Behind closed Capitol doors, lawmakers aren't merely discussing victory, they're preparing investigations that could dominate headlines, consume government, and reshape American politics for years.
Good Grief Michael, are you kidding ? This has to be one the most offensive pieces you have written. OMG Jeez.. The nightmare we are in right now is because Mitch McConnell refused to convict the shithead after he was impeached the last time. Then Biden appointed Garland and he would not investigate Trump. The only thing they did was have the hearings on the insurrection. And they prosecuted the J6 criminals which Trump has pardoned and now wants to use a slush fund to pay them off for future violence.(Which you defended so you can get money) And yes it is a choice between our democracy surviving and having Trump and company completely destroy our democracy and our standing around the world. You are clearly trying to get in with dumpty and company again. How sad and infuriating. ..
Mary, thank you for saying the truth. I too feel that Michael still wants to be in trump's inner circle again. He paints both sides with the same brush. Michael lost me months ago. I will not be renewing my subscription. And the number of emails announcing another podcast or whatever is too much.
My comment was hidden down below. LOL. Funny how Cohen wants us all to "like, comment and restack...." unless you don't agree with him, or say something disparaging about his "boss." My paid subscription ends in August. NO renewal.
Mary, if you cancel this Substack, they will give you 30 days free. Enough time to see Michael move on and so you are not giving anymore money to Michael Cohen.
I’ve read the article and your post twice now. What about it is specifically offensive? I read it as an article describing the power structures that change with a change in leadership. I missed the undertone of Michael trying to get in Trump’s orbit again.
Here is a recent substack where Michael gave specific views on Trump. Not sure if you saw this or not.
People keep making the mistake of viewing Trump through the lens of traditional politics. He doesn’t. Never did. Trump views politics the way casino operators view surveillance cameras: tools for protection and leverage. Everything is transactional. Everything is about preserving dominance.
And the Republican Party learned long ago that Trump rewards loyalty and punishes dissent with the emotional stability of a flamethrower in a fireworks factory.
Skip, I don't see that, either. I re-read. I still don't see it. I think he is talking about the machinery of partisan politics, no matter who is in power.
No doubt the tone of his posts have changed. They have become benign. And going out of the way to appear neutral if you like Trump or don’t like him Michael has no say. Back in the day he called Trump a narcissistic sociopath on live tv. I bet he wouldn’t say that today.
On a Saturday YouTube Michael says "the committees are there to investigate, to push reform." This is why he has a problem with Mike Johnson. We should all be drawing the line here. Johnson criticizing the Democrats goals. Recently Michael said if Trump does something wrong we'll call him out on it, if he does something right we'll let him know that too. Just because he isn't ripping Trump apart today it doesn't mean anything, IMHO.
When has Trump done anything right? Michael always cites immigration and not letting Iran get a nuclear weapon. Beyond that there is nothing. And why does Trump get this neutrality viewpoint? Many articles would be more impactful if trumps actions or posts were evaluated and included in the article. I believe that Michael stays myopic to avoid any Trump criticism. There are many, many times when Trump deserves massive criticism and as a community we hear nothing about it.
Suzanne, You don't like what I have to say, but no, I paid for my subscription just like you. I don't even know what a troll is. if you attack me I will leave the site no problem. . It is not my intention to get into a battle with anyone . You can write what you think I won't attack you.
I seem to recall another moron who sat behind the Resolute Desk saying something that would be most appropriate here - “Bring it on”. Michael Cohen, stop playing games. Our country’s survival depends on the truth that these investigations uncover. In 1931, in Harlan County Kentucky, the coal miners that were standing up to the owners sang a song of protest that I’d suggest you listen to - and think about - “Which Side Are You On?”
It will take years to right this ship and repair the damage this regime has inflicted. Rebuilding trust—with our allies abroad and among our own citizens at home—will demand patience, competence, and a delicate balancing of countless priorities. Credibility isn’t restored overnight; it’s earned through steady, principled leadership over time.
There must be reform of our political system — from electing qualified people to term limitations — it must be done. Would you have brain surgery performed by someone who has only seen a “brain” their mom made in the Jell-o mold for Halloween? I hope not. So why then do we elect someone to the highest position in the country who is neither qualified nor trained in Constitutional law or possesses even an intermediate level understanding of how our government was designed to work?
If you break the Rule of Law, you get prosecuted. Due Process, huh?
Not always equally applied but essential to a Democracy.
Ask John Bolton. Is Justice always fair? Of course not. Trump did far worse than John Bolton and he suffered no consequences by owning Judge Aileen Cannon and rigging the system. Hopefully the future brings Accountability there.
