So said Dan Bongino, the deputy director of the F.B.I., sitting alongside the F.B.I. director Kash Patel, quoted at the end of the previous post. The topic is what does he know about Thomas Crooks, the man who shot Trump’s ear.
Here‘s the Fox News interview where Bongino makes the statement. Listen to his tone, watch his eyes, assess his demeanor.
I’m noticing this verbal tic, this argument format: If X were true, I would have told you. It’s an oft-expressed idea. It’s the same idea as “Trust me” or “Would I lie?” But those are laughably ineffectual expressions these days.
I’m noticing this new effort at demanding trust. Kash Patel used it on Joe Rogan (talking about the Epstein video): “If there was a video of some guy — or gal — committing felonies — and I’m in charge — don’t you think you’d see it?”
I’m paying attention to this after experiencing Tim Dillon’s brilliant trashing of Patel. “They’re doing ‘Who’s On First,'” with Joe as Costello and Kash as Abbott: