ari questions michael cohen’s lawyer. transcript: 02/07/2019, the beat w. ari melber. - projector

Show: Rhythm & ARI MELBERDate: guest of February 7, 2019: Nick Ackerman, Caroline Polly, Lanny Davis, Jackie Chan Speier, Alicia menanddez, Stu Zakim George Yin, andre Leon Trez WinsteadALEXI MCCAMMOND, question: political reporter.
Chuck TODD, MSNBC host, seems to have a hard time figuring out how he's going to answer these questions: I have to say here that I think he's an untested person.
I don't think he's aware of Basso (ph)
He's running into it.
Maria Teresa Kumar, VOTO Latino President: are you going to have popcorn?
Todd: Thank you, Alexei, Mike, Maria.
That's all we have tonight.
We will be back tomorrow and there will be more MTP every day.
"The beat of Ali Melber" starts from this second.
Good evening, Ali.
Host: Good evening, Chuck.
I want you to stop because we are all watching your interview. Oh, great.
MELBER: It's very interesting.
I want to play a role that suddenly shows us for your analysis.
Let's all have a look. TODD: OK. (
Start Video Editing)
Todd: The president spent a lot of time using the word "S", socialism and socialism. REP.
Alexander occassioCORTEZ (D)
Oh, yes.
TODD: It's not too subtle-I don't know if it's digging or enhancing.
I let you decide. OCASIO-
I was flattered.
TODD: You said you were a Democrat.
Can you be a socialist and capitalist of democracy? OCASIO-
I think it depends on your explanation.
So some Democrats will say absolutely no.
There are also people who are Democratic socialists who will say that I think this is possible.
Who are you? OCASIO-
I think this is possible. (END VIDEO CLIP)
She thought it was possible.
What do you think about this?
Todd: I just wanted to say that she took the premise of the question, answered the question and thought about it.
Ali, this is what I mean. MELBER: Yes.
TODD: It's refreshing to be a politician-she could have given a very sharp answer, but she-obviously, she's already thought of that.
She can easily say, look, everyone wants to make a phone call and try to avoid it.
I don't think she evaded it.
She believes that.
One of the things I took away from the whole interview was, look, she wouldn't be easily appeased.
I think, you know, there is no doubt that she may learn a lot from the Washington way, but she will not be easily persuaded to get along.
I looked at it and said it was fine, and that's how you got things done on Capitol Hill in the long run.
She's an interesting long.
For someone who is always portrayed as impatient, I actually think she has an impressive long-term view of what she thinks is her current role.
I find it wise for her to see the Green New Deal as an organizational tool.
She is not saying that they will pass legislation tomorrow.
Todd:-it's a more realistic way to set expectations. MELBER: Yes.
When you see the economic foundation of the progress of the modern Democratic Party, right, all the people who are concerned about this remember Bernie before he had the crowd, Bernie after, everyone's opinion on him
AOC, at least digital, came in with the crowd.
She won't have to wait-TODD: That's right.
Melber:-Bernie said that, you see, I have the following.
At least some people think that at the party.
TODD: Well, I know she's going to have an impact on this presidential primary and the presidential campaign.
Now, it depends on her.
She can have as much power in many ways.
She can have a lot of power if she chooses to use it.
I don't think she has decided yet, but the fact that she has made them all try to join her Green New Deal tells you that they care what she thinks. MELBER: Right.
They want to be on the good side of her green side.
This is the primary election for AOC, at least inprimary.
Very interesting interview.
Chuck, thank you for your time.
You see, brother.
Melber: Thank you.
We have a special edition for you tonight.
The raid by Michael Cohen and his legal counsel, Lenny Davis, provides new evidence that he will be broadcast live here later.
Democrats also officially announced today that they will try to get Donald Trump's secret tax return.
The two exclusive guests came with me to tell the story and the paradox of Trump's promotion and secrecy.
All of this happened in the Trump administration and in the first oversight conflict tonight with the new Democratic majority on Capitol Hill, house Judiciary Committee chairman Gerald Nadler may open up the acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, the first subpoena official against Trump's top, in this battle over testimony about the Miller investigation. (
Start Video Editing)REP.
Jerrod Nadler (D-NY)
Chairman of the Judicial Committee: if Mr.
Whitaker appeared at the hearing as scheduled, and if he answered our questions directly, then I had no intention of issuing a subpoena.
If he refuses to answer the questions he should answer, then we will have the tools we need to ensure that we can fully fulfill our responsibility. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: I don't know how this is going to go, but we know it's probably the last melee at Whitaker.
I can report this tonight because today the Senate has made progress on his replacement.
Bill Barr took part in the party line vote.
Every Democrat in the committee voted against him, citing those hearings, and you might remember that he just didn't give a very clear answer to the release of Miller's future report. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Diane van Stein (D)
California: would you promise to provide Congress and the public with any reports that Miller has made at the end of this investigation?
