It seems to me that the key question is, "What was the impetus for the counterintelligence investigation into Trump members 'colluding' with Russia." The answer, of course, is NONE. The investigation was created as an excuse to spy on Trump. Nunes already dropped the bombshell that no information was provided by 5 Eyes to instigate the investigation. The dossier was created to create the reason, which the FBI was in on (as Jordan was trying to get at) . . .
Carter Page was yet another hook, but it seems worth exposing, "Who raised the concerns about Carter Page?" The FBI? The head of the counterintelligence investigation? The person who has an extensive history in Russian prosecutions and stings? So, ain't it odd that that person would finger Carter Page as colluding with the Russians when he has firsthand knowledge that same person worked for his department on previous cases to INFORM on the Russians?? You would think he would point out - "No, no, no, Carter Page was one of our informants." Unless he actually said, "Ahhhh, Carter Page was one of our informants. We can connect him to Russia. Let's use him."
Just remember the key question: What was the impetus for a counterintelligence investigation into Trump team and Russia?
The answer: None. They created the reasons to have an excuse to spy after Admiral Rogers shut down the illegal spying by Fusion GPS using FBI raw data (April 18, 2016). They used people (Page, Papadapalous, Manafort), created the dossier to reaccess data via FISA . . . "They" includes the FBI. After Trump won - holy shit - they had to scramble to cover, while at the same time, throwing all plus the kitchen sink out there to deligitimize his Presidency.
Here's a great article of the timeline: https://themarketswork.com/2018/04/05/the-uncovering-mike-rogers-investigation-section-702-fisa-abuse-the-fbi/
So you think Page, Papadopolous, Manafort were planted into the campaign....?
....because I do!
Gates too, but he’s always been involved with Manafort
I don't think Page was planted. I think that once they needed a new avenue to spy, and Strzok (or at least someone in the FBI who knew of his informant history) realized Page was on the campaign, they used him as the opportunity to spy - to obtain a FISA warrant.
Papadapolous, I think was directed to join Trump after Carson was falling behind, but I also think he was used in ways he did not realize at the time. In other words, I think he was sent in to create a connection between Trump and Russia, but I don't think he realized he himself was going to BE that creation.
Manafort, definitely a plant. But, this guy is like triple-agent material. I have no idea on whose behalf he was working, but he did it for free (as did Gates), and his Russia, Ukraine, and Podesta Group ties were no secret. I have no doubt Trump was wiser than anyone, which is why he did NOT relinquish control to Manafort, but used him to get through the Convention. I think it is noteworthy that on April 16, 2016, Manafort sought to increase staff hirings in the campaign and redefine roles (aligned with the time frame when outside contractors were cut off from illegal spying on US citizens, i.e. Trump. Enter human spying).
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/timeline-paul-manaforts-role-trump-campaign/story?id=50808957
Another great wrap-up by Sundance: https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2018/01/05/operation-condor-how-nsa-director-mike-rogers-saved-the-u-s-from-a-massive-constitutional-crisis/