But, without any action or planning taking place, it's a conspiracy without any substance. It's closer to a thought crime than a pre-planned illegal action.
I must be stupid because I don’t see the beef.
Collusion: secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others.
In what way is agreeing to hear about something damaging an opponent has done “secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others.”
We are allowing the enemy to subtly redefine words and weaponize them.