How a lie becomes respectable, step by cowardly step

Really, only a few people will even notice: former residents of Japan (I’m one), people who do business in both countries, the small but fervent tribe devoted to U.S.-Japan understanding. But, in a way, that’s the point. By the accumulation of uncounted such little-noticed decisions, Trump’s lie is legitimized and an essential pillar of democracy is eroded: that the loser recognizes the winner, knowing another election opportunity will come around.