The verdict on Clinton's emails needs to be expedited before the Convention

[Rosa Luxemburg]

I think the party needs to get its act together before the convention. The DNC owes it to voters to have this email thing clarified and finished. The DNC is behaving like an ostrich with its head in the sand trying to fool voters and hopes it will go away. Many voters are nervous of what will happen however some do not even know the seriousness of the outcome.

[mmonk]

3. +1

[libdem4life]

17. and more will become disgusted that We, the People has become the

We, the Oligarchy.

[emulatorloo]

2. Agreed. However hold up is FBI finishing the investigation and issuing report.

I hope FBI will finish before the convention. But since the agency is supposed to not be political, I don't think they can be pressured by DNC to finish before they are ready.

[Bob41213]

13. I think the FBI has kept a pretty tight ship.

If you read stuff carefully, and reread old articles, I think most of the leaks have been from the Justice Dept/State Dept.

[appalachiablue]

14. From last night, posted in LBN. I can't tell what this means for the time frame.

"U.S. Judge Delays Deposition, Directs Clinton Aide to Detail Immunity Deal in Email Probe", Wash. Post, June 3, 2016.

A federal judge Friday postponed a deposition of a former State Department staffer who helped set up Hillary Clinton’s private email server, seeking more information about the aide’s immunity agreement with federal prosecutors and his claim to a Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in a civil lawsuit.
Attorneys for technology specialist Bryan Pagliano had also asked U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan of the District to bar audio or video recording of the deposition, originally planned for Monday before lawyers with the conservative legal advocacy group Judicial Watch. The group is seeking to have Pagliano answer questions under oath as part of its lawsuit probing whether Clinton’s email arrangement when she was secretary of state thwarted the Freedom of Information Act and the release of public records.

Sullivan did not rule on that request to bar recording Pagliano’s deposition session. Instead, Sullivan directed both sides to address by June 13 the legal authority for Pagliano’s constitutional claim against self-incrimination.
“Counsel for Mr. Pagliano shall file a Memorandum of Law addressing the legal authority upon which Mr. Pagliano relies to assert his Fifth Amendment rights in this civil proceeding,” Sullivan ordered in a brief note in the court docket Friday afternoon. Sullivan also told Pagliano’s lawyers to include “requisite details pertaining to the scope” of an immunity agreement reported by The Washington Post in March, reached between him and the Justice Department in an FBI criminal investigation of the handling of classified information in Clinton’s email setup.

In a statement Friday, Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said, “The court’s order is an important step to getting more answers from Mr. Pagliano about Hillary Clinton’s email system.” Pagliano’s attorneys, Mark Joseph MacDougall and Connor Mullin did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.
Pagliano last summer declined to appear before a House panel investigating the 2012 attack on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya, citing the FBI investigation and quoting a Supreme Court ruling that described the Fifth Amendment as protecting “innocent men . . . ‘who otherwise might be ensnared by ambiguous circumstances.’ ” Continued.

Read More, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/us-judge-delays-deposition-directs-clinton-aide-to-detail-immunity-deal-in-email-probe/2016/06/03/9c8a9edc-29a6-11e6-a3c4-0724e8e24f3f_story.html

[libdem4life]

19. I'm not an attorney, but I've read a lot. Seems his immunity does

not cover other areas, i.e. the Clinton foundation, that this has actively evolved into. The email situation, as it stood, was a kind of a slap/unstated pardon on the hand for a prominent person...even though many have gone to jail for much less.

But the Foundation issues take it to a much higher level, and one that extreme caution and much more time may be needed to conclude.

[appalachiablue]

22. Thanks for the explanation. A serious mess it is, taking much time and unfair

to the American electorate for sure. Not a good predicament for the Dem. Party either. Our dysfunctional political system is looking like a wreck more and more!

[Rosa Luxemburg]

23. I think it is a mess and we will have to endure lengthy scandal inverstigations

We already have had too many of these drawn out investigations. It is basically handing the election to the GOP on a plate.

[appalachiablue]

25. A killer alright, and we're the ones hurt by the scandal and drawn out speculation

and investigations. Elites will be just fine as always. Outrageously unfair to Americans especially in these difficult times, and providing the GOP and Trump a ton of ammo and red meat...

