In the wake of what happened in Charlottesville, everyone should be thankful that Attorney General Jeff Sessions has not quit. That includes President Donald Trump.
Sessions' instincts have been spot-on every step of the way. And you can bet Sessions is acting with autonomy. He is neither waiting for nor seeking instruction from the White House. He is quickly doing what the law requires, and by any measure, he is doing the right thing.
Last week Sessions told NBC's Today: "You can be sure this Department of Justice in this administration is going to take the most vigorous action to protect the right of people like Heather Heyer, to protest against racism and bigotry. We're going to protect the right to assemble and march. And we're going to prosecute anybody, to the full extent of the law."
It's probably a trap, but even the liberal New York Times is praising Sessions.
Jeff Sessions is a man of principle. It probably isn't within Trump to admit he was wrong, but by acting on his instincts and sticking to his principles, Sessions is making a bad situation more tolerable. And Trump is lucky to have him.
Trump's response to what happened in Charlottesville was inexcusable. But Sessions did everything right. His actions in the immediate aftermath of the attack only serve to further demonstrate his commitment to upholding the law and seeking out justice for the victims of the crimes that occurred.
Trump should recognize that and be thankful.
Editorial on 08/20/2017