Haven’t seen this made the focus in other diaries. I read the September 13 Mueller letter offering the plea agreement to Manafort (giving him until the 14th to sign). Most of the diaries have focused on the recitation of the facts of the crime, and just noted that Manafort’s cooperation was — to the surprise of many — included as part of the deal.
Manafort was making noises for the last few days trying to elicit something from Trump. Lots of comments trying to parse what Manafort was trying to do.
Here’s a link to the PDF of Mueller’s letter— fascinating read and great example just how good Mueller’s people are:
drive.google.com/…
Here’s the money paragraph that leaped out at me (emphasis added):
8. Cooperation
. . . .
(b) The defendant agrees to furnish to the Government all document and other material that may be relevant to the investigation and that are in the defendant’s possession or control and to particpate in undercover activities pursuant to the specific instructions of law enforcement agents or the Government.
Wonder if Manafort already did this? Meaning the last few days has he worn a wire to show his good faith before they gave him the deal? Not much point in it now, when Trump knows he’s flipped.
I thought Manafort’s comments during the last week were odd . .seeming to be trying to elicit something from Trump. We all assumed it was a pardon. Maybe he was undercover eliciting witness tampering or obstruction charges??? (although it seems that Trump’s every word implicates him in witness tampering and obstruction. )
I haven’t seen this discussed elsewhere . . .some may find it just “boilerplate” but the language of the clause is quite specific. Interesting to see comments as to how to parse this clause. Has Manafort been wearing a wire or is this just “boilerplate”?
Saturday, Sep 15, 2018 · 12:52:20 AM +00:00
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hummingbird4015
Also of note that I haven’t heard discussed much is that Manafort also agrees to admit in a “Statement of Offense” to his guilt in the remaining 10 counts in the Virginia case that were subject to mistrial.
So Mueller doesn’t just have 2 counts here and the 8 counts from VA —. He’s got 2 counts here added to 18 counts in VA.