Sen. Susan Collins‘ (R-Maine) response to obstruction-related items detailed in Special Counsel Robert Mueller‘s report is not being received particularly well online. Although Collins said in an interview that Russia’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 election are a “serious threat to our democratic institution,” everyone is focusing on how she responded to details of President Donald Trump‘s conduct, including that he tried to have Mueller fired and took steps to thwart the investigation.

Collins concluded that this was an “unflattering portrayal of the President.”

“[Trump] was not only very upset by the special counsel’s investigations, but tried several times through intermediaries to end it, and it is an unflattering portrayal of the President,” Collins said. She then said that she “found the report to be a very thorough undertaking” and that it seems to have “changed very few minds in Washington.”

Mueller said near the beginning of the report Trump “reacted negatively to the Special Counsel’s appointment,” that he “told advisors that it was the end of his presidency, sought to have Attorney General Jefferson (Jeff) Sessions unrecuse from the Russia investigation and to have the Special Counsel removed, and engaged in efforts to curtail the Special Counsel’s investigation and prevent the disclosure of evidence to it, including through public and private contacts with potential witnesses.”

This, plus lines from Mueller indicating that Department of Justice policy of not indicting a sitting president very much played a role in his decision making, have led many to conclude that Mueller was making an impeachment referral.

Thus, Collins’ “unflattering portrayal” take was instantly panned on social media.

After making no promises as to how she would vote given the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh, plus questions about his abortion stance, Collins eventually decided to vote in favor of Kavanaugh’s confirmation. The vote was 50-48.

Ross Garber

@rossgarber
This is true. Volume II is plainly an impeachment referral.

Justin Miller

@justinjm1
Impeachment is embedded in Mueller report.

Mueller: *We* can't accuse Trump of crimes because OLC memo forbids indictment (aka accusation).

OLC: "Only the House of Representatives *has the authority to *bring charges of criminal misconduct* through...impeachment."

Walter Shaub

@waltshaub
The republic faces an unprecedented threat from within and the only tepid condemnation this politician can muster is a ho-hum "unflattering portrayal." Good thing we had legislators made of sterner stuff in the 40's.

George Takei

@GeorgeTakei
Maine’s @SenatorCollins calls the Mueller Report’s portrayal of Trump, “unflattering.”

Senator Collins, when you lose your seat in 2020, I hope the press accounts of your spineless, unprincipled failure of leadership also feel “unflattering” to you.

Seth Abramson

@SethAbramson
I just want us all to take a moment to celebrate the *tremendous courage* it took for Susan Collins to call the Mueller Report "unflattering"

Lauren Duca

@laurenduca
Lol Susan Collins is “an unflattering portrayal” of an elected official

Tom Nichols

@RadioFreeTom
Not hard to figure out why it was Susan Collins even more than Trump who convinced me to bail on the GOP.

It seems some have not forgotten either about how Collins responded to the allegations against now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Seth Abramson

@SethAbramson

I just want us all to take a moment to celebrate the *tremendous courage* it took for Susan Collins to call the Mueller Report "unflattering"

Michael Avenatti

@MichaelAvenatti
The biggest fraud in the Senate.

LOLGOP

@LOLGOP
My new dish soap is as easy on your hands as Susan Collins is on Republican men credibly accused of crimes including sexual assault.

Source: lawandcrime.com

Date Posted: Saturday, April 20th, 2019 , Total Page Views: 1183