Donald Trump ‘Blood’ Comment Starts GOP Backlash: Has He Finally Gone Too Far?
Donald Trump and his “blood” comment may finally put him on the wrong side of GOP supporters. During the Republican debate and for reasons that still remain unclear, he attacked Fox News personality Megyn Kelly. Trump claimed that the acting moderator had “blood coming out of wherever.” It was a statement that many onlookers immediately called out as a misogynistic menstruation comment and an attempt to discredit the moderator.
Trump’s camp has since claimed that Donald was convinced that Megyn had blood in her eyes and nose and that anyone who believes the comment referred to period blood is a “deviant.” Unfortunately for Trump, not many people are buying the explanation, even with the threat of being deemed a deviant. It could have something to do with his previous history of questionable comments about women.
Trump escalates his sexist attacks on Megyn Kelly: http://t.co/XINYhLX7qe pic.twitter.com/c27d2uU6Oz
— Mashable (@mashable) August 9, 2015
Donald Trump has referred to women “disgusting animals” or “fat pigs.” However, his “blood” comment could damage Trump’s chances at the presidency. The target of his ire was not a Democrat or minority — it was a very popular and well-regarded Fox News host. Megyn is by no means despised or friendless on the political right, as Donald is finding out.
In response to his “blood” remark, Trump found himself disinvited from a GOP event hosted by RedState blogger Erick Erickson. Erickson had asked the abrasive conservative candidate to speak at the RedState gathering to be held Saturday at the College Football Hall of Fame. The popular blogger phoned Donald Trump’s campaign manager to nix his invite not long after the attack on Megyn Kelly.
Erick explained his reasons in an interview with the Washington Post.
“I think there is a line of decency that even a non-professional politician can cross. Suggesting that a female journalist asking you a hostile question is hormone related, I think, is one of those lines.”
This statement would perhaps hold more weight if Erickson hadn’t himself attacked first lady Michelle Obama, calling her a “Marxist harpy.” That and the fact that the blogger regularly appears on Fox News. Such a track record of his own suggests this isn’t so much concern about sexist, crude behavior as looking out for a friend.
As for Donald Trump, his camp responded to the revoked invitation with as much grace and civility as has been typical of his camp during this presidential run.
“[It was] another example of weakness through being politically correct. For all the people who were looking forward to Mr. Trump coming, we will miss you. Blame Erick Erickson, your weak and pathetic leader. We’ll now be doing another campaign stop at another location.”
Conservative politicians and prominent GOP supporters (outside of a few direct political rivals) seem remarkably reluctant to check Donald Trump. There may be some backlash for the “blood” comment, but the refusal to unanimously condemn such a questionable character may serve to further undermine the entire Republican Party.
What do you think of Donald Trump and his “blood” comment about Megyn Kelly? Do you believe he is ruining the GOP’s political credibility?
Share your thoughts below.
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