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UpInArms

(51,252 posts)
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 09:40 AM Aug 2020

WATCH: Biden Says He Wouldn't Stand In The Way Of A Trump Prosecution

Source: NPR

Joe Biden says that he believes prosecuting a former president would be a "very unusual thing and probably not very ... good for democracy," but he would not stand in the way of a future Justice Department pursuing criminal charges against President Trump after he leaves office.

The comments from the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee came during a virtual interview Tuesday with members from the National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

"Look, the Justice Department is not the president's private law firm. The attorney general is not the president's private lawyer. I will not interfere with the Justice Department's judgment of whether or not they think they should pursue the prosecution of anyone that they think has violated the law," Biden told NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro.

Trump has been connected with alleged illegal activity by his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen and investigators working for former special counsel Robert Mueller. What isn't clear is whether federal authorities are investigating the president or whether prosecutors might take action against Trump if he no longer enjoyed the privileges that protect him from being indicted as a sitting president.

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2020/08/06/899375561/biden-says-he-wouldnt-stand-in-the-way-of-a-trump-prosecution

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WATCH: Biden Says He Wouldn't Stand In The Way Of A Trump Prosecution (Original Post) UpInArms Aug 2020 OP
Did Joe get a head's up on today's 11:30 presser with NY AG Letitia James? Botany Aug 2020 #1
It's not about a Trump prosecution. Bleacher Creature Aug 2020 #6
It could still be tied to the GOP, Qutzupalotl Aug 2020 #12
Absolutely!!! Bleacher Creature Aug 2020 #14
Fine by me if it is the NRA Botany Aug 2020 #19
Me too! Bleacher Creature Aug 2020 #34
The thread title is the absolute right answer FoxNewsSucks Aug 2020 #2
The "not good for democracy" comment I think was referring to a candidate or president NYC Liberal Aug 2020 #3
I agree that stating "I'm coming for you" FoxNewsSucks Aug 2020 #4
Yeah, that lede is misleading. I watched the video NYC Liberal Aug 2020 #7
My interpretation is that he believes a sitting POTUS directing the DOJ to go after ehrnst Aug 2020 #9
This message was self-deleted by its author ehrnst Aug 2020 #10
That sounds right to me. KPN Aug 2020 #20
Another great reason to have the "fairness doctrine & truth-in-advertising" written into law. jaxexpat Aug 2020 #16
+++ KPN Aug 2020 #21
Yep. Absolutely and totally. I don't want to hear a single "we need to move on..." calimary Aug 2020 #24
THIS. KPN Aug 2020 #27
If you don't prosecute tRump, somebody else will do it again & again because ... no consequences. nt Bernardo de La Paz Aug 2020 #5
Not the job of the WH to determine who the DOJ prosecutes or overturns guilty verdicts on. ehrnst Aug 2020 #13
I agree in concept. Somehow I doubt whether a large share of our public will view any investigation KPN Aug 2020 #25
Biden should not give them ammo, or do what Trump did, while trying to institute reforms ehrnst Aug 2020 #32
Agreed. He should not give tham any ammo and should make it clear that he is not personally KPN Aug 2020 #35
A simple truth. The GOP and tRump have put our nation between a rock and a hard place. Tere is no KPN Aug 2020 #23
The WH should NOT be in the business of deciding who and what the DOJ investigates. ehrnst Aug 2020 #33
I hear you, but the WH should also not direct any limitations, and I would be extremely KPN Aug 2020 #36
Biden didn't direct any limitations. Quite the opposite. ehrnst Aug 2020 #39
No, he did not. Didn't mean to imply that. KPN Aug 2020 #40
Thanks for the clarification. I thought you were expressing concern that he would. (nt) ehrnst Aug 2020 #41
No. I would be very surprised if he did. I agree KPN Aug 2020 #45
I would like even harder stand that includes investigations of all trump admin officials, the beachbumbob Aug 2020 #8
That's the job of the DOJ, not the WH. The Oval Office should not interfere in nor obstruct the DOJ ehrnst Aug 2020 #15
I agree. The WH should never personally direct the DOJ to go after a political rival, no matter how ehrnst Aug 2020 #11
All Joe needs to do is sign the renewed Idependent Counsel law, and appoint a fierce IC Fiendish Thingy Aug 2020 #17
Exactly. nt SunSeeker Aug 2020 #38
prosecuting a fascist criminal is very good for Democracy nt yaesu Aug 2020 #18
YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!! PatrickforO Aug 2020 #22
Joe has threaded the needle perfectly. Thank you Joe. I have no doubts now that there will be KPN Aug 2020 #26
The Trump crime family must pay for their crimes. dalton99a Aug 2020 #28
This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Aug 2020 #29
What would be "bad for democracy" would be to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. not_the_one Aug 2020 #30
IMO, prosecuting Trump is in fact righteous. TruckFump Aug 2020 #31
Brilliant answer. The justice department isn't the president's Politicub Aug 2020 #37
I agree with Joe Steelrolled Aug 2020 #42
"and probably not very ... good for democracy," - well ok then. n/t PoliticAverse Aug 2020 #43
As it should be. We are either children, incapable of handling our own affairs Guy Whitey Corngood Aug 2020 #44

