(09-30-2023, 03:59 PM)mikesez Wrote:

(09-30-2023, 03:46 PM)homebiscuit Wrote: I see now my answer was not clear. Whelan should have been the negotiating prize. If the release of only one person was all that Russia would negotiate, it would be Whelan. However, considering the value of Bout, getting both released for Bout in exchange was achievable. But only if Biden's handlers were willing to play hardball, and they were not. Freeing the black lesbian was essential to their cause and the Russians knew it and capitalized on it. Why do you think they imprisoned her in the first place?

If someone is considered first in line, what does that typically indicate?

If you're negotiating, do you allow the other side to set all of the conditions?

Come on, Mike, you can do this. I know you can.

Why is Whelan first in line?
Suppose Russia was holding 10 American petroleum workers with no connection to national defense or government.  Russia just accuses them of jaywalking and holds them.  They are various races, all men, not gay.  
Is Whelan still "first in line" over all 10 them? Why?