Khashoggi

The moral and foreign policy disaster that is Trump's handling of the Khashoggi murder is a Rosetta Stone of the Trump "Administration."

First, there is the reflexive sucking up to a dictator.  Trump's credulity whenever a strongman is questioned is a feature of his foreign affairs.  It goes something like this: Strongman does something terrible, World cries out in outrage.  Trump meets with Strongman who denies it. Trump "believes" the Strongman with a "Whaddya gonna do" shrug.  Trump admires dictators, and he admires their ability to avoid consequences.

Second, is his disdain for the press, which is part of Trump's admiration for dictators' ability to avoid consequences.  Khashoggi was a staunch critic of the Saudi regime, and he was forced to leave the country, because of his criticism.  Trump is a coward, but he would love to have a Good Squad who would go around beating up or even murdering the press.  His cowardice is evident in his refusal to listen to the tape.  Trump had a Rich Boy's life of skating across the friction points most of us face.  The press is currently the greatest factor holding Trump accountable, with the courts a close second.  If a journalist gets killed, why would that upset Trump?

Finally, there is the rank corruption.  Part of Trump and Kushner's fondness for bin Salman is the fact that Saudi money has flowed into their properties since inauguration.  The Saudis know that the way to Trump is through his wallet, and they have been lavishing events on Trump properties around the globe. 

All of this is fair game for House Democrats in six weeks.  Smart Republicans should know this and get out front of this.  Anyone seen any smart Republicans?