In response to the breaking news story that Trump gave sensitive, highly classified intelligence to the Russians during their visit to the capitol last week, many Republicans have issued stern words against the presidents actions yet seem completely unwilling to do anything in response.
Echoing the same slactivism which led to a Trump presidency in the first place, Republicans who talk a semi-large game but still back the President when push comes to shove help to ensure that nothing will come of this news, nor any other news from the Trump administration.
Like clockwork, the sternly worded condemnations were issued by Senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and many others speaking of their “grave concerns,” and referring to the news as “deeply disturbing.”
McCain’s statement lightly chastised the President for not better spending his time talking to the Russians about more important issues, while also cautioning that this leak of classified intel means that other nations may no longer trust the President. Still, McCain did not outright condemn the President, and will likely continue supporting each move he makes.
Blistering statement from McCain on Trump pic.twitter.com/n0YkAd1fhX
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) May 16, 2017
Similarly, Graham who has been a harsh critic of President Trump, called initial reports “troubling,” but has not yet called for any repercussions for the presidents’ actions.
Even Mitch McConnell hopped on-board the “Chastise Trump” train, by calling for a “little less drama from the White House.” While the president steps in ever-unprecedented territory, the rank and file Republicans appear ready to follow him off whatever cliff he chooses.
Unfortunately, unless Democrats take over Congress in 2018, we need the action of these Republicans in order to keep Trump in check and even remove him if need be. If they continue to merely “tut, tut,” with concerned expressions, nothing will be done and Trump will be able to continue on his path of destruction unimpeded.
So don’t be fooled. Don’t think that McCain and the others are the “good guys.” They merely want the positive headline to help their re-election bid, and they want to be remembered as the few who opposed Trump when push came to shove, though they never once did.
