Day 446 – High Anxiety

Yesterday saw continuing coverage of the fallout from the extraordinary search of Trump lawyer Michael Cohen’s office and homes.  Several reporters claimed that behind closed doors in the White House, Trump is fuming about Mueller and frantically trying to chart the best course to derail the Russia probe.  Republican lawmakers downplayed the rumors, but Democratic lawmakers sounded the alarm, from the cable news airwaves to the floor of the Senate.

Rep. Eric Swalwell

Mr. President, if you fire Mueller or Rosenstein, millions of us will see that as obstructing justice in broad daylight. & despite what you’ve done to our rule of law, it will come roaring back. In the streets, at the ballot box, and to the Capitol. We will unite against tyranny.

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) April 11, 2018

https://twitter.com/RepSwalwell/status/983922876846870529

Rep. Adam Schiff

Firing Rod Rosenstein because he approved a warrant that may produce evidence against the President or his lawyer is nothing more than a blatant attempt to obstruct justice.

There is a mechanism for Cohen to challenge the search of his home or business — it’s called a court. https://t.co/YQ4StT1Ks5

— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) April 11, 2018

https://twitter.com/RepAdamSchiff/status/983867393775718400

Sen. Mark Warner

With respect to my Republican colleagues, we're past the point of pretending this isn't happening. It's happening, and it's time to speak up. #ProtectMueller https://t.co/bDQf1cw5Vh

— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) April 10, 2018

https://twitter.com/MarkWarner/status/983853876733513728

Away from Congress there has been some Republican push-back, including a website for the organization “Rule Of Law Republicans” whose Directors include William Kristol and Linda Chavez.  Their website lists Republican lawmakers who have supported the Mueller probe in the past, as if to goad them into action if Trump continues to obstruct.  It can be seen here:

http://www.ruleoflawrepublicans.com/

Who the heck knows what Trump will do next, but all signs are pointing to extreme frustration and anxiety, which probably means he will try to take his obstruction of justice to the next level.  We must all be wary and ready for peaceful protest.  To reiterate the theme of yesterday’s blog – nobody is above the law, not even the President.  We are a nation of laws, and must remain so for our Democracy to survive.