In 2015, Sen. John McCain introduced a resolution to implement President Donald Trump’s zero tolerance immigration policy to charge every migrant caught entering the country illegally. McCain’s legislation did not give any exemption for children and would have created the exact, same mess we’re in today:
Well, whaddya know — Flake & McCain introduced a resolution in 2015 supporting "a zero-tolerance approach, including criminally prosecuting illegal border crossers" https://t.co/7AbTPkUggg They didn't mention a special exemption for anyone with a kid in tow.
— Mark Krikorian (@MarkSKrikorian) June 18, 2018
With that said, MSNBC pundit and former McCain campaign strategist Steve Schmidt is leaving the Republican party and will actively support Democrats over President Donald Trump’s zero tolerance immigration policy to charge every migrant caught entering the country illegally. Because it’s OK when his guy pushes it?
29 years and nine months ago I registered to vote and became a member of The Republican Party which was founded in 1854 to oppose slavery and stand for the dignity of human life. Today I renounce my membership in the Republican Party. It is fully the party of Trump.
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) June 20, 2018
It is corrupt, indecent and immoral. With the exception of a few Governors like Baker, Hogan and Kasich it is filled with feckless cowards who disgrace and dishonor the legacies of the party’s greatest leaders. This child separation policy is connected to the worst abuses of
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) June 20, 2018
Humanity in our history. It is connected by the same evil that separated families during slavery and dislocated tribes and broke up Native American families. It is immoral and must be repudiated. Our country is in trouble. Our politics are badly broken. The first step to a
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) June 20, 2018
Season of renewal in our land is the absolute and utter repudiation of Trump and his vile enablers in the 2018 election by electing Democratic majorities. I do not say this as an advocate of a progressive agenda. I say it as someone who retains belief in DEMOCRACY and decency.
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) June 20, 2018
On Ronald Reagan’s grave are these words. “ I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph and there is purpose and worth to each and every life.” He would be ashamed of McConnell and Ryan and all the rest while this corrupt government
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) June 20, 2018
Establishes internment camps for babies. Everyone of these complicit leaders will carry this shame through history. There legacies will be ones of well earned ignominy. They have disgraced their country and brought dishonor to the Party of Lincoln.
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) June 20, 2018
I have spent much of my life working in GOP politics. I have always believed that both parties were two of the most important institutions to the advancement of human freedom and dignity in the history of the world. Today the GOP has become a danger to our democracy and values.
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) June 20, 2018
This Independent voter will be aligned with the only party left in America that stands for what is right and decent and remains fidelitous to our Republic, objective truth, the rule of law and our Allies. That party is the Democratic Party.
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) June 20, 2018
Anyway, the media — of course — love it. Glenn Kessler, Washington Post;
I first got to know Steve when he was the top communications aide to VP Dick Cheney and he was a fierce advocate for the GOP and Republican policies. Pretty extraordinary statement about how the world has changed —> https://t.co/X6WKWa1P1d
— Glenn Kessler (@GlennKesslerWP) June 20, 2018
Greg Sargent, Washington Post:
Steve Schmidt, the chief adviser to John McCain's 2008 presidential run, leaves the Republican Party: https://t.co/oh8aGEPN8H
— Greg Sargent (@ThePlumLineGS) June 20, 2018
Abby Phillip, Washington Post:
https://twitter.com/abbydphillip/status/1009380914898579458
Justin Hendrix, NYC Media Lab:
It is past time for Republicans of conscience to renounce the party. More statements like this are necessary to break the hold such 'feckless cowards' maintain on one of America's major parties. https://t.co/NsHB9aB8qG
— Justin Hendrix (@justinhendrix) June 20, 2018
Mathieu von Rohr, @derSpiegel:
Thread: a former campaign manager for President George W. Bush, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sen. John McCain repudiates the Republican Party https://t.co/a02OeDngAw
— Mathieu von Rohr (@mathieuvonrohr) June 20, 2018
John Yang, PBS Newshour:
Consider: Ten years ago he was leading the presidential campaign of the Republican Party's nominee … https://t.co/0heQBIuiMW
— John Yang (@johnyangtv) June 20, 2018
Enjoy the spotlight, Steve!
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