After the Civil War, Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee and others should have been put on trial, but the Lincoln Administration thought it was better to "heal the country." Wrong. Insurrection demands Accountability.
I believe you can govern effectively and demand Accountability at all costs. If you don't do that our Democracy erodes.
So what do you believe Michael? Your prosecution was unfair?
All I can say is "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."
Hi Dawn, I agree with much of what you say, but there is the factor you mention, in terms of "shoulds".
In a real Justice system, Michael probably wouldn't have been prosecuted for the income tax stuff. As with most Americans, he would have been given notice about outstanding taxes, and provided with the opportunity to pay them back, which he did, anyway. Instead, under Bill Barr, the case became one of " tax evasion". A crime. He has been pointing out that if the Justice System is after you, they will find a way toward prosecution. Witness Letitia James, or James Comey.or anyone that a partisan Justice System will go prosecute.
Deb, no doubt that the Justice System is not always honest and some people are prosecuted where others are not or prosecuted to a lesser degree. But you need to research a little bit more to get a full picture of the story Michael tells.
Michael Cohen was convicted of campaign finance violations (hush Money-illegal, undisclosed corporate and excessive campaign contributions), tax evasion (hiding $4M in personal income and lying on a home equity app), bank fraud and lying to Congress regarding timeline of proposed Trump Tower Moscow). He admitted to these crimes and pleaded guilty instead of taking his cases to trial. He had an option to go to Trial.
Michael Cohen admitted his guilt. NPR and SDNY Press Release are good places to look at a detailed analysis on the crimes Michael Cohen was charged with.
Thanks, Dawn, There are a few different takes on the criminal charges. Yes, for a few of them. Dubious about others. He's explained why he pled guilt to the ones related to taxes.
We already know the truth. And reputations should suffer for the guilty. Congress can legislate AND investigate at the same time. Not holding the bad guys accountable and punishing them for the sake of getting past something no longer works when government is involved. We want something else.
When I read accredited historians who have made their life’s work the study of American history and politics and I see how they validate their facts and make them accessible to us, we clearly see the destruction pedo in chief felon 47 is destroying what America took years to build. It is time for new blood to infuse the livelihood of all Americans. It is clear we are overwhelmingly sick and disgusted with the status quo. Let the wake up call to both parties be loud, clear, and earthquaking. Let them shake in their Florsheim shoes that are too big anyway.
And beware folks if you visit any National Park this summer. The Dept. of the Interior is rendering The National Park Service silent on the deaths that could have been prevented. Prevented if the pedo in chief didn’t abscond money from the congressionally approved budget and use it for his little crybaby vanity projects at our White House and around DC.
National Park employees are not permitted to warn folks of any dangers as they roam and hike the trails of our beautiful parks. Yes OUR PARKS, NOT THE FELON’S. I can feel the energy of Teddy Roosevelt spinning in his grave all the way here in Pa.
Linda, I believe Heather Cox Richardson said that Trump took money from the National Park System for one of his projects. He said he was paying for it, but of course he wasn't. I can't recall which project, though.
Hi Deb, that was the African tile he had cut in Italy for the walkway from the residence to his entry to the White House. And we can’t forget his big beautiful lie that that ridiculous stupid Hitler bunker ballroom was being paid for by corporate donors also. No, we are.
Despite what they are told I still feel a ranger would warn us of a bear on the trail. Or a moose with babies to protect. Plus there is always signage warning of recent sightings or danger on the trail. Why is the dept of the interior warning them to stay silent on preventative deaths?
By DOI directive, The National Park Service has prohibited their Staff from reporting visitor deaths and disclosing the severity of injuries.
This lack of information will cause people to underestimate environmental extremes (i.e. heat, water, etc.) and people will not be made aware of dangers.
Don't you see there is a calculated plan in all Agencies to hide critical information to Americans? Regime controls all information.
I definitely see the calculated plan. I didn’t realize park deaths were on the radar. Plus it is counterintuitive. If they were allowed to do their jobs there would likely be less deaths. But by withholding information that causes more deaths and they need to cover it up, just let them do their jobs and there is no need to cover anything up.
Skip, one of the problems is that the park staff have been laid off in droves so $$ could be redirected to Trump’s vanity projects in DC. So if there actually is a ranger on duty, yes, we could expect s/he would warn folks of dangers. But are they even there? Parks are now understaffed and underfunded everywhere, and essential repairs have been canceled because their budgets were slashed.