Acting Attorney General William bar: I will provide as much information as possible in accordance with the rules and regulations that are part of the special counsel regulations. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: Democrats not only oppose Trump's nomination, but also hold a hearing today to discuss Trump's tax return and investigate his personal financial situation, some have compared it to any MRI imaging in Russia that benefits Trump's financing, including the "extraordinary range of cash purchases" that Trump has made in the first ten years of his campaign ".
"Now, instead of protesting the unfairness of these investigations, Trump is abusing the whole process and targeting him politically.
Today, the speaker, who has been influenced by Trump, said that this is a cynical view of the process, which she believes is not only wrong, but also revealing Donald Trump's own cynicism, because she says he actually thinks about law and order. (
Start Video Editing)REP. NANCY PELOSI (D-CA)
Speaker of the house: I have not commented on the president's views on our work.
No matter what the president says to us, I always think he is expressing his irrational feelings.
He's a projector.
We will not give up the supervisory responsibility entrusted to us by the Constitution.
This will lead us to dereliction of duty in our work. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: former water gate incident special prosecutor Nick Ackerman and criminal defense lawyer Caroline Polly joined me in handling the Miller investigation on behalf of George papasopoulos.
Is he a projector?
What do you think is important for these probes and what Mueller is doing?
Former water gate incident special prosecutor assistant Nick Ackerman: Well, I think it's important that they complement what Mueller is doing.
I don't think they're careful to actually step on Mueller's foot or look into him.
But some of this is clearly the responsibility of Congress.
For example, the compensation clause basically states that Trump cannot benefit from any business of foreign forces without congressional consent.
Therefore, Congress can play an important role in this regard.
Congress is also looking at what he has done in the past to get involved in the Russian government.
Allegations were made.
There are fears that Trump is a puppet of the Putin administration.
The idea that he has $0. 4 billion in cash to buy a property will certainly be supervised by Congress to determine his relationship with the Russian government.
This is the job of Congress.
This is our mechanism of checks and balances, so that another department of the government can ensure that
Trump is following the rules.
Melber: From the point of view of the survey, is this a rich avenue for you, or if Miller doesn't get into these things, it looks like it overstates their hands, what exactly will they get?
On behalf of George papasopoulos, criminal defense lawyer Caroline Polly: Yes.
I think Nick is right. Congress should not stand on Mueller's toes.
But if you look at the Venn graph, I think they want to reach two separate endpoints, right.
Mueller is just looking at the potential Melber: I think wenentu always overlaps.
This is right.
No, there's a lot of overlap.
You're talking about two charts.
POLISI: two pictures.
No, there is a Venn chart, but there is overlap.
Mayber: What is the overlap?
POLISI: criminal acts are different from conflicts of interest.
And many times, just a simple old conflict of interest will not be prosecuted unless it involves an exchange of bribes. MELBER: Right.
POLISI: So this is different from the operating standard of Mueller here.
So Congress has the ability to look for those ordinary old, just conflicts of interest that Trump might serve the Russian government, which is not like, say, criminal offences. Yes, exactly.
So I mean-yes.
Yes, I want to make sure we get-POLISI: Yes.
Can we get this?
We are pushing it.
So what do you say is bad, and then what is illegal, and then in the middle--
Polly: Exactly right.
You can do the same before impeachment and illegal crime.
I did not. INAUDIBLE)
You can have it.
You know, you can accept it.
But this is probably our constitutional policy, yes.
AKERMAN:-this could be a compensation clause that could work.
Melber: you really-why are you so hot now?
It's been a while now.
Well, I think it's really important.
Because no other president has ever been accused of violating the pay terms and taking profits from government services from foreign governments.
This is a big problem.
This is related to conflicts of interest in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Qatar.
I mean, many of the countries he's been dealing with are flocking to his hotel just to please the president.
Melber: there is nothing more swamp than letting anyone, both foreign and domestic, but in terms of pay, foreigners buy their way to influence what the government should do on behalf of Americans.
I want to play a "Fox News" exchange, where you know judge natantano said to them, "Well, maybe Trump should look into investigators.
He explained that there are practical rules to do this.
But look at it. (
Start Video Editing)
Brian Kilmead
Host, Fox and Friends: so why not look into Adam Shiff?
Why not look into Maxine Waters?
Earnsley Earhart
Host, Fox and Friends: they can. Couldn`t they?
How did they become rich?
Judge Andrew natantano: Well, I don't know the answer.
Why not investigate?
There is no reason.
They can.
Because Democrats control Congress, they won't look into it themselves.
Does the president have a lawyer?
Why is the president not conducting a private investigation into Adam Shiv?
Natantano: Well, if the president wants to use the power of the government to do anything, it has to be done through the Department of Justice, and there has to be some criminal evidence-Kilmead: Isn't it the opposite?
Earhart: What is it -(END VIDEO CLIP)
MELBER: so a little less about how it works.
Well, that's how it works.
But that's what Nixon did.
I mean, he's investigating people because he has a list of enemies, he just doesn't like these guys politically, and he feels like these guys are against him politically.
You can't start an investigation just because someone is investigating you.
I mean Adam Shiff is fulfilling his normal constitutional responsibility.
He should be looking at something like this. MELBER: Right.
Ackman: Don't be tit-for-tat just because I'm being investigated, I'm going to look into you.
The criminal investigator has put forward some kind of at least possible reason, because or because there is reason to believe that the crime is happening, which is why the investigation is started.
Melber: Well, didn't that satisfy us with Speaker Pelosi's comments? This seems to be a real lasting cynicism of some of these people who think all of this is a target game, not something that has actual evidence leading to an investigation, and any findings from it. POLISI: Yes.
We saw this in the original story of political persecution, which is related to the Miller probe.
It has now been moved to Congress as President harassment.
So what he's playing with is a victim, and he's under investigation because he shouldn't-he's not-he shouldn't be held accountable, somebody else-Melber: Right.
More rhetoric.
Caroline Polly, who filed a lawsuit with Miller's investigation. POLISI: Yes.
Melber: and Nick Ackerman, who is fascinated by the Miller detector.
I appreciate the arrival of both of you.
I am asking for help right now from someone you may have heard of, who is legal counsel for Michael Cohen, today, A judge ruled that the FBI would release some material related to the attack on Cohen's home and office.
Lenny, thank you for coming.
Rani Davis, legal counsel for Michael Cohen: Thank you, Ali.
Melber: What is the meaning of this decision?
What can we learn from it?
Davis: I really don't know except to describe the relief of Cohen's family and Michael for a lot of personal belongings, including children's cell phones and a lot of non-
Legal items have been confiscated and he has been asking for them to be returned.
Especially if he is going to jail, there will be a lot of personal belongings before he leaves his family.
So I believe he was relieved of the decision.
I believe this should have happened before.
Melber: one of the things I 've noticed while looking at some of Miller's developments since our last conversation is that you have Roger Stone complain about the way he was raided and treated, trump and some of his allies really enjoyed it. Your client, Sir.
Even before he applied, Cohen had publicly stated that he had found the FBI agent professional.
He did not go that way.
What do you think is the selective anger of some of the people caught in this investigation about law enforcement technology?
Davis: First of all, you're right.
Not only did Michael Cohen not say the criticism we heard from Mr-I don't know if Mr.
Stone criticized the attack, but others criticized it.
But he actually thanked FBI agents for their courtesy and gave them a cup of coffee.
He is a lawyer and he respects those who work professionally.
The first thing Michael said to me a few weeks before the decision and my decision to go public on July 2 was when Donald Trump started attacking the FBI and the intelligence agency, he realized it was one thing for him.
Trump is unstable as a businessman.
For him, it is another matter to attack the agency that serves as the basic framework of our Republic, and he respects the FBI very much.
Melber: I want to push you in the process I know you don't have full control.
But I am fair to think that we have gone from talking about a public blockbuster John Dean-style hearing, to a later closed hearing, to a closed hearing now.
I would like to broadcast for you Congressman HIFF about the delay and get your response to all the shows. Take a listen. (
Start Video Editing)
Shiv: looking forward to his testimony on February 28
Cohen has been fully cooperating with us and we hope and look forward to the continuation of this cooperation.
But we feel it is in the interest of the investigation that we postpone to that date. (END VIDEO CLIP)
He said interest in the investigation would be delayed.
Can you elaborate on why it was delayed again, and will it be delayed again?
Is February 28 a tough day now?
Of course, will we have that happen before another deadline for Mr.
Cohen reports to the prison?
Davis: First of all, no one is more professional than President Siff, and I think that makes me proud of being a Democrat.
He always shows himself on a balanced and fair path, he treats SirCohen that way.
I believe he will treat Republicans in his committee like he does with Republicans, just as he did with Republicans in the majority.
So he's right.
Cohen is respectful and very cooperative with him and is expected to show up on the 28 th, and although we will say tonight that nothing is certain, he may make public appearances and express himself, rather than an intelligence committee that must be kept secret.
Melber: When is the public number?
DAVIS: That might be at the end of February, before him.
Shifu is not sure.
But I can say tonight that we have a possibility, but I can't say for sure, because-Melber: that's it, I make sure I understand-and I'm going to invite a member of Congress as well.
You're saying that Michael Cohen will most likely testify publicly in front of different committees or different bodies-Davis: Yes.
Before February 28?
Davis: very specifically, his level of cooperation and trust with President Elijah camings has grown by almost half.
The leader of the civil rights movement, the pastor of the Baltimore church, I heard him preach.
There was sympathy for Michael Cohen's fear and his family's fear, and when the president of the United States launched all the power of the president, the bully and bully pulpit used Twitter to call him a mouse who told the truth, praise those who refuse to tell the truth.
When you are in prison, the word mouse has a special meaning. His so-
Lawyer Rudy Giuliani contacted his father. in-
Because he said on the competitor network, "Well, after all, he's from Ukraine.
Michael Cohen realized that if President carmings testified, I would protect him in the name of fairness, we hope that the agency will have more efforts to protect him from the harm of bullies and people who happen to be presidents like hooligans.
Stay with me.
I know you want to say this.
As promised, I would like to ask Jackie Spyer, a female member of the Intelligence Committee, to come in.
What do you think is important, honorable woman?
In addition to your committee, do you have any interest in Mr.
Davis said on this show tonight that he wants Cohen to be able to testify publicly at the end of February as well, and we may really hear so much about our last hearing? REP. JACKIE SPEIER (D-CA)
Intelligence Committee: Well, I think it's really for the benefit of the public and Michael Cohen himself, the opportunity to tell the American people about what happened during his 10-year period of serving Donald Trump at Trump's organization, and what he did when he was looking forward to the presidential campaign.
I think the public wants to know that I think Michael Cohen is very clear about trying to clarify everything.
I think Lanie Davis helped him make the decision.
Melber: Do you think the hearings we 've heard this week are broader than legal proceedings, financial levers, other things that might be completely legitimate but problematic? What schedule is this?
What will we learn from this process?
Or, will this be a private survey that will take months or years to complete?
SPEIER: Ari, what we're doing on the committee is what we wanted to do all of last year, but was shut down by most Republicans.
For the Intelligence Committee and the American people, it is important to know how far Russia is engaging with then-entrepreneur Donald Trump and many of his projects around the world.
Also-the biggest question is, is there a violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?
Rich-
Money laundering?
I think these are the questions that need to be answered.
This will help us understand why the president has had such a long brotherly relationship with Putin, why he tore off the notes of the translation, and then, when he meets Putin, make sure there is no translation around.
For God's sake, he's the president of the United States.
I mean, it's time for him to put the country first.
The compensation clause I may add is not just the compensation clause for foreign funds, it is also a compensation clause that applies to the president making money from events or property in the United States, where he profited from serving as president.
That's why his tax returns have become so important. MELBER: Right.
Just as you put all the secrets and all the foreign questions that are coming up in your answer.
Thank you so much to Congressman Jackie Spier.
Lannie Davis, there's news tonight, thanks to you.
Thank you, Ali.
Melber: Next, Democrats are now removing mallets, the first time they are trying to get a tax return from Trump.
There was a key witness at today's hearing.
You won't get it anywhere else.
Later, AOC pushed a new topic to the forefront of political debate.
We want to tell you why her critics look so upset. And my fact-
Look at Donald Trump's claim that "Republicans have never" investigated Barack Obama like this.
Later, I am very surprised to tell you that Andre Leon Talley and Liz Winstead will be here to talk about a topic that I think you have almost never heard. We`ll explain. That`s ahead. I`m Ari Melber.
You're watching the beat on MSNBC. (
Business break)
Melber: There's been a lot of political news about Donald Trump right now since the Democrats won the House.
This includes the "Green New Deal" launched today by AOC, a Liberal rising star in Democratic economic and environmental reform, which drives some of her critics crazy. (
Start Video Editing)
Fox News host Stuart Wani: how about the Green New Deal? That`s a top-
The socialist revolution.
Alexander occassio
Cortes wants a special committee on the Green New Deal.
As the Wall Street Journal says, it's like the five of the Soviet Union. year plan.
Maria Elvera Salazar (R-FL)
Former congressional candidate: we have to pay a lot of attention to one of the country's major political parties, which are trying to honor the benefits of socialism.
Unidentified male: I don't even think this will pass the House, which is Uber progressive healthcare on all agendas. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: AOC fought it all back at two rallies today and she made her debut with our own Chuck Todd in the last hour.
Democrats can't just focus on picking 2020 candidates now, she argues.
They have to push forward the original plans for jobs, taxes and climate change. (
Start Video Editing)OCASIO-
Cortes: we will make the transition to the future.
Today is an important day for those who are left behind.
It is impossible to deal with climate change without addressing what is happening in indigenous communities.
We should do this because we are a role model for the world. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: It's a counter-politics designed to start a dialogue.
AOC supporters said tonight that it is working.
Nationwide, GreenNewDeal is now popular on Twitter, a media that is often dominated by insults and gimmicks from Donald Trump.
AOC also countered critics who said she should "smile more" in her state of the Union address ".
She now says that there is little to smile about "the embarrassment of the speech.
"Let's take care of this with Alicia Mendez.
Host of "Amanpour & Co . "
On a special edit for PBS and the hustle and bustle. Good evening.
Alicia Mendez
Host: Hey, Ali.
Melber: Do you think AOC used a lot of buzz about her while pushing this policy conversation tonight? Mendez: Yes.
