Mueller’s Investigation Won’t Shake Trump’s Base
The desire to think the best of Mr. Trump combined with the deep distaste for Democrats grants extraordinary power to two phrases: “fake news”
and “the other side is worse.” “Fake news” erects a shield of disbelief against the worst allegations and allows a person to believe that Mr. Trump is better than he is.
Mr. Manafort’s conduct had nothing to do with the campaign, they argue, even though the investigation continues
and even though Mr. Trump showed terrible judgment in bringing him on the team.
For too many Republicans, every single troubling element of the Russia investigation — including multiple
administration falsehoods about contacts with Russian officials — represents “fake news.”
This week’s news can be waved away.
This phenomenon explains why reluctant Republicans would pull the lever for Mr. Trump even if he was their “last choice.” They were voting in perceived self-defense,
and he fights hard against the people they dislike the most.
It’s an unfortunate truth that the Republican base not only accepts but also often angrily defends conduct from Mr. Trump
that they would never, ever accept in a Democratic president.
