As long as the U.S. economy is strong, conservatives will continue to bless Donald Trump. As if there were any question.
Tuesday, though, was a test.
That afternoon, two of President Trumps closest advisers were found guilty in separate criminal trials. Michael Cohen, Mr. Trumps longtime personal attorney, pleaded guilty to eight felony accounts including paying hush money to two women in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election, as well as admitting to tax fraud, multiple counts of tax evasion and bank fraud.
Within an hour, Paul Manafort, President Trumps former campaign chairman, was convicted of eight felony accounts including hiding more than $60 million in foreign banks to avoid paying taxes. Manafort made his millions by advising pro-Russian candidates in the Ukraine.
Tuesday evening, Mr. Trump said neither of the findings involves me.
Hes wrong. Payments intended to influence the outcome of a campaign must be recorded.
And yet he survives, nay thrives, on the fake news, portraying himself the victim of witch hunts.
Which says more about us than him.
As Americans, will we accept the jurys findings that Manafort was on the take with Russia to overthrow Ukraines fledgling democracy and in so doing accepted millions and millions of dollars, which he hid in foreign accounts?
As Americans, will we recognize the seriousness of Cohens confession to breaking campaign finance law by making illicit payments at the direction of Mr. Trump.
Or will we sum it all up by saying we knew we hadnt elected a Boy Scout, and besides, the stock market is going great guns.
As if thats all that truly matters.
Because we depend on our elected officials to lead including setting a moral tone of outrage, forgiveness, hope or despair in times of crisis we await their reaction to Terrible Tuesday.
If the economy continues to lead the news, then well know which side of truth they have chosen to take.
Susan Lynn
