Eric Schneiderman on Keeping Trump in Check and Maybe, Maybe, Investigating the Russian Ties

[bathroommonkey76]

The evening that Donald Trump fired FBI director James Comey, plunging Washington into chaos and possibly propelling the nation toward a constitutional crisis, the president’s most persistent legal antagonist was flying high above America. On a cross-country JetBlue flight, Eric Schneiderman, the attorney general of New York State, was watching a seat-back TV when he learned the news the way almost everyone else — including Comey — did, with a shocking flash. “There was a group of lawyers on the plane who recognized me,” Schneiderman said the next day. As the news spread through the cabin, he began to feel glances directed his way. The usual decorum fell away, and one passenger leaned over to Schneiderman. “I bet you can’t wait for the plane to land,” he said.

It wouldn’t be fair to say that Schneiderman is enjoying this turbulent political ride we’re on, but history has conspired to place him in a vital place on the ground. Since the election decapitated Democrats on the national level, putting Jeff Sessions in charge of the Department of Justice and leaving Republicans in control of congressional oversight, Schneiderman and other Democratic state attorneys general have led the legal resistance to Trump. Long before the Russians — or really anyone — dreamed of a President Trump, Schneiderman was investigating him, pursuing the allegedly fraudulent marketing of his for-profit university. And long before Trump was attacking federal judges, the leaky intelligence community, or law-enforcement officials with a reputation for stubborn probity, he was ridiculing New York’s AG as a “lightweight.” The idea that Schneiderman, a compact, tightly wound Upper West Side liberal whose office is accustomed to pursuing consumer scams or busting upstate heroin rings (as he did last week), might be a last line of defense for what he calls “bedrock principles of the United States” — it’s frankly a little preposterous. But the framers of our Constitution designed our system to have hidden pockets of resiliency, and the power of the states is one of them.

“For those of us who are protectors of the rule of law, the state attorneys general,” Schneiderman said, “we have a role to play, to make sure that the system survives.” When his plane landed, Schneiderman started contacting his colleagues in other states, as well as Democrats in Washington, coordinating an emergency response. On May 11, he joined a group of 20 attorneys general in signing a letter to Rod Rosenstein, the Justice Department official overseeing the Russia investigation, calling for the appointment of a special counsel.

Even before Comey’s firing, some well-placed congressional Democrats had been urging Schneiderman to probe the Trump campaign’s suspected Kremlin connection, as far afield as that might seem for a state officeholder. But New York, of course, is home to the Trump Organization and its bank accounts. “We have jurisdiction over everything because we’re New York, and every check clears New York,” said former state attorney general (and governor) Eliot Spitzer, whose high-profile prosecutions on Wall Street demonstrated the office’s national reach. “There are odd jurisdictional hooks that sometimes come into play. Money laundering may be implicated here.”

Read more:

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/05/eric-schneiderman-on-keeping-trump-in-check.html

[kentuck]

1. kick

[Amaryllis]

2. Help us, Obi Wan Kenobi...you may be our most promising hope....

"Trump may have the power to squelch federal investigators, but Schneiderman’s office has a staff of some 650 attorneys and formidable resources. In what was widely viewed as a preparatory move for cases to come, he recently hired a public-corruption prosecutor who worked for Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney for New York controversially ousted by Trump. (The Trump Foundation investigation, for one, is ongoing.)

“If it’s hard to get checks on the presidency from Congress, we’re going to try to fill that space,” Schneiderman said. “I’m willing to bet on the rule of law. I think at the end of the day, it’s what people want. I will bet on that to survive this presidency.”

[Amaryllis]

3. MOre on Schneiderman in this recent thread:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=9064508

[burrowowl]

4. K&R!!!!!!

[flamingdem]

5. This is turning out to be a real New York story

Schneiderman is just soo motivated to kick Trump's ass, I suspect this will be a joy to watch.

