Bold election lies have consequences for Trump allies, who face defamation suits

Editor:

It’s funny how things come in unrelated streaks. I just wrote you about the unclassified intelligence assessment detailing how Russia has been feeding ultra conservative commentators and politicians’ talking points and misinformation since 2014. I think it reflects on our society which feeds on sensationalism.

Now, Sidney Powell, one of Trump’s attorneys, is defending a defamation suit regarding her claims that the election results were not accurate. Her responding papers said “no reasonable person would believe her.” She is saying no harm, no foul. What I claimed was over the top and  no one was supposed to believe her or the President!

Similarly  Trucker Carlson’s attorney said: “The ‘general tenor’ of the show should then inform a viewer that [Carlson] is not ‘stating actual facts’ about the topics he discusses and is instead engaging in ‘exaggeration’ and ‘non-literal commentary.’” His lawyers are saying all should know he is lying and no one was supposed to believe him. After all he makes his money by being outrageous.

Powell has an additional problem because she told courts the same frivolous claims. Therefore she will be subject to fines.

Carlson has a different problem. Lou Dobbs was simply taken off the air when he was sued for the same lies. Therefore Carlson will go unless Fox figures it will make more by keeping him on the air serve up an outrageous side show. Paying millions for lawsuits involving his lies would be a cost in their entertainment business.

Getting in bed with Russia is bad – so bad they have to defend themselves by saying NO reasonably intelligent person should believe them. But, it’s fair to ask, “Was any Republican laughing?” I think not.

Of course Congress has exempted itself and Trump from such suits so they will just keep on gaslighting us. Shame. So much harm. It’s just what political entertainment shows want. And it’s exactly what our enemies want.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion