Me: I’m stuck — it seems like the Russians were playing everybody in the election.

Deep Throat: You’re missing it.

Me: But Hillary Clinton’s campaign …

DT: Forget that. Plenty in the bureau hate the Clintons. Always have and will always try to dirty them. Keep your eye on what’s important.

Me: Which is …?

DT: (exasperated) Don’t make it so hard. Can’t you see? The Russians wanted Trump, not Clinton. Their entire intervention in our election — from the news bots, to allies like Carter Page, Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn to the meeting with Don Jr. — was about hoping to elect a president who would ease the sanctions that pinch the oligarchy that enables Putin.

AD

AD

Me: But so what? Trump didn’t do anything directly.

DT: Look at obstruction.

Me: Hard to prove.

DT: You’ll have to figure that out. But again, look at the pattern: lying about campaign contacts with Russia; trying to set up secret back channels; firing Comey; even offering to pay legal fees for people who could rat him out. What do you think is going on? Even now — see how they’re setting the table to fire Mueller. The rot goes deep.

Me: Give me something more.

DT: You’re on your own. Wait — I hear something.