I asked a Trump backer why he still supports Trump who, at an Oval Office meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and America’s Russian Ambassador Kisylak, tells them he is unconcerned with Russian meddling in our elections; who, at a press conference on the world stage in Helsinki, takes the word of archrival Russian President Putin there was no Russian meddling in the 2016 Presidential election over the contrary findings of our own intelligence community there indeed was such interference; who publicly declares open season for interference in our future elections by foreign powers in general. 

Our fair and free elections are the cornerstone of our democracy yet Trump puts their integrity at risk; he imperils our democracy. This is traitorous conduct ! It may not bother Trump supporters but it disturbs me deeply. If voters lose trust in the legitimacy of elections, democracy dies.

In his response the Trump supporter went on a rant, bringing up conspiracy theories, calling me a Socialist, spewing other falsehoods, completely evading my question. His action is right from Trump’s playbook: If you don’t like the question or can’t justify an answer, avoid the response by deflection, deception and distraction.