Morning Briefing: 5 Things for Friday – Gianforte, Gianforte, Gianforte, Gianforte, Gianforte
Here’s What You Need to Start Your Day
Good Friday morning!
As we head into this Memorial Day weekend, here are five things you need to know for today:
- Greg Gianforte, the Montana Republican who was cited for assaulting a reporter, won the special election and will become a U.S. Congressman. In a state that Trump won by 21 points, he won by just one-third of that: about 7 points.Â
- Special interest and Super PAC money from Republicans flooded the state:
This is how Gianforte won–dark, outside money via PACs. Democrats can’t relax. A great message isn’t enough, thanks to Citizens United. pic.twitter.com/CT5waGYjsc
— Adam Khan (@Khanoisseur) May 26, 2017
- Gianforte apologized for assaulting a reporter, Ben Jacobs, as he gave his acceptance speech. So should every Republican lawmaker who tried to cover for him, and every right-wing pundit who blamed a “liberal reporter,” and every Montana voter who applauded him for his vile violent act. This, from a reporter last night:
The Gianforte supporter in front of me said, “Suck it, media” during the apology. https://t.co/ngzOfhtBEp
— Blake Montgomery (@blakersdozen) May 26, 2017
- It’s important to remember, especially, that President Trump recorded a robocall for Gianforte, calling him a “great guy,” and Vice President Mike Pence campaigned for him in Montana, and neither had the human decency to denounce his attack on a reporter. Also, Speaker Paul Ryan could refuse to seat him, but has made clear he won’t. This i the mainstreaming of violence against the media. Expect more to come.
- Finally, this:
Gianforte has to defend the seat next year. Until then, every reporter should ask him about Trumpcare, and do it wearing a football helmet.
— shauna (@goldengateblond) May 26, 2017

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