Bill Clark/Congressional Quarterly/Newscom via ZUMA

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I’ve seen a bunch of criticism of Sen. Jeff Flake that goes like this: Sure, you talk big about Trump, but when it comes to a vote you’re always on his side. What a hypocrite.

This is also a general criticism of nearly every Republican who criticizes Trump. But what do you expect them to do? They’re conservatives. When conservative bills reach the floor, are they supposed to vote against them just because Trump happens to support them? That doesn’t make any sense.

Short of impeachment, there’s really not much that congressional Republicans can do to rein in Trump.¹ Given that reality, calling him out clearly and distinctly when he acts like a child is exactly what they should do. We need more Jeff Flakes, not fewer, and they deserve support when they speak out, not petty carping.

¹Though I’m open to suggestions.

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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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