Vindman reminds me of several people I have known over the years. Government and education especially seem to attract and accommodate them. As a type, they tend to be trouble-making busybodies who generate little in the way of useful work product.
I have a “Frank Burns” here who is universally disliked from what I can tell.
Ironically his last name is the same as one of the likeable MASH guys.
There is no Margaret Houlihan though.
This is very true what you have said. These kind of “mealy-mouthed nimnods” appear out of nowhere and skyrocket to fame. I wonder how much they’re paying him to squeal...