These kinds of “everybody does it” arguments are so corrosive to public trust in government

Also, even assuming there's some de minimis level of perk that's acceptable from constitutents (debatable at best), what possible legitimate purpose does accepting gifts or favors from the Turkish government or Turkish Airlines serve?

Well ok then.

And it's just a lie. Members of Congress don't get free upgrades, it's against ethics rules. I live in the DC area, and have been on flights with congresspersons, flying coach.

I love the idea of equating getting their iced tea filled at a restaurant to taking $10 million in bribes.

Only because lawyers like him tell them it's OK.

One place you can find stories of a congressman getting favors like this is the indictment of Bob Menendez. Another is the indictment of Henry CuellarOne place you can find stories of a congressman getting favors like this is the indictment of Bob Menendez. Another is the indictment of Henry Cuellar

He’s saying it’s the equivalent of FREE REFILLS! Why is this guy not being laughed out of the bar?

Yet SCOTUS effectively put it’s imprimatur on this line of thinking by determining that if you can’t prove a blatant quid pro quo there’s no crime and if done after the favor is provided it’s a mere gratuity. That’s far more corrosive. Indeed, the lawyer who doesn’t make this argument is incapable.

As someone who worked in the NYC construction world that’s the motto they live by. That’s the world that made Donald Trump.

Less corrosive than SCOTUS saying it’s all legal and incentivizing every politician to do it