Reaction to Paul Manafort Conviction, Michael Cohen Plea Deal

Wild day today, unlike almost any other day in U.S. history (with the exception of Richard Nixon).  Here’s some reaction from Virginia…

First, 2017 Democratic Lt. Governor candidate and long-time U.S. federal prosecutor Gene Rossi on Meet the Press a few minutes ago:

Next, Sen. Mark Warner on Paul Manafort:

STATEMENT OF U.S. SEN. MARK R. WARNER

~ On conviction of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort ~ 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement on the conviction of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort:

“This verdict makes it absolutely clear that the Mueller probe is not a ‘witch hunt’ — it is a serious investigation that is rooting out corruption and Russian influence on our political system at the highest levels. The President’s campaign manager was just convicted of serious federal crimes by a jury of his peers, despite the President’s continued attempts to undermine the investigation which has brought Mr. Manafort to justice. Any attempt by the President to pardon Mr. Manafort or interfere in the investigation into his campaign would be a gross abuse of power and require immediate action by Congress.”

Next, Sen. Warner on Michael Cohen plea deal:

Senate Intel Committee Statement on Testimony of Michael Cohen

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) released the following statement:

“We have obviously followed today’s reporting about Michael Cohen with great interest. He appears to be pleading guilty to very serious charges, however, we have no insight into any agreements he and his legal team have allegedly reached with prosecutors in New York.

“What we can say is that we recently reengaged with Mr. Cohen and his team following press reports that suggested he had advance knowledge of the June 2016 meeting between campaign officials and Russian lawyers at Trump Tower. Mr. Cohen had testified before the Committee that he was not aware of the meeting prior to its disclosure in the press last summer. As such, the Committee inquired of Mr. Cohen’s legal team as to whether Mr. Cohen stood by his testimony. They responded that he did stand by his testimony.

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And more from Mark Warner…