Charlie(C),

“His voice was trembling, his face looked ashen.”

Maybe orange isn’t his color?

I agree with your analysis of the original act. Sheer stupidity and venality account for the vast majority of misdeeds. A former “Big Dog” sitting amongst the minions in the archives may have given himself “Big Dog” status again by playing ‘cover Bubba’s butt’ one more time.

Bubba’s chuckling dismissal of his National Security Advisor as a bumbling doofus who needed a keeper doesn’t do much for the “protect the legacy” theory. He’s pretty much telling the world that while Old Yeller was an dear, loyal and close companion, it’s time to pick up a shovel and take him out behind the barn.

Wonder who got detailed to deliver the Tom Harken line.