Cohen-Stormy (Try to) Take DC
When Cohen thinks Trump is going to win election he makes the payment to Stormy Daniels. Idea is to bring credit to her old story. He creates an NDA he signs on Trump's behalf (wo Trump knowing).
Trump becomes POTUS. Russia story is going no where, queue Stormy story (triggered by Cohen).
Stormy story starts to deteriorate, not as big of a hit as they thought it would be. Cohen panics, releases info that POTUS not under criminal investigation.
POTUS (now pissed) tells reporters Cohen made the payment to Stormy ask him.
LIGHT on Cohen.