[TexasBushwhacker]

37. What's unfair is for someone to run with this hanging

over her head. It's bad for the Democratic party. Most millionaires would just suck it up, quit and count their money. It's not just that she's being dragged through this mess. She's dragging us along with her.

[appalachiablue]

38. Exactly so, read loud and clear.

[JudyM]

47. The positive aspect here is that, even if the FBI doesn't act by the Convention, the judge in this

FOIA case is pressing to keep it moving quickly. Getting at least some testimony out in the public view that increases information and understanding of what was going on. Plus, rather than letting Pagliano avoid answering deposition questions altogether, he is pressing to see exactly where the boundaries are in what Pagliano is protected about. This tight time schedule he set up is very encouraging.

[abelenkpe]

4. Not going to happen

Even out of office we've had non stop investigations into Hillary's time in office. Even if the email investigation ended another would begin. It's a great time and money suck that helps congress justify not doing anything else. Fills news hours, too. Keeps the populace outraged and arguing amongst themselves. A win all around for one percent.

[appalachiablue]

27. You covered it- win for the 1%. A travesty that continues stalemate for any

progress for the people and country, keeps the populace riled and distracted and feeds the corporate $ media beast.

[in_cog_ni_to]

6. The DNC

couldn't care less about voters. That's why they've done everything they possibly can to suppress votes, purge hundreds of thousands of voters from the rolls, hack evoting machines, close hundreds of needed polling locations and launder Clinton Victory fund money through various star parties straight into her coffers. Voters are the least of their worries.

The ONLY thing they care about is having their coronation of the queen 👑.

Voters are just tolerated and looked at as a necessary side show...to keep up the appearance of a "Democracy" and we're just actors in their dog and pony show.

I think we need to depend on the FBI ONLY to do the right thing.

The entire planet depends on Comey.

PEACE
LOVE
BERNIE

[jeff47]

7. Not gonna happen.

The results would be too damning. So they're desperately hoping to keep a lid on it for as long as possible. They appear to think they can stall until after November.

Apparently, it hasn't occurred to them that the Republican who runs the FBI is capable of finding the Washington Post and speaking with them. Around October-ish. It would be quite the surprise.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

24. can you imagine anything being done if she is the president?

pressing business will just get stalled and cries for impeachment. We will be a laughing stock to the world with this and if we get Trump. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.

[hopemountain]

35. having everything stall for that president may be a good thing

as long as we have a progressive congress and senate.

[SmittynMo]

8. Getting their act together would be nice.

There is absolutely no reason at all to NOT have this over and done with by the convention.

But in a society such as ours, it will take much longer, to the point where everyone forgets about it. It's pretty saddening what I continue to see around me. You wait now. They won't be done by the convention, count on it. This shit started a year ago when Bernie got in, and will continue until they drive his ass home on a bus. So what ever happened to "We the people"? Oh yeah, the "powers that be" have done everything in their power to restrict access to the voting system. And the shit goes on and on and on. I'm literally sick watching it all crumble around me.

End of rant.... Sorry.

[leveymg]

9. RNC and Hillary campaign are allies on this one. Both hope like hell the FBI report comes out after

the Convention. The Republicans are salivating to run against her with this pall hanging over her head. They do not want to run against anyone else, particularly Warren who is HRC's obvious replacement.

[restorefreedom]

10. warren can not be the "obvious replacement"

if the dnc thinks that anyone but bernie would be acceptable should clinton have to step aside, they are out of their ever loving minds (which is very likely, by the way)

agree that the money uniparty is aligned on this one. they BOTH want clinton. establishment gop does not want trump to end the corruption. the dems do not want bernie to end the corruption.

that only leaves one......

[libdem4life]

20. Bernie will not accept the VP, even if asked. He's on a principled

mission that does not end either in or out of the White House. Most political people cannot grasp this concept. I do not believe his ego or his sense of self depends on winning.

He has real work to do and throngs...many young folk...to help him do it.

Winning has many faces.

[restorefreedom]

28. oh, sorry. i was talking top spot

i was suggesting that if clinton cannot be the nom because legal issues, the only acceptable choice for the nom will be bernie. warren or biden aint gonna ride down on a cloud and steal it from him.

agree with you on veep. bernie would never accept the terms of working for clinton. and he shouldn't

[libdem4life]

45. Absolutely, then.

[senz]

39. Agree on all points.

You understand Bernie.

