Words matter. They matter. We hear them in our inner ear. If repeated, we remember them and repeat them even if that was not our intention. Words matter. The Trump team gets it. It’s why Fox News exists. It’s the essence of post-truth news media.
Here are the questions to frame the debate. Use the Trump playbook. This is the frame:
“Mr. Trump, when did you first learn of Russian involvement to support your election?”
“Mr Trump, were any of your campaign staff involved in communication with Russian authorities? No? Really, are you sure? Mr. Manafort? Are you sure?”
“Mr. Trump, would you accept the election results if Hilary Clinton had benefited from Russian espionage assistance?”
"Mr. Trump, how do you feel about Russia rigging this election?”
“Mr. Trump, were you involved in this “rigging” plan? Are you sure? Will you resign if it becomes clear your campaign colluded with the Russians?”
“Mr. Trump, is the Tillerson nomination payback to the Russians? How will you make sure the Russians don’t benefit from this interference in our national security? Will you support sanctions against Russia for interfering in our election?"
“Mr. Trump, do you believe Russian involvement in manipulating American politics is a national security issue? If yes, why?” …….. If answer is yes as it should be, “Mr. Trump, will you release your tax returns so that the American citizenry can be assured that they cannot use you and your family to interfere with our national security?"
“Mr. Trump, given the concerns about manipulation in the election in your favor and given your populist leanings?, don’t you think you should resign and leave the presidency to the candidate who won the plurality of the vote?"
“Mr Trump, have intelligence briefings suggested to you that the Russian have interfered in our political process? “. If yes….. “Mr. Trump, will you choose to ignore the intelligence agencies if it does not please you in the future?"
“Mr Trump, do you have business ties to Russia? Do you owe money to any Russian corporations or banks?”
“Mr Trump, do you believe oligarchy in Russia benefits the Russian citizenry. If not, why not? Do you believe appointing similarly wealthy and powerful elites here to your cabinet will benefit American citizenry? What policies do you support to make sure the rich don’t “rig” policy against the interest of your supporters’ interests?"
“Mr. Trump, can you recognize that Russia would want to destabilize America? Do you realize that you are a caricature: narcissistic, selfish, greedy, sexually menacing, provincial, and racist? Can you see how your Presidency itself satisfies Russia and denigrates America?"
Get to frickin’ work.
Good night.
