Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma expressed his discomfort with the trial of former President Donald Trump, describing it as “painful and salacious” due to the resurfacing of sordid details surrounding Trump’s affair with a porn star. Lankford drew parallels to the sex scandal involving former President Bill Clinton in the late 1990s, highlighting the cultural impact of such revelations on younger generations.
As someone with a background in student ministry, Lankford emphasized the importance of cultural values, expressing concern about the trial’s influence on societal norms. Despite his socially conservative stance, Lankford admitted uncertainty regarding the trial’s effect on Trump’s standing with values voters.
Another GOP senator, speaking anonymously, suggested that Trump might not lose support among certain religious groups, speculating that many would dismiss the allegations as untruthful. Senate Republican Whip John Thune echoed this sentiment, suggesting that voters have already factored in Trump’s past behavior.
However, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina expressed reservations, noting that the trial’s testimony has made the situation more tangible for voters. The trial has revealed intimate details, such as Trump’s infidelity without using protection shortly after his wife gave birth, which may impact public perception.
“It reminds me of the Clinton administration and all the conversations that were happening around that time period with Ken Starr and all the things that came out,” Lankford said, adding:
I hate for it being on TV, because there’s a younger generation watching TV and it becomes an issue. We saw that decades ago. We’re going to see that again. Just on a cultural values basis, it matters to our culture.
