Dan Rather. (photo: USA Today)
22 October 17
his
is what happens when you lose credibility. This is what happens when
you lie repeatedly about issues big and small. This is what happens when
you foment divisions and show no remorse. This is what happens when
your words have no meaning. You lose the benefit of the doubt.
Today John Kelly, the White House Chief of Staff
issued an emotional defense of President Donald Trump's phone call to
the widow of a fallen soldier. He opened up about the death of his own
son in combat. He claimed that Mr. Trump was being sensitive. He said he
hadn't meant to criticize previous presidents when he said he wasn't
sure if they made calls to the fallen. He criticised the conclusion of a
Democratic congresswoman who shared her vantage point of the call.
Everything that Mr. Kelly said may be true. Or maybe not. This could
fall legitimately in the grey area of different interpretations, at
least in cases where the president isn't Donald Trump.
Why did millions of Americans jump to the conclusion
that Mr. Trump was criticizing President Obama with his words? Because
that is what Mr. Trump always does, including questioning whether
President Obama was a real American. Why did millions of Americans not
trust Mr. Trump's denials about what he said and that he had proof?
Because Mr. Trump repeatedly lies about what he says and what he means.
Why did millions of Americans assume that Mr. Trump could not feel
empathy for the death of Sgt. La David T. Johnson? Because he has shown
no empathy for the people of Puerto Rico still suffering from a
hurricane without power or safe drinking water. Why did millions of
Americans think that Mr. Trump could disrespect American servicemen and
women? Because he attacked a war hero and a Gold Star Family during the
presidential campaign.
The impression of Mr. Trump that fueled the narrative
around this phone call is one for which Mr. Trump has only himself to
blame. General Kelly has served with distinction and honor. He has born
grave personal sacrifices. He has every right to speak in the manner he
did today. But he also has to understand that while millions of
Americans may be inclined to believe his sincerity and character, they
have long since given up on those attributes when it comes to his boss.
Yes elections have consequences. But so do words and deeds.
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