I was dismayed when I read your editorial “Ultimately Comey case will rise or fall on the evidence” (Oct. 6, TribLive). It stated, “The ensuing special counsel probe by Robert Mueller found scant evidence that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia.” That is not true. The investigation produced 37 indictments, seven guilty pleas or convictions, and compelling evidence that the president obstructed justice on multiple occasions. I would not call that scant evidence.
President Trump was not charged due to a Department of Justice policy that prohibits indicting a sitting president. Mueller stated, “The Constitution requires a process other than the criminal justice system to formally accuse a sitting president of wrongdoing.” Even though Attorney General William Barr tried to whitewash the report by redacting damning evidence, Mueller stated that the report did not exonerate Trump.
The New York Times reported that there is evidence indicating Trump and 18 of his associates had at least 140 contacts with Russian nationals and WikiLeaks or their intermediaries during the 2016 campaign and presidential transition. The Russian interference in the 2016 election was extensive and systematic, with the goal of electing Trump.
The Senate Intelligence Committee also concluded that Trump’s campaign knowingly collaborated with Russian operatives to sway the election. The evidence was substantial and compelling.
Sandy Kremer
Youngwood