GOP leaders criticize body-slamming candidate Greg Gianforte's actions: 'We all make mistakes'

[brooklynite]

Source: New York Daily News

WASHINGTON — Republican House leaders refused to walk away from their candidate who body-slammed a reporter for asking questions on Thursday, criticizing his actions but declining to disavow his campaign.

"From what I know of Greg Gianforte, this was totally out of character, but we all make mistakes," National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Stivers (R-Ohio) said in a statement about the Montana candidate, who faces the voters on Thursday. "Today's special election is bigger than any one person; it's about the views of all Montanans. They deserve to have their voices heard in Washington."

Stivers ran away from a Daily News reporter when asked about the statement, saying it "speaks for itself" and refusing to answer any questions as he exited the Capitol.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) was a bit more critical of Gianforte's actions, calling on him to apologize — but refused to say whether he would allow him to serve as a member of the House Republican conference if he wins in Thursday's election, a real possibility given Montana's conservative lean and the heavy levels of early voting that have already taken place in the state.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/gop-leaders-body-slamming-candidate-mistakes-article-1.3195530

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I made a mistake yesterday; I left my wallet in a local store (they were nice enough to drop it off at my house).

I don't recall assaulting anyone...

[hamsterjill]

1. I make mistakes all the time.

But I've never body slammed anyone for asking me a question. What the heck did Gianforte expect was going to happen when he decided to run for office? Reporters are going to ask questions!

[Bleacher Creature]

4. This. Every word of it matches my views perfectly. NT

[beachbum bob]

2. years ago, I would think if any congressman physically attacked any journalist, that would

warrant expulsion from the Congress

You don't get to have "do-overs" when you are making important decisions that affects America. Todays conservatives lack any moral and ethical standard of behavior

[Phoenix61]

3. It wasn't a mistake

It's what happens when a bully who is used to using his wealth and social standing to intimidate others finds himself in a situation where that doesn't work. He resorts to violence.

[flibbitygiblets]

12. Thank you!

Mistakes happen by accident. Grabbing someone by the neck and throwing them to the ground is not an accident. It's a CRIMINAL ACT.

PS, "Stivers ran away from a Daily News reporter" made me LOL. Coward.

[MFM008]

5. We all commit treason

We all cover up
We cheat and lie and steal.
We all hate the poor.
The sick.
The unfortunate.
Yup we all do it...

[niyad]

6. I have made plenty of mistakes in my long life, and yet, have NEVER assaulted anyone, even

if deserved.

[Lil Missy]

7. OMG, if that had been a Democrat there would be HOWLS for Congressional investigations!!

[PatSeg]

8. I make mistakes all the time

I guess the republican definition of "mistake" is different than most people's.

[Initech]

9. This wasn't a mistake, he knew damn well what he was doing.

[Rebl2]

10. If this guy

gets elected, after he is sworn in, he should immediately be censured by the House.

[turbinetree]

11. Hey Ryan your an ass****, first and foremost

your party and your f***ing leader of your Treasonous party had people being beaten up at sites during last years rigged /hacked . interfered with election.

You and your party of right wing zealots right now, have a man that is third in line in your leadership that spoke to a white nationalist group------------and he gave a BS apology--------------not good enough in my book, he's still third in line in your leadership, you have f***ing hypocrites in your party going around, like King and Gohmert and others including your f***ing racists president saying racists sh*t all the time --------------what does that tell you


It tells me your full of sh*t
So F*** You

[Dave Starsky]

13. Who here HASN'T beaten up a reporter?

I mean, am I right? It could happen to anyone!

[forgotmylogin]

18. Everyone makes mistakes...

but most people are quite good at not mistakenly committing misdemeanor assault and battery as part of their workday.

A "mistake" is forgetting to save your Word document. Assaulting another person is called a "crime".

[RKP5637]

14. Yeah, right. That because they're all made of the same sh**-soiled cloth! n/t

[moonseller66]

15. Perfect "Asimov" quote

"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent." Salvor Hardin - Foundation Series

[Bernardo de La Paz]

17. All too often it is the first refuge. . . . . . nt

[dalton99a]

19. +1

[Bernardo de La Paz]

16. Perhaps lieing to police could be added to the charges. . . . nt

[keithbvadu2]

20. Was it really a "mistake"?

Gianforte seems to have found a way past his Russian stocks publicity.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029111511

(Reporter) Jacobs broke the story that Gianforte (GOP candidate) holds $250,000 in Russian stocks.

[BumRushDaShow]

21. Translation - That behavior is a feature not a bug.

[Mr. Ected]

22. This Republican advice only works when self-applied

It does not excuse the mistakes or failures of anyone other than a Republican.

It's a special immunity that they invented for themselves.

[meadowlander]

23. Very misleading headline. Should replace "criticize" with "make excuses for".

[customerserviceguy]

24. Bottom line is

he wins, they'll seat him, no matter how much criticism they'll get for it. November 2018 is a long ways off.