Thread by @saradannerdukic

In advance of Sondland’s upcoming deposition, let’s recreate the scenario regarding his late-night texts.

First of all Sondland isn’t trained in diplomacy or public service. He’s a hotel developer. And, a major Trump donor.
motherjones.com/politics/2019/…

continuing…

Reports had already surfaced that Trump is withholding aid.
politico.com/story/2019/08/…

After which Trump cancels his trip.

washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/…

Pence goes in his place.

https://twitter.com/costareports/status/1174849840414633987?s=21

Trump knows that the whistleblower complaint is in the works, and has known since around August 2 - basically, right after he made the call.
huffpost.com/entry/white-ho…

House Intel + Schiff also know something is wrong, but don’t have details.
google.com/amp/s/www.nyti…

Maguire has given Atkinson permission to inform Schiff of the existence of the complaint.
google.com/amp/s/www.nyti…

Bill Taylor has already (basically) said Ukraine shouldn’t be Trump’s tool.

washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/…

Bill Taylor has also pressed Sondland by asking: “Are we now saying that security assistance and WH meeting are conditioned on investigations?” to which Sondland replies “Call me.” (meaning, I don’t want this in writing).

So all this 👆 has occurred.

It’s September 8, the day before Atkinson will send a letter to Schiff letting him know that a whistleblower complaint has been made.

(sourcing for the following texts can be found here):
washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/…

Sondland texts Taylor, and Volker: “Guys multiple convos with Ze, Potus. Lets talk.”

12 hours later, they’re still working. It’s after midnight.

Taylor gives Sondland another opportunity to do the right thing:
“The message to the Ukrainians (and Russians) we send with the decision on security assistance is key. With the hold, we have already shaken their faith in us. Thus my nightmare scenario.”

Then he takes it a step further. Taylor memorializes a conversation in writing, and texts:
“As I said on the phone, I think it's crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign.”

At this point SONDLAND CALLS TRUMP. SOMETIME BETWEEN *1 AM and 5:19 AM.* Do you take non-emergency, non-OH SH*T calls between 1 and 5 am? I don’t.
nbcnews.com/politics/white…

Then, after speaking with Trump, he issues his very carefully worded response:
"Bill, I believe you are incorrect about President Trump’s intentions. The President has been crystal clear no quid pro quo’s of any kind. The President is trying to evaluate whether blah blah blah..."

And now Sondland wants us to believe that he had no idea what his role was in all of this, and is merely a messenger.
washingtonpost.com/world/national…