Mueller's office says BuzzFeed's characterization of the documents and testimony obtained in their reporting has inaccuracies

[skullmuffins]

Frankly, even if the characterization had inaccuracies, I wish Mueller's team would have just shut the fuck up. Comey fucked up by talking too much about and sharing too much about the Clinton e-mail investigation, which turned out to be nothing. Mueller remains absolutely tight lipped until now? Over this? Making me question just how competent he actually is and whether or not he has run an investigation that will result in anything meaningful aside from the convictions we've already seen.

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this is the dumbest takeaway

 

[Deleted member 887]

This would be a rather large blunder if Buzzfeed got this part wrong.

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Exactly. Even Ronan says he didn't go through with "parts" of it because of the sourcing on that part. Which tells me he was hearing similar things. The SC doesn't outright call the story false.

Or maybe the SC totally believes Trump was in the loop but they don't have smoking gun that Trump directed Cohen to lie. "like an email or a recorded message." And maybe this is what they are working towards when interviewing witnesses and the like.

 

[Dr. Benton Quest]

They could well have felt the need to comment based solely on the size of the allegation. This would be the president committing a literal crime.

The fact they didn't comment initially is also interesting. Had they denied the reporting initially, it would have been a non-story. It probably wouldn't have even been published. Instead they waited a day. Why wait a day?

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It takes time to word a statement like this.

The fact we got it less than 24 hours later is pretty remarkable in my book.

No, they didn't comment when they were blindsided by it (it is common to not confirm or deny when it comes to ongoing investigations).

It's a pretty fast response though, and one that is out of character for the SC.

All I'm really arguing here is that we should ignore the buzzfeed story until another large news org corroborates.

I respect BuzzFeed political reporting, but that doesn't mean they can't get it wrong.

 

[HotHamBoy]

Nooooo, what are you doing Mueller

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His fucking job.

Somebody has to.

 

[stew]

Because the Dems were going to fuck things up . They were screaming at mueller to come out faster. Trump would have sacked mueller and said oh yeah democrats want to impeach me and want the report now so let's have what you have now . Oh it's incomplete ?! Too bad

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But the allegations are explosive, they knew what was going to happen. We know sometimes the FBI or law enforcement tell reporters to shut up, why not now?

 

[Deleted member 887]

 

[Coyote Starrk]

Frankly, even if the characterization had inaccuracies, I wish Mueller's team would have just shut the fuck up. Comey fucked up by talking too much about and sharing too much about the Clinton e-mail investigation, which turned out to be nothing. Mueller remains absolutely tight lipped until now? Over this? Making me question just how competent he actually is and whether or not he has run an investigation that will result in anything meaningful aside from the convictions we've already seen.

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You can't actually be serious with this shit can you? BuzzFeeds possible mistake makes you question Mueller's competence?


What?

 

[Dr. Benton Quest]

I want to say again, I'm not saying that Buzzfeed is wrong on this story. Hell, I hope it's completely accurate because that means Trump is finished.

However, it is extremely rare for the SC office to comment on anything and because of that we should wait to determine it's voracity.

 

[DekuBleep]

Just a theory but what if Muellers team is working on corroborating Cohens statement and the FBI know about it and so Trump knows and the Trump team "leaks" things like this to play the media, keep talking about "fake news", and make it harder for Mueller to do his job.

 

[Deleted member 176]

But the allegations are explosive, they knew what was going to happen. We know sometimes the FBI or law enforcement tell reporters to shut up, why not now?

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buzzfeed doesn't care dude

 

[Deleted member 887]

Excatly everyone needs to just chill till the final report is done and released. I know y'all hate trump but his making y'all look dumb ass fuck shouting impeach.

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I mean he should have been impeached when he allowed kids to be kept in camps, Or when he refused aid to PR. I don't see how wanting him impeached and gone make anyone look dumb as fuck.

 

[Johnny956]

At least Republicans can't use the excuse that Mueller is doing a witch hunt when they're disputing this article

 

[Netherscourge]

I wonder if Mueller is waiting for Barr to be confirmed so he can side-step Whitaker with his final report?

 

[gamerman]

That was an unexpected twist. Looks like people were getting excited for nothing and jumped the gun instead of waiting for corroboration. Buzz Feed has ruined its reputation and will never be trusted again. As usual, there is no "smocking" gun. The Mueller report is likely to be anti climatic. It's up to the American people to vote Donald Trump out.

 

[Deleted member 887]

At least Republicans can't use the excuse that Mueller is doing a witch hunt when they're disputing this article

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I mean we know when that report comes out they'll do just that. But you're right. They are jumping for joy right now. Sad they'll go back to calling the whole thing a witch hunt soon enough.

 

[cameron]

At least Republicans can't use the excuse that Mueller is doing a witch hunt when they're disputing this article

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lol

 

[adj_noun]

At least Republicans can't use the excuse that Mueller is doing a witch hunt when they're disputing this article

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ba ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

 

[stew]

buzzfeed doesn't care dude

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I assume it depends on the reporters, the subject of the report and who tries to kill the story.

I don't think they made up when the say Mueller's office declined to comment. They could have told them they were wrong seeing how big the allegations are.

 

[Midnight Jon]

potentially important note: this story was likely sourced from SDNY in the first place, which is notably at odds with Cohen while SCO's been trying to get and keep his cooperation

 

[Deleted member 887]

Looks like people were getting excited for nothing and jumped the gun instead of waiting for corroboration. Buzz Feed has ruined its reputation and will never be trusted again. As usual, there is no "smocking" gun. The Mueller report is likely to be anti climatic. It's up to the American people to vote Donald Trump out.

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You don't know any of that.

 

[Surfinn]

Frankly, even if the characterization had inaccuracies, I wish Mueller's team would have just shut the fuck up. Comey fucked up by talking too much about and sharing too much about the Clinton e-mail investigation, which turned out to be nothing. Mueller remains absolutely tight lipped until now? Over this? Making me question just how competent he actually is and whether or not he has run an investigation that will result in anything meaningful aside from the convictions we've already seen.

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This is an awful, awful take.

 

[Carolina Reaper]

Good on Mueller. This is too big to get wrong.

 

[BlueTsunami]

Its funny, people are running around like a chicken with its head cut off but when has the Mueller investigation commented on the minutiea of a headline? It hit has hit rather fucking close which means there something there. Maybe not as exact as itnshould be in Muellers realm but close enough.

 

[FaceHugger]

You can't actually be serious with this shit can you? BuzzFeeds possible mistake makes you question Mueller's competence?


What?

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Yes, just like when Comey inluenced an election by loudly reopening a stupid investigation and openly questioning nothing. Now the special counsel is basically getting into a tit for tat with some journalists over what may just be minor inaccuracies, if anything, which will influence the public. The counsel should just be quiet, work, and release the report when it's ready.

 

[Deleted member 176]

That was an unexpected twist. Looks like people were getting excited for nothing and jumped the gun instead of waiting for corroboration. Buzz Feed has ruined its reputation and will never be trusted again. As usual, there is no "smocking" gun. The Mueller report is likely to be anti climatic. It's up to the American people to vote Donald Trump out.

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The use of "smocking" makes me think this is a parody post but I'm not sure

 

['3y Kingdom]

That was an unexpected twist. Looks like people were getting excited for nothing and jumped the gun instead of waiting for corroboration. Buzz Feed has ruined its reputation and will never be trusted again. As usual, there is no "smocking" gun. The Mueller report is likely to be anti climatic. It's up to the American people to vote Donald Trump out.

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Thank you for providing a textbook example of jumping the gun. And decent satire.

 

[mordecaii83]

potentially important note: this story was likely sourced from SDNY in the first place, which is notably at odds with Cohen while SCO's been trying to get and keep his cooperation

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I did notice when I read the story that the Buzzfeed report claimed two law enforcement officials as sources and wondered if they got their info from SDNY rather than the SCO. Could explain some of what's happening here.

 

[onadesertedisland]

That was an unexpected twist. Looks like people were getting excited for nothing and jumped the gun instead of waiting for corroboration. Buzz Feed has ruined its reputation and will never be trusted again. As usual, there is no "smocking" gun. The Mueller report is likely to be anti climatic. It's up to the American people to vote Donald Trump out.

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130.

 

[Deleted member 176]

Its funny, people are running around like a chicken with its head cut off but when has the Mueller investigation commented on the minutiea of a headline? It hit has hit rather fucking close which means there something there. Maybe not as exact as itnshould be in Muellers realm but close enough.

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the situation is changed, with a Dem house impeachment proceedings can begin based on a headline.

 

[Coyote Starrk]

the situation is changed, with a Dem house impeachment proceedings can begin based on a headline.

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They should have began a long ass time ago.

 

[Midnight Jon]

I did notice when I read the story that the Buzzfeed report claimed two law enforcement officials as sources and wondered if they got their info from SDNY rather than the SCO. Could explain some of what's happening here.

