Politicians only apologize for ‘out of hand’ rhetoric when caught: Salena Zito

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Washington Examiner Senior Columnist Salena Zito said the growing number of “dehumanizing” statements from politicians is “very dangerous,” warning that “unstable” people could take this rhetoric “to the next level.”

Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner apologized Friday for social media comments he made in 2018 that included encouraging anyone expecting “to fight fascism without a good semi-automatic rifle” to read history. Zito, who witnessed President Donald Trump almost get assassinated in July 2024, said “the bulk” of these inflammatory statements comes from “the left wing,” such as the arson attack on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s (D-PA) residence in April.

“If you take a look at what that arsonist did to the governor’s mansion, the Shapiro family are very lucky that they survived that attack. And again, I go back to, we just dehumanize people. What the candidate from Maine did was, you know, he doesn’t say he regrets it. He says he’s sorry for it, and I think there needs to be a more in-depth understanding from voters. Voters are going to be very skeptical if someone doesn’t show remorse. They only apologized because they got caught.”

Zito also pointed to Democratic Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones’s leaked texts, in which he suggested a former Virginia House speaker and his children should be killed. Zito said no Democrats are requesting that Jones step down from the race, an opposite reaction to how they called for then-Gov. Ralph Northam to resign in 2019.

Jones apologized for his text messages. Zito said an apology isn’t “enough” and reiterated her belief that politicians apologize after their statements are discovered. She also wondered when consequences would be given to those who run for office and make these statements, asking what younger people are taking away from others waving off past comments.

THE PARTY THAT CRIED FASCISM

Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin said Platner’s past comments are “indefensible,” but he believes people say things “at their most vulnerable times.” He added that he “absolutely” believes Platner acknowledges he used “harmful” words.

President Donald Trump condemned Jones as an “animal that wanted to kill somebody” on Sunday when talking to the press aboard Air Force One. Different polls show either Jones tied with sitting Republican Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, or Miyares leading by 4.9%.

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