I saw that earlier - but what the heck? What is Gates’ plea deal for then? to *NOT* say anything? As I recall posting, he was on the 35 person witness list. Makes one wonder if Manafort was a plant! ;)
I think the answer to why Gates won’t testify is that the Mule team can’t risk exposing him to cross examination. As I understood one of the defense tactics, however, they’re going to shove stuff off on Gates as being the one who set things up. If Gates doesn’t testify then it would seem some degree or amount of testimony I’d think can’t stand on its own but I’m not familiar with their evidence of course. It is very puzzling!