Orrin Hatch walks back comments saying he 'doesn't care' about the president's crimes

[DonViejo]

Earlier in the week, outgoing Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) brushed off Donald Trump’s alleged role in crimes committed by his former attorney Michael Cohen — and he’s now walking those comments back. “The Democrats will do anything to hurt this president,” Hatch said.

When a reporter noted that the allegations came from federal prosecutors, he continued his defense: “OK, but I don’t care, all I can say is he’s doing a good job as president.”

In a statement released Friday, the senator said he made the comments “in an unplanned hallway interview” and that what he said was “irresponsible and a poor reflection on my lengthy record of dedication to the rule of law.”

Though he doesn’t think Cohen is a “reliable voice,” Hatch said he’s in the past “expressed confidence” in special counsel Robert Mueller and his investigation “countless times.”

The senator went on to tell CNN that nobody is above the law.

Link to tweet

-snip-

https://www.rawstory.com/2018/12/pro-trump-senator-orrin-hatch-walks-back-comments-saying-doesnt-care-presidents-crimes/

[RAB910]

1. Hatch just demonstrated

The lies Republicans tell the public and what they are really thinking

The unprepared hallway interview was an accidental truth

[shanny]

16. otherwise known as a "gaffe"

i.e. when a politician accidentally tells the truth

[jberryhill]

2. What bullshit

This doesn't even walk back what he said.

[Raven123]

3. Unnecessary. He accurately expressed his opinion the first time

However I do hope Orin reflects on why he made that initial statement.

[Solly Mack]

4. Hatch is as full of shit as always.

He said exactly what he meant. He doesn't care if Trump breaks the law.

[spanone]

5. too late asshole.

[MineralMan]

6. Say Goodbye, Orrin.

Go home. Go back over your political career in your mind, in detail and see if you can figure out why you fail. But, please shut up and go home now.

[lunatica]

7. Bull!

Like his fellow dessicated colleagues with cement for brains he thought it was perfectly OK to be dismissive. What probably happened was he got an earful of our (meaning all Democrats) reaction. Twitter and social media goes both ways. And it’s practically instant! And it gives us a great tool which we never had before.

Fucking dinosaur!

[cynatnite]

8. Was that his first unplanned hallway interview?

[JDC]

9. F him. His gut reaction is what he really feels and believes

A recant days later is just PR cleanup

[Wellstone ruled]

10. Folks,this is the

real Orin Hatch. Spiteful,bigoted, and truly a despicable person. Only met him once and whenever he showed up at a Community event in our City,made sure we did not attend.

[skylucy]

11. Sen Hatch....

Uh. Yeah right .Whatever.

[UpInArms]

12. Don't let the door hit you

On your way out, asshat.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

13. The jagoff accidentally told the truth

[rurallib]

14. Sounds like a variation on the Republican apology

[DFW]

15. Republicans always regret it when they are caught telling the truth

So, of course, Hatch the Hack wants to do what Republicans usually do when caught in a moment of candor--correct what he said.