I am not at all naive and certainly not young. I have no illusions whatsoever that his doing so would not create a furor. Nor any illusions that there are any politicians today who would stand on principle and do the right thing. That doesn't keep me from suggesting it to them or pointing out what's what in the public forum of ideas.
Do you think he'll be gaining votes and political influence from and for conservatives and Republicans by ducking this?
I don't see him ducking it - I see a man who's hands are tied.