Damn right there will be investigations.real ones, not political theater, not the government investigating and prosecuting seashell arrangements and people’s mortgages, or investigating just for the expense and irritation to the investigated. There are crimes being committed, and graft and corruption flowing freely, and this will be stooled. We are sick to death of lawless actions and mindless stupidity that is harming our beloved nation. Tear down the schmatta and dreck…..and give us back our dignity,
I agree, CE. Due process has been thrown out the window in this regime. While I’m not interested in creating a Dem-based “revenge tour”; I am very interested in righting the wrongs and returning due process to our nation for all of us, including immigrants. Michael seems to forget all the wrongs committed by this regime, for which they absolutely should be held accountable.
So! What would you have us do? Not win the House and Senate so we have no chance of survival? Not fight back? I'm sorry Michael, I'm confused. Who's side are you on?
Thank you Michael. I appreciated your clarity, perspective and very realistic snapshot. Interesting how this community reads your words so disparately. And ironically, there were a few essays that I did not love, although your writing is potent and clear. But this one is a snapshot of the likely political battles. I say bring it on.
Good Grief Michael, are you kidding ? This has to be one the most offensive pieces you have written. OMG Jeez.. The nightmare we are in right now is because Mitch McConnell refused to convict the shithead after he was impeached the last time. Then Biden appointed Garland and he would not investigate Trump. The only thing they did was have the hearings on the insurrection. And they prosecuted the J6 criminals which Trump has pardoned and now wants to use a slush fund to pay them off for future violence.(Which you defended so you can get money) And yes it is a choice between our democracy surviving and having Trump and company completely destroy our democracy and our standing around the world. You are clearly trying to get in with dumpty and company again. How sad and infuriating. ..
Mary, thank you for saying the truth. I too feel that Michael still wants to be in trump's inner circle again. He paints both sides with the same brush. Michael lost me months ago. I will not be renewing my subscription. And the number of emails announcing another podcast or whatever is too much.
Thanks Maurine. I am not renewing my subscription either . Somehow I don't think he cares.
I think every comment for the last 2 weeks has been hidden. A few others have also joined the “club.” 🤣🤣🤣
I had no idea that this happens. Nothing would surprise me anymore.
My comment was hidden down below. LOL. Funny how Cohen wants us all to "like, comment and restack...." unless you don't agree with him, or say something disparaging about his "boss." My paid subscription ends in August. NO renewal.
Just in case I'll write it again .. I had no idea that this happens , but nothing surprises me anymore.
Your post is not hidden. Always scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll see: “hidden comments.”
"Cheering on the bloodclot."
Dianne, respectfully, he does not hide your comments when you respond to the topic.
You posted Neil Sedaka post was very moving.
Hi Dianne, I may be mistaken on this, but wasn't another one of your comments on another of Michael's posts also hidden? I liked that one.
Once is happenstance,
Twice is coincidence,
Third time is enemy action.
I cancelled too. One week to go…..
Mary, if you cancel this Substack, they will give you 30 days free. Enough time to see Michael move on and so you are not giving anymore money to Michael Cohen.
Americans deserve better.
Thanks Dawn ..
I’ve read the article and your post twice now. What about it is specifically offensive? I read it as an article describing the power structures that change with a change in leadership. I missed the undertone of Michael trying to get in Trump’s orbit again.
Here is a recent substack where Michael gave specific views on Trump. Not sure if you saw this or not.
People keep making the mistake of viewing Trump through the lens of traditional politics. He doesn’t. Never did. Trump views politics the way casino operators view surveillance cameras: tools for protection and leverage. Everything is transactional. Everything is about preserving dominance.
And the Republican Party learned long ago that Trump rewards loyalty and punishes dissent with the emotional stability of a flamethrower in a fireworks factory.
Skip, I don't see that, either. I re-read. I still don't see it. I think he is talking about the machinery of partisan politics, no matter who is in power.
We’re getting some weird vibes because Michael is changing something. His posts seem different.
This corruption definitely needs to be addressed!
No doubt the tone of his posts have changed. They have become benign. And going out of the way to appear neutral if you like Trump or don’t like him Michael has no say. Back in the day he called Trump a narcissistic sociopath on live tv. I bet he wouldn’t say that today.
On a Saturday YouTube Michael says "the committees are there to investigate, to push reform." This is why he has a problem with Mike Johnson. We should all be drawing the line here. Johnson criticizing the Democrats goals. Recently Michael said if Trump does something wrong we'll call him out on it, if he does something right we'll let him know that too. Just because he isn't ripping Trump apart today it doesn't mean anything, IMHO.
