Trump blasts progressive candidates as 'lunatics' and 'communists'
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Donald Trump attacked progressive candidates, labeling them 'lunatics' and 'communists' ahead of the midterms.
- He specifically criticized comments made by Wisconsin state representative Francesca Hong regarding Thanksgiving and police.
- Trump also targeted Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic primary winner in Michigan, with accusations of antisemitism.
Ahead of the midterm elections, former President Donald Trump has intensified his attacks on progressive candidates, employing strong rhetoric to label them as 'lunatics' and 'communists.' His strategy appears aimed at alienating moderate voters by highlighting the perceived radicalism of figures within the Democratic Party.
In Wisconsin, the communists even have a woman who said that the holiday of Thanksgiving should be immediately abolished, and the police, the police only exist to, quote, โuphold white supremacy.โ
During a rally in Las Vegas, Trump specifically criticized comments attributed to Francesca Hong, a Korean American candidate for Wisconsin governor. He cited her past remarks suggesting Thanksgiving should be abolished and that police exist to 'uphold white supremacy.' Trump declared, 'These people are dangerous, and frankly, they are lunatics. They're crazy, and we can't let them get into office.' He characterized communism as the greatest threat to the United States.
While Trump did not name Hong directly, his remarks echoed recent Republican attacks on her previous statements on social media. Hong had posted in 2020 advocating for the cancellation of Thanksgiving, calling it a celebration of colonialism. She also previously stated that police exist to uphold white supremacy and called for their defunding and abolition. Hong has since clarified her positions, stating she will not cancel Thanksgiving and will not defund the police, acknowledging that her views have evolved.
These people are dangerous, and frankly, they are lunatics. Theyโre crazy, and we canโt let them get into office.
Trump also broadened his attack to include Abdul El-Sayed, who won the Democratic primary for a Senate seat in Michigan. Trump accused El-Sayed of hating Jews and Israel 'with a passion that burns in his heart.' El-Sayed, supported by the democratic socialist wing, opposes US support for Israel and advocates for police budget cuts following the 2020 death of George Floyd.
This guy hates Jews. Somebody said, โOh, thatโs a little strong.โ No, he hates Jews, and he hates Israel.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.