Legislators defend DNC speaker Khan on Twitter after Trump’s remarks
August 2, 2016 by sandhyataneja
Although there were over 60 speakers at the Democratic National Convention, including Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, President Barack Obama, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and First Lady Michelle Obama, one in particular dominated the conversation: Khizr Khan.
Khan is the father of late Army Captain Humayun Khan, who sacrificed his life to protect his soldiers in 2004. On the final day of the convention, he voiced his concerns over Donald Trump becoming president, and became the spotlight for news outlets everywhere. Trump’s tweeted response the following day has been accused of showing little respect for Mr. Khan himself.
“Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR and the weakness of our ‘leaders’ to eradicate it!”
“I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic Convention. Am I not allowed to respond? Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!”
Not many legislators tweeted during Khan’s DNC speech, but many had a lot to say during the aftermath, according to FiscalNote’s legislator Twitter search. Trump also spoke to ABC and asked whether Ghazala Khan, Mr. Khan’s wife, was “allowed to have anything to say” to which she responded that talking about her late son was difficult and “it has been 12 years, but you know hearts of pain can never heal as long as we live.”
“Easy to see why anyone might become emotional discussing his/her deceased child. Ghazala Khan deserves respect.” – Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN)
“Thank you for your sacrifice, Mrs. Khan.” – Nevada state Senator Aaron D. Ford (D)
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Legislators active on Twitter generally supported Mr. Khan’s decision to address the people watching in America and directed angry tweets towards Trump and the Republican party in general. Support for Mr. and Mrs. Khan, however, runs deep.
“I just cannot fathom showing Gold Star parents like Khizr and Ghazala Khan anything but love and support. They define the word patriotism.” – Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA)
“Captain Humayun Khan is a hero. Our nation is eternally grateful for his sacrifice, and we grieve his loss with his family.” – Florida state Rep. Rob Bradley (R)
“Pence believe Captain Khan is an American hero whose family should not have been allowed in to the US…hmmm” – Massachusetts state Rep. Marjorie Decker (D)
“Thank you, Ghazala & Khizr Khan for your sacrifices & your son’s service to our country. #GoldStarParents #Hero…” – California state Rep. Richard Pan (D)
“I met Khizr and Ghazala Khan. They are kind and wonderful people. We all can learn from this family. #goodtrouble” – Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)
Many legislators criticized Trump for his remarks on the Khan family.
“I am crying, crying inside for my country & my fellow Americans like the Khan family so viciously attacked by Trump.” – Colorado state Rep. Paul Rosenthal (D)
A few continued the sentiment and addressed the definition of patriotism.
“Captain Khan was also an American. You can be both Muslim and American. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.” –Arkansas state Rep. Greg Leding (D)
“Day 4 at #DemsInPhilly. Mr Khan, father of fallen US soldier offers a powerful message for @DonaldTrump: Muslims are patriots too!” – Virginia state Rep. Gerry Connolly (D)
One active opposer to Khan’s speech and a big advocate for Trump is New Hampshire Rep. Al Baldasaro (R).
“What say you on the Khan attack to @realDonaldTrump Is the truth coming out on follow the #Clinton money trail”
“Liberal Media @CNN wake up & stop the lying. @realDonaldTrump was attacked by a father using son as Political Pawn”
In response, New York state Rep. Deborah Glick tweeted a direct insult to both Trump and Baldasaro.
“Not only is Donald acting unhinged, but he surrounds himself with lunatics like Al Baldasaro who spreads about the Khan family #Clueless” –New York state Rep. Deborah Glick
Some legislators even criticized the GOP in general.
“I know too many Gold Star families. What @realDonaldTrump said about Mrs. Khan is disgraceful & dishonorable. GOP should be ashamed.”- U.S. House Rep Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)
Several Republicans, such as Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senator John McCain (R-AZ), strongly stated that Trump’s words do not reflect the GOP’s values.
“McCain: Trump defamed Khan, does not represent GOP @CNNPolitics” – New Mexico state Rep. Bill McCamley (D)
https://twitter.com/BillMcCamley/status/760142617082404864
“Humayun Khan and John McCain represent bravery far beyond what I will ever know. Attacking them or their families is not defensible. Period.” – West Virginia state Rep. Shawn Fluharty
Regardless of what side the legislators are on, they can agree that Khan’s speech was a memorable moment.
“The most powerful moment of either convention was the speech by the father of Capt Khan” – U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
With fewer than 100 days to go until the General Election, every moment is crucial, and every action from both of the candidates and their respective parties is going to be heavily scrutinized.
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