By Matt Underwood Vindman demands release of Trump-MBS call after Khashoggi murder: ‘You will be shocked’ – this is what we’re talking about, and it’s a topic that’s clearly stirring up a lot of feelings. The basic premise is that Alexander Vindman, a key figure in the Trump-Ukraine scandal, is calling for the release of the transcript and potentially the audio recording of the phone call between former President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) following the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He believes that the contents will be shocking, which is a pretty bold statement, considering the political climate and the things we’ve already witnessed.
A common sentiment seems to be a sense of weary cynicism. Many people seem to feel that they’ve already seen so much that it’s hard to imagine being truly shocked anymore. There’s a widespread feeling that Trump prioritized business deals with Saudi Arabia over justice for Khashoggi. Several people point out that the details of the relationship between Trump, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and MBS are already suspect and that the call is likely to reveal something quite damaging, with claims of Kushner utilizing the U.S. government to track Khashoggi’s movements to feed information to MBS.
The question of whether or not we will be shocked is a running thread. The implication is that we probably won’t be, with many anticipating that the transcript will simply confirm existing suspicions of Trump’s complicity or at least indifference to Khashoggi’s murder, prioritizing deals over moral considerations. Some suggest it may be something along the lines of, “I wish we could kill our reporters like you did Mr. MBS.” It’s a sentiment born from the constant barrage of troubling revelations we’ve faced in recent years. This suggests an understanding of the depth of potential wrongdoing, which has created a widespread cynicism and a feeling of inevitability.
The call for transparency extends beyond just the transcript itself. There’s a strong demand for the release of all relevant files and information. The reasoning behind this is quite clear: without the full picture, it’s difficult to assess the extent of the alleged wrongdoing and hold those responsible accountable. There are concerns that any released transcript would be heavily redacted, potentially obscuring key details. Some are left wondering why the Biden administration did not release the information.
There’s a lot of talk about the lack of consequences and accountability in general. This speaks to a broader frustration with the political system and the perceived ability of powerful figures to evade justice. The situation is viewed as a clear example of prioritizing power and profit over human rights and ethics.
There’s also a considerable amount of frustration aimed at the slow pace of any potential revelations. People are asking why this wasn’t released sooner. The implication is that this information should have been made public long ago, and that the delay only serves to protect the guilty. There is a sense of the system being rigged or obstructed.
The fact that Vindman, who played a key role in exposing the details of Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, is the one demanding the release, adds weight to the request. This connection to a previous scandal gives added credibility to Vindman’s claims and reinforces the idea that there is something important to be uncovered.
The reference to the Speech and Debate Clause is interesting. It highlights the protections afforded to members of Congress, suggesting that even if Vindman himself were to reveal details of the call, he would be protected from legal repercussions. This illustrates the legal intricacies that can both hinder and help in bringing such information to light.
The focus on the potential financial dealings further fuels the sense of corruption. The idea that Trump and Kushner may have benefited financially from their relationship with MBS is seen as a key aspect of the scandal. This adds another layer to the narrative, making it about not only covering up a murder but also about personal enrichment at the expense of justice.
The overall tone is one of a weary but determined demand for transparency and accountability. Even if shock is unlikely, the public wants the truth to come out, and they want to see someone held responsible for the alleged actions. The repeated questioning of Biden’s actions, or lack thereof, adds another layer of complexity. It illustrates the often-cynical view of politics, regardless of political affiliation.