Members-Only Article
Let’s stipulate that the bogus Devin Nunes memo was designed to muddy the waters, kick up a lot of dust, spread chaff — pick your metaphor.
When Robert Mueller, who is supervised by Rod Rosenstein, makes an allegation against Trump or his associates, then what about Rosenstein’s own problems? What about the FBI’s bias? It’s simple, direct and not terribly creative whataboutism (though I have to say the whole “secret memo” designation has worked brilliantly). But for the con to work, you have to maintain the charade, stroking your chin and muttering about your grave concerns and the dark conspiracy that could be at work. You have to pretend to believe the mock concerns you’re raising.