[jazusamo]

Here’s a Hatch statement on CNN a little over an hour ago, doesn’t sound to dire.

“”Well I’m not very happy about it,” admitted Sen. Orrin Hatch, the Utah Republican and Trump supporter who is retiring next year. But in a jawdropping spin, Hatch said the President shouldn’t be blamed for the actions of his staff.

“Naturally it makes you very concerned, but the President should not be held responsible for the actions of the people he’s trusted,” Hatch said, ignoring the fact that Cohen alleged Trump directed him to orchestrate the illegal payments.””

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/22/politics/republicans-michael-cohen-bombshell-donald-trump/index.html

[Political Junkie Too]

...Hatch said, ignoring the fact that Cohen alleged Trump directed him to orchestrate the illegal payments.

CNN should also have said "alleged illegal payments," as that hasn't been determined either.

Even if Trump did direct Cohen to make the payment, that in itself wasn't illegal as CNN is suggesting, the argument goes.

-PJ