People are very quick to make that assumption. I’ve seen it in my own life-rumors about a loved one that weren’t even close to the truth, but since “everyone” had heard the same thing, there *must* be an element of truth to it. Hard to defend against it. I’m pretty sure I know who started the lies, but the two of them controlled the narrative and had the local media behind them so we were left to try to hold our heads high and move forward with as much dignity as possible.
It’s difficult, but God is so very gracious that we are far better off now.
But they didn’t have to vote to convict Moore, they just had to be uncomfortable enough to just say “You know what, I’m just going to sit this one out”. And Moore gave them plenty of reasons to feel uncomfortable.