Before focusing on Trump as the object of suspicion, Clinton’s operatives should have been put under the microscope
Donald Trump is an awful human being: narcissistic, abusive, arrogant, vengeful, untruthful, sexist, bombastic and sporadically unhinged, most undeniably so when he lost the 2020 election. But that doesn’t mean he was a Russian asset during the 2016 election campaign, as alleged in the infamous “Steele dossier,” the foundation for a conspiracy theory that has been embraced by the Democrats and their media allies since the former president came to power.
Now collapsing under the weight of Special Counsel John Durham’s methodical probe, the Russia collusion hoax may be, as one conservative pundit inelegantly put it, “the most successful ratf—ing enterprise in American history.”
If the Steele dossier had been given a tenth of the transparent scrutiny the Jan. 6 Capitol riot is receiving, Trump’s tenure might have been 10 times less divisive than it was. Specifically, Americans might have been spared the counter-theory circulating amongst Trump’s paranoid base that his presidency was continually sabotaged by a media-abetted cabal of partisan intelligence and law-enforcement agents.
Their paranoia wasn’t unfounded, alas. So why not also believe the 2020 election was stolen? As Wall Street Journal editorial writer Barton Swaim put it : “four years of subversion, slander and scorched-earth resistance made (Trump’s) cockamamie claims sound credible to a large audience of otherwise sane and sensible Americans.”
The 35-page Steele dossier, allegedly composed by former British MI6 agent Christopher Steele, was channelled through a commercial research firm known as Fusion GPS. It began as garden-variety opposition research undertaken by Hillary Clinton supporters, in the hopes of branding Trump as a puppet of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump being Trump, it’s no stretch to believe he could have fallen victim to a honey trap during his 2013 visit to Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant, as the dossier alleged (although the disgusting hanky-panky described therein clashed so absurdly with Trump’s well-known germaphobia, it was quietly disappeared), or that his business interests in Russia might have swayed his political judgment. But these are side circuses. The real question is: did Trump literally collude with Russia to manipulate the 2016 election or not?
The reigning narrative positioned Steele as a credible source with a proven record for funnelling solid information to the U.S. government. And so, the story goes, when he found “troubling” evidence of Trump’s collusion, Steele brought it straight to the FBI.
In truth, Steele had no special standing with anyone. The Steele dossier was funded by the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign through its law firm , Perkins Coie; its objective was to whip up the core allegations against Trump.
Before focusing on Trump as the object of suspicion, the House and Senate intelligence committees — not to mention the media — should have immediately put Clinton’s operatives under the microscope. Durham’s investigation has done exactly that. And what do we see?
We see Russian emigrant Igor Danchenko revealed as Steele’s primary source. Danchenko worked at the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution, a centre-left think-tank, from 2005 through 2010, so was well connected with Democratic elites. He was recently indicted on five counts of making false statements to the FBI.
According to the indictment against him , Danchenko was in fact receiving much of his “information” from a man who has been revealed to be Charles Dolan, the former head of the Democratic Governors Association and state chairman of Bill Clinton’s 1992 and 1996 presidential campaigns. The indictment notes he was an active “volunteer” on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.
But Dolan had also spent much of his career focused on Russian affairs, including a 2006-2014 stint handling “global public relations for the Russian government,” which involved frequent interactions with Russian officials and Russian Embassy personnel. The indictment alleges that in the run-up to the 2016 election, Dolan attended at least three meetings at the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Dolan was apparently not put off by Danchenko’s sketchy background, though he acknowledged it in a 2016 email to an acquaintance, in which he allegedly wrote that Danchenko “is too young for KGB. But I think he worked for FSB” (the KGB’s post-communism iteration). He then coolly noted (wink emoji), “And when I first met him, he knew more about me than I did.”
Both Danchenko and Dolan attended an October 2016 conference in Russia, which Dolan helped plan. In a June 2016 planning trip, Dolan is said to have toured the presidential suite at the Moscow hotel where the Trump honey trap allegedly occurred. While at the conference, Dolan and Danchenko are also alleged to have had meetings with senior officials at the Kremlin — taken, according to Dolan, without direction from, or even awareness by, the Clinton campaign.
Well, he would say that, wouldn’t he.
The long list of politicians, government agency honchos and supportive media who knew or suspected the Steele dossier was bollocks, but desperately clutched at any straw that might unseat Trump, and then brazenly underwrote its trustworthiness for public consumption, is sobering.
To cite just one example, whose shamelessness speaks for all, Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, frequently stood before his peers in Congress and fiercely but falsely claimed to hold evidence of Trump’s criminal conspiracy with Russia. Collectively, they were crazed Captain Ahab; Trump was their Moby Dick.
On Nov. 4, the Washington Post, which for years dedicated itself to endorsing the Steele dossier, offered what, if you squint hard, looks like an apology for its epic investigative failure: “The (Durham) allegations cast new uncertainty on some past reporting on the dossier by news organizations, including the Washington Post.”
The Wall Street Journal, by contrast, is coming up roses. Its editorial board and columnists — Holman Jenkins, in particular, who, skeptical from Day 1, has covered this story responsibly and in depth — deserve the Pulitzer prizes that were wrongly bestowed for coverage of this, ahem, “ratf—ing enterprise,” on the Washington Post and the New York Times.
National Post
kaybarb@gmail.com
Twitter.com/BarbaraRKay
The big issues are far from settled. Sign up for the NP Comment newsletter, NP Platformed.
Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.
NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.
— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.
— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”
NEW MUSIC TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”
— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.
— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman
NEW SHOWS TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.
— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.
— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.
— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.
NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.
— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.
Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.
Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.
Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.
Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.
Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.
Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.
Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.
As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.
Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.
Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”
In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.
The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”
This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.
Penguins re-sign Crosby to two-year extension that runs through 2026-27 season
Next phase of federal foreign interference inquiry to begin today in Ottawa
Ontario considers further expanding pharmacists’ scope to include more minor ailments
Voters head to the polls for byelections in Montreal and Winnipeg
Feds wary of back-to-work legislation despite employer demands: labour experts
Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales up 1.4% in July at $71B
National housing market in ‘holding pattern’ as buyers patient for lower rates: CREA
Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar wins Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal