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yeah, and it kinda dovetails into how we should treating this whole thing now:

might be true, might not, might also just be the SCO telling SDNY to stand the hell down, so at this point we just wait for further corroboration from either actor (which in BF's case would likely necessitate burning SDNY sources and in SCO's case would likely flat-out necessitate the report being released)

anyone claiming it's still absolutely true is at best being naive, anyone claiming this means it's absolutely false is at best a bad actor

 

[TheKidObi]

I mean he should have been impeached when he allowed kids to be kept in camps, Or when he refused aid to PR. I don't see how wanting him impeached and gone make anyone look dumb as fuck.

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I'm referring to this buzzfeed statement and mueller statement, buzzfeed information had everyone shouting impeach, since it was a very strong case of impeachment if it was true. Mueller came out and said it's inaccurate not stating its false but just not accurate. It makes the news Media look bad cause everyone was reporting it weather it was true or not now there's a dispute on the report.

Now trump and his supporters got more ammo on the media cause what they were reporting wasn't 100% true like some were claiming, not saying all the news media was doing it but some was pushing it like it was fact.

So yes, in trumps eyes he can make the people calling for impeachment look dumber to his supporters. Because his just going to spin this like his already doing calling the report false when mueller only stated there's inaccuracies instead of flat out false like trump is claiming

 

[Luminish]

My problem with Mueller's statement is the term "not accurate", which in plain english could include anything being slightly technically wrong to entirely false.

It's unacceptable to be that vague in a public statement for a case that basically has to be decided by the public through their representatives.

 

[marrec]

Jesus that's the most words Peter Carr has put together since the investigation began

 

[Chaos-Theory]

Really that distinction doesn't matter at this point. The fact they said anything at has completely turned the narrative and Trump and friends will take full advantage. Unless someone else corroborates that report the only truth that will remain is Teflon Don getting out of another one and Buzzfeed's reputation in ruins. Buzzfeed can only hope to get some solid proof/corroboration or pray Mueller's report vindicates them in the end.

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While I agree, I don't think Mueller cares about whatever narrative takes place from here on out.

He wants to complete the investigation without being rushed or forced to reveal his hand too early.

 

[Deleted member 2533]

They could well have felt the need to comment based solely on the size of the allegation. This would be the president committing a literal crime.

The fact they didn't comment initially is also interesting. Had they denied the reporting initially, it would have been a non-story. It probably wouldn't have even been published. Instead they waited a day. Why wait a day?

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It takes time to word a statement like this.

The fact we got it less than 24 hours later is pretty remarkable in my book.

No, they didn't comment when they were blindsided by it (it is common to not confirm or deny when it comes to ongoing investigations).

It's a pretty fast response though, and one that is out of character for the SC.

All I'm really arguing here is that we should ignore the buzzfeed story until another large news org corroborates.

I respect BuzzFeed political reporting, but that doesn't mean they can't get it wrong.

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To add to it, not just writing the statement, but Buzzfeed's reporting was that their sources were "two federal law enforcement officials involved in an investigation of the matter." Which means that Mueller's team would have to try and track down the validity of the statement (find the leak) before commenting. Even if they didn't find evidence of a leak, the investigation would have taken a while. So yeah, 24h is really quick.

 

[Futureman]

Possible reason Mueller team put out a statement is this report could directly jeopardize part of their investigation (saw this mentioned on Twitter). There are plenty of reasons they could have for releasing a statement for this story and not others. Maybe pressure from lawmakers to get details released for beginning the impeachment process caused them to release the statement as they're not ready to release details.

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I think this is it basically. Didn't the House Intelligence Committee make a statement today that they would be investigating the claims from the Buzzfeed article?

 

[Deleted member 887]

Yes, just like when Comey inluenced an election by loudly reopening a stupid investigation and openly questioning nothing. Now the special counsel is basically getting into a tit for tat with some journalists over what may just be minor inaccuracies, if anything, which will influence the public. The counsel should just be quiet, work, and release the report when it's ready.

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This is a horrible take.

The reason the SC probably commented in the first place was because House Dems were talking about if any of this was true. Impeachment proceedings need to begin. He could potentially be signalling them to wait on his report.

 

[OtherWorldly]

You know what will happen right?

Media knows trump will use buzzfeed to attack media

So media will destroy buzzfeed and say they are shoddy and not serious in order to save the narrative that media is not the enemy

 

[stew]

This is a horrible take.

The reason the SC probably commented in the first place was because House Dems were talking about if any of this was true. Impeachment proceedings need to begin. He could potentially be signalling them to wait on his report.

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I think she nailed it.

 

[FaceHugger]

This is a horrible take.

The reason the SC probably commented in the first place was because House Dems were talking about if any of this was true. Impeachment proceedings need to begin. He could potentially be signalling them to wait on his report.

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Maybe. Meanwhile, right this minute, Sean Hannity is calling the story "a dud". It's being debated on MSNBC if it's true. This is peppering the opinion of independents. And opinion is important on whether or not Senate Republicans will feel confident with letting Trump off the hook if impeachment proceedings begin and inevitably pass the House (which I assume they would).

