@Finn dAbuzz,
Quote:Do you really expect anyone in the White House to want an investigation into this trumped up matter?
I think you're basically correct as you lay out the kabuki dance that normally characterizes these "demands for an investigation". Sometimes the process leads to indictments, other times just embarrassment.
But what is the alternative? Here you have a pattern of suspicious behavior where people at first deny any contact with any Russian. Then there's an admission — accompanied with a denunciation of "leaks" — well, yes, there was contact but it'd been forgotten. Okay. Then we find out there were several contacts made, by several people, several times. The whole thing just looks suspicious.
Why not short circuit the whole process? Big press conference. President steps out, makes a short statement. "The rumors you have heard are true. I had a consensual sexual relationship with an intern, Ms. Lewinsky, and I've had consensual sexual affairs throughout my political career. I apologize to my family, to my supporters, and to the American people and my intention is to seek counseling and treatment for this disorder. I am compiling the money necessary to settle accusations against me from other victims, to be settled out of court. This is decidedly a personal matter and having cleared the air, I expect to be back to the business of running the country tomorrow morning." blah-blah-blah...
But couldn't Trump do this? Come right out and spell out exactly what all the contacts were about? "I am, first and foremost, a deal maker. To make a deal, you must know the parties you will be dealing with and cultivate some sort of personal relationship. I was told by close associates who were familiar with the situation that the Russians were interested in a possible quid pro quo and, given the massive advantages my opponent had, I saw no reason not to open up a dialogue. " blah-blah-blah...
It's the accumulation of incremental tidbits and factoids that gives these scandals real staying power. You'd think by now that politicians and media-savvy moguls of Mr. Trump's stature would recognize the signs and move to head off the impending biopsy. Lay out the full story for everyone to see. Don't let this rip your party apart. Don't undercut your loyal, blind defenders. Just announce exactly what was being discussed and why. Definitely the best policy. You know, unless you really need to hide something.
