Thread by @jedshug

1. Smart @MollyMcKew: “By embroiling Ukraine in scandal, Trump is advancing core Kremlin objectives.”

2. But go further:
Trump coercing disinformation that Ukraine framed him is an effort to exonerate Russia & make Ukraine an enemy.
Hmm, who might’ve wanted Trump to do this?

https://twitter.com/politico/status/1180815007535247360

2/ Yes, Trump has his own reasons to push an absurd theory that Ukraine framed Manafort, not Russia winning the election for Trump.

But ask: why risk it on July 25?
In addition to Trump really being this dumb, think:

A. Manafort pardon
B. Putin calls:
washingtonpost.com/world/2019/10/…

3/ Giuliani had met w/ Manafort.
Once it was clear Manafort had successfully undermined Mueller investigation, it’s clear he’d expect a pardon.

The Zelenskiy call- the day after Mueller’s House testimony- focused on Manafort’s crazy defense for 2016...
Setting stage for pardon.

4/ Now consider that Trump had not talked to Putin in 2019...
until 3 long calls in May, June, and July...

After the Mueller report was out.
Trump felt clear and free to strategize 2020 and tie up loose ends.
Like Manafort, his nonsense defense, and a pardon?

5/ Trump has to worry that Manafort will get impatient waiting in jail, expecting a pardon. Or start cooperating for reduced sentence.

How can Trump signal to Manafort to be patient?

Draft a statement for the Ukraine PM to read that he is investigating Manafort’s crazy defense.

6/ I’m not saying Manafort’s absurd Ukraine/black book framing theory has to undermine all of his convictions legally for a rational observer.
It just has to be a truthy story for why Manafort deserves a pardon/commutation after a year for lesser crimes.
Truth enough for @foxnews

7/
Trump spoke to Putin 3 times after Mueller report released:
-May 3 for an hour.
-June 28
-July 31, 6 days after the Trump-Zelensky call.

Plenty of opportunities to coordinate this message for 2020 campaign and keeping Manafort patient for a pardon.