Mark Levin, a constitutional law attorney and conservative radio host, responded with a sober perspective on a timely New York Times article out Sunday night that cited an as-yet unpublished book manuscript by former national security adviser John Bolton to report President Donald Trump linked a hold on Ukrainian aid to an investigation of Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden.

The Times reported that the president told Bolton in August he wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until the country helped with investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens.

The book manuscript was conveniently leaked to the newspaper just in time to apply pressure on Senate Republicans to allow new witnesses in Trump’s trial, but Levin is saying even if the assertion is true — when it comes to the Times, the odds are a toss-up — so what?

“If every word of this New York Times story is true, which I doubt as it’s another politically timed leak, how does this change anything? As a matter of FACT, there was no quid pro quo. And there’s still no evidence to the contrary,” he tweeted in response to a Breitbart News article.

If every word of this New York Times story is true, which I doubt as it’s another politically timed leak, how does this change anything? As a matter of FACT, there was no quid pro quo. And there’s still no evidence to the contrary. https://t.co/ivpSXilnIM — Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) January 27, 2020

In effect, former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino said the same thing during an appearance Monday on Fox & Friends.

“There is nothing Bolton adds to the conversation about a substantive crime because no substantive crime ever happened. None,” Bongino said.

In a series of other tweets, Levin let it be known he believes there’s more at play here, laying out the strategy that Bolton appears to have employed here for his benefit.

“Bolton’s book was obviously timed for maximum impact & sales. Having written 8 books, I can tell you that it’s extraordinary that an author could complete a book in about 2 months and the published release it in 3-4 months,” Levin began.

“In approximately 6 months since departing the White House, Bolton’s book will be in bookstores. And now the litigation strategy makes sense. First, he went to court to seek a judge’s opinion on whether he could testify in the House,” he continued.

2. In approximately 6 months since departing the White House, Bolton’s book will be in bookstores.

And now the litigation strategy makes sense. First, he went to court to seek a judge’s opinion on whether he could testify in the House. — Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) January 27, 2020

“Then, he does an about face, announcing through counsel that he’s available to testify should the Senate ask him,” Levin added. “Therefore, he sought to delay any testimony while still writing his book, but after he completed it – submitted it for NSC review, he became available for the trial.”

“And he became available because he knew he’d be criticized for holding back his allegations until the book’s release,” he said in conclusion. “Moreover, the strategy also maximizes publicity for the book. The cover of the book is presently highlighted on Drudge and through the media.”

4. And he became available because he knew he’d be criticized for holding back his allegations until the book’s release. Moreover, the strategy also maximizes publicity for the book. The cover of the book is presently highlighted on Drudge and through the media. — Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) January 27, 2020

All of this occurring the very day Bolton’s book is available for presale — a brilliant strategy if your motivation is to sell your book, no?

Meanwhile, President Trump took to Twitter to quickly deny he ever told Bolton the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats.

While Bolton said he is prepared to testify in the Senate trial if subpoenaed, there is nothing preventing him from calling an immediate news conference to proclaim that can prove the president engaged in wrongdoing — if in fact he can.

Levin wasn’t finished, though… coming back to note how the same Democrats who used to trash Bolton now love him, and adding that the whole sordid affair is “pure demagoguery.”

2. Every alleged utterance potentially monumental. And the trial is a sham, coverup, partisan, etc. without him. Pure demagoguery. — Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) January 27, 2020

Here’s a quick sampling of responses from skeptical social media users:

It doesn’t change anything. Bolton is trying to sell a book. — ?????Irredeemable Marie????? (@DMari44) January 27, 2020

This trickle out play has been used for Justice Kavanaugh, as well. The Dems seem to have it in their heads that adding meaningless things to a story makes it more credible and demands further attention. Their goal remains occupying Senate time and creating 2020 ads. — David Rooks (@Maximura01) January 27, 2020

Zelensky said there was no pressure from President @realDonaldTrump

Meanwhile – Joe Biden is seen on video demanding a #QuidProQuo FULL STOP — HeisenbergHattie (@HBergHattie) January 27, 2020

It doesn’t change the Facts at ALL. This was all a set up timed perfectly at the 11th Hour, a Hail Mary pass to the Senate Republicans under pressure to call Bolton as a witness. This is just another “Insurance Policy” against President Trump! Still No Preconditions, NO Crime!! — ASouthernBelle (@CarlaSledge2) January 27, 2020

Exactly!! ? Politically timed to sell a book. — Mr Producer (@RichSementa) January 27, 2020

Exactly, We’re asked to believe another “Anonymous Source” about a Book (that could be Fiction) by a Disgruntled Ex-Employee. Rather than reading the transcript, looking at ALL the actual Facts & disregard the words of @realDonaldTrump & the Leader of the Ukraine – NAH #NoCrimes — Bob Laughlin (@Bob_Laughlin) January 27, 2020