It has always been her question as a candidate, how she will transition to becoming a legislator.
I think we got an answer today.
She understands the platform she has. She has 2.
8 million Twitter fans
She used the platform to build support for things like the Green New Deal, the abolition of ice, and universal health insurance.
If you really look at this, Ali, I mean, look, it's a non-binding resolution.
This is more important than anything.
It will not create any new programs.
What it does is, even if it will pass the House, it is a statement of support for what needs to be done in the coming years.
This is what she is good at doing.
She is very good at saying, "Hey.
Let us work on these priorities as a political party. ”MELBER: Yes.
As you said, what they are talking about politically is information legislation.
But Republicans do dominate messaging, and even those things that are unpopular are talked about a lot.
I mean, Americans know a lot about this wall.
What do you think about the way she did it and the socialist part I just discussed with Chuck Todd in this interview, which is what everyone thinks, isn't she escaping?
She does not have the kind of thing that seems to be afraid of what she has done in the past or what she is related.
For your analysis of this, let me ask her in the interview to talk about her past support for Bernie.
Look at the AOC of Bernie Sanders. (
Start Video Editing)
TODD: You felt Bern last time.
Are you still feeling Bern? OCASIO-
I mean, I love Senator Sanders.
I think he's great.
I think it's like endorsement, I joked, don't ask me until the day of the primary. (END VIDEO CLIP)MELBER: Alicia.
Mendez: I mean, I think I 'd be happy to hear more from her about how she believes that capitalism and socialism can coexist, and it's actually, from a policy perspective
But the reason people talk about her and the reason people are afraid of her is because she is very effective.
She is a soft-handed Republican whose strategy is to focus on messaging and apply it to some of the issues she cares about.
So I mean, this is her strength.
I think the question is whether or not she is able to translate this into a policy move, but in fact she has made people talk about these things and she is considered a win.
Mayber: Alicia Maines, thank you very much.
Thank you, Ali.
Melber: As promised, we will learn the secrets of Donald Trump from the tax return to capture and kill the story.
When we came back at the age of 30, I had two exclusive guests. (
Business break)
Melber: Democrats took the first step today to use the power of the mallet to hold a hearing in the house to get Donald Trump's notorious secret tax return.
Now, Republicans think this is a double standard because Congress has not applied this to other candidates, which gives us some logical questions, because of course the most recent presidential candidates have released their taxes. (
Start Video Editing)
Former transport minister Ray LaHood: White Water is an independent lawyer's investigation, right?
During this period, do you know the way and means the president asked the president to provide a tax record?
Noah Binde, executive director of Citizens in charge of Responsibility and Ethics: I don't know, but I believe the president voluntarily disclosed that information.
LAHOOD: the chairman of the method committee has never asked because independent counsel is conducting an investigation? REP. THOMAS SUOZZI (D)
New York: Has President Clinton voluntarily disclosed his tax return?
Sandike: Yes, he runs in the office every year.
SUOZZI: So, despite the ongoing investigation, there is no need for the chair to request his tax return? (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: Richard Neil, the main Chairman on this issue, used today's hearing to try to show that the House is doing this, and they say, for supervisory reasons, not some sort of return.
Now, if the house has to bring the Trump administration to court on the final tax claim, then the chair will need the support of Speaker Pelosi.
That's what she said today. (
Start Video Editing)REP. NANCY PELOSI (D-CA)
Speaker of the house: I think the vast majority of the public would like to look at the president's tax return.
So they want to know the truth. they want to know the truth. he has nothing to hide. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: think about the big picture here.
Donald Trump keeps talking about his wealth and is constantly seeking publicity.
But his tax secrecy is ultimately a huge contradiction.
A person who asked reporters to report on his financial situation would not publish evidence of his financial situation.
A man obsessed with keeping secrets, which is why the FBI is also investigating how he can use his power to state inquirers, use tabloids to promote himself and keep those secrets, which we have learned now, buy bad stories, kill bad stories.
A longtime executive at a consulting firm said Trump should be "very nervous about such secrets that tabloids still know ".
Quoting executives is now joining my Stu Zakin, and former chief of staff of the House Joint Tax Commission, George Yin, a witness at today's hearing to prove that the Democrats do have that power. Hey, everybody.
Stu ZAKIM, former Vice President, American media company.
How are you? MELBER: Good.
When you look at the confidential part, Donald Trump has this restriction on the Inquirer to keep his secret, which is not what we think is their main job, which is a big revelation
What else do you think is important in that story?
ZAKIM: First of all, you have to look at his relationship with David Pecker, who has a friendship-based Inquirer.
As we know before, Pecker takes care of his friends.
So this relationship has a long history.
With the movement moving forward, there are more stories that are getting the attention of the inquirers because they do pay for tips and they are very selective.
They were able to raise their heads and deal with it like they did.
You say something important.