[L. Coyote]

6. http://www.trumptwitterarchive.com/archive

Feb 14, 2015 04:29:04 PM "@The_Buffs: Congrats to @realDonaldTrump in JCOPE victory over lightweight @AGSchneiderman" [Twitter for Android]
Feb 14, 2015 12:44:04 PM “Score one for the Donald in his battle with @AGSchneiderman.” http://t.co/lpyCF5De5H [Twitter Web Client]
Jan 22, 2015 01:12:58 PM They just arrested pol Shelly Silver in New York. Why aren’t they arresting a far bigger crook --@AGSchneiderman? [Twitter Web Client]
Nov 6, 2014 05:17:46 PM Why did @AGSchneiderman have to fill out 3 successive ballots on Election Day? And this is our A.G. [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 22, 2014 01:38:37 PM Via @Mediaite by @evanmcmurry: “Trump Calls @AGSchneiderman a Cokehead” http://t.co/za3cNMqImo Schneiderman is by his own admission! [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 20, 2014 09:36:25 AM .@AGSchneiderman must take a drug test immediately—make results public. NY Attorney General cannot be a cokehead. [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 20, 2014 09:36:03 AM It’s been stated that dopey NY @AGSchneiderman used cocaine while he was a state senator. http://t.co/WfuJ9EW6HP [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 16, 2014 12:18:40 PM Read about my victory against sleazebag @AGSchneiderman. More people should fight when they’re right! http://t.co/r1xXUORZo3 [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 15, 2014 07:27:02 PM I just had a great victory against lightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman. Most of his case re Trump U. was thrown out or gutted. Little remains [Twitter for Android]
Oct 15, 2014 11:18:38 AM Lightweight @AGSchneiderman is driving business & jobs out of NY. Only wants self publicity—a total loser! [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 15, 2014 11:18:27 AM John @CahillForAG is one of the most respected people in politics. Dopey @AGSchneiderman is one of the least respected! [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 14, 2014 03:11:43 PM It's Tuesday. @AGSchneiderman is wearing Revlon eyeliner today. Governor Cuomo alerted all to this. [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 10, 2014 09:33:20 AM .@AGSchneiderman should remove his eyeliner, as pointed out by Cuomo, when he does his commercials! [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 10, 2014 09:32:48 AM Lightweight @AGSchneiderman will probably win only because he is a Dem in NY, but what a loser! [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 10, 2014 09:32:41 AM Lightweight @AGSchneiderman, the worst attorney general in the US, is in a tough election with John Cahill @CahillForAG [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 6, 2014 08:43:43 AM Do you think crooked @AGSchneiderman will ever challenge the NFL tax status? No—too many friends and contributors in @nfl? [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 8, 2014 12:16:05 PM Via @nypost by Editorial Board: “New York’s mute @AGSchneiderman” http://t.co/tH2ptCEA0y Schneiderman is feckless and corrupt. [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 8, 2014 12:08:02 PM .@nypost: “Dozens of key staffers fleeing @AGSchneiderman’s office” http://t.co/dG79uRFhSi [Twitter Web Client]
Jul 28, 2014 02:39:27 PM This summer is very tough for the nation’s worst AG @AGSchneiderman. Moreland Commission is his disaster. [Twitter Web Client]
Jul 16, 2014 08:45:32 AM Lucky for New York, highly respected John Cahill is running for NY State AG against incumbent lightweight dope @AGSchneiderman @CahillForAG [Twitter Web Client]
Jun 27, 2014 12:53:13 PM Lightweight @AGSchneiderman is driving business out of New York for his own public relations benefit. A real dope! [Twitter Web Client]
Jun 26, 2014 08:27:14 AM It’s Thursday. Which brand of eyeliner is the nation’s worst AG @AGSchneiderman wearing today? [Twitter Web Client]
May 23, 2014 09:42:44 AM Via @BreitbartNews by @TheTonyLee: "@Citizens_United sues @AGSchneiderman for violating 1st Amendment" http://t.co/1YMvzIOnfI [Twitter Web Client]
Apr 17, 2014 04:05:48 PM Always fun to read the @NewYorkObserver investigative piece re @AGSchneiderman, his mascara and more! http://t.co/NVvrlU7wKt [Twitter Web Client]
