GOP congressman: 'Majority' of Republicans don't want to be defined by Trump supporters
Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) voted against a House resolution condemning Trump’s racist smear of four congresswomen of color.
Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) insisted on Tuesday that Republicans “do not want to be defined” by the racist chants at Trump’s recent rally.
Trump supporters yelled “Send her back!” about Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), an American citizen. Trump later praised the chanters as “incredible patriots.”
Trump kicked off the entire racist episode by calling for Omar and three other Democratic congresswomen of color to “get out” of the country.
Walker was asked about his criticism of the chants, which he previously characterized as a “dagger that went through my heart,” during an interview with CNN.
“I think the majority of the Republicans, whether it’s publicly or most of the time, privately here, agree that we do not want to be defined by those kinds of chants,” Walker said.
He later added that “some of the chants” have “been offensive to many in our minority communities for decades.”
In the days following the chants and Trump’s remarks, Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, would not say the attack was racist.
Walker gave tacit approval to Trump’s racism when he voted against a resolution in the House condemning the smear.
Republicans have largely rallied around Trump’s racism, while a majority of Americans have rejected it. When Trump supporters engage in bigoted chants, they are reflecting Trump and his party.
Walker’s desire for Republicans to escape the backlash to Trump’s racism is doomed, since members of his party continue to make racist comments.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.
Recommended
Florida abortion ban puts GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s anti-choice views in spotlight
Luna supports abortions bans with no exceptions for rape
By Jesse Valentine - May 07, 2024Republican Caroleene Dobson wants Alabama abortion ban to go nationwide
Dobson is the Republican candidate in what will be one of the most-watched House races of 2024.
By Jesse Valentine - April 30, 2024Direct mailers distort California Democrat Will Rollins’ record
Rollins, a former federal prosecutor, is challenging incumbent GOP Rep. Ken Calvert.
By Jesse Valentine - April 25, 2024