Again Trump is caught in a massive lie, this time about “spies” in his campaign from the FBI. And yet, the news barely blinks. We’re being done a disservice by those who should be calling out an existential threat but are setting precedents 1/
Trump has repeatedly lied to undermine criminal investigators for no other purposes besides saving himself from prosecution. And he’s been allowed to say whatever is necessary to plant that seed. 2/
Coverage that once upon a time painted LBJ as having a “credibility gap” while lying about Vietnam is now erring on the side of respect for the office and sparing an undeserving criminal. 3/
The press has the ability to spotlight not just the lie but the ENTIRETY OF LIES, meaning that the presidency has been compromised. In fact, they have the responsibility. Their respect for protocol and self-preservation is hindering that. 4/
Trump is threatening to tear down the very makings of our government to save himself, and his lack of honesty has already isolated us in the world stage. Literally no one trusts him and by extension no one trusts us. 5/
This actively makes us less safe. Other countries are going to withhold information. I was told by one NATO ally representative that they’ve been meeting with others on how to avoid sharing with Trump. 6/
This isn’t politics, it isn’t spinning, though spinning is what got us int this mess in part. This is a president either actively dismantling the truth or unaware of what the truth is, and both are reasons for major alarm. 7/
Almost as bad, this is setting precedent for future presidents. Trump has shown there’s no political capital to lose by getting caught lying. He may be an aberration, but he affects future leaders. 8/
If the press is afraid to take him on, a transparent liar, imagine how they’ll work with a president who lies cannily and strategically. Both parties would be working with the understanding of what Trump got away with. 9/
It’s a disgrace, honestly. A terrible, terrible shame. The body charged with keeping a president honest is either unwilling to keep their charge or too overwhelmed. 10/
For good or bad, the media, though distrusted by some, is the means of perception here. As long as they continue like things are mostly copacetic the alarm will go unrung. When that changes, we’ll see real pushback. 11/
These individual attacks on truth need to be met with loud and clear condemnation and be called what they are, assaults on the very foundation of America. Anything less risks today and tomorrow. 12/12
