GOP Scrambles to Distance Itself From Trump on Orlando

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

GOP Scrambles to Distance Itself From Trump on Orlando

By ERICA WERNER, AP CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT WASHINGTON — Jun 14, 2016, 3:58 PM ET

Dismayed Republicans scrambled for cover Tuesday from Donald Trump's inflammatory response to the Orlando massacre, while President Barack Obama and Democrat Hillary Clinton delivered fiery denunciations that underscored the potential peril for the GOP.

Republican hopes are fading for a new, "more presidential" Trump as the party's divisions around him grow ever more acute.

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Several of Trump's fellow Republicans clearly did not agree with him. They were nearly as unsparing as the Democrats in their criticism of his boundary-pushing response Monday to the killing of 49 patrons at a gay club in Orlando, Florida, by an American-born Muslim who pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group.

Among other things, Trump called for Obama to resign for failing to use the phrase "radical Islam," suggested moderate Muslims and perhaps even Obama himself might sympathize with radical elements, and expanded his call for a temporary ban on Muslim immigration to the U.S.

"Mr. Trump seems to be suggesting that the president is one of them, I find that highly offensive, I find that whole line of reasoning way off-base," said Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. "Mr. Trump's reaction to declare war on the faith is the worst possible solution."

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Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/trump-clinton-offer-visions-orlando-response-39837765

[left-of-center2012]

1. I want to say "What a clown" ...

But there's nothing funny about him.

[PJMcK]

2. I don't like this feeling

I'm suddenly having a little respect for Senator Graham. It's an odd and unpleasant sensation.

(Humor)

Actually, I'm very happy to see the Republicans in such disarray.

[Doctor Jack]

5. He is probably the most level headed person in the party

Really, I can't stress how little that actually means. However, I like you, have a minimal level of respect for him after he has stood up to trump and encouraged republicans to completely condemn him. I would say if my level of respect for someone can range from 0 to 1000, I will give him a 3. Barely present but drastically higher than any other republican out there.

[PJMcK]

8. Using your metrics...

... I'm a little more generous and will give Senator Graham a 12. This is only because he's taken an honorable stance on a few other issues. His opposition to Mr. Trump's candidacy, however, shows that he actually has a concern and, maybe, even a love for our country.

But like I said, this is awkward and it's time for a drink!

[MrWendel]

3. This seems to be...

an epidemic with them, having to distance themselves from Trump weekly or daily.

[CanonRay]

4. How the hell can the GOP distance itself from it's own Presidential candidate?

I mean, c'mon, really? They built him from the ground up.

[maryellen99]

6. he'll never admit it but I bet he's going to vote for Hillary nt

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

7. I love it when goops

Pretend to come to their senses for political expediency. It further exposes their rank hypocrisy.

[Doctor Jack]

9. Well it looks like any talk of Trump "benefiting" from a terrorist attack has collapsed

If the republicans are scrambling for the hills after trump's response, they clearly know that he has fucked up royally. If they felt they could salvage anything that he has said or done, they would try like hell. Instead, they are nowhere to be found.

[lunatica]

10. I feel soooo sorry for the GOP

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!

[tanyev]

11. That pig's never going to sing, GOP.

You want to keep trying to teach it until election day? Please proceed.

[ohheckyeah]

12. Why do the keep affording him the courtesy of calling him MR.Trump?

Donald is plenty good. I would refuse to call him Mr.

[tallahasseedem]

13. And it's up to us to make sure that they can't...

The President and Hillary did a masterful job today of making sure that they aren't going to get away with this.