The timing of the Manafort indictment is really bad

[bluepen]

for Trump and his circle of officials/advisors.

I know it seems like we’ve been waiting forever, but this is actually an early indictment in what will likely be a long investigation.

So why the “rush” and why is the timing particularly bad for Trump?

Usually indictments come down at the end of an investigation, especially one that by all accounts seems to be limited to white collar crimes.

We know about the raid on Manafort, so there’s probably very little (maybe even no) concern that evidence will be destroyed. So that can’t be the reason to move on Manafort this early.

We’re talking white collar crimes and a guy who has no history of involvement with violent crime, so there’s likely no concern that anyone’s safety or life is in danger.

Mueller grabbed Manafort now because he has Manafort dead to rights. He wouldn’t do this otherwise. And I think this means Mueller also knows Manafort has the goods on people bigger than him. Maybe Kushner, maybe Don Jr., maybe Donald himself. Maybe all of them.

Amusing aside: count on hearing Trump defenders downplaying this with comments like, “This is all Mueller has? After all this time? After all this money?” Just remind them that the investigation is ongoing, so no, this isn’t all Mueller has.

Disclaimer: I may be stating the obvious in my post but over the weekend I succeeded at lowering my expectations and this morning I’m really thrilled to see Manafort in the hot seat.

[dalton99a]

1. What Mueller has on Manafort is likely solid and ready for trial.

[avebury]

2. The next phase for the public would be for people to show up EVERYWHERE

Trump does with large LOCK TRUMP UP signs.

That would send him over the edge.

[mercuryblues]

3. It is being reported that

it is for tax evasion. Statute of limitations was the concern.

[WinkyDink]

9. It was good enough for Capone.

[mercuryblues]

12. Wow

the list of 12 charges ....he is fucked. Happy day.

[demmiblue]

4. Per MSNBC there may be a statute of limitations issue regarding tax related crimes, and

that doesn't mean that there won't be additional charges in the future.

[Madam45for2923]

5. So does the word co-conspirator need a hyphen or not?

[WinkyDink]

7. Yes, it does.

[WinkyDink]

6. IDGAD about what "Trump defenders" might or will say. They are as litter in a gutter to me.

[Maeve]

8. Manafort isn't just dirty; he's a swamp in and of himself

Go back to Slate's article from last year and you'll see--his relationship with tRump goes back 30 years and more, as well.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2016/04/paul_manafort_isn_t_a_gop_retread_he_s_made_a_career_of_reinventing_tyrants.html

[dalton99a]

10. +1

[Madam45for2923]

11. Let's also remember that Manafort was in that June with russians meeting w/his handy phone.

[UCmeNdc]

13. The Trump administration is full of corruption

Trump has not had to testify under oath yet.