Of all the bombastic statements ever uttered by Attorney General William “Bill” Barr, a remark made toward the end of a lengthy interview with CBS News in May will be remembered above the rest. Asked how “history” will look upon his controversial motion to dismiss the criminal charges that Special Counsel Robert Mueller brought against Michael Flynn for making false statements to the FBI, Barr raised his eyebrows, chortled loudly, and flashed a sly smile.
Then he answered:
“Well, history is written by the winner. So it largely depends on who’s writing the history. But I think a fair history would say that it [the move to drop the Flynn case] was a good decision because it upheld the rule of law.”
Barr’s attempt to dismiss Flynn’s prosecution went wildly awry. The dismissal motion was intensely litigated, and Flynn was still awaiting sentencing when, on November 25, President Trump issued the retired Army lieutenant general and former national security adviser a “full and unconditional pardon” for “any and all possible offenses” arising from the Mueller investigation. No matter that Flynn had twice pleaded guilty to the false statement charge. So much for the rule of law. Continue reading.