Have we ever seen a week like this before, where the President of the United States does something to isolate himself so completely not only from other politicians, but from the American public in general - not to mention the entire world?
Indeed, that is what has happened, as President Trump first condemned "both sides" for the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, this past weekend. Then, under tremendous pressure as the first wave of near universal condemnation hit, Trump called out white supremacists and neo-Nazi groups by name, two days after the violence. But then, he reversed course again, and claimed that the "alt-left" (whatever that is) were responsible for much of the violence.
For this, he was congratulated by former Klansman David Duke, a known racist. Duke thanked Trump for being brave enough to tell the truth, and stand up to leftist terrorism.
And, of course, let us not forget that some of the neo-Nazis who were shouting anti-Semitic and racist slogans were actually also saying, "Hail Trump!" and giving fascist, straight-armed salutes while so doing. They were not being facetious, or doing it tongue in cheek. They truly hope that Trump will fulfill what they see as promises to bring white supremacy back to the country.
All of this turned most Americans against President Trump over the weekend, inspiring many public figures who normally do not speak out to go ahead and criticize this president. That includes comedian Jimmy Fallon, who was blasted last year during the presidential race for a goofy softball interview with then candidate Donald Trump.
More tellingly, some prominent Republican lawmakers were vocal in their criticism of Trump, as well. That includes House Speaker Paul Ryan, who usually does not criticize Trump. Lindsey Graham, John McCain, Jeb Bush, and Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, who suggested that President Trump's "moral authority is compromised."'
Former GOP presidential candidate and Trump rival Jeb Bush, brother of former President George W. Bush, also went on the offensive against the president in the wake of last weekend's events in Virginia:
"This is a time for moral clarity, not ambivalence."
Bush continued, suggesting that it was not for President Trump to try and assign blame for what happened over the weekend, and then concluding with this:
"For the sake of our country, he must leave no room for doubt that racism and hatred will not be tolerated or ignored by his White House."
When we have a president being seriously and legitimately reprimanded by the Bush family, you know you have a morally bankrupt extremist and divider in the Oval Office.
Yesterday, another prominent Republican, Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee, made some major headlines for his very public criticisms of the president while he was at the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, as he spoke to reporters. According to Corker, President Trump:
"has not yet been able to demonstrate the stability, nor some of the competence that he needs to demonstrate in order to be successful."
Chloe Morrison, of Nooga.com, added video of these comments by Corker, who suggested that all of these distractions and compromises of his ethics and was getting in the way of successfully discharging the duties of the Office of the President of the United States:
"And we need for him to be successful. Our nation needs for him to be successful."
Corker suggested this about Trump:
"He also recently has not demonstrated that he understands the character of this nation. He has not demonstrated that he understands what has made this nation great and what it is today."
These comments by Corker have made significant headlines already, and are pretty damning of Trump, seriously hurting his legitimacy and position of leadership. Corker traditonally has not been critical of Trump, so these comments are being taken seriously, and many feel that they are hurting Trump's credibility and, yes, the perception that he is competent enough to hold the highest office in the land.
Yet, who can argue that they are not true, other than the most hardcore among Trump supporters? Of course, there are quite a few of those, although by this point, you really have to wonder if they have an objective bone in their body, or if they themselves are not actually racists and xenophobic themselves. I know people who are still supportive of Trump, still defending him, and it truly boggles my imagination that they go to such extraordinary lengths to defend what cannot be defended.
GOP Senator: Trump Lacking 'Stability,' 'Competence' To Succeed Facebook Twitter Google+ Email August 17, 20173:28 PM ET Arnie Seipel - 2016 - square ARNIE SEIPEL
Jeb Bush on Trump Charlottesville statement: 'This is a time for moral clarity, not ambivalence' BY MAX GREENWOOD - 08/15/17:
GOP Sen. Scott: Trump's 'moral authority is compromised' BY JOHN BOWDEN - 08/17/17
No comments:
Post a Comment