"Rudy is making a lot of sense on Fox News. I like his analytical talents, and ability to cut to the heart of matters. He is emphasizing accountability and performance, and consequences. Very good, very persuasive. He should have give the speech tonight, as it were. JMO."
WHAT? That would have been entirely inappropriate. He's not our CIC.
I said, "as it were." That means of course, it is template of fantasy - a musing, about given if, then if.