A president’s morals matter

The most important issue when selecting a president is character. Are they honest and trustworthy? Do they possess a strong moral compass? Will they put the good of the country ahead of their own ambitions? These traits determine how they will handle all other issues they face.

Richard Nixon may have said it best in an interview after Watergate: “People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook.” He continued with his most famous quote, “Well, I’m not a crook.” He was, and several members of his own party forced him to resign or face impeachment.

Fifty years later, the Republican presidential candidate has 34 felony convictions. Some might argue that covering up sex with a porn star is not nearly as bad as Watergate. But Jan. 6 was far worse. Watergate was done in secret during the dark of night. The insurrection was in broad daylight. Nobody was hurt in the break-in. Approximately 140 police officers were assaulted protecting the Capitol and a protester was shot.

Trump continues to insist the 2020 election was stolen and calls those arrested “hostages.” He plans to pardon them. He has said he would be a “dictator on Day 1” if he wins. And promised a “bloodbath” if he loses. He has the full support of his party, and a game plan called Project 2025.