. . .
For Ryan, and for Republicans generally, ignorance isn’t just bliss in the age of President Trump — it’s a means of survival. If they defend Trump, they look unprincipled or immoral. If they criticize Trump, the president attacks them. Professing — or feigning — ignorance is a way out.
The speaker averts his gaze so often from Trump’s mayhem that he is likely to get a stiff neck:
Trump congratulating Russian President Vladimir Putin on his “election”?
“I don’t know the content of that conversation,” Ryan said.
Trump’s claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower?
“I didn’t see the interview.”
Trump’s conflicts of interest with his family business?
“I haven’t looked at the details of the arrangement.”
Trump’s call for lawmakers to investigate “fake news outlets.”
“I’m not familiar with the statement. Sorry. I’ve been — I was pretty busy.”