Mar 12, 2014 11:11:50 AM I love taking lawsuits all the way when I’m right. @AGSchneiderman is finding that out the hard way! [Twitter Web Client]
Feb 27, 2014 09:43:22 AM Lightweight @AGSchneiderman’s phony lawsuit against Trump U was decimated by the court—he’s a loser! [Twitter Web Client]
Feb 27, 2014 09:42:40 AM Black politicians are in prison based on Shirley Huntley’s statements but not white @AGSchneiderman RACISM! http://t.co/z2i22B7D21 [Twitter Web Client]
Feb 27, 2014 09:38:08 AM I think the @NewYorkObserver was far too nice to sleazebag @AGSchneiderman. He’s got plenty more to worry about!. [Twitter Web Client]
Feb 26, 2014 03:27:55 PM .@AGSchneiderman has never once said that he didn’t ask for campaign contributions during the investigation. [Twitter Web Client]
Feb 26, 2014 03:27:23 PM Disappointed the @NewYorkObserver article on @AGSchneiderman did not bring up his dealings w/ Shirley Huntley. http://t.co/z2i22B7D21 [Twitter Web Client]
Feb 26, 2014 09:44:20 AM Lightweight @AGSchneiderman is driving business out of NY so that he can get publicity for his failing political career. [Twitter Web Client]
Feb 26, 2014 09:43:12 AM Wow, NY Observer story about @AGSchneiderman really exposes him as a sleazebag & crook. He’s bad for New York. http://t.co/k61ryFURBH [Twitter Web Client]
Feb 19, 2014 07:17:27 PM Governor Cuomo is right about one thing - Attorney General Eric Schneiderman does wear eyeliner! What the hell is up with him? [Twitter for Android]
Jan 31, 2014 03:37:24 PM "@KevinWeatherbee '--tremendous victory in Trump University case vs. lightweight @AGSchneiderman--just got the news!' Saw this coming" Thx [Twitter Web Client]
Jan 31, 2014 03:30:12 PM "@GodFatha702 @AGSchneiderman Let's see if MSM reports it w/the same fervor they used when they reported the allegation." Thanks [Twitter Web Client]
Jan 31, 2014 03:25:04 PM "@OBrienMurray Let's hope the press covers the loss for @AGSchneiderman as they did the false charges!" Thanks. [Twitter Web Client]
Jan 31, 2014 02:51:22 PM To Jamie Dimon—I love kicking lightweight @AGSchneiderman’s ass. Stop settling and fight! [Twitter Web Client]
Jan 31, 2014 02:42:33 PM Lightweight @AGSchneiderman just got his ass kicked by Trump! [Twitter Web Client]
Jan 31, 2014 02:13:44 PM Wow--tremendous victory in the Trump University case against lightweight @AGSchneiderman--just got the news! [Twitter Web Client]
Jan 16, 2014 03:49:28 PM Lightweight @AGSchneiderman is fighting with @NYGovCuomo –Cuomo wins that one easily. Schneiderman is a total loser. [Twitter Web Client]
Jan 16, 2014 03:49:09 PM Terrible story on front page of NYTimes about lightweight @AGSchneiderman http://t.co/U6K93DNL05 Does Eric wear eyeliner? [Twitter Web Client]
Dec 20, 2013 01:59:07 PM .@AGSchneiderman Why is Douglas Durst allowed to use the Freedom Tower to get out of a lease with Conde Nast? [Twitter Web Client]
Dec 20, 2013 01:29:20 PM Lightweight @AGSchneiderman is pushing for the Moreland Commission to be disbanded immediately--because he is being looked at! [Twitter Web Client]
Dec 13, 2013 03:55:05 PM The evidence continues to mount against lightweight @AGSchneiderman. It is time for JCOPE and Moreland Commissions to act. [Twitter Web Client]
Dec 13, 2013 01:41:36 PM Sources inside @AGSchneiderman’s office are saying that they are very concerned with the allegations against their lightweight boss. [Twitter Web Client]
Dec 13, 2013 11:33:22 AM My complaint against @AGSchneiderman is a “case study” for JCOPE & Moreland Commissions on everything that is wrong with NYS politics. [Twitter Web Client]
Dec 10, 2013 10:10:57 PM "@BobSmit98038199: @realDonaldTrump @AGSchneiderman botox botox botox botox" [Twitter for Android]
Dec 10, 2013 12:59:52 PM How can NYS allow lightweight @AGSchneiderman to remain in office? What are JCOPE & Moreland Commissions waiting on? http://t.co/GDiLw5OvJX [Twitter Web Client]
Dec 10, 2013 12:59:08 PM Illegal use of official Attorney General stationary by lightweight @AGSchneiderman. http://t.co/dkbNc6DKPD [Twitter Web Client]
