Another day, another headache for vulnerable California Congressmen Jeff Denham, David Valadao, and Steve Knight, who can’t escape Donald Trump and the constant reminder to voters just how extreme their Republican Party is.
Since effectively becoming the leader of the Republican Party last week, Trump has not only suggested defaulting on our debt, he has doubled down on his disgusting attacks on former prisoner of war Senator John McCain.
Reps. Denham, Valadao, and Knight can’t keep hiding from their standard bearer’s unpredictable and offensive behavior.
Denham hasn’t said a word since Trump’s definitive win last week, but previously tweeted he’d support the nominee. Valadao also hasn’t made a peep, but previously said, “Absolutely, I’m going to stick with the winner from my party, obviously.” Knight remains noncommittal and said he was still “working on figuring out what I am going to do with the presidential race.”
“Being a part of the Trump Ticket comes at a serious cost for Denham, Valadao, and Knight, who will have to answer for his reckless and hateful comments every day until the election. This week’s cost for these California Congressmen is embracing a disastrous debt default and doubling down on vicious attacks against a former prisoner of war,” said Barb Solish of the DCCC.
- BuzzFeed: “HEADLINE: Trump: I Don’t Regret McCain Comments, My Polls Numbers Went Up… Donald Trump said in a radio interview on Wednesday that he doesn’t regret calling Sen. John McCain, who was captured and held prisoner during the Vietnam War, “not a war hero.”’ [5/11/16]
- New York Times: “Mr. Trump’s statement might show the limits of translating his business acumen into the world of government finance. The United States simply cannot pursue a similar strategy.” [5/6/16]