[Cooley Hurd]

11. I wish the FBI would just come out and say where they're going with this...

We can NOT let Trumpaloopa anywhere near the WH.

[libdem4life]

12. I read an exhaustive article, actually 2, and behind the scenes there is

much gnashing of teeth. It's reportedly led into the Foundation and that brings it into another legal realm. I don't know whether that ties them together, but if so, even if false, we won't be getting anything in 14 days.

From the excuses of lack of professional knowledge, forgetfulness, ignorance and dumping it on her aides(her words)...and what appeared to be a likely pass(the MSM)...the emails (recovered) are giving much of the information their "wiping" was meant to destroy. (in writing)

I did not even know that the super secret server was discovered during the Benghazi!!!!! hearing.

All is provable fact. I am not a hater, just would like the record cleared...either way...and cleared definitively.

[eomer]

15. The convention begins on July 25th - that's about 51 days from now, not 14.

Not sure what you had in mind regarding 14 days from now.

[libdem4life]

16. That seems to be when the Primaries are over, as I recall.

They keep hyping it here....you have 14 days until Tombstoning.

[eomer]

18. The last day of primary voting is June 14th, which is 10 days from now.

The end of DU primary season per Skinner is June 16th, which is 12 days from now.

Nothing happening 14 days from now that I'm aware of (or that you are either apparently).

And I guess you don't know me well if you think I'm getting tombstoned on June 16th. I've never had a single post hidden, so I think I'm fairly safe.

[libdem4life]

21. You get the idea, even if not entirely on the date.

Go for it. I'll still be around, as well. Personal attacks, especially the endless versions of the one-liner, will be ended, but I'm grateful for that. I'm also thinking that one best be able to justify certain responses.

[winter is coming]

29. +1. The longer it drags on, the more I think the FBI is digging into the Clinton Foundation.

OTOH, it sounds like Hillary's been dodging an interview with the FBI, which should be a sign that they're close to finishing. I'm wondering, though, whether the DOJ's going to slow-walk their response to the FBI, making it possible for Hillary to capture the nomination so the Party can parachute in some other establishment candidate. It would be a deadly mistake, but I can see them making it.

[libdem4life]

31. Agree with all your thoughts. If she doesn't get nominated because of

legal issues, a quickie candidate will not be successful. Sanders is the only credible candidate. But they are hubris-fill as well as terrified of a non-Oligarch so I agree.

The FBI has the time cover/necessity because of the expansion of the material...into the Foundation. That's serious business...not some two-bit burglary and 18 minutes of missing tape. The Cover-up nailed these guys.

Here? The cover-up is still in play, but it will not be the deal maker or breaker. Because they now have most of them.

Bad for Hillary. The whole world will see why she attempted to delete voluminous records that should have been secured and overseen. But she's a Clinton...and they usually get away with it. This time? Not so much. Too many tentacles, other people, depositions, etc.

[hopemountain]

36. dodging is correct. she did not think she would be in

california today "stumping" at a posh venue in santa barbara this afternoon - to a small group of women.
as of late last night, none of her sb campaigners knew where because the notice was so last minute.

http://www.independent.com/news/2016/jun/02/where-santa-barbara-will-hillary-clinton-be/

[senz]

40. Exactly, and that is a heavy, complex network with many players.

The two charges (or charge areas) are separate: 1) private unsecured email server used for classified data 2) the use of the Foundation for money laundering and bribery.

The latter, if it's found to be true, should eliminate Hillary -- and probably the entire Clinton family -- from the political scene for good.

[elleng]

26. It won't happen.

'Limbo' will continue.

[Babel_17]

30. I don't think the length of the FBI investigation was anticipated

I think short and sweet, or at least short and bearable, was anticipated. But once committed to waiting it out, that was it. The Judicial Watch case and the OIG findings are more questionable hazards in the road.

I agree with the need for this being expedited. I regret that there wasn't an encompassing consensus, a mandate, for that much earlier on. With 20/20 hindsight it seems clear we should have given this such a priority that it could have been wrapped up by now.

[libdem4life]

32. Three elements they didn't expect:

1) The craven act of disregard of duty, position, power and political allies by just surreptitiously wiping the server...and then lying about most everything.

2) It takes time to recreate that many documents, read and analyze.

