Image Credits: Associated Press.
Donald Trump is famous for offering his own peculiar version of history, but in this case, his account actually matches the record.
The president is not denying that he endorsed Roy Moore’s Alabama senatorial bid, nor is he pretending that he never wanted him to win. He’s upfront about the fact that he has “NOTHING against Roy Moore.” His only concern now is that he wants the Republicans to win Sen. Doug Jones’ seat and he doesn’t think Moore can accomplish this time what he failed to do in the 2017 special election.
Donald Trump Jr. also endorsed Moore’s candidacy that last time around, and he joins in his father in trying to dissuade from Moore from making a second go of it.
You mean like last time? You’re literally the only candidate who could lose a GOP seat in pro-Trump, pro-USA ALABAMA. Running for office should never become a business model. If you actually care about #MAGA more than your own ego, it's time to ride off into the sunset, Judge. https://t.co/Twg9isFRkY
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 28, 2019
Here, again, there’s no sign of consternation about Moore’s alleged sexual misconduct with minors. The only character concern is that Moore might be seeking office for financial reasons, which is quite rich coming from a member of the Trump family.
As a reminder, there were many Republicans who said that Moore should abandon his 2017 bid. They may have taken their sweet time about it and they may have couched it in conditional terms, but they still said it.
“The allegations against Roy Moore are deeply disturbing and disqualifying,” said Arizona Sen. John McCain. “He should immediately step aside and allow the people of Alabama to elect a candidate they can be proud of.”
…”The allegations against Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore are deeply troubling,” said Colorado Sen. Chairman Cory Gardner, who leads the Senate GOP campaign arm. “If these allegations are found to be true, Roy Moore must drop out of the Alabama special Senate election.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell added, “If these allegations are true, he must step aside.”
These were hardly profiles in courage, but they weren’t saying that they have “NOTHING” against the sexual assault of minors. Yet, that’s exactly what Trump Sr. and Trump Jr. are saying by opposing Moore’s candidacy entirely on political rather than moral grounds.
Moore will face off against Rep. Bradley Byrne and possibly others in a bid to win the Republican nomination and the right to take on Doug Jones, who is clearly the most vulnerable member of the Senate who is up for reelection in 2020.
