Imagine a bank. Now imagine a bank robber. One night, that robber tries to pick the lock on the bank's door and is caught, but there are no consequences. The next night he throws a rock through the bank's window and is caught, but again, he's allowed to go on his way. ...

The next day he tries to bribe the security guard. The day after he threatens the teller. The next day he brings hired muscle. The next day, something else. Day after day, the bank robber tries to get the money from the bank, and every time he has caught, he gets to try again. …

The outcome of this game is inevitable. So long as the robber can attempt to get at the contents of the bank day after day with no consequence, he will. Because there is no consequence, on one of those days, the robber will walk away with the money. ...

That’s where we are now, not just with Donald Trump, but with the whole of the Republican Party. It’s been almost exactly a year since Republicans in the Senate made it clear to Trump they would use their power to back his power, assuring him there would be no consequences. …

That wasn't the start, of course. This has been a long learning experience for Republicans. William Barr was attorney general under George H. W. Bush, he showed how that position would be used to absolve White House staffers of serious crimes. ...