2017 May 14^th

Secretary of State Tillerson was interviewed by Chuck Todd on “Meet the Press“ this morning. It was obvious that Tillerson had no enthusiasm for slapping the fingers of the Russians for playing games with our electoral process. He didn’t deny that the Russians were involved, he simply said that it was but one of many things to consider. This was code for saying I don’t plan to make an issue of this interference, so “fugetaboutit.” That’s not comforting, particularly since it plays directly into the scenario of Tillerson’s undeniable past coziness with the Russian government. He wears the highest decoration that the Russian government can award to foreigners. I doubt that he’ll give it back.

This Tillerson interview comes immediately following a unique visit by Ambassador Kislyak and Foreign Minister Lavrov to the Oval Office where they all made nice and chuckled at length with President Trump. The pictures of this Kumbaya were only available because Russian TV recorded the event; our evil press and their cameras were not allowed in the room. The possibility of fake news from the mainstream media is ever-present in Trump’s mind.

Interviews with candidates to head the FBI proceed rapidly. Senator Graham gave his opinion that the new FBI head should have no political connection and should come from within the bureau. That is a great idea and, given the political realities, has little chance of happening. One of the prime candidates is Senator John Cornyn of Texas. Senator Cornyn has already decided that there is nothing to this Russian interference in our election and that the primary evil is revealing the names of prominent Republicans caught talking to Russians. He also went after Sally Yates hammer and tongs when she testified before his senate committee until she quite sweetly handed him his head, as she also did with the other Texas senator, Senator Cruz. That meeting was not good for the reputation of Texas senators.

It seems that there will shortly be a shake-up among Trump’s sycophants. We might have seen the end of Sean Spicer and perhaps Mrs. Huckabee Sanders, and maybe others as well. Poor Spicer has been the target of some hilarious Saturday Night Live skits. Last night saw him hiding in the bushes instead of serving in the Naval Reserve. The problem here is that Trump takes these parodies as personal attacks against him. If he appoints a substitute for Spicer the parodies won’t stop; his response will probably be to stop the press conferences altogether, anything to keep him from being laughed at.

Trump is circling the wagons and his circle is getting smaller and smaller. Before long it will be only Ivanka and Jared. He really cannot administer the country this way.