President of United States Waits Nearly Three Days to Condemn Racist Portland Murders
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Donald Trump issued a generic Twitter statement Monday morning addressing the horrific murders of two men by a white supremacist in Portland, Oregon, on Friday evening.
The violent attacks in Portland on Friday are unacceptable. The victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Our prayers are w/ them.
— President Trump (@POTUS) May 29, 2017
It wasn't exactly an impassioned defense of peace, tolerance, and liberalism, much less an exaltation of the heroism displayed by the men who were slain. The Trump tweet, from the POTUS account, came after the president faced increasing pressure to issue a public statement on the stabbing deaths of the two men trying to stop the harassment of young Muslim women, one who was wearing a hijab, on the city light rail Friday.
.@realDonaldTrump I'm a reporter in Portland. Do you have a comment about what happened here Friday night? Thanks.
— Rob Davis (@robwdavis) May 29, 2017
Dear Pres Trump, Their names were Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche + Ricky John Best. I wish we would hear you say them https://t.co/arrCkVfgpj
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) May 28, 2017
For a candidate that became a darling of the white nationalist fringe, thrusting them closer to the mainstream of American life, the absence of a statement lauding the bravery of the citizens who stepped in to try to stop a raving racist lunatic was particularly conspicuous. The president returned from his trip abroad Saturday and still waited another day and a half to make an official statement.
If you thought perhaps the president was busy doing presidential things during that time, here is a sampling of the 21 tweets he had time to fire off while he was not condemning the racist attack and standing with Americans who gave their lives to stop an episode of violent bigotry.
The Fake News Media works hard at disparaging & demeaning my use of social media because they don't want America to hear the real story!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2017
The massive TAX CUTS/REFORM that I have submitted is moving along in the process very well, actually ahead of schedule. Big benefits to all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2017
I suggest that we add more dollars to Healthcare and make it the best anywhere. ObamaCare is dead - the Republicans will do much better!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2017
British Prime Minister May was very angry that the info the U.K. gave to U.S. about Manchester was leaked. Gave me full details!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2017
Does anyone notice how the Montana Congressional race was such a big deal to Dems & Fake News until the Republican won? V was poorly covered
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2017
Whenever you see the words 'sources say' in the fake news media, and they don't mention names....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2017
An interesting insight into a president's priorities.