One can argue that Tillerson should be applauded for standing up for his principles in the Fox interview. But clearly in doing so and implicitly criticizing the President on the values issue, the Secretary of State essentially relegates himself to the margins at the same time.

Why listen to anything Tillerson has to say if the most powerful man in the country — if not the world — has his own view that departs from and contradicts his own?

The Secretary of State could have gone the Mnuchin route and not drawn this distinction and separation. But he chose not to, which is a testament to his own character and refusal to accept something he knows is wrong. Given Trump’s sensitivity, that may have not been the most prudential move; but it was the right one.