OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.
MSNBC contributor Claire McCaskill criticized Republicans for not strongly opposing former President Donald Trump.
She struggled to understand how the country elected Trump, especially after the January 6th Capitol attack and his subsequent indictments.
McCaskill noted Trump’s despicable pledge to pardon those who committed violent acts on January 6th like using tasers on police and gouging their eyes.
McCaskill said, “You know, it is hard, I struggle with grasping the reality that our country elected this man in the first place. Then, J-6 happened and everything that went along with that. He then is indicted and repeatedly and investigated and indicted again repeatedly. Then he does this, which is so despicable and such a spit in the face of anyone who loves our Constitution and the rule of law. I think that the people that I served with, the Republicans, are taking a grave risk.”
She called on Republican Senate leaders John Thune and John Cornyn to show leadership and speak out against Trump, warning that history will judge them for “cowering” behind trees rather than leading the party away from Trump.
McCaskill said it shouldn’t be so hard for them to claim their values and integrity by standing up to Trump, instead of worrying more about upsetting parts of their party.
She added, “I took some time today to read through the list of the most heinous offenders on January 6. The ones that took an electric shock to the neck of a police officer, the ones that gouged at the police officer’s eyes, the ones that body slammed police officers into marble statues rendering them unconscious, those are the people that he opened his rallies with, and promised to pardon. I would say to John Thune and John Cornyn, you’re wanting to lead the United States in the Senate, that is a great responsibility.”
“The risk you are taking by not speaking out against this man is one that history will pay attention to because if he’s willing to pardon the people that did that, really, you know what he’s capable of doing. They know. The idea that they’re sacrificing all of that, rather than leading their party out of the wilderness, they’re cowering. They’re cowering behind trees. Saying, please don’t look at me. Yeah, I don’t want to say I endorse him, but if I have to, if I don’t my party will be mad at me. Claim your party and your values and integrity and stand up to this guy. It shouldn’t be this hard.”
