i did do it. there was a good chance that i wouldn't have won, in which case i would have gone back into the business. and why should i lose lots of opportunities? >> meanwhile, a "new york times" article by peter baker who's standing by to join us tonight, raises new questions about trump's motives concerning the kremlin. baker looks at the disparity between trump's statements and his administration's actions. he writes that when it comes to responding to russian aggressions, "according to current and former administration officials, mr. trump has gone along with such actions only reluctantly or under pressure from advisers or congress. he has left it to subordinates to publicly criticize russian actions while personally expressing admiration for mr. putin and eagerness to be friends." and with that let's bring in our lead-off panel for a monday night. peter baker, chief white house correspondent for the "new york times." barbara mcquade, former u.s. attorney for the eastern district of michigan. and jeremy bash is here, former chief of staff at the cia and