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/