No it doesn’t excuse the behavior. It is common for private dicks to employ a woman to come on to a man to expose him as a cheater. Happens in divorce cases all the time.
Good point.
Might be personal despite the political angle, especially as Dix isn’t really a commanding leader and was saddled with being the Senate leader during a Senate GOP sexual harassment lawsuit.
There are a couple of potential successors that equal or surpass Dix’ political skills.