Consider this a footnote to Maverick’s appearance on H&C last weekend, when he reminded a jittery GOP base looking for reasons to take a second look at him that no, in fact, he hasn’t changed his position on immigration. This returns us to the old debate about whether it’s better to pander unconvincingly or to stick to your guns as a show of resolve. Maverick wants it both ways: Damn right he’d sign that bill, although of course it’s paramount that we secure our borders first. Square that circle if you can. He’s heard the voice of the people! — and he’ll happily ignore it if given the chance.

Which he may get, and he knows it.

This would have been the perfect peg for famously tough interviewer Tim Russert to bring up Juan Hernandez. Think he did?