I know next to nothing about the story. Were the bombs even real?

In any case, cutting PVC is... ridiculously easy. Soldering isn't rocket science; even an idiot can do a job that will at least work. Not sure what else there is to it.

Real in the sense they had fireworks powder in them, but they could not have detonated ... so just meant to scare.

Could you do this while living in a van?

Absolutely.

Where did he plug in the soldering gun? The van has tools to cut and seal the ends?

Hell, as far as the pipes go, you can get them cut to length at whatever hardware store.

The van doesn't need to be equipped with tools. You can buy them separately, I'm sure. 😉

LOL, hey Mr. Hardware man, can you cut me 13 pip bomb sized tubes?

http://www.radioparts.com.au/images/ProductImages/38571765.jpg that should answer your other question.

Totally real btw; I have one in a drawer somewhere. Works well too.

Yes possible, but the scenario I lay also could have happened ...

Sure, but why complicate things with a big conspiracy theory?

What you mean?

Look, just because something *could* have happened and it would make for a more interesting story doesn't mean it's the more plausible option.

The world isn't always interesting.

So why make up crazy theories when in all likelihood the reality is that it's just far more simple and boring?

Just saying. Not ruling anything out, but it's not a grand project that requires any external actors to happen.

Because there is a lot of power/money at stake ... one can not be naive. It only takes one handler, not so expensive, but well paid maybe $100K for the job. With millions in donor money floating around ...

In that case, why not just use those resources to make the bombs, wipe them clean, and deliver them without leaving any loose ends?

Van guy would be a huge liability.

No, because you need a known Rep crazy to pin it on.

The guy fits all the stereotypes ... perfect pawn...

What if he rats them out though? There's no way of ruling out that possibility.

Sure, but it will just be viewed as a stunt to get out of the charges ... he cops a plea deal and take a less sentence.

Seems like an extremely unnecessary risk. I wouldn't take it if I had the resources and motivation to do this sort of thing.

No real risk, the only risk is if the handler back stabs you. That's why it is an expensive job, but some "Political Consulting" group.

Eh, it's possible. I just don't see it being reasonable personally.

And this group is probable 3rd hand, so if caught plausible deniability ...

If you search the internet, there are far more complicated schemes financed. This one is not that difficult actually.

Lone guy living in a van, befriend him, alcohol, money, women at the strip bar ... invite him back to your man cave for beers and joke about the evil Dems and making bombs .... have the material laid out etc ... he is drunk, his hands are all over it .... then send it out.

Of course it's not difficult, that's not my issue. I'm just saying there's no special skills required for any of this, and a reasonably unhinged person could easily pull it off, without any need for other actors to be involved at any point.

Except maybe some guy cutting PVC pipes up for him at the hardware store.

Oh sure, doing it that way would actually be much more reasonable.

"I didn't do it, I swear, and I have nobody else to point to" would be much better.

Probably cheaper too.

The handler blackmails, so he is implicated ...

Says, just kidding .... but this is part of the trap ... he double crosses and sends it out.

I meant what you said about getting the guy drunk enough to pass out and just get whatever prints / DNA stuff you need.

Yes another possibility ...

So we shall see when the question him to see how and where the bombs were made ...