Flashback: Scalise Goes Viral with Response to Don Lemon's 'I Don't See Democrats Killing People' Claim
Editor’s Note: This was a popular story with our readers when it originally ran; we’re re-posting it here in case you missed it.
CNN anchor Don Lemon downplayed left-wing violence on the Monday episode of his show “CNN Tonight.” This prompted a response from shooting survivor Rep. Steve Scalise that’s going viral.
Lemon said political violence is overwhelmingly committed by right-wing elements.
“This is not equal. … I don’t see Democrats killing people,” the CNN host said.
Lemon dismissed the 2017 shooting that occurred during practice for a congressional charity baseball game that left Scalise with a serious gunshot wound in the hip.
.@donlemon was so disingenuous during this segment and basically dismissed the shooting that nearly killed Scalise and several other Congressmen because nobody actually died when talking about violence on both sides. pic.twitter.com/7ABqpvOatf
— Cameron Cawthorne (@Cam_Cawthorne) October 30, 2018
The attack was committed by a left-wing supporter of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and it left five others with injuries.
Lemon denied the attack could be used to argue against his claim, saying, “Bernie Sanders is not the president.”
After hearing about this, Scalise’s response Tuesday was short and sweet. He tweeted only a link and the “eyes” emoji.
— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) October 30, 2018
The article linked by Scalise comes from National Review and details Lemon’s remarks.
His post quickly took off, and now has more than 17,000 retweets and nearly 36,000 likes.
Not all of the responses were friendly.
Most of them took aim at Lemon, slamming his carefree language surrounding political violence. Some used memes, while others wrote sharp attacks against the CNN personality.
Oh, sure Sweetie this bending of the truth will help unite this divided country. pic.twitter.com/OSxpRikjVA
— jon (@doyouCmenao) October 30, 2018
This man is a joke. He is a paid actor. He is not a real journalist.
— Michele Fiore (@MicheleFiore10) October 30, 2018
I think it’s time CNN was listed as a cartoon station!
— Margo Sommerfeld (@margos1s) October 30, 2018
Some of the replies were more sobering, reminding readers that the Louisiana congressman was dealt a serious injury that will stay with him for the rest of his life. Scalise stands as a reminder that political violence is very real in America, and can strike almost anywhere.
Mr. Scalise,
I have a good idea about what you face every day with an abdominal injury such as yours. It’s no picnic and it will be with you forever.God Bless you. I think about you every day.
— T (@CatOnTheFridge) October 30, 2018
Not only are Don Lemon’s comments irresponsible, but 2018 has proven time and time again that they can be deadly if heard by the wrong person. With the recent political attacks, the last thing America needs now is more division.
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