Russiagate: Ratcliffe Out

Well that was fast. WaPoo (fresh 30 day pass) is triumphant, Ratcliffe withdraws from consideration for intelligence chief less than a week after Trump picked him. Lack of Republican support and abundant Democrat opposition:

In tweets, Trump said that Ratcliffe (R-Tex.) was being treated “very unfairly” by the media.

“Rather than going through months of slander and libel, I explained to John how miserable it would be for him and his family to deal with these people,” Trump wrote. “John has therefore decided to stay in Congress where he has done such an outstanding job representing the people of Texas, and our Country.”

Even by the tumultuous standards of the Trump administration, Ratcliffe’s nomination, which fell apart in less than a week, was a spectacular flameout.

leading to speculation as to who will be Dan Coats successor:

Trump also indicated that the current principal deputy director of national intelligence, Sue Gordon, might serve as the acting director when Coats leaves office Aug. 15. Trump had previously been unclear whether he expected her to fulfill the role. By law, the principal deputy director becomes the acting director when that position is vacant.

“I like Sue Gordon. Sue Gordon is there now, and I like her very much. I’ve always liked her,” Trump said adding, “Certainly she will be considered for the acting.”
. . .
Gordon is widely admired among Democrats and Republicans in Congress, and Burr offered a quiet endorsement Friday.

Ace, Trump Withdraws John Ratcliffe as Nominee for Director of National Intelligence

Ah darn. I thought he'd be good.
. . .
A friend who's an expert in this are is upset at this news of asking for a list of the top intelligence officials, because almost all of the people on that list are Deep State Obama operators. "Might as well just pick John Brennan and be done with it," he says.

Sundance, at CTH, Deep State Center Holds – John Ratcliffe Nomination Withdrawn…  "It always comes back to the SSCI."  I think you get the gist of it.

if you wanted a reason to oppose Gordon, you just have it https://t.co/4213dZZLnD

— streiff (@streiffredstate) August 2, 2019

Capt. Ed at Hot Air reads Da Beast so you don't have to. Daily Beast: Is Trump Going To Cashier Coats’ Deputy Too? Gordon. Generally speaking, the more firings the better. Keep them off balance.

Sundance at CTH was on fire with Comey posts: Moments Away – Inspector General Report on James Comey To Be Released Any Day… Moments away in government time could be months. James Comey Responds IG Investigation and Criminal Referral…

The interesting aspect here is to remind ourselves that James Comey is currently in the “Principal Review Phase” of a pending IG report that is specific to his conduct.

Inspector General Michael Horowitz has written a report of Comey’s conduct. Part of that process included a criminal referral to US Attorney John Huber, and a prosecution declination. James Comey has obviously reviewed the IG report (an NDA restricts his ability to talk specifically about it); and we are awaiting publication of the final report

It sounds like former FBI Director James Comey has concluded his response to the Inspector General’s report. Which means the IG report is soon to be released.

DOJ Files Motion to Block Court Order Forcing Release of “Archey Declarations” (Comey Memos)… I confess I don't understand the significance, except that the DOJ is still hiding something, and therefore,  I want to see it. Devin Nunes Discusses IG Criminal Referral and DOJ Position on James Comey… and holds out hope.



CNBC reports Robert Mueller’s Russia probe cost nearly $32 million in total, Justice Department says, a pittance by government standards, and they made money if you count what they seized from Paul Manafort. Say, let's try that with the Clinton Foundation!

Sundance posts Lou Dobbs Interviews Former Acting AG Matt Whitaker…



And in impeachment follies,  Yahoo!, Pelosi Cites Progress in Trump Probes as Impeachment Calls Rise, From Da Hill, An impeachment inquiry has begun and CNN, Majority of House Democrats now say they support starting an impeachment inquiry. Please, don't throw him in dat briar patch!