[semimojo]

Flynn was set up by obama: sanctions were the bait

That's quite a bank shot.

Obama was so prescient he knew Flynn would talk about the sanctions then lie about it even though it wasn't illegal?

That's giving O a lot of credit.

[slowhandluke]

Obama expected that the Russians would bring up the subject, not Flynn. Pretty good bet, put in sanctions just weeks before new President comes in, and the Russians will ask new president staff if the sanctions will be continued.

Not prescient, just some decent psychology. Act but with expectation of a certain reaction. Take advantage if that reaction occurs, if not, try something else.