Terrible idea for the counsel to speak on the story. They should have let the actual report and any followup Congressional analysis and questioning do the talking. Now no matter what happens the waters have been muddied. Ugh.

 

[mordecaii83]

This is a horrible take.

The reason the SC probably commented in the first place was because House Dems were talking about if any of this was true. Impeachment proceedings need to begin. He could potentially be signalling them to wait on his report.

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Yeah I could absolutely see this being the case. The SC has been leak-free so far and I'm sure they want to be seen as staying that way.

Maybe. Meanwhile, right this minute, Sean Hannity is calling the story "a dud". It's being debated on MSNBC if it's true. This is peppering the opinion of independents. And opinion is important on whether or not Senate Republicans will feel confident with letting Trump off the hook if impeachment proceedings begin and inevitably pass the House (which I assume they would).

Terrible idea for the counsel to speak on the story. They should have let the actual report and any followup Congressional analysis and questioning do the talking. Now no matter what happens the waters have been muddied. Ugh.

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This will matter exactly 0% if the report comes out and verifies that the Buzzfeed story was true. Narratives can change any moment.

 

[Chaos-Theory]

This is a horrible take.

The reason the SC probably commented in the first place was because House Dems were talking about if any of this was true. Impeachment proceedings need to begin. He could potentially be signalling them to wait on his report.

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Exactly.

Like I said in the now closed thread, Mueller must be pissed.

 

[Deleted member 887]

Maybe. Meanwhile, right this minute, Sean Hannity is calling the story "a dud". It's being debated on MSNBC if it's true. This is peppering the opinion of independents. And opinion is important on whether or not Senate Republicans will feel confident with letting Trump off the hook if impeachment proceedings begin and inevitably pass the House (which I assume they would).

Terrible idea for the counsel to speak on the story. They should have let the actual report and any followup Congressional analysis and questioning do the talking. Now no matter what happens the waters have been muddied. Ugh.

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People were debating it's truthfulness since it dropped. Hannity and all right wingers were always going to skeptical of this. Why are you worrying about what Trumpers think?

 

[TheKidObi]

You know what will happen right?

Media knows trump will use buzzfeed to attack media

So media will destroy buzzfeed and say they are shoddy and not serious in order to save the narrative that media is not the enemy

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It will be up to the American people to judge the media but most already hate it, trump will just use this as gasoline. Smart ones will understand the situation but most will just say fake news. Can't trust half the population when they voted for the idiot

 

[Stinkles]

Once more with feeling:

1. The special counsel did not refute the story. It refuted a specific and undefined characterization within the story.
2. The special counsel can only refute matters of fact or evidence within its purview. It cannot refute confirmation or corroboration it does not have (an unsubpoenaed whitehouse insider for example.)
3. As weird as this whole thing looks, the Special Counsel's statement does more to confirm the underlying basis of the story than any other reporting or facts.
4. Buzzfeed, or any other news organization, does not have to adhere to the same standards of evidence as the special counsel and is getting firm legal advice from experts.
5. The prior four items are statements of fact and until they are clearly refuted, they stand. And trust me I'll be the first to jump in and retract in plain language if or when that happens and I will even apologize for being wrong. But until then, that's what just happened. Not a lens or a view or a characterization.

6. I'm embarassed to type this, but REALLY? You're going to sit quietly while 600 real stories, confessions, imprisonments and felonies are happening uncontested and then go after one word in a statement that nakedly confirms and highlights another likely Trump disaster?

 

[Luminish]

While I agree, I don't think Mueller cares about whatever narrative takes place from here on out.

He wants to complete the investigation without being rushed or forced to reveal his hand too early.

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Which is incredibly troubling if that's the case.

How the hell else does it end if not politically? We're just going to let the intelligence agencies indict whatever president they want despite a history of abuse from those agencies, and let the lifetime justice appointments of an increasingly radicle and partisan court decide the fate of the presidency?

And if it's going to end politically, then the narrative better enter the equation. Not in a biased way, but in a way that doesn't let biased entities easily mislead the public with your statements.

 

[ryutaro's mama]

Why the fuck would anyone trust or cite buzzfeed?

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When what they are reporting is what you want to hear.

 

[mindatlarge]

When I heard BuzzFeed was behind this story earlier today, I instantly doubted it. The track record they have is spotty at best. Will wait for actual facts to be provided before I entertain any more thoughts about this. At this point, it's all mental masturbation.

 

[Deleted member 16657]

I'm just going to go into cryosleep, wake me up when the mueller report drops.