The Barr Report states that the Mueller Report did not find that the Trump campaign committed the crime of conspiracy in its contact with the Russians. Clearly, however, there was no “witch hunt.” Many members of the Administration lied about their contacts with the Russians, and it does not appear that the Trump campaign is anything but cheerful about the help it has received from the Russians despite the undermining of our democracy. Nor does the Barr Report speak to the crucial counter intelligence question whether the President has been compromised by the Russians.
In addition, even if Trump’s actions do not meet the technical requirements for obstruction of justice (Barr’s conclusion is entitled to no weight – he surely should have recused himself on that point), in plain sight, Trump did all he could to interfere with the investigation. This falls far short of “exoneration.” Indeed, in a likely prelude to more, the Justice Department has already identified the President as a felon for his secret payments to women he wished to silence.
Now he wants to silence those who have criticized him. He won’t succeed. The President cannot wish the First Amendment away.
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