writing, and teaching, all at the same time. And I’m not even mentioning the chickens and the knitting...
Mr Garland is right. He knows what it will take to succeed. On the other hand Mr Trump seems to be playing the game “I just want transparency” to make himself seem innocent and with nothing to fear. Twists and turns in this story everyday. Something big is sure to happen soon. I just hope people have the patience to let Garland do what he needs to do and in his own time.
What! No chickens??
Sorry!
😉
Thanks for your insight and willingness to help us understand.
Thank you, and all your sisters & brothers in laws too, for caring enough to explain the legal side in simple terms we can understand.
Excellent analysis for us lay people….thank you, Joyce!
In addition to setting up a situation where the DOJ can be accused of lack of transparency, those demanding access are showing their lack of understanding of the process. It's striking to watch the spread of Trump's bratty attitude that licence depends on intensity of desire. "Oh, Mom! I WANT it so MUCH!"
Thank you, Joyce, for appearing so often on MSNBC with legal interpretations. We appreciate the gift of your personal time.
I see Garland performing wisely, but hope things will move along swiftly. Incendiary far-right thoughts, like calling the FBI the Gestapo and brandishing notions of civil war, are increasing. What might the timing of all of this look like?
If charges are filed, would you expect any this year?
Keep it sealed until such a time that the discovery exchanges, or whatever other legal procedures are required to be completed, eliminate the need to keep it sealed. No sense in giving anything to Trump & Crew, so they can read between the lines for possible witness tampering. Tfg knows who, what, where, when, how, and why the actions described in the affidavit will bury him.