1. There is an emerging narrative from pundits across the political spectrum that Trump's hush money payments to Stormy Daniels weren't that important
And everyone should focus on other issues
This is wrong
Stormy Daniels matters
Follow along if interested
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2. At their heart, presidential elections are relatively simple
Voters learn things about each candidate and then use that info to select their choice -- or decide whether to vote at all
Trump's secret $130,000 payment to Daniels was effort to subvert the democratic process
3. A campaign is a process of shaping the information environment through ads, events, policy announcements, and other activities
But there are basic rules
The underlying principle of is transparency — voters have a right to know what you are saying & doing to get elected
Judd Legum
Bill Howard