Thread by @MollyMcKew

This seems like a good day to remind that the laziest way to explain something complex in context of Mueller/Russia investigation is to say someone has "dual loyalties" or is "a double agent."

Nope.

This just means whoever saying it doesn't get the motivations of the actor.

For example -- Kilimnik -- not a double agent. Just because he met with someone at the State Dept does not mean he was a US asset. This is just a misunderstanding of what State does.

Sater -- gave secondhand, approved info from Russian intel to ingratiate himself to US authorities. Not a double agent. This is a misunderstanding of what he was doing and why -- and who he fears.

Someone being a mercenary does not mean they have dual loyalties. It just means they are slime for the right price. They have no loyalty.

There's this great trick that Russian gray actors play -- making themselves seem like more than what they are, which is someone acting to advance the Kremlin's interests. If that's the priority, that's what they are.