People like to blend all the media, but most of them have rules no matter how you look at the various media organizations, but they can't buy these tips as you said.
Of course.
However, in The Inquirer, it has always been proud of the history of tipping.
Melber: Some people say that's how they know the Martians who landed here.
ZAKIM: you mix it up with the Weekly World News, but it's the same-MELBER: Actually, I'm kidding. ZAKIM: OK.
But world news every week
This is always commendable.
That said, this is another AMI title.
I mean, you see, it's a joke because there's no Martian.
Well, I don't know.
Or we know.
We are off track.
We're off track.
Melber: please let us know today's hearing and if the Democrats can really do that.
George Yin, former director of the Office of the House Joint Committee on Taxation: Ali, thank you very much for coming.
Democrats and Republicans are entitled to tax returns from any taxpayer, including the president.
So the answer is yes, they do have that power.
They have this power because the law is clear.
Although no cuts were made, in part because the problem we explored at the top was the release of taxes.
Go ahead, George. YIN: Yes.
Instead, it was actually recently exercised in the House of 2014 and in the Senate of 2015.
But not for the current president?
Yin: that's not the case for the current president, although in 1974 someone used that power to release information about President Nixon.
You are a guru.
I'm going to play more of what you're teaching here on the Commission and here we are, but-and some others at today's hearing.
Let's have a look. (
Start Video Editing)
Yin: you can find some useful clues from the tax declaration information.
Noah bind, executive director of Citizens in charge of Responsibility and Ethics in Washington: How the president's own tax interests will be affected by his revision of the tax code.
Sandike: Most presidents put their assets in blind trusts, so it's not clear if the president will be aware of what these conflicts might be.
The president has extensive business dealings with foreign interest groups.
This is something we can learn more about. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: There are many important ways there.
Let me tell you that.
If someone is convinced that Donald Trump's taxes are actually boring and they don't have any major leads on Mueller or these Russian issues, what do you think is a good argument for the US?
Why would the rest of us care, as you said, to release them under the authorities?
Yin: Well, I think it's important to know that there are really two authorities.
The first is to obtain public disclosure, and then the second is likely to be publicly disclosed.
I think there are a number of reasons why the Commission may wish to have access to this information, among other things, just to check whether the IRS has done the appropriate work in terms of audit returns.
In fact, it is understandable that the IRS did not do the proper work during the Nixon administration, and if your boss, your supervisor is the reward you have to audit, you can-you can imagine, someone may decide to relax if you like. MELBER: Yes.
I think the very good views and views that voters may care about.
Stu, when we get back to this safe, this infamous safe, what do you think is inside?
What evidence or knowledge do you have to tell us, why do people say Trump should be nervous about it?
ZAKIM: I don't have evidence of physical safety, but let's see what the Inquirer does.
They collect secrets.
They posted a very popular publication and secrets for sale on the newsstand.
So whether it's in a physical safe or a digital safe, or somewhere under the lock and key, they have a lot of people's secrets.
Or a concept safe.
Safe in concept.
Melber: but, given everything about Donald Trump, is this something? Is this more similar, or do you think there might be something about the new nature of Trump for this company you work?
ZAKIM: Well, there's nothing embarrassing this guy at this point.
So you know, there may be some damage in the usual situation of the Inquirer.
But see what's happening now.
Nothing can hold on to him.
So he does have something to worry about, but, what happens when that information comes out? But yes.
If he's not sure anything then why-why do you think it's nerve --wracking?
ZAKIM: Well, it's a media report, so we know you have 24-
Now we have to keep feeding it.
Still, he can come back and turn it into a story, as he has always done.
It's just-I guess it's just something that will never end, it's really the bottom line. MELBER: Yes.
I mean, I don't think we know what the future will bring.
I think if the facts are correct, then people will understand the world around us with the facts.
I mean, it's not a media cycle for your own purposes, it's whether there's a tax or something, it doesn't matter, or maybe, as I 've stipulated, George, perhaps taxes will be boring and will not hurt them, which is just a question of whether the government wants to use this in congressional oversight.
Thank you both, Georgia and Stu.
ZAKIM: Thank you.
Melber: Next, the fashion week will open today and we will discuss political fashion from Lincoln to Miller with fashion icon Andre Leon Talley and comedian Liz Winstead.
But first of all, as Donald Trump promised, I have a fact-finding report claiming that the Republican Party has never investigated Obama. (
Business break)
Melber: Congressional oversight is a key part of our government's checks and balances.
Most people know this.
You may remember that during the Obama administration, Republicans did a lot of supervision.
Their supervisory chair, known for its plans for hundreds of hearings, promises seven times a week and forty weeks, if needed, including issues like Benghazi, quick and furious, solingdra, etc.
All of this is the context of what we need to cover for you tonight, Donald Trump's false statement, who now says Republicans "have never done that to Obama in terms of oversight.
