I have to agree with Avenatti that what we’re seeing is a classic ploy by a mob “fixer,” i.e. dangle personally embarrassing material out in the open, with the unspoken exchange being keeping the truly incriminating stuff locked away for the guarantee of a deal/pardon.

The big problem with this ploy on Cohen’s part? Donny is too egocentric and Rudy too dumb to recognize such an offer and instead will see this as a personal slight by Cohen. I honestly don’t believe Donny ever knew about the tapes and now feels personally betrayed, feels that Cohen has violated the “loyalty” expected of him. In which case we’re less likely to see either man try to defuse the situation and more likely to go after Cohen and Davis personally in an effort to smear them as “liars.”