to paraphrase: "I want to release my taxes, but you know, the IRS and all. Darn that audit!"

All for his base.

"They get the exclusive because they only ask polite questions. With no follow-up.

When prosecutors ask me questions on the stand, they expect me to tell the truth. They're so MEAN!"

He wants the limelight back, and his rantings quoted on page one of the NYT as well as leading off on Fox Noise.

However, if his attorneys have a shred of competence, they must realize how much damage he'll do to himself during cross examination, and they have probably been pleading with him 24/7 to NOT take the stand. I would think Trump will ultimately take their advice.

If not, the prosecution will have a target consisting of a very fat fish in a very narrow barrel.

Did you order the hush money payments? You're goddamn right I did!!!!!!

That's the last thing his lawyers want. The loose cannon of all loose cannons on the stand. God knows what criminal offenses he'll stupidly admit to.

Context on the "Col. Jessup" bit.