Botany

(70,288 posts)
1. Did Joe get a head's up on today's 11:30 presser with NY AG Letitia James?
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 09:47 AM
Aug 2020

"Biden Says He Wouldn't Stand In The Way Of A Trump Prosecution"


"Look, the Justice Department is not the president's private law firm. The attorney general is not the president's private lawyer."

Qutzupalotl

(14,230 posts)
12. It could still be tied to the GOP,
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 10:50 AM
Aug 2020

since the NRA knowingly funneled Russian money to GOP campaigns. Maria Butina, Paul Erickson and a host of others are all tied up in this. I’m guessing there are racketeering charges coming.

Bleacher Creature

(11,235 posts)
14. Absolutely!!!
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 10:54 AM
Aug 2020

The NRA is completely intertwined with Trump and his connections with Russia. This is still great news.

Botany

(70,288 posts)
19. Fine by me if it is the NRA
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:10 AM
Aug 2020

The NRA funneled 10s of millions of Russian money into the Trump campaign and into
lots of Republican Senate campaigns in 2016.

FoxNewsSucks

(10,375 posts)
2. The thread title is the absolute right answer
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 09:49 AM
Aug 2020

But WTH?? Prosecuting crimes of MF45's scale would "not be good for democracy"???????????

Letting criminals off the hook since Nixon is what got us in this disaster.

It's a good thing Biden's not a criminal, if republicons somehow get the chance, there will be no "privileges that protect him from being indicted as a sitting president." They'd hold months of hearings and indict him over an unpaid parking ticket.

NYC Liberal

(20,132 posts)
3. The "not good for democracy" comment I think was referring to a candidate or president
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 09:59 AM
Aug 2020

outright saying "I am going to order the prosecution of this person."

He is going to let the Justice Department pursue the cases it thinks are worth pursuing, whoever it is. He's not going to interfere one way or the other. That's the right approach.

FoxNewsSucks

(10,375 posts)
4. I agree that stating "I'm coming for you"
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 10:07 AM
Aug 2020

is not a good thing for a decent person to say. The best answer is, as you say, to let the AG and prosecutors make a case and move forward if warranted. That's all that needed to be said.

But the full sentence from the NPR article, the lead sentence is

Joe Biden says that he believes prosecuting a former president would be a "very unusual thing and probably not very ... good for democracy," but he would not stand in the way of a future Justice Department pursuing criminal charges against President Trump after he leaves office.

That's why I read it the way I did. NPR may have misquoted Biden

NYC Liberal

(20,132 posts)
7. Yeah, that lede is misleading. I watched the video
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 10:17 AM
Aug 2020

and he says clearly that he would let the Justice Department pursue whatever cases it thought best, but him saying he will or won’t prosecute specific people isn’t good.

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
9. My interpretation is that he believes a sitting POTUS directing the DOJ to go after
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 10:37 AM
Aug 2020

a political rival would be seen as a partisan misuse of the DOJ - like Trump is trying to do with Obama with "ObamaGate."