Although the facts are important, this does not mean that every precedent should be repeated, and there is a lot of relevance to Donald Trump's statement, because Democrats are not yet close to the Republican Congress's tough stance against the Obama administration and its attorney general Eric Holder. (
Start Video Editing)
Unidentified male: You are either cheated or your behavior is very incompetent. REP. LOUIE GOHMERT (R)
Texas: I realize that contempt is not important to our attorney general, but it is important that we have proper oversight.
Former Attorney General Eric Holder: Dude, you don't want to go there.
You don't want to go there, okay.
Don't I want to go there? HOLDER: No. REP. TIM WALBERG (R)
You're fine, Michigan.
The town is known for not reading memos.
Unidentified women: as part of a quick and angry operation, how many more Border Patrol personnel will die because you take responsibility?
Holder: I think this is a number or a number below the count. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: those battles are far beyond the scope of language.
The House took unusual and stern steps under the Republican vote to declare the Holder in contempt.
You may remember Benghazi, where Republicans in Congress think the Obama administration and a cabinet member running for president are not well managed.
Now, when the Republican Party completes the work, it has ensured that Congress has spent more than 9/11 of its time investigating Benghazi.
Eight independent parliaments have investigated the implementation of one of the 30 trials --
Drilling time for Clinton
So when you look at this record, remember that when they are done, there is no "misconduct" found in the House's own investigation ". (
Start Video Editing)
Unidentified woman: who else is in your family?
Where are you alone?
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: Yes, I am alone.
Woman: all night?
CLINTON: Well, yes, all night.
Unidentified men: basically what happened to their request.
They were torn.
CLINTON: That's not true, Congressman.
Woman: Sir.
Chair, what are the most important new things you learned today? TREY GOWDY (R)
Former South Carolina representative: I think some of Jimmy Jordan's doubts.
Well, I don't know that when she testified today, it was not the same as what she asked the last time she testified. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: Now, the defenders of these probes say, whatever they find out, it's part of the work of Congress, and it could be a reasonable argument, though you have to remember, too, kevin McCarthy, one of the top Republicans leading the caucus at the time, continued to acknowledge that the entire Benghazi investigation was actually intended to lower Clinton's support rating. (
Start Video Editing)REP.
Kevin McCarthyR)
Everyone thinks Hillary Clinton is invincible, right?
But we have set up a special committee in Benghazi, a special committee, what is the number of her today, and her number is declining. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: you might say that while we have to wait and see what the Democrats have done with these House investigations, this shoe is the other foot.
In the end, President Obama rarely publicly attacked the investigations, but he did provide the comparison recently.
This is after he left. (
Start Video Editing)
Former US President barack obama: In Washington, they have filed enough lawsuits to form a football team.
No one in my government has been prosecuted. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Melber: Next, we turn to what we can all use now.
We will discuss a topic that has almost never been discussed politically.
Next, I will bring the fashion icon Andre Leon Talley and our friend Show z Winstead. (
Business break)
Melber: with cameras, images are important in politics.
As a group of new candidates emerge to challenge a president obsessed with images, there is no doubt that voters will look at them and listen to them.
Therefore, we would like to have an in-depth understanding of the look and fashion of these candidates and take into account the long term
This part of the evening will be devoted to the fashion of male candidates and public figures.
Join me now-stars.
Former editor-in-chief of fashion legend and fashion magazine Andre Leon Talley
The practice of Lizz's "Daily Show" is compared.
Thank you, both of you.
LIZZ practices compared to the common
The creator of "Daily Show": I am not a fashion idol? I feel sad.
You look like a fashion idol.
Andre Leon Talley, former editor-in-chief of fashion magazine: Lisa, you look like a fashion icon.
Compared to the practice, but: Thank you.
Melber: Let's get started.
Corey bookers, Andre, that's how you see Corey bookers in a suit.
What do you think?
Talley: It's very solemn. it's a bit like an Ivy League Preparatory student.
He's probably a political professor at Yale. MELBER: Lizz?
Winstead: I saw a guy who said I was going to wear a black suit and wear a black tie. it was called a day.
Melber: don't think too much. this is an option in itself.
This is a privilege.
Let's meet Biden, Andre.
Biden looks more neat there.
TALLEY: everyone doesn't mind the traditional suit. he likes the traditional suit best.
Winstead: If you take his head off and change it to the head of anyone who works on Wall Street or the rest of the Senate, you get that outfit.
Melber: that's it.
People in all fields can do this. WINSTEAD: Yes. Again, yes.
Your silence is your weapon.
Melber: Now, there is a person who is not so boring --
I like this as a weapon.
Look at Bernie Sanders.
That's how he looks.
A suit that is a bit shabby but ordinary.
TALLEY: It's a bit confusing, especially if he hasn't heard of the word "urban.
Now, look at this.
Balenciaga modeled the clothing of Bernie Sanders.
Is this fashion?
Balenciaga is basically working at the grassroots level of volunteers. Look.
