Politics & Government
Michigan Pols Slam Trump For Doubling Down On Charlottesville Comments
Republicans, Democrats rebuke President Trump for suggesting white supremacists, counter protesters share blame in Charlottesville violence.
Members of Michigan’s congressional district responded sharply on social media after President Trump doubled down Tuesday on his initial response to last weekend’s deadly white nationalist rally that resulted in the deaths of a counter protester mowed down by a Nazi sympathizer and two Virginia state troopers who were monitoring the explosive rally from the air when their helicopter crashed.
Trump condemned people on both sides of the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia,Saturday, then waited two days before calling out by name the white supremacists, Ku Klux Klan and other alt-right groups involved in the rally. Trump doubled down Tuesday in a remarkable defense of white nationalist groups, unleashing a tirade against “alt-left” that put equal responsibility on counter protesters.
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Social media accounts of two Republican congressmen — Mike Bishop of Rochester and and John Moolenaar of Midland — were silent on the matter. Here are some of the social media posts from the rest of the Michigan congressional district:
Republicans
Let me be clear: There are no 'very fine' white supremacists. My full statement: https://t.co/BYLJlwT2P2
— Fred Upton (@RepFredUpton) August 16, 2017
"Very fine people" do not participate in rallies with groups chanting racist and anti-Semitic slogans and displaying vile symbols of hate.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) August 15, 2017
I think America needs more unity and less divisiveness...meaning @realDonaldTrump should focus more on golf & have less press conferences.
— Dave Trott (@repdavetrott) August 16, 2017
White supremacy groups are abhorrent, and no good people propagate these hateful views. It goes against everything America stands for. https://t.co/ROpywLd5dy
— Rep Tim Walberg (@RepWalberg) August 16, 2017
These bigoted acts should be condemned and denounced by all Americans! pic.twitter.com/LWxAreFInj
— Rep. Jack Bergman (@RepJackBergman) August 13, 2017
You can't be a "very fine person" and be a white supremacist @POTUS
— Rep. Paul Mitchell (@RepPaulMitchell) August 15, 2017
Democrats
Really, again? Mr. President, there are not two sides when one side is hate.
— Sandy Levin (@repsandylevin) August 15, 2017
"Both sides" did not carry Nazi flags, drive a vehicle into innocent people or bring hatred to the streets of VA. There is no "both sides."
— Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) August 16, 2017
The President blames 'many sides' but he should know that white supremacists & neo-nazis sow hate & violence and are wrong. It's that simple
— Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) August 15, 2017
Thoroughly disgusted by Trump's #charlottesville statements today. White supremacists, neo-Nazis, racism and hatred are the culprits.
— John Conyers, Jr. (@RepJohnConyers) August 16, 2017
The President of the United States should not have to be publicly shamed into condemning neo-Nazis and white supremacists.
— Rep. Dan Kildee (@RepDanKildee) August 14, 2017
Pres. Trump's continued refusal to condemn Nazis and white supremacists isn't a partisan issue. It's a moral issue. Hate is hate. Period.
— Sen. Debbie Stabenow (@SenStabenow) August 16, 2017
Condemnation is important. But the words and principles of America's leaders will be tested. #PracticeWhatYouPreach https://t.co/UrUQFh9Ovi
— Brenda Lawrence (@RepLawrence) August 16, 2017
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
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