The legal pooh-bahs are all aflutter, issuing statements as to how this is the classic first prosecutorial step. Surely, Paul Manafort will crack, say the cognoscenti, and, as part of a plea bargain, will give evidence against somebody more important, perhaps even someone whose last name is Trump.
Not so fast. I project this scenario: Manafort, having already pleaded not guilty, clams up. He has no incentive to speak, because he has no fear. Months (or years) from now, just before trial, President Trump will issue some tweets to the effect of, “This is all an attack by Hillary Clinton supporters!” and pardon Manafort and anybody else who has been indicted by Robert Mueller. If Mueller then brings Manafort before the grand jury, Manafort will take the Fifth, because he…