Basic Instincts: Saving President Trump

By Michael Willard

If Clarence the angel from Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” were to visit Trump Town, he would have one, gentle piece of advice for our impeached President: “Suck it up”.

At almost anytime prior to the US House of Representatives passing two articles of impeachment, Trump had an out that — being cutesy here — “trumps” his “perfect” phone call where he admits bribery.

It might not be too late now to burnish his legacy.

There is a chance, however small, he might not always be remembered as a failed businessman who defrauded charities and with his greatest mark being as a reality show barker.

Better tardy than never, he could issue the following statement:

“I made a rookie mistake, and I lied about it. I should have known, but in business life, I made deals. This was a bad deal. I apologize for it.

“I was new to he ways of politics, but I am learning every day. And, by the way, unemployment is down, the stock market is up and Melania is a fine First Lady.”

Yes, sure, it would be incriminating. It would be totally out of character. However, it would show a smidgin of character, as well as fortitude to do the right thing and admit the obvious.

It is interesting that of all the arguments against impeachment by the GOP not one person listed the President’s sterling character, his compassion or, in fact, his basic grasp of common sense and comity.

I am not holding my breath for such a result. Eventually, there will be a trial in the Senate and, of course, he will be acquitted. As former Republican Sen. Jeff Flake said, the GOP is also on trial.

It will take longer for that august body to be convicted of malfeasance in the public opinion court, but it’s around the corner. My old boss, former Senate Leader Robert Byrd is crying in his grave.

Byrd, from the outset and in his first Democratic caucus speech, said he was the President’s friend (Carter), but never the President’s man. He led a Senate majority of leaders.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, on the other hand, has turned the Senate into a Dante’s ring of hell where sycophants reign supreme. He makes Charles Dickens’ fictional Uriah Heep appear cool

But, suspend disbelief for just a moment: What if Trump were to acknowledge he had been foolish, though not criminal? In other words, question my bad judgment, and not my misplaced motives.

What if — for Clarence the angel to get his wings — Trump had to have a Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus-style epiphany? What if he were to — all of a sudden — stand up to the Kremlin’s Putin?

My guess — and I am no soothsayer — Trump’s anemic poll numbers would improve. America loves a redeemed sinner. Still, for certain, he would be no Ronald Reagan, not even close.

Now the big question: Why would I, a democrat with a little “d” and sometimes a big “D”, offer our 45th President an escape passage. There is a simple reason:

Unlike Republicans in the Congress, I value our democracy. Any political issue pales in comparison. And wouldn’t it be nice for Clarence to get a new set of wings in 2020.