I dunno. Hard to distinguish a conspiracy along the lines you describe from the “just practical politics” I discussed in my original post. That is, you know you are going to lose so you do what you can to limit the damage you are going to suffer. Sort of going into “survive-the fight-today-to-be-able-to-fight-and-win-another-day” mode.
I realize you are still thinking on this but do you feel ultimately there is a single manipulator behind the scenes subtly maneuvering both sides? (Or are there possibly two or more (a la the “Great Game” of the 19th century)?)
Didn’t see the press conference, but I suspect that after the intelligence briefings he is starting to get, he is beginning to realize the really fun part of the job is now behind him.
“Next to a battle lost, the greatest misery is a battle gained.” - Duke of Wellington
Somewhere, John McCain may be laughing.
Somewhere, John McCain may be laughing.
That would be in Mudville, no doubt.