3) They were likely unprepared for what they found.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

33. From the party perspective

The DNC is like a car with a nail in the tire. They are driving it hoping somehow the nail will go away but it is still there....

[HereSince1628]

34. I guess you're talking about a non-judicial verdict by Dem PTB

I think it's pretty safe to say that they're gonna be happy with the FBI kicking this down the road for a while.

Once the party gets beyond the convention they're in a place where they can do what they want without delegates being considered...and what they want does not seem to include Bernie Sanders.

From the DNC/Party Power point of view, delegates and voters don't matter nearly as much as big donors and the revolving door with corporations/lobbying firms.

[senz]

41. True, the Party's main concern is corporations and lobbyists.

Not the people. Not labor. Not the poor and disadvantaged. Not quality of life for the average American.

The people no longer have a party. Although in the wake of Bernie's near-evangelistic sweep across this country, a new political party will develop, and it will do what the Democrats used to do before Bill and Hillary Clinton sold it out in the 1990s.

[HereSince1628]

42. I'm not sure a new party will develop. It might. Time will tell.

[senz]

43. Ideally, we'd take over the Democratic Party

bring it back to its roots.

[HereSince1628]

44. Yes, even in the face of the rock wall that is, I think it's easier than creating

a new major party and struggling to get slots onto ballots, establish habits in voting, etc.

Influence doesn't necessarily require majority control. It requires critical control.

The dems don't hold majorities in Congress, focused effort by reform minded progressives could change that. It would only require about 5 percent of the senate but with a solid 10% in each chamber progressives would be a force whose interests must be served for legislation, judicial nominations etc to have a chance to make it through the legislature.

IMO, there is a need to think of the Dem party itself as more like a European parliament, an institution composed of multiple -COMPETING- groups who must for practical reasons ally and parley compromises with each others' interests into both subgroup and overall coalition gains. That requires more than one recognized center of power and leadership within the party elect.

The democratic party was for many decades more a coalition than a party that solidly shares values and approaches. The fault lines that individuate and identify incipient subgroup influence already exist. Revealing them is a matter of controlling critical 'swing' support of the party. Achieving that is doable and is an immediate multiplier of influence. There have long been caucuses inside the party, we need one that is rather more than a label. One that stands firm and actually struggles with other elected dems in the interests of progressive values.

That sort of critically positioned influence really is doable within a few election cycles. If people support it, the politicians will come to it... it's the old demand side mantra--'if there is a market producers will come to it'.

Thanks to Sanders campaign, we now know both the amount of progressive support in the nation and where it lives. Sanders knows who and where the progressive donors and volunteers are. We need to be capable of work at every precinct level, but we must unite around a larger view than traditional concerns of 'our' congressional districts and 'our' states. If those who support Sanders' view in places currently without progressive strength will support those who live in places where progressive gains are feasible, this project can and will be done.

[libdem4life]

46. Bravo. We can do it. Bernie did the heavy lifting of moving it to

a national level and hopefully merging with Occupy and other similary organizations. No one does not know Bernie's principles and issues. In fact, he gets criticized from never straying from the message, but he doesn't care. People don't know what to do without stage-crafted images, focus group results and the pretense of saying what everyone...regardless...wants to hear.

It is becoming a strong wing of the Party, and I agree it's better to use the struggle to strengthen than to secede.

[senz]

49. Good points, libdem4life.

I'm hoping to get HereSince1648 to make an OP in GD of his/her comment. We need a discussion on this idea, and DU is a good place to do it. I don't think the Hill Folk would be obnoxious with something like that, so it could be a good discussion. Plus, it might be educational for lurkers/casual readers.

If it happens, you would have a lot to contribute.

[senz]

48. I agree, and you lay it out very well.

What remains to be done is to get wider attention for your excellent ideas. You could make it an OP in GD and/or you could mail a link to it (or the entire comment) to someone like Thom Hartmann who just happens to be a DUer. His username is thomhartmann. (Or if you prefer I could mail him a link to your comment.)

Thom has long advocated a gradual progressive takeover of the Democratic Party and actions like electing progressives to local offices, grooming good ones to move on up, etc. This is how the far-right took over the Republican Party, so we know that as a strategy it can work.

I think Thom would be interested in your ideas and might read your comment on the radio, if you gave permission.

Think about it, HereSince1628.