When has Trump done anything right? Michael always cites immigration and not letting Iran get a nuclear weapon. Beyond that there is nothing. And why does Trump get this neutrality viewpoint? Many articles would be more impactful if trumps actions or posts were evaluated and included in the article. I believe that Michael stays myopic to avoid any Trump criticism. There are many, many times when Trump deserves massive criticism and as a community we hear nothing about it.
✅
Skip we can agree to disagree. Respectfully If you can't see what I see I don't think I can show you.
Fair enough. I will reread it again. I’m uncomfortable when I miss the undertone of an article.
Thats because it's not there.
Me too. I just think Michael knows what might happen and is angry. Don't blame him. Democrats better make Government work for us.
If Michael is so offensive then why are you here? Just to troll?
Suzanne, You don't like what I have to say, but no, I paid for my subscription just like you. I don't even know what a troll is. if you attack me I will leave the site no problem. . It is not my intention to get into a battle with anyone . You can write what you think I won't attack you.
Did you read his substack? What did you find offensive? I don't see anything that says Michael is looking to 'get in with dumpty.'
I seem to recall another moron who sat behind the Resolute Desk saying something that would be most appropriate here - “Bring it on”. Michael Cohen, stop playing games. Our country’s survival depends on the truth that these investigations uncover. In 1931, in Harlan County Kentucky, the coal miners that were standing up to the owners sang a song of protest that I’d suggest you listen to - and think about - “Which Side Are You On?”
From my perspective, Michael, I feel this article is a perfect example of “tone deafness,” or “not reading the room.”
It will take years to right this ship and repair the damage this regime has inflicted. Rebuilding trust—with our allies abroad and among our own citizens at home—will demand patience, competence, and a delicate balancing of countless priorities. Credibility isn’t restored overnight; it’s earned through steady, principled leadership over time.
There must be reform of our political system — from electing qualified people to term limitations — it must be done. Would you have brain surgery performed by someone who has only seen a “brain” their mom made in the Jell-o mold for Halloween? I hope not. So why then do we elect someone to the highest position in the country who is neither qualified nor trained in Constitutional law or possesses even an intermediate level understanding of how our government was designed to work?
Our mundane lives mean little to the vast majority of politicians.
Right , we are nothing compared to lobbyists cash .
Accountability not revenge.
Corruption demands Accountability.
If you break the Rule of Law, you get prosecuted. Due Process, huh?
Not always equally applied but essential to a Democracy.
Ask John Bolton. Is Justice always fair? Of course not. Trump did far worse than John Bolton and he suffered no consequences by owning Judge Aileen Cannon and rigging the system. Hopefully the future brings Accountability there.
After the Civil War, Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee and others should have been put on trial, but the Lincoln Administration thought it was better to "heal the country." Wrong. Insurrection demands Accountability.
I believe you can govern effectively and demand Accountability at all costs. If you don't do that our Democracy erodes.
So what do you believe Michael? Your prosecution was unfair?
All I can say is "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."
Americans deserve better.
Insurrection demands accountability , Lincoln made a major mistake there .
Hi Dawn, I agree with much of what you say, but there is the factor you mention, in terms of "shoulds".
In a real Justice system, Michael probably wouldn't have been prosecuted for the income tax stuff. As with most Americans, he would have been given notice about outstanding taxes, and provided with the opportunity to pay them back, which he did, anyway. Instead, under Bill Barr, the case became one of " tax evasion". A crime. He has been pointing out that if the Justice System is after you, they will find a way toward prosecution. Witness Letitia James, or James Comey.or anyone that a partisan Justice System will go prosecute.
Deb, no doubt that the Justice System is not always honest and some people are prosecuted where others are not or prosecuted to a lesser degree. But you need to research a little bit more to get a full picture of the story Michael tells.
Michael Cohen was convicted of campaign finance violations (hush Money-illegal, undisclosed corporate and excessive campaign contributions), tax evasion (hiding $4M in personal income and lying on a home equity app), bank fraud and lying to Congress regarding timeline of proposed Trump Tower Moscow). He admitted to these crimes and pleaded guilty instead of taking his cases to trial. He had an option to go to Trial.
Michael Cohen admitted his guilt. NPR and SDNY Press Release are good places to look at a detailed analysis on the crimes Michael Cohen was charged with.
Americans deserve better.
Thanks, Dawn, There are a few different takes on the criminal charges. Yes, for a few of them. Dubious about others. He's explained why he pled guilt to the ones related to taxes.
We already know the truth. And reputations should suffer for the guilty. Congress can legislate AND investigate at the same time. Not holding the bad guys accountable and punishing them for the sake of getting past something no longer works when government is involved. We want something else.
