This was predictable. Sure some people had hoped Donald Trump would change his tune at his rally tonight in Wisconsin, but that is what you call wishful thinking. On the same day, a terrorist tried to bomb several people and places, including two former Presidents and a major news organization, Trump went to his old box of tricks. He not only bashed the media, as usual, he also got his supporters to bash the very news organization that was targeted today. And Trump actually found a roundabout way to tie the suspicious packages to the media. Here’s some of what he said:
“There is one way to settle our disagreements. It’s called peacefully at the ballot box. That’s what we want… The media also has a responsibility to set a civil tone and to stop the endless hostility and constant negative and oftentimes false attacks and stories. Have to do it. They’ve got to stop. Bring people together. We’re just 13 days away from a very, very important election. It’s an election of monumental, just if you look at it, monumental importance. isn’t it? wouldn’t you say monumental importance?”
.@andersoncooper on Trump's latest remarks: “He made no mention of an explosive device sent to this building behind me, the headquarters of CNN, a news organization he routinely attacks. He calls reporters the enemy of the American people… yet, he said it's the media's fault." pic.twitter.com/OFEvOqkYsk
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) October 25, 2018
As Toronto Star reporter Daniel Dale said, “he’s using a day in which an explosive device was sent to CNN to bolster his criticism of media.”
Former CIA Director John Brennan, who was one of the targets of the bombs Wednesday, said instead of attacking the media Trump may want to look in the mirror.
Former CIA Director John Brennan said President Trump's rhetoric is "un-American," and has "emboldened individuals to take matters into their own hands," in his first public remarks following a suspicious package addressed to him being sent to CNN https://t.co/JfA8laEUnI pic.twitter.com/kTYAFNjW9B
— CNN (@CNN) October 25, 2018
While the news cycle changes fast, don’t expect this issue to go away anytime soon.
.@realDonaldTrump's words ring hollow until he reverses his statements that condone acts of violence. Time & time again, he has condoned physical violence & divided Americans with his words & his actions.
Read my full statement with @SenSchumer here: https://t.co/tgaxuW6M3D
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) October 24, 2018