Dec 10, 2013 10:26:15 AM State Senator Shirley Huntley "ratted" on black politicians & was believed--when she ratted on @AGSchneiderman, nobody listened. Racism! [Twitter Web Client]
Dec 3, 2013 06:57:28 AM I just filed a major ethics complaint against crooked New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman-he should resign from office! [Twitter for Android]
Nov 22, 2013 09:57:06 AM Lightweight shakedown artist AG Eric Schneiderman was exposed in today’s New York Post editorial http://t.co/iOPQ71I41q [Twitter Web Client]
Nov 5, 2013 09:46:06 AM I hope everybody reads the @AmSpec article “Shakedown Schneiderman” – the AG of New York @AGSchneiderman http://t.co/kpNNOBYmnX [Twitter Web Client]
Nov 5, 2013 09:44:18 AM The @AmSpec article, "Shakedown Schneiderman" about NY State lightweight @AGSchneiderman is amazing. http://t.co/kpNNOBYmnX [Twitter Web Client]
Nov 4, 2013 02:25:43 PM Everyone is telling me that @EliotSpitzer is going to run against lightweight @AGSchneiderman--Spitzer would win! [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 11, 2013 09:36:52 AM Lightweight @AGSchneiderman is pushing for the Moreland Commission to be disbanded immediately—because he is being looked at! [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 4, 2013 01:32:42 PM Must read editorial today about lightweight New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Is he a crook? http://t.co/4rO77pskNA [Twitter Web Client]
Oct 2, 2013 10:26:14 AM Sorry banks, when we accused lightweight AG Eric Schneiderman of not going after banks, he started going after banks—but years too late! [Twitter Web Client]
Sep 22, 2013 07:25:31 PM "@jzpi: AG Schneiderman doesn't prosecute a butcher doctor but he goes after @realDonaldTrump #totalhack" Thank you! [Twitter for Android]
Sep 19, 2013 05:47:59 AM Lightweight Schneiderman's suit was filed on a Saturday (unheard of) against a school with a 98% approval rating right after Obama meeting. [Twitter for Android]
Sep 19, 2013 05:42:36 AM Lightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman meets with President Obama (who he told me "sucks" as a president), and quickly files a suit against me! [Twitter for Android]
Sep 18, 2013 08:40:55 PM Lightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman is perhaps the most incompetent and least respected A.G. in the U.S. He is a total joke! [Twitter for Android]
Sep 18, 2013 08:29:07 PM Why is lightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman allowed to ask for campaign contributions from my people during settlement negotiations? [Twitter for Android]
Sep 18, 2013 08:17:39 PM Lightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman sued school with a 98% approval rating while billions in corruption goes unpunished. A total crook? [Twitter for Android]
Sep 11, 2013 07:51:25 AM Spitzer and Weiner lost, lightweight Eric Schneiderman will be next - he will be challenged in the PRIMARY. He has done a really poor job! [Twitter Web Client]
Sep 11, 2013 07:50:32 AM "@redellis1: @realDonaldTrump He must go... People like him r destroying our country and our principals!" Re lightweight A.G. Schneiderman [Twitter Web Client]
Sep 11, 2013 06:10:49 AM Weiner is gone, Spitzer is gone - next will be lightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman. Is he a crook? Wait and see, worse than Spitzer or Weiner [Twitter for Android]
Sep 11, 2013 12:53:43 AM Lightweight Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will be next to lose. He goes after a school with a 98% approval rating,leaves biggies alone [Twitter Web Client]
Sep 11, 2013 12:53:16 AM Lightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman asked us for political contributions DURING his investigation of us,then sued for $40 million.Dopey guy! [Twitter Web Client]
Sep 10, 2013 11:16:00 PM "@Brock2120: @realDonaldTrump I remember when Schneiderman was 2nd in command to Patterson on the D side. Can you believe those two? [Twitter for Android]
Aug 29, 2013 11:12:35 PM I hope everyone read the brilliant article in American Spectator about leightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman. He should be run out of office! [Twitter for Android]
