Is Trump’s former White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, about to sing like a canary against his former boss? Politico writes that he “signaled that his defense is likely to include blaming the former president as the primary driver of the effort.”

Granted, it’s Politico, and they are not fans of Trump World. The online site relishes stories that pit the various players against each other. But, in this case, it is entirely plausible. Why would Meadows do time for Trump if he can strike a deal? Meadows has proven himself a political opportunist, in my opinion. He seems to be developing a storyline that he just went along with whatever Trump wanted. There was one story published that stated that Meadows went along with Trump because he didn’t want Trump to yell at him. Yikes. That’s not much of a profile in courage.

It’s not uncommon for co-defendants facing serious prison time to point fingers at each other to make themselves look less culpable to an eventual jury. But rarely has it played out in such an extraordinary fashion, where the alleged ringleader is a former president.

During a hearing in Atlanta, a defense attorney for Meadows called attention to Trump’s prominent role in what is certain to be a crucial element of prosecutors’ case there: the infamous Jan. 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump demanded that Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, “find” enough votes to declare Trump the winner.

Meadows arranged that pivotal call. But after prosecutors played audio of the call in the courtroom, an attorney for Meadows emphasized that his client’s part in the actual discussion was both more minor and less provocative than Trump’s.

“There’s a lot of statements by Mr. Trump. Mr. Meadows’ speaking roles were quite limited,” Meadows’ lawyer, Michael Francisco, observed as he cross-examined Raffensperger, who was called to testify by prosecutors.

“He didn’t make a request that you change the vote totals — Mr. Meadows, himself?” Francisco continued.

“Correct,” Raffensperger replied.

Sounds like Raffensperger is his wingman.

The false electors figure prominently in the Georgia case. Meadows was clear in his testimony last week that Trump viewed the false electors as a significant part of his strategy to stay in power. Meadows sent an email pushing the campaign to put together those slates because, otherwise, he feared Trump would yell at him. In case the campaign won in its court actions, he wanted the slates ready to go.

There are indications that Trump will assert broad presidential immunity. The other co-defendants have already begun working their own advantages.

Many of the defendants in the Georgia case have already begun maneuvering for individual advantage. Chesebro’s lawyers demanded that his trial begin next month, which could have the effect of separating his trial from other big players like Trump or Rudy Giuliani. Others have asked to be tried alone, which could complicate their ability to point the finger at Trump but would also mean their jury wouldn’t hear from anyone specifically defending the former president.

Meadows pleaded not guilty and waived his arraignment. He avoided an appearance that will be broadcast live on TV in doing so. Meadows is asking to be tried in federal court, as he was a federal employee. Meadows is free on $100,000 bond. Meadows’ legal team doesn’t think he can get a fair trial in Fulton County.

It will be interesting to see how Meadows’ proceeds. Many of the other co-defendants are complaining that Trump isn’t helping with legal bills, which have to be devastating for most of them. Trump has shown this loyalty only goes one way – to himself – especially since he left office. Now he may reap some of what he has sown. We’ll have to stay tuned to see how it all shakes out. The Georgia trial will be televised. It will be must-see tv.