It’s actually required by a treaty which got the Consent of the Senate:
https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/123676.pdf
Russia (and the US) can ask for this process at any time, it’s not something that Trump can refuse.
and it’s a 1999 agreement.....seems we had a dem president then......so why are dems unhappy about this now?
“Russia (and the US) can ask for this process at any time, it’s not something that Trump can refuse.”
Exactly, AND we’re hearing now that Rosenstein left the timing of the release of the latest Mueller’s indictments up to POTUS.
So... What is the likelihood that President Trump was blindsided by the suggestion?
What are we seeing?
POTUS gives the go-ahead on the release of the indictments, and then he and President Putin get up on the world stage together and tell each other:
“You have bad actors that have been messing with my country.”
“We have an existing treaty for this sort of thing...”
Isn’t it obvious what comes next?
How about:
“In the interest of National Security and Global Peace...”
(and to continue my efforts to reduce the likelihood of nukes blowing up people... North Korea ring any bells?)
“I (POTUS) am announcing that we are going to take President Putin up on his offer of joint investigation of these matters, as our existing treaty specifies, and in fact, requires when requested.”
“We shall jointly proceed with the investigation of these matters on BOTH sides and pursue them in the manner specified in our treaty.”
Then our President and their President declassify whatever is appropriate. (Especially if there is resistance.)
Where does Mueller’s evidence actually lead?
Russia has a Deep State.
We have a Deep State.
Might we share a common interest?
I know I hold more animosity for our deep state than I do for Russia.
I suspect President Putin has a similar point of view relative to the US.
Putin doesn’t want a deep state or a global cabal messing with his country any more than we want that for ours.
I, for one, am enjoying the show.
It is a show, you know.
Just like the deal that was made with Kim Jong-un long before we saw him shaking Trump’s hand.