PootinGate... What do we know for certain? What are the likely conclusions?

[mikelewis]

With the Flynn resignation behind us and these new allegations of "contact" between Russian Federation Agents and members of the Trump Campaign now in front of us, I'm struggling to see the complete picture here. Are we looking at an outright International conspiracy to undermine our election process with the full knowledge of our sitting President, all while our intelligence services sat back and watched (apparently as they seem to have it all on tape) or are these just innuendo's of wrong doing which may eventually undermine and remove from office an incompetent buffoon?

While I completely believe something terrible is afoot in these dealings, I'm not quite sure I understand what is believed to have happened. Do we think Team Trump knew of the hacking by the Russian Federation? What's the dirty little secret here because I'm not sure I see it... If 45, which let's face it folks, no one goes rogue around this guy and keeps his job, if 45 knew and even ordered the discussions about sanctions, what does that mean? Realistically speaking, I know "IMPEACHMENT, HANGINGS!!!!! blah blah blah..." that doesn't tell me anything, what does it mean in the long run aside from a rhetorical victory? I'm not trying to be incendiary, I really would like to get a good idea of what is happening and what it all means. Are there any good trustworthy sources that offer intelligent and probable speculations about what is believed to have happened in light of these new revelations?

Also, on a side note to our intelligence services, just in case you trip across this message. Huge fan, don't mistake my criticism for condemnation, I know your job sucks, sorry we fucked up... we honestly love you guys, keep up the good work.

[shraby]

1. The full import of all this will not show itself until the independent investigation begins.

As it digs deeper and people turn states evidence to save their asses, the magnitude of it all will come to light. One of the worst things to happen to Nixon is one of the people testifying inadvertently let it news out that there were tapes of conversations made in the white house.
When people turn, it's out of trumps hands and can go off the rails for him at any time. Bigly

[longship]

2. That was Alexander Butterfield.

As has been reported:

Butterfield was resisting.

They all but lassoed him in the Senate barber shop and dragged him unwillingly into the senate hearing chambers to testify. Sam Ervin had threatened to send the Senate sergeant-of-arms to fetch him.

Much more contrite (and well coiffed) he answered the direct question about the White House taping system.

Then the whole thing blew up.