See below for comments by Virginia Democratic elected officials and candidates about Trump’s racist, un-American “shithole” comments about immigrants from non-white countries. Also note that Virginia Republicans appear to be silent about this, just as they’ve been silent about so many other Trump outrages over the past couple years. Yet another reason to vote every single Republican on the ballot out of office this November.
Rep. Donald McEachin: “Disappointing, disgusting but not surprising. An apology is needed now.”
He said all Haitians have AIDS. He said Nigerians live in huts. He called Mexicans rapists. This is who Donald Trump is. There is a moral vacuum in the White House. https://t.co/OpyIpUuNda
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) January 11, 2018
The word is vulgar, but idea that it’s ok to write off an entire nation of people is unamerican. Either we’re all created equal or we aren’t.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) January 12, 2018
It’s horrible that Trump slurred people from Africa and Haiti.
What’s far more important is that in saying he preferred immigrants from Norway to those from Africa and Haiti he *admitted* to an explicitly racist rationale for his immigration policies. https://t.co/9u68TKFV2y
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) January 11, 2018
All human beings have value Mr President. It’s just that not all could receive $millions to set them up in life. Your derogatory term for certain countries perhaps underscores how a different situation might lead others to seek the better life you were privileged with at birth.
— Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) January 11, 2018
The President's comments on immigration do not reflect widely-held American values.
— Rep. Bobby Scott (@BobbyScott) January 12, 2018
To white evangelical leaders, that voice you are hearing in your soul is a prophetic calling to decry these un-Christian, un-American and deeply racist remarks from the President you helped to elect. Please answer it! All God’s children are of equal dignity and worth. https://t.co/58Tr0juBa9
— Tom Perriello (@tomperriello) January 11, 2018
African immigrants, Haitian immigrants, black immigrants, brown immigrants. You are welcome here in America no matter what our racist president may say.
— Santana for Congress (@SantanaforVA1) January 12, 2018
Here’s a rhetorical question:
Has @RobWittman condemned Pres. Trump’s racist comments about black and brown immigrants, from today?
— Santana for Congress (@SantanaforVA1) January 12, 2018
Another incredibly disgusting comment from Donald Trump. The U.S. is a nation of immigrants and stronger because of it. Comments like these demonstrate yet again just how unfit and undeserving he is to lead our country.https://t.co/hQaeTs5s9j
— Jennifer Wexton (@JenniferWexton) January 12, 2018
If the reports are true about President Trump’s remarks about immigrants from different countries are embarrassing & disgraceful to the United States of America, then Congress should vote to censure you immediately & send a powerful message to the global community. #Va02 https://t.co/qIlSLBtKfj
— Karen Mallard for Congress (@mallardforva) January 12, 2018
Virginia Congressional Republicans (Barbara Comstock, Scott Taylor, Tom Garrett, Dave Brat, Bob BADlatte, Morgan Griffith, Rob Wittman): As far as I can tell, absolutely silent.
UPDATE 12:20 pm: FINALLY a statement from Comstock, who clearly is super worried – and for good reason!
– she’s going to lose her seat this November.
I can’t defend what the President reportedly said. We are all made in the image and likeness of God… Full statement below. #VA10 pic.twitter.com/IM505XNkKn
— Barbara Comstock (@RepComstock) January 12, 2018
Pitifully weak statement by Rep. Scott Taylor (R-VA02)
“I keep thinking back on my trip to Haiti last August and my conversation with a bright young West Point graduate. He served honorably then returned home to Haiti to join the police force to help make a better life for his people and his nation. I hope for and will fight for an America that continues to be a beacon for young men and women from around the globe. And, one that continues to inspire them to take the risk to make a difference in this world.”
Weak statement by Rep. Dave Brat (R-VA07) as well:
There are three pillars that have made our nation great and attracted millions of immigrants from around the world to come here for a better life and to pursue the American dream. The Judeo-Christian tradition, free markets, and the rule of law.
America has always been a generous nation which currently welcomes more than 1 million people every year through a legal immigration process. These individuals are welcome to take part in our free market economy which has made us the wealthiest nation on earth. But our immigration system is broken and in need of major reform. Moving forward, negotiations must continue to fix it and return to the American tradition of the rule of law. Hopefully, these policy discussions will move forward in a civil manner worthy of our American values.
It doesn’t matter what country you come from, or live in, the Judeo-Christian tradition teaches us that all individuals are children of God deserving of dignity and respect.
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