Cokie Roberts says not only is Trump “morally tainted” (a statement no one seems to oppose), but Trump supporters are too. She was talking about supporters, like Paul Ryan, who say they reject and abhor Trump’s statements, but still support or endorse his candidacy.
Predictably, a subset of Trump supporters take to the internet to express their outrage, OUTRAGE over the rude and insulting statement about them; SHOCK that a member of the media would violate the rules of civility and impartiality that the media has always held dear. Oh, and also to criticize Roberts’ age, appearance, gender, and given name. And fantasize about her death. And use language that presumably would cause even Trump to blush. ‘Cause civility.
To the remaining thoughtful people of the GOP: stop writing your reasoned, critical statements about Roberts’ behavior for a moment and look at the crazy all around you. Your party was car-jacked by people who spew hate, ignorance, and general resentment at everything they encounter. The rest of us know you’re not driving the car, but we kinda wonder why you are staying along for the ride.
My whole life I’ve heard Republicans tell me that theirs is the party of personal responsibility. Now is your chance to PROVE IT: State publicly and unequivocally that the rage, racism, sexism, and xenophobia we hear at Trump rallies and from Trump supporters is unacceptable, and deny them your support. Announce your commitment to take back your party from the know-nothings, the America First-ers, the bigots, and the rest of the mess that increasingly is the public face of the Party of Lincoln. And if you fail to take back the party, show the rest of us that your principles are more important that power, and take your support elsewhere.
I have always believed that the overwhelming majority of Republicans are good people who simply have a fundamentally different view of how to accomplish what we all want: a safe, happy, and prosperous America. This is your chance to teach me whether that belief is justified.