The old expression is "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." President Trump did just that when he tweeted about the Ronny Jackson mess. Admiral Jackson is the well respected White House doctor who was nominated by the President to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Jackson withdrew from consideration two days ago after a torrent of accusations of misdeed were put forth by Democrats and the media. These included claims such as Jackson had gotten drunk and totaled a government car while DUI; Jackson had gotten drunk on the job and abusive to staff; Jackson had handed out prescription drugs like candy and was called the "candyman" by White House staff, and the like. It was all accusation and no evidence, a trend which the Democrats seem to truly like. (Think the Russia - Trump investigation for which no evidence has ever been put forth.)
So how did Trump make lemonade? He tweeted a response to senator Tester of Montana. Tester is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee considering the Jackson nomination. He made public charges that Jackson had been drunk on the job, handed out pills like candy, and many others. The President pointed out that not only did Jackson deny these charges, but also the FBI which had done four different background checks on Jackson said that they are not true. As a result of Tester's charges, however, Jackson's previously stellar reputation had been blackened, he and his family embarrassed, and serious damage had been done to a man who devoted his life to service to the nation. Trump called on Tester to resign (he won't). More important, Trump said that the people of Montana won't take kindly to this baseless attack on a man like Jackson by this senator.
Here's the key. Tester is running for re-election in November from Montana which strongly supported President Trump in 2016. He was already in danger of losing, but with his move against Jackson, Tester has moved himself further into dangerous territory. Trump is correct that Montanans won't take kindly to baseless political character assassination by Tester against a good man.
Hopefully, we will see a trade off: Jackson's nomination goes down, but so does Tester's career in the Senate.
So how did Trump make lemonade? He tweeted a response to senator Tester of Montana. Tester is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee considering the Jackson nomination. He made public charges that Jackson had been drunk on the job, handed out pills like candy, and many others. The President pointed out that not only did Jackson deny these charges, but also the FBI which had done four different background checks on Jackson said that they are not true. As a result of Tester's charges, however, Jackson's previously stellar reputation had been blackened, he and his family embarrassed, and serious damage had been done to a man who devoted his life to service to the nation. Trump called on Tester to resign (he won't). More important, Trump said that the people of Montana won't take kindly to this baseless attack on a man like Jackson by this senator.
Here's the key. Tester is running for re-election in November from Montana which strongly supported President Trump in 2016. He was already in danger of losing, but with his move against Jackson, Tester has moved himself further into dangerous territory. Trump is correct that Montanans won't take kindly to baseless political character assassination by Tester against a good man.
Hopefully, we will see a trade off: Jackson's nomination goes down, but so does Tester's career in the Senate.
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