Bits and Pieces

THREAD. One thing not to overlook in understanding the significance of the texts is that in addition to soliciting section assistance and abusing his power, Trump was attempting to employ covert propaganda against the American public: pic.twitter.com/owbiahRcPG

— Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) October 4, 2019

Of a Twitter thread you need to read:

6. Black propaganda attempts to conceal the true source of information, so that the target cannot accurately assess the credibility of the message or the motives of the source behind it. Trump wanted to cloak his own role and motives behind a statement of a foreign country

— Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) October 4, 2019

7. The goal here is to manipulate the American public into to thinking that Ukraine had *independently* reached the same conclusions about the Russia investigation, and/or uncovered criminal leads about Biden. Trump could then use this to bolster his own views

— Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) October 4, 2019

10. Basically, you have the Trump admin attempting to conduct an illegal covert psyop on the American public, using officials from the State Department and his own attorney to do it. It's literally a version of what Russia did in 2016. /END

— Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) October 4, 2019

That gives you the idea.  The stuff in-between is just as important.  As ever:  watch the donut, not the hole.  This isn't about "quid pro quo."  This isn't about text messages, or why Trump committed a crime in plain sight (and is not calling it just trying to investigate corruption).  This is the shit Nixon was too upright and pure of heart (!) to think of.

And "black propaganda" is what Trump is doing by calling on China and Ukraine to "investigate" Biden.  Does anyone doubt for a moment he's made similar overtures to China, and offered similar "statements" for them to issue, all with the promise he won't mention Hong Kong and he might go easy on the tariffs?  If you do, I've got some land in southern Louisiana you'll want to buy sight unseen.  Prime real estate; trust me.

Our President is not fit to live among civilized persons.  QED and EOD.