Body Slam of Reporter Is Another Sign of Americas Broken Politics & " "both sides" false equivale
This assault by the Republican is clearly on the Republican.
May 25 2017, 8:54 am ET
‘Body Slam’ of Reporter Is Another Sign of America’s Broken Politics
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/first-read/body-slam-reporter-another-sign-america-s-broken-politics-n764496
by Chuck Todd, Mark Murray and Carrie Dann
If you thought our politics couldn't get any worse, just look at what happened on the eve of today's special congressional election in Montana. "A Montana sheriff has issued a citation for misdemeanor assault against Republican U.S. House candidate Greg Gianforte after a newspaper reporter said the politician 'body slammed' him, an account that was backed up by witnesses," per NBC News. Before Gianforte was cited for misdemeanor assault, his campaign blamed the reporter, Ben Jacobs of the Guardian, for the incident. "[A]s Greg was giving a separate interview in a private office, The Guardian's Ben Jacobs entered the office without permission, aggressively shoved a recorder in Greg's face, and began asking badgering questions… It's unfortunate that this aggressive behavior from a liberal journalist created this scene at our campaign volunteer BBQ." And according to MSNBC's Garrett Haake, a GOP strategist endorsed that strategy to blame the press.
What is wrong with our politics? It's shameful that ANYONE considers this good strategy. Also in this current state of politics — where winning is everything — there is notable silence from the Republican Party. A little bit more our democracy was weakened last night. As the saying goes, you get the politicians you deserve. Question: Don't we deserve better than this?
How did last night affect this race? We just don't know
The other question on everyone's minds: How does last night's incident affect this competitive race, where the consensus had been that Gianforte is the favorite but that Democrat Rob Quist has a realistic shot at an upset? About two-thirds of the vote is already in, and those people can't change their vote. But remember, early voters are typically your most committed partisans; day-of voters are usually more persuadable. So the incident could matter. Or it might not. Polls in Montana close at 10:00 pm ET.
Democrats now find themselves in a lose-lose position
Oddly, last night's incident in Montana has turned into a potential nightmare for Democrats. Think about it: If they win, Republicans and many observers will chalk it up to Gianforte's behavior and flaws. And if Democrats come up short — which is still a realistic possibility — people are going to say: "Democrats couldn't triumph in a competitive race where the opponent is charged with misdemeanor assault before an election!!!!" Sure, Gianforte winning will eventually be a headache for Republicans once he comes to Washington. But right now, the pressure is on the Democrats, and it puts even more pressure on the June 20 runoff in Georgia. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was already one of the losers before last night (their GOP counterparts had invested much more in the race). And when you wait too long to play, you sometimes don't find yourself in a great position to take credit if you win.
Advice: Don't focus just on one special election. Look at them collectively .................MORE>>>>>>
TWEET
Mark Murray?Verified account @mmurraypolitics
'Body slam' of reporter -- and reaction to it -- is another sign of America's broken politics
Link to tweet
7:57 AM - 25 May 2017
Dan Sachar? @dansac 1m1 minute ago
Replying to @mmurraypolitics
Headline should be "another sign of broken Republican Party." Democrats do not body slam reporters & their presidents don't call press enemy
lowkell? @lowkell 7s7 seconds ago
Replying to @mmurraypolitics
No, this is 100% a sign of Republican thuggery. Stop with the "both sides" false equivalency bullshit NOW.
= new reply since forum marked as read
