More likely than not

U.S. District Court Judge David Carter

Interesting article over at Politico. A Federal Judge, U.S. District Court Judge David Carter, has ruled that Donald Trump has likely committed felony obstruction.

A federal judge ruled Monday that former President Donald Trump “more likely than not” attempted to illegally obstruct Congress as part of a criminal conspiracy when he tried to subvert the 2020 election on Jan. 6, 2021.

“Based on the evidence, the Court finds it more likely than not that President Trump corruptly attempted to obstruct the Joint Session of Congress on January 6, 2021,” U.S. District Court Judge David Carter wrote.

Wow. Roll that around a little. Because it is a new thing, the likes of which we have not seen for a long time in our country, if ever.

The remarkable ruling may be the first in history in which a federal judge determined a president, while in office, appeared to commit a crime. The decision has no direct role in whether Trump will be charged criminally but could increase pressure on the Justice Department and its chief, Attorney General Merrick Garland, to conduct an aggressive investigation that could lead to such charges.

“Our nation was founded on the peaceful transition of power, epitomized by George Washington laying down his sword to make way for democratic elections,” Carter wrote in a 44-page ruling. “Ignoring this history, President Trump vigorously campaigned for the Vice President to single-handedly determine the results of the 2020 election. With a plan this ‘BOLD,’ President Trump knowingly tried to subvert this fundamental principle.” 

This is a watershed moment in our history and we should be very ashamed. He almost got away with it. A vote or two the other way, a flip by the former V.P., we could have a Putin style President for life right now.