I must say it looks cool.
They took the script there.
Compared to the songs in the yard
Like the supporters of Bernie Sanders, not Bernie Sanders.
I 've never seen Bernie Sanders in Tarley: I love this shirt, but-Winstead: no
There is also a vest, a sleeveless vest and a hood.
Okay, Andre, is fashion not conceptual at times?
This is always conceptual, of course.
You're always thinking and thinking about the emptiness and Whirlpool of the graphic charm, and I think it's a fascinating look for young Bernie Sanders supporters.
Are you saying fashion started with ideas?
It's good to know that.
What about Obama's choice?
Talley: it may be a coat. it may be hotter.
More people should wear light suits.
How cool is that?
This is not a mistake.
This is a confident person.
But what about the Obama jeans?
Obama jeans are always cool.
No, that's not cool.
This is a false statement.
This is a false statement.
But I have to say about this dress.
This is one or more times a man has been attacked for fashion.
Melber, the stunning bronze suit: it was the only one.
What I like is that the suit is very hot.
Then I listened to the strange things about tan Fu.
MELBER: I want to talk to you about the fashion contrast of prosecution.
Yes, please. Show me.
Melber: one of the most critical men in Washington, dressing is the most boring.
What do you think, Bob Miller?
WINSTEAD: anyone who can wear a crisp white shirt every day does not have to make up.
Because every woman knows that if you have any basis, it will go inside the shirt, and that is the privilege that Robert Mueller doesn't have to worry about. TALLEY: Yes.
Melber: Let's go -- we're a little older --school.
Abraham Lincoln was remembered for many things.
Let's take a look at this.
Talley: extraordinary, extraordinary.
That long coat, not this short suit, this long red and gold British style look and thin-legged hat.
His battlefield is ready.
Talley: Great. Come on.
Now, Trevor Gaudi leaves Congress, Liz.
This is the mark you gave us. We pulled it.
What happened here.
Winstead: A lot has happened here and I don't know where to start.
It was as if Roger Stirling had been swallowed by tree Gaudi, and then tree Gaudi jumped into David Bourne's suit and began to melt as he stepped down the steps.
Melber: Is this a good look when you leave?
TALLEY: It's not a good look.
Winstead: when you come and go, or-Talley: I'll say, this is-it's a person who's on the verge of collapse.
He said he was leaving. I don't know if we are in Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi.
Benghazi may be gone.
I think the problem with Andre is to relax the connection in politics and in life-Tali: it doesn't work.
MELBER: it may mean a disease, but here it seems to mean more ---
Winstead: The Road to shame.
More like giving up. Chaos. WINSTEAD: Yes.
It was a journey of shame.
Talley: chaos, chaos in my head.
Winstead: all he needs behind him is the woman in Game of Thrones screaming and ashamed.
Melber: Well, Liz, I think you know-Liz, I think you know, there's nothing more shameful than the shame of many people.
Congress failed a year.
I believe this is true.
Melber: I do want to do some quick accountability of media feminists before I let you two go. TALLEY: Sure. WINSTEAD: OK.
What we are doing today is just a small, in many terrible media clips, one small step in the other direction of what has happened over the years, these fragments haunt those who happen to be women seeking or exercising power for their clothes.
Let's have a look. (
Start Video Editing)
Unidentified male: she took pictures in a very fancy dress and was called out by many people on the Internet.
Unidentified woman: she does work with the team and she is strategically picking every dress she wears to make a statement.
Unidentified woman: most people have seen her in trousers for years, so many trousers.
Author Glenn Baker, window of Overton: Michelle Obama, did you see the clothes she was wearing when she went downstairs to the oil spill?
Who took the dress out of the closet? (END VIDEO CLIP)
I think whether you're talking about men or women, you're not saying what they did for you and the country, that's why I like to do this part, because we have a lot of people to see who did terrible things to our country tonight and who did great things for our country, but their style is so sad.
Melber: We like to study here, and tonight we have learned a lot from the unusual parts of both of you.
Andre Leon Terry compared to Lizz's approach, but, thank you.
-Terry: Thank you.
Thank you, Ali.
Melber: everything is the first time.
When we came back, breaking news about Jeff Bezos and the National Inquirer. (
Business break)
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has just issued a new statement accusing David Pique, who is in charge of the National Inquirer, of "blackmail" and "blackmail ".
Bezos made these new claims, saying that counsel for The Inquirer threatened to release his embarrassing or clear picture unless he agreed to stop the investigation into them.
This is included in his account.
An email allegedly from the state Inquirer to his lawyer, threatening to release a clear picture allegedly from Bezos, he wrote, rather than giving in to such extortion, "I decided to publish exactly what they sent me.
"What I should note is that this is a breakthrough story.
NBC News has not seen the letters on its own, nor has it received a response from AMI.
This is our show.
The next one is hard ball ".
This is a report card in a hurry.
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