Before appearing before Congress a decade ago, he was vilified as a traitor, every move tracked by the press. But by the time he concluded his congressional testimony, he was applauded as a patriot. North's reversal of fortune isn't lost on today's Senate panel. Its members know that even if Huang turns out to be Darth Vader, he won't come wearing his mask. In fact, former DNC and Commerce Department colleagues paint a picture of a fellow more humble than high profile, and humility plays well at congressional hearings.
Democrats can wonder the same thing.
I don't remember who I said that to. . I wish I could tell you more. The FBI wants the truth, and sources say the agency could seek immunity for Huang as a government witness. In the meantime, Huang is likely to remain a handy congressional abstraction. And no one has to fix it.