MSNBC Live host Stephanie Ruhle invited New York Times columnist James Stewart on her Monday show to discuss the latest controversies sourounding Attorney General Bill Barr. Among the things discussed was the letter signed by 1,100 ex-DOJ officials demanding Barr resign, two of them-- Joyce Vance and Matt Miller-- rounded out the unbalanced panel that wondered if Barr is "un-American."
Ruhle began by referencing, "an essay by Donald Ayer, this is the a man that preceded Bill Barr as Deputy Attorney General under President Bush, the first. He wrote, 'It is not too strong to say that Bill Barr is un-American.' He said he actually goes on to say Barr is actively trying to destroy the core principles of the Justice Department.
While Ayer may have worked for Bush many years ago, today he is not exactly a Republican. He has donated to many candidates throughout his life, but the only Republican he has donated to in the last 20 years is Lincoln Chafee, who has since run for president as a Democrat.
Stewart naturally agreed that only is Barr is un-American, but President Trump is too, solemnly declaring, "Well, I think we have to realize what's at stake here. It is really the rule of law. This country is based on rule of law, it’s a government of law, not of men, that no man or woman is above the law. That's what's being undermined here. We’re seeing the president act like the law is his tool to use how he wants and I think in many ways you could say that's un-American."
Since MSNBC will not, it is worth pointing out there is still zero evidence that suggests Trump was involved in the DOJ's decision to revise its sentencing recommendation in the Roger Stone case. There is also zero evidence Barr did so because Stone was Trump's ally.
MSNBC is the place to question the patriotism of others — so long as the individual involved is a conservative or Republican.
Here is a transcript of the February 17 show:
MSNBC
MSNBC Live with Stephanie Ruhle
9:38 AM ET
STEPHANIE RUHLE: James, I want to share what was published in the Atlantic today, an essay by Donald Ayer, this is the a man that preceded Bill Barr as Deputy Attorney General under President Bush, the first. He wrote “it is not too strong to say that Bill Barr is un-American.” He said he actually goes on to say Barr is actively trying to destroy the core principles of the Justice Department. Ayer is somebody who has known Bill Barr for 40 years.
JAMES STEWART: Well, I think we have to realize what's at stake here. It is really the rule of law. This country is based on rule of law, it’s a government of law, not of men, that no man or woman is above the law. That's what's being undermined here. We’re seeing the president act like the law is his tool to use how he wants and I think in many ways you could say that's un-American.
