Colorado Matters, Cory Gardner, December 6, 2018
Station: KCFR, 90.1 fm
Show: Colorado Matters
Guests: Gardner, Cory
Link: http://www.cpr.org/news/podcast/colorado-matters
Date: December 6, 2018
Topics:
HOST RYAN WARNER: [00:00:00] Let’s turn to the Mueller Russia probe. A key but short-lived member of the Trump administration has given Mueller — quote — “substantial assistance.” The special counsel therefore is recommending no jail time for former National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn. What exactly Flynn offered up is unclear, but it’s an important development, apparently, in an investigation that the President could seek to derail. Outgoing Arizona senator, Jeff Flake, has called for a Mueller protection bill. The Senate Majority Leader says that would be a futile gesture. Do you agree that such legislation is futile? Or do you think it would send an important signal to the White House?
UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM COLORADO, CORY GARDNER: [00:00:41] Well, I think what sends an important signal to the White House is our support in the Senate for the Mueller investigation. And that transcends any legislation. I haven’t heard a senator yet who is opposed to the Mueller Investigation. This is critically important, that this investigation be completed. It needs to be completed. I’ve said that many time, and will continue to support the investigation. I think it’s in the best interest of the President. If the President believes that he did nothing wrong, then the Mueuller investigation will find that. And if there is something wrong, the American people need to know that. And so, that’s why I think this is so important.
WARNER: [00:01:13] Why not put the weight behind it with some sort of legislation?
GARDNER: [00:01:19] Well, I think the weight behind it is the fact that we’re not playing politics, here. And I’m concerned that others want to play politics. I want to see this investigation carried through. Look, if the President wants to disband the Mueller investigation — if he wants to find out what it feels like to touch the sun — he can disband the Mueller investigation. It’s not a good thing.
WARNER: [00:01:38] So, you don’t support any legislative action, in that regard. If President Trump moved to fire Bob Mueller, do you think the President should face some sort of consequence? What would that be?
GARDNER: [00:01:48] Well, again, I think if you want to find out what it feels like to touch the sun, take that direction, take that action. The President has not done this. He will not do this. And he should not do this.
WARNER: [00:01:56] I wonder why you wouldn’t want a Mueller protection bill.
GARDNER: [00:02:00] Well, I think I’ve been very clear. Some people want to play politics. This investigation needs to continue. And it’s in the best interest of this country for this. I’m not about playing politics I’m about getting results.
WARNER: [00:02:09] You think that a Mueller protection bill is playing politics, then?
GARDNER: [00:02:13] I’ve answered the question about my support for this Mueller investigation. It must continue.
