Jack Smith looked a bit like Abe Lincoln and talked a lot like Sgt. Joe Friday.

We saw and heard him Friday afternoon for the first time. In just under three minutes and just over 300 words – strong, striking, sledgehammer sentences – the special counsel laid out his case.

“Good afternoon. Today, an indictment was unsealed, charging Donald J. Trump with felony violations of our national security laws as well as participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice.”

This part hit me:

“The men and women of the United States Intelligence Community and our Armed Forces dedicate their lives to protecting our nation and its people. Our laws that protect National Defense Information are critical to the safety and security of the United States, and they must be enforced.

“Violations of those laws put our country at risk.”

Trump will be tried for putting our nation’s safety and security – and the men and women in intelligence and the military – at risk.

This weekend, no doubt, North Carolina Republicans will cheer Trump at their state convention.

I ask them:

Have you read the indictment – yes or no?

Did the FBI and Department of Justice just make all that up?

If Trump did what the indictment says, is it OK?

At long last, have you any shred of honor, courage and decency left?

Watch Smith’s statement: https://www.c-span.org/video/?528657-1/special-counsel-jack-smith-delivers-statement-indictment-president-trump