(10-04-2019, 07:51 AM)jj82284 Wrote:

(10-04-2019, 07:04 AM)mikesez Wrote: Why ask for something if it isn't a "thing of value"?

Thing of value has a slecific meaning under the statute and does not cover normal interactions with foreign officials in the course of their business.  For instance, it wasnt an in kind donation "thing of value" when the presidents of mexico signed the usmca trade agreement or when a foreign leader comes in gor a state dinner.  These all could have direst, indirect or terciary affects that boost the presidents political standing, but all fall within his natural duties as President of the United States.  Likewise, the president is the chief law enforcement officer in the United States. It is his constitutional obligation to ensure that the laws of this country are Faithfully executed. And under the conditions of certain treaties it is his obligation to expose corruption in this country would certain allies. As such requesting investigation of anyone if proven successful could have a direct indirect or tertiary political benefit for the president. The question as to whether or not it represents a corrupt intent is the presence or lack thereof of probable cause to justify the investigation.

Exactly.
A president's objectives as he enters a negotiation with another country must arise out of and agree with the national interest.  From all accounts, our trade negotiations with Canada and Mexico had good objectives and results.
And having more accountable prosecutors in Ukraine is also justifiable as a national interest. 
But having Ukraine go after one specific US citizen is a personal interest.
When the President of one country talks with the President of another, and they're not already personal friends, they both have to be scrupulous to only bring up matters of their own national interest.

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