EJ Montini

opinion columnist



It’s a simple request.

Put up or shut up.

It’s recognized in schoolyards all over America. And at every sporting event on any level. And within every business transaction. It’s something Sen. John McCain understands and something President Donald Trump understands -- but ignores.

If you make an accusation against someone it must be accompanied by proof. Otherwise, take it back. Apologize. Shut up.

That may not be a requirement for a reality TV celebrity, as Trump was (and in many ways still is), but it’s certainly true when you are president of the United States.

Put up or shut up.

That’s the shorthand version of what Sen. McCain said indirectly to Trump on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday.

The president could clear this up quickly

McCain was asked about Trump so-far unsubstantiated claim that former President Obama had bugged Trump Tower during the campaign.

McCain told CNN’s Jake Tapper, “President Trump has to provide the American people, not just the intelligence committee but the American people with evidence that his predecessor, the former President of the United States was guilty of breaking the law. Because our director of national intelligence, General (James) Clapper testified that there was absolutely no truth to that allegation.”

McCain also pressed for further investigation into the connections between Russian officials and Trump associates.

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"There's a lot of aspects of this whole relationship with Russia and (Russian President) Vladimir Putin that requires further scrutiny, and so far, I don't think the American people have gotten all the answers. In fact, I think there's a lot more shoes to drop from this centipede."

When asked if he believed Trump Tower had been wiretapped by Obama, McCain said, “I have no reason to believe the charge is true, but I also believe that the President of the United States could clear this up in a minute. All he has to do is pick up the phone and call the director of the CIA, the director of national intelligence and say, ‘Okay what happened?’ Because they certainly should know rather the former President of the United States was wiretapping Trump Towers.”

Exactly.

A reality TV celebrity doesn’t have access to that kind of information.

The president does.

So, put up …

Or