The Trump-Russia story is a drama that has unfolded in four acts.

Act I: Denial

George Stephanopoulos: “Are there any ties between Mr. Trump, you or your campaign and Putin and his regime?”

Paul Manafort: “No, there are not. That’s absurd.” — July 24, 2016

Donald Trump: “I have nothing to do with Russia. I don’t have any jobs in Russia. I’m all over the world, but we’re not involved in Russia.” — July 26, 2016