Justice department tests separation of powers before midterms

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe Justice Department is stepping into the midterms in the final weeks, with the attorney general campaigning for Republican candidates and federal agents searching the home of a Democratic congresswoman.

2. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThat congresswoman is Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, who is seeking a fifth term.

3. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorShe says the administration is targeting political opponents three weeks before she faces voters.

4. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorThe department's own policy usually avoids overt steps against candidates within about sixty days of a vote, a law professor told Al Jazeera, and this search appeared to break with that.

5. 

   Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentSixty days. That's a rule everyone follows until the exact moment it matters.

6. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorMore than a hundred twenty-seven thousand Minnesotans had already voted when it happened.

7. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorTrump told reporters it had nothing to do with him and was really up to the department.

8. 

   Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentUp to the department. Which he runs. Bro, that's like blaming your own group chat.

9. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorHouse Democratic leaders called the search deeply disturbing, and I expect the other side will call it routine. Everybody has a script.

10. 

    Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorNobody has a referee.

11. 

    Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNo referee.