John Harwood: “From the outset of Donald Trump’s presidency, Americans have told pollsters they consider him dishonest. That makes his re-election campaign entirely on-brand. In ways large and small, in targeted advertising and public remarks, Trump has made deceit the hallmark of his bid for a second term. All presidential candidates depict opponents in the worst possible light. Trump uses outright fabrications against Democratic rival Joe Biden. All candidates buff their own records. Trump falsely describes the conditions he inherited and presides over today. All candidates frame campaign arguments to their advantage. On the core 2020 campaign issues — coronavirus, the economy, and racial justice protests — he offers fables. This may sound unsurprising for someone who launched his political career with lies about the circumstances of President Barack Obama’s birth and who, by CNN’s count, has made more than 8,500 false claims as President. Amid a public health crisis that has killed more than 186,000 Americans, ravaged the economy and upended daily life, Trump has few good options. Yet Trump’s dishonesty is both comprehensive and routine. And it represents a heavy burden for him to carry in the campaign’s final two months.”