Editorial: Trump's poor character matters, Congress must address it

It is painful to watch and listen to President Donald Trump. The deceit, disrespect, arrogance and plain old meanness.

This has nothing to do with politics or policies. It is all about character.

Anyone who disagrees or might challenge him, is a “failing dummy.” Trump’s insulting personal denigrations are crude. It tarnishes the esteem of the presidency and our nation.

Trump goes to extraordinary lengths to hide the truth of his own worth, business relationships and even his physical health. Yet he has the gall to make unfounded and veiled accusations about others.

Trump would best fit into traits Barber labeled “active-negative.” These presidents are highly motivated and compulsive. They seek, with an almost un-checked drive, adulation and love. Power is the means toward that satisfaction.

Sound familiar? Think Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson and Woodrow Wilson.

Do we care about presidential character – particularly of our current president? We should. What is forgivable about his constant lying? Nothing.

Yet there’s hardly a Republican in Congress – certainly none among North Carolina’s congressional delegation – who will offer even a mildly cautionary reproach. They play along – even cheerlead.

Is it OK to abandon common decency, civility and truthfulness?

What does Donald Trump have to do – how extreme does it have to get – before Congress does its job. That job is to demand the president tell the truth and act within the Constitution – not constantly circumvent the will of Congress or the rulings of our courts.

If Republicans have any integrity – be they Rep. Mark Meadows who leads the “Freedom Caucus” or Sen. Richard Burr who heads the Senate Intelligence Committee – they will stand for responsibility and decorum. Will they force this president to account for his behavior?

That is their constitutional duty as legislators – to hold the president, regardless of political affiliation, accountable.

Even in Donald Trump’s Washington character must count. Demanding, that a president’s character and comportment match the high station of the office, isn’t liberal or conservative. It’s the duty of Congress.

Honesty and integrity must matter.