A contentious interaction between a reporter and U.S. Rep. Mike Grimm, R-N.Y., occurred last night after President Obama’s State of the Union speech.
The genius of Rep. Michael Grimm is that he successfully stole the spotlight from the president. http://t.co/HZZuPGrOJ5
— Bryan Lowry (@BryanLowry3) January 29, 2014
The reporter’s transcript spelled out the alleged threat:
https://twitter.com/lisadont/status/428395723109834752
Rep. Grimm didn’t deny the threat, but didn’t apologize either:
NEW: Statement from @repmichaelgrimm: pic.twitter.com/6eXEgkBVya
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) January 29, 2014
The reporter was asking Grimm about alleged campaign finance improprieties that surfaced two weeks ago:
Fundraiser for Staten Island congressman Michael Grimm arrested: officials http://t.co/c6G9MPyy2N
— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) January 14, 2014
From the linked article:
A fundraiser for Staten Island congressman Michael Grimm has been arrested in connection with an alleged campaign finance scheme, authorities say.
Diana Durand was arrested by the FBI Friday, accused of using straw donors to allegedly funnel more than $10,000 into the Grimm campaign. She also allegedly lied to federal agents when questioned about the scheme and her alleged violations of the $4,800 campaign limits, officials said.
The fake donor, described as a personal friend of Durand, told authorities that Durand suggested she donate to Grimm’s campaign and that she promised to reimburse her, according to the FBI.
From NY1’s political director:
Our full Grimm story — with video and a transcription. This will be updated. http://t.co/TDtZymzkv2
— Bob Hardt (@bobhardt) January 29, 2014
(2/3) “The NY1 family is certainly alarmed and disappointed by the behavior of Representative Grimm and demands a full apology from him."
— Bob Hardt (@bobhardt) January 29, 2014
(3/3) “This behavior is unacceptable.” — NY1 Political Director Bob Hardt
— Bob Hardt (@bobhardt) January 29, 2014
Last night’s altercation trended on Twitter:
More commentary:
Rep. Grimm has now made it impossible for reporters NOT to ask him about his campaign finance problems. Not a smart move.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) January 29, 2014
https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/428402467970097153
Break a reporter in half, now you've just got two tiny reporters, think it through Grimmsy
— Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) January 29, 2014
https://twitter.com/EvanMcSan/status/428399512173166592
Reminder: Before politics, former Marine Michael Grimm was undercover FBI agent "Mikey Suits" in the Gambino family. http://t.co/8vAOP6Bl6n
— Robert A George (@RobGeorge) January 29, 2014
Former FBI agent Michael Grimm seems like the type of guy you'd want the federal government to vest with lethal power.
— Michael Tracey (@mtracey) January 29, 2014
In all the fuss, I never did learn what Michael Grimm thought of Obama's speech.
— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) January 29, 2014
Mike Grimm Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit. Slums of Shaolin, y'all.
— Socially DistantAF (@brodigan) January 29, 2014
RT @Matthops82: Shorter Rep Grimm http://t.co/rYl78jtQQi
— Michael Rusch (@weeddude) January 29, 2014
Rep. Mike Grimm should have just threatened to close the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.
— Patrick Murray (@PollsterPatrick) January 29, 2014
Congrats Michael Grimm! You've won 24 Hour News Cycle Bingo! #THUG
— Elon James White wears a Mask (@elonjames) January 29, 2014
House to censure Grimm for failing to actually throw the reporter off the balcony?
— Roger Simon (@politicoroger) January 29, 2014
Michael Grimm: He Won't Just Fight FOR You, He'll Fight WITH You! #GrimmCampaignSlogans
— ??? ????????? ⏳ (@stranahan) January 29, 2014
I run 6'4 220lb, I wonder if Rep. Grimm thinks he can break me in half. He's welcome to give it a shot.
— Ben White (@morningmoneyben) January 29, 2014
And then there’s this gem:
Grimm did not commit assault because a reasonable person would not believe that a member of Congress would do what they promised to do.
— TinyShortBunkerInspectionHat (@Popehat) January 29, 2014
Hilarious.
[Update]
NY1 has provided a slightly clearer recording of the exchange that appears to back up the reporter’s transcript.