As Don Cardi, dontomasso, et. al, skillfully explained, there is no doubt in the movie that Tessio is indeed the traitor because he
admits to this as soon as he finds himself surrounded by Michael's button men. It is rather subtle; and I can understand that someone might miss it at first, as I believe to be the case with Louigie. After all, there are so many fascinating characters, plot twists, and interrelationships in the movie that it can take several viewings to absorb everything.
Nevertheless, the admission is there. When Tessio states, "Tell Michael it was strictly business. I always liked him," it is his laconic way of confessing, "Yes, I was going to deliver Michael up to Barzini to be killed; but that was only so I could be allowed to join Barzini's family, whom I believe will soon dominate and push out the Corleones. It was nothing against Michael personally; I just wanted to protect my own (mob) business interests."
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So getting back to how this affects Louigie's poll:Louigie, if your question is "Was Tessio really a traitor?" everyone would vote "yes" (or should vote "yes"
) because it is a
fact established in the film. It would be like asking "Does Michael have dark hair in GF I and II?" Again, all votes would be "yes" because we see that Michael does indeed have dark hair in those films. It is unambiguous. There can be no other answer.
A poll is more interesting when it concerns something that is more ambiguous and is not directly answered by the movie -- where the answers are a matter of opinion and are debatable. An example of such a question would be "Who did Michael love more, Apollonia or Kay?" The movie doesn't tell us this, so people would be voting on -- and giving their opinions on -- what they
think is the right answer.
In fact, Louigie, in your opening post you pose an intriguing question on the topic of traitors which I think would be an even better subject for a poll. To paraphrase: "If I am the Don, is anyone who comes to me with an offer from my enemy then my enemy too?" I too have wondered how Vito knew so certainly that the one who approaches Michael to arrange a meeting with Barzini would be the traitor.
Or, as Don Pappo Napolitano put it (and I paraphrase), "If a rival family (i.e., Barzini) wanted a legitimate peace-making meeting, how would it have to be arranged so as not to arouse suspicion of treachery?"
So, Louigie, you don't
have to post another poll (though you can if you want to). I think fellow members, with their love of debating
, will be glad to discuss those two questions right here in this thread.