He would not stop the DOJ from determining on it's own that a former POTUS did break the law.

Response to ehrnst (Reply #9)

KPN

(15,585 posts)
20. That sounds right to me.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:19 AM
Aug 2020

What compounds the issue in tRump's case is the breadth, magnitude and significance of the potential crimes coupled with the rabidness of his supporters who make up perhaps 30-40% of the population. It's a dicey call when it comes to the good of our nation. I tend to come down on the side of investigate and hold accountable as appropriate for the good of the nation long-run.

jaxexpat

(6,701 posts)
16. Another great reason to have the "fairness doctrine & truth-in-advertising" written into law.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:01 AM
Aug 2020

It won't be easy but it will be good for the majority and will take the onus of enforcement off the executive branch.
No more character assassinating fishing expeditions disguised as crime fighting. Republicans aren't as harmful when they are only allowed to use facts. When restricted to facts spoken in a truthful manner, lest they be prosecuted, they will need to transform. Like a shock collar changes the attitude of a misbehaving dog. They might even pass for upright citizens some day.

KPN

(15,585 posts)
21. +++
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:20 AM
Aug 2020

This really does need to be a focus of the new administration. One of many, but certainly onbe of highest priority regarding future national security in my view at least.

calimary

(80,693 posts)
24. Yep. Absolutely and totally. I don't want to hear a single "we need to move on..."
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:29 AM
Aug 2020

or "this is no time to look back. Let's move FORWARD!"

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!

We CANNOT move forward if we have not sought justice for some EPIC crimes and scandals and corruption, the likes of which we have never seen before in American history.

KPN

(15,585 posts)
27. THIS.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:37 AM
Aug 2020

"We CANNOT move forward if we have not sought justice for some EPIC crimes and scandals and corruption, the likes of which we have never seen before in American history."

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
13. Not the job of the WH to determine who the DOJ prosecutes or overturns guilty verdicts on.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 10:53 AM
Aug 2020

The DOJ can do this on their own, without direction from or interference by the WH, and that prevents the accusation of "Biden's partisan witch hunt."

We've seen what happens when a POTUS uses the DOJ as their personal attorney, and we need to restore the confidence of the public in the Executive Branch and the DOJ's ability to function appropriately in a Democracy.

Trump has numerous lawsuits and criminal charges awaiting him from various entities upon his exit from the WH.

Let them bleed him dry, and let the DOJ focus on police reform and recovering from the Trump administrations gutting it of career experts.

THEN, when all those other legal issues have resolved - hopefully in the seizure of his properties and guilty charges - the DOJ should come in with the last nails in the coffin.

KPN

(15,585 posts)
25. I agree in concept. Somehow I doubt whether a large share of our public will view any investigation
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:31 AM
Aug 2020

and prosecution from any source as apolitical. We are truly between a rock and a very hard place. We've been put there by the GOP. They are the culprits who need to be held accountable. tRump's presidency would likely never have occurred and certainly would never survived without the GOPs total and complete complicity.

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
32. Biden should not give them ammo, or do what Trump did, while trying to institute reforms
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 12:17 PM
Aug 2020

based on Trump's overreach.

Biden is stating that he will not interfere. That's what a POTUS who is not using the Constitution as toilet paper does.

KPN

(15,585 posts)
35. Agreed. He should not give tham any ammo and should make it clear that he is not personally
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 01:35 PM
Aug 2020

involved nor directing any investigation(s). At the same time, I think the wingnuts are going to accuse him of carrying out a political vendetta regardless. But that just reinforces what you are saying -- give them nothing ammo-wise, steer clear, let the government and specifically the DOJ function the way it normally would.

KPN

(15,585 posts)
23. A simple truth. The GOP and tRump have put our nation between a rock and a hard place. Tere is no
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:26 AM
Aug 2020

great solution, but only one has the chance of securing the fundamentals of our Constitution and therefore our long range national security as far as being a true democracy that strives for if not always guarantees justice for all. And that one is as you stated -- investigate, prosecute and hold accountable/penalize as appropriate.

