Among the most risible things about Watergate (you put your tape along the door jamb, not across it so the Guard can see it) is the picture of Rose Mary Woods attempting to duplicate the circumstances under which she said she accidentally erased 18 minutes of the “Smoking Gun” Tape (immediately after the “Smoking Gun” statement so if done deliberately it contained admissions of guilt that would make the “Smoking Gun” pale in comparison).
Well in Ukraine-gate (I should devote some time to finding a catchy coinage for this debacle) there is this 5 hour gap between the last text from Ukrainian Ambassador Bill Taylor to EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland-
As I said on the phone, I think it’s crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign
And Sondland’s reply-
Bill, I believe you are incorrect about President Trump’s intentions. The President has been crystal clear no quid pro quo’s of any kind.
Followed by a warning that it’s really kind of dumb to conspire, in writing, to extort dirt on a Campaign Opponent from a Foreign National WHICH IS HIGHLY ILLEGAL! No fooling.
Now we find out that during the 5 hour gap secure phone lines were burning between Pennsylvania Avenue and Kiev. Coincidence?
It would be irresponsible not to speculate.