Meg Whitman’s troubles with an illegal alien are simply “appearances.” She has done nothing wrong. Yet the opposition will continue to pound her for the appearances.
Being “anti-criminal” when it is applied to illegal aliens earns you the accusations and hatred of the progressives. Yet is it wrong to be anti-criminal? Again, appearances over substance.
If appearances take precedence over substance, then all of the “desertions” of Obama’s high-level staff should be grounds for criticism. Never mind that Rahm Emanuel was planning on leaving after two years. Never mind that Jim Jones was planning on leaving after two years. Never mind that Larry Summers is leaving; that Christina Romer has left; that Peter Orszag has left.
Never mind all these people leaving due to “planned exits.” The appearance is that rats are deserting a sinking ship. So just pounce on all the defections and focus on the appearances.
Or maybe not. Maybe more reasoned consideration should be given on both sides.