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
33. The WH should NOT be in the business of deciding who and what the DOJ investigates.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 12:18 PM
Aug 2020

That kind of puppet DOJ is what we have now.

KPN

(15,585 posts)
36. I hear you, but the WH should also not direct any limitations, and I would be extremely
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 01:44 PM
Aug 2020

disappointed and upset if the DOJ under a Democratic administration did not investigate crimes purportedly committed by the tRump administration.

KPN

(15,585 posts)
45. No. I would be very surprised if he did. I agree
Fri Aug 7, 2020, 02:20 AM
Aug 2020

with your take and sentiment regarding his statement.

 

beachbumbob

(9,263 posts)
8. I would like even harder stand that includes investigations of all trump admin officials, the
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 10:29 AM
Aug 2020

CARES act money accounting and prosecutions. None of the crap that Obama said about "coming together". We see where that got america

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
15. That's the job of the DOJ, not the WH. The Oval Office should not interfere in nor obstruct the DOJ
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 10:58 AM
Aug 2020

going after a criminal.

The POTUS must remain out of it. As Biden said, he would not interfere with any investigation that the DOJ decided to go forward with.

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
11. I agree. The WH should never personally direct the DOJ to go after a political rival, no matter how
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 10:41 AM
Aug 2020

corrupt. That is a misuse of power, as we have seen so clearly in this administration, and we do NOT want to set that precedent.

The WH not stopping the DOJ from doing this on their own is appropriate.

Fiendish Thingy

(15,366 posts)
17. All Joe needs to do is sign the renewed Idependent Counsel law, and appoint a fierce IC
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:03 AM
Aug 2020

Someone like Preet Bahara for example.

Let the Independent Counsel do an unrestrained investigation and prosecution of all Trump administration crimes.

It will be an essential component in “restoring the soul of America”.

PatrickforO

(14,514 posts)
22. YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!!
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:26 AM
Aug 2020

I'm ecstatic to hear this!

What a wonderful thing! And I respectfully beg to disagree with Joe - prosecuting Trump would be GOOD for democracy - over the callous refusal to make a coordinated national response to COVID-19 because it was hitting blue states hardest, and over the inhuman separations of children from their parents by ICE, not to mention the massive corruption and cronyism and probably dozens of other crimes by he and his crime family and their criminal administration.

Oh, this is so good!

What is it Jagger says? It's time for dancing in the streets! I'll tell you, when Trump loses, there WILL be massive public celebrations. Spontaneous ones. But definitely dancing. We've gone through a long, evil tunnel and now we can see light at the end of it!

I'm so happy to hear this!

KPN

(15,585 posts)
26. Joe has threaded the needle perfectly. Thank you Joe. I have no doubts now that there will be
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 11:35 AM
Aug 2020

investigations and appropriate steps taken -- prosecution as well as legislation to strengthen our ability to avoid and withstand such blatant attacks against our Constitution and democracy in the future.

A big THANK YOU to NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro for asking this question -- at last!

Response to UpInArms (Original post)

 

not_the_one

(2,227 posts)
30. What would be "bad for democracy" would be to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 12:16 PM
Aug 2020

If there is no accountability, the Democratic Party, and this country, are done.

Sounds very ominous.

TruckFump

(5,812 posts)
31. IMO, prosecuting Trump is in fact righteous.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 12:16 PM
Aug 2020

And for Prez Biden to do this, absolutely the right thing in support of American democracy.

Also: And I smile over this...it let's Trump know how stupid it was to wrongfully and without cause attack someone's child solely for his own political gain.

 

Steelrolled

(2,022 posts)
42. I agree with Joe
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 05:18 PM
Aug 2020

I wouldn't want to see it in any political setting. It would just be another Trump circus. The political mechanism (i.e. election) will take care of Trump.

Guy Whitey Corngood

(26,481 posts)
44. As it should be. We are either children, incapable of handling our own affairs
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 10:21 PM
Aug 2020

through the proper channels. Or we can grow up as a country.

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