“Immaterial.”
Well, it’s pretty material that Podesta couldn’t possibly have been talking about “the leaker”, as you asserted.
“Podesta himself gives a plausible motive for killing leakers and taking that risk.”
Except the email chain wasn’t talking about killing anyone, it was talking about rescinding job offers to potential hires that were found to be leaking, and telling other potential hires that those would the consequences. Podesta wasn’t even the one proposing it, he just agreed with the recommendation.
“Would no one rid me of this troublesome priest?!!”
You missing the point. The author of this article said he could not fathom any reason why someone would kill a leaker due to the risk. Could have pointed out in my own words, well you make an example of the leaker. But why use my words when I can quote Podesta ?