I have previously criticized the President for his use of Twitter to attack those conducting the Russian investigation and various critics.  Many of these tweets are in my view clearly inappropriate and distinctly unhelpful to his legal team.  Indeed, today the Hill posted a column where I criticize James Comey for adopting the same use of social media in lashing out at critics.  Now, Trump is attacking Ranking Member Adam Schiff as a “liar and leaker.”  I have recently criticized Schiff for his claims about the highly classified content of the recently released four-page memo.  However, these attacks on social media — and name calling — only serve to undermine the President in this controversy.  Presidents have long strived to maintain a dignified and deliberative position in addressing opposing allegations or critics.  These attacks have not worked well for the President  and fuel allegations that he is defensive and alarmed by these investigations.  For those of us who have questioned the evidence of criminal conduct, the attacks are curious since they fit a narrative put forward by the President’s critics.  I served as lead defense counsel in the impeachment of Judge Thomas Porteous — the last impeachment trial heard by the Senate. My opposing lead counsel was Rep. Adam Schiff, who I found to be a remarkably competent prosecutor and able opponent.

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