UPDATED: 07.28.2016 — Mr. Hinderaker has chosen the lowest possible path –he’s actually come out overnight specifically defending Mr. Trump’s remarks. First he calls them “flippant” — but then goes on to intimate that they exhibit a sort of SNL style media-savvy: simply tweaking the media’s nose. Except that it was in a serious press conference, not on SNL; not at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. No this was a serious event, and he was asked serious questions. He answered as a bully answers — with a sneer.

Even if we accept both of Mr. Hinderaker’s characterizations of the remarks (I don’t — I think Trump meant it all, in earnest), these are no defenses to the arguable attempted crime: abetting espionage.

To use a simple — if imperfect — analogy, go ask TSA if making bomb “jokes” in line at the airport is any sort of defense. Once again John’s “defense” of the indefensible will lead to a broad renunciation of the speaker Trump’s goals. End Update.

It is all within an eyelash-width of treason, and I would say unprecedented — in the 220 plus years of history — of even the most ugly of US Presidential politics, that a GOP nominee would seek a foreign power’s aid, in influencing the outcome of a US Presidential election — by encouraging espionage, by that foreign power’s spy agency.

That nominee today, of course, is Donald Trump. And he encouraged lawless action, abetting espionage, aimed at a former US Secretary of State — but seeking her documents in her capacity as Secretary of State. From Russia. [Let’s not forget that Condi Rice, under Bush 43, confessed to using private email for classified documents, when she was Secretary of State.]

It is hard not to think the man (Trump) has come unhinged. Seeking direct aid and comfort from the KGB?! Really? Against the US — in an election battle?!

And naturally — Mr. Hinderaker — having made his deal with this devil — falls silent.

Disgusting. We all know that if the shoe were on the other foot, he’d be seeking Congressional inquiries, impeachments, and special prosecutors for the crime of high treason.

But that’s just John. He’s myopic like that.