One thing I think younger people might have trouble understanding is the reaction to the revelation that Bill Clinton had an affair with a staffer. US leaders & institutions rose practically as one to condemn him & demand his resignation. "Objective" journalists ...
... felt absolutely unrestrained in condemning him. It was framed as an unforgivable breach, something we should never, ever "normalize." Just to say: US elites *can* break out of their normal patterns & call out extraordinary violations of norms & standards.
Meanwhile, we know -- no one disputes -- that Trump cheated on his wife with a porn actress & then paid her to keep quiet about it. The trial is simply about whether that violated campaign finance laws. Where are US elites? Where is the unanimous condemnation?
@drvolts Well, regardless of what Clinton did before office, I think the big issue was that he did this well IN office. Although Trump did plenty, plenty, rotten things, he may NOT have cheated with a staffer while in office. Regardless,it's unfortunate that he's getting away with so much
As president, Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky amounted to sexual harassment because as an employee, she could not consent. This is what we all had to sit through when we became new employees anywhere to learn all these rules/laws. He was rightfully condemned for that and probably some of the other affairs too, because as I recall, he was accused of rape by one of them. Whatever Trump did is really not relevant although it makes you all feel better to talk about his failings, of which there are many.
@drvolts John Edward’s did the same thing and was not put on trial or condemned. Bill Clinton had sex in the Oval Office with a young intern who was gullible. Donald Trump had an affair with an adult woman before he ever thought about running for office. Major difference.
@drvolts If a Democrat committed a fraction of the crimes Trump has — Dems would have condemned him, too. The problem is on the Right.
@drvolts No one disputes? What planet are you living on?
Do we know that Teump cheated on his wife with Stormy Daniels? You saw this? Someone else saw this? After the last 20 years of politics, I think people will do anything to for notoriety I also think those pointing fingers should consider what would happen of some of their secrets came out…
@drvolts Haven’t we normalized the idea of non-traditional conceptions of relationships and marriage? Why would a president be held to any standard whatsoever in their personal lives?
@drvolts Did he do it while he was president? Do you understand the difference?