Seems extremely odd that Toobin wouldn’t answer yes or no as to whether he had interviewed Thomas. He would know the answer, and not much point in trying to cover up the reality.
Actually, not odd at all. It sounds like Thomas wouldn’t give Toobin the time of day. But Toobin can’t just say he wasn’t INTERESTED in talking to Thomas, because that would sound like he was biased.
And he certainly can’t say he TRIED to talk to Thomas and failed, because then it would question is influence and ability to do the job.
So instead, he passes it off, and puts it to Thomas to explain why they didn’t talk. When Thomas says there was no talk, it won’t rub off so much on Toobin.
“Seems extremely odd that Toobin wouldn’t answer yes or no as to whether he had interviewed Thomas.”
It’s more than odd, it’s dishonest. If he didn’t interview Thomas, why couldn’t he simply say so?