I agree the articles are getting more tone deaf by the day. Can't wait for the reunion announcement
Republicans started this shit. Jim Jordan, Comer, etc. etc. How about Newt Gingrich? Too many aholes to name individually
When I read accredited historians who have made their life’s work the study of American history and politics and I see how they validate their facts and make them accessible to us, we clearly see the destruction pedo in chief felon 47 is destroying what America took years to build. It is time for new blood to infuse the livelihood of all Americans. It is clear we are overwhelmingly sick and disgusted with the status quo. Let the wake up call to both parties be loud, clear, and earthquaking. Let them shake in their Florsheim shoes that are too big anyway.
And beware folks if you visit any National Park this summer. The Dept. of the Interior is rendering The National Park Service silent on the deaths that could have been prevented. Prevented if the pedo in chief didn’t abscond money from the congressionally approved budget and use it for his little crybaby vanity projects at our White House and around DC.
National Park employees are not permitted to warn folks of any dangers as they roam and hike the trails of our beautiful parks. Yes OUR PARKS, NOT THE FELON’S. I can feel the energy of Teddy Roosevelt spinning in his grave all the way here in Pa.
Linda, I believe Heather Cox Richardson said that Trump took money from the National Park System for one of his projects. He said he was paying for it, but of course he wasn't. I can't recall which project, though.
Hi Deb, that was the African tile he had cut in Italy for the walkway from the residence to his entry to the White House. And we can’t forget his big beautiful lie that that ridiculous stupid Hitler bunker ballroom was being paid for by corporate donors also. No, we are.
Thanks. Yes. I remember now. And so much of it is a lie.
Despite what they are told I still feel a ranger would warn us of a bear on the trail. Or a moose with babies to protect. Plus there is always signage warning of recent sightings or danger on the trail. Why is the dept of the interior warning them to stay silent on preventative deaths?
Skip, it is another example of Accountability!
By DOI directive, The National Park Service has prohibited their Staff from reporting visitor deaths and disclosing the severity of injuries.
This lack of information will cause people to underestimate environmental extremes (i.e. heat, water, etc.) and people will not be made aware of dangers.
Don't you see there is a calculated plan in all Agencies to hide critical information to Americans? Regime controls all information.
Americans deserve better.
I definitely see the calculated plan. I didn’t realize park deaths were on the radar. Plus it is counterintuitive. If they were allowed to do their jobs there would likely be less deaths. But by withholding information that causes more deaths and they need to cover it up, just let them do their jobs and there is no need to cover anything up.
Skip, one of the problems is that the park staff have been laid off in droves so $$ could be redirected to Trump’s vanity projects in DC. So if there actually is a ranger on duty, yes, we could expect s/he would warn folks of dangers. But are they even there? Parks are now understaffed and underfunded everywhere, and essential repairs have been canceled because their budgets were slashed.
That tracks. Thank you.
Skip, I would agree with you, if they cared about the American People. It is clear they do not. This is about Regime control of information.
This is about the Project 2025 Agenda. I would encourage all to
review the highlights of this document because they have already implemented the majority of their initiatives. Frightening.
Americans deserve better.
Damn right there will be investigations.real ones, not political theater, not the government investigating and prosecuting seashell arrangements and people’s mortgages, or investigating just for the expense and irritation to the investigated. There are crimes being committed, and graft and corruption flowing freely, and this will be stooled. We are sick to death of lawless actions and mindless stupidity that is harming our beloved nation. Tear down the schmatta and dreck…..and give us back our dignity,
I agree, CE. Due process has been thrown out the window in this regime. While I’m not interested in creating a Dem-based “revenge tour”; I am very interested in righting the wrongs and returning due process to our nation for all of us, including immigrants. Michael seems to forget all the wrongs committed by this regime, for which they absolutely should be held accountable.
Exactly! Well will have much needed crime investigations and accountability!
Bottom line. Trump and this administration has done enough damage! Democrats have to win back the house and/or senate and make Trump a lame duck!!
So! What would you have us do? Not win the House and Senate so we have no chance of survival? Not fight back? I'm sorry Michael, I'm confused. Who's side are you on?
Thank you Michael. I appreciated your clarity, perspective and very realistic snapshot. Interesting how this community reads your words so disparately. And ironically, there were a few essays that I did not love, although your writing is potent and clear. But this one is a snapshot of the likely political battles. I say bring it on.
Whomever coined the phrase: Race to the bottom. Should be commended.
I keep thinking we have hit bottom but there's always a lower level.
Well written