New Theory (to me) - that Jeff Flake was put out there to arrange a deal on the

[Laura PourMeADrink]

WEAK-WEEK investigation. "Make it look like you are appeasing them/siding with them...but of course, you won't. Remember, if you want to run in 2020, you will need Republicans."

Or - they just knew he was wishy-washy and knew (not having a savvy bone in his body) - he'd jump on it.

This makes total sense. He was the "fig leaf" (knowingly or unknowingly).

Although - doesn't jibe with the latest - that Trump actually DID want to expand the FBI probe, but McGahn said " Whoa, if we do that, your guy is going down, big time."