Aug 29, 2013 10:45:21 AM Via @amspec by Jeffrey Lord: "Is Eric Schneiderman a Crook?" What a great writer & researcher--amazing story. http://t.co/JjulGfe0XT [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 27, 2013 11:12:19 AM .@FoxNews legal analyst & former prosecutor @kimguilfoyle destroyed hack Schneiderman’s suit on @FNTheFive yesterday.She’s very sharp! [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 27, 2013 10:33:46 AM There has been a systematic targeting of the Tea Party by the Obama administration. Now Schneiderman goes after me. No coincidence. [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 27, 2013 10:32:41 AM The lightweight hack Schneiderman told Ivanka that the “case is weak" and more. Meets with Obama & then files one day later. [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 27, 2013 10:30:04 AM Has AG Schneiderman been extorting his targets and their lawyers for contributions? We will find out. [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 26, 2013 03:05:30 PM I hope the NY tax payer appreciates the millions Schneiderman is about to waste on a small case. I will litigate to victory. [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 26, 2013 02:58:21 PM See Schneiderman admit he spoke with Obama about “ongoing investigations." http://t.co/9U6Jnxn45F [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 26, 2013 02:10:07 PM Thug Politics. Lightweight hack Schneiderman meets with Obama on Thursday, then brings frivolous suit on Saturday. [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 26, 2013 01:45:06 PM My @foxandfriends int. destroying Schneiderman’s frivolous suit which he brought after meeting Obama on Thurs. http://t.co/n0FX6rEXyr [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 26, 2013 09:28:47 AM Why isn’t AG Schneiderman going after Democrat Jon Corzine and the $1.4 billion that is “missing?” [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 26, 2013 09:28:20 AM Amazing! AG Schneiderman sues a school w/ a 98% approval rating but doesn’t go after billion $ fraudsters all over Wall St. [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 26, 2013 09:28:03 AM I really enjoyed doing the show circuit this AM discussing lightweight AG Eric Schneiderman & the terrible job he has done for NY. [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 26, 2013 08:41:28 AM Gov. Cuomo's Moreland Comm should be looking at AG Schneiderman shaking down those under investigation/ in litigation for campaign $$$ [Twitter Web Client]
Aug 25, 2013 03:51:14 PM Wow, l just found out that A.G. Schneiderman met with President Obama in Syracuse on Thursday --- and sued me on Saturday! Same as IRS etc. [Twitter for Android]
Aug 25, 2013 02:47:44 PM Why did lightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman come to my office on numerous occasions begging for campaign contributions? Also, recent asks? [Twitter for Android]
Aug 25, 2013 02:42:09 PM Why is it that Eric Schneiderman is considered a lightweight by so many and has failed to go after Jon Corzine and big abusers for billions? [Twitter for Android]
Aug 25, 2013 02:34:19 PM Why did failing A.G. Eric Schneiderman, after years of looking, file his pathetic lawsuit on a SATURDAY afternoon (unheard of)? No case! [Twitter for Android]
Aug 25, 2013 02:27:08 PM Lightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman, who has been a total failure in office, failed to report the 98% approval rating of students for courses [Twitter for Android]
Aug 25, 2013 12:56:24 AM "@abimlebt: Eric Schneiderman trying to get himself an image as a strong man is suing @realDonaldTrump. Bad choice, Trump will eat him alive [Twitter for Android]
Aug 24, 2013 05:41:18 PM Lightweight NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is trying to extort me with a civil law suit. See website http://t.co/qTflzWGXud [Twitter for iPhone]
Jun 24, 2013 10:47:31 AM Even liberals & Democrats think Eric Schneiderman’s use of the Atty General’s office is unfair & unethical. http://t.co/38ZYbpj4t3 [Twitter Web Client]
Jun 24, 2013 10:46:52 AM See Charles Gasparino’s article in today’s NYPost about Eric Schneiderman’s witch hunt against Republicans http://t.co/38ZYbpj4t3 [Twitter Web Client]