Flashback: Bernie Sanders Cited North Korea to Slam Conditions in Baltimore: ‘That Is a Disgrace’
Getty Images HANNAH BLEAU 27 Jul 2019
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) once referenced North Korea to slam the conditions and lifespan of residents in Baltimore’s “poorest boroughs,” calling it a “disgrace.”This comes in the wake of far-left politicians slamming President Trump over criticisms of House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), who represents Baltimore’s district.
In 2016, Sanders slammed the conditions in Baltimore’s “poorest boroughs,” claiming that residents have “lifespans shorter than people living under dictatorship in North Korea.”
“That is a disgrace,” he added in May 2016.
Residents of Baltimore’s poorest boroughs have lifespans shorter than people living under dictatorship in North Korea. That is a disgrace.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) May 5, 2016
Days later, he added: “Horribly, someone born in Baltimore’s poorest neighborhood can expect to live 20 years less than a person born in the wealthiest area.”
Horribly, someone born in Baltimore's poorest neighborhood can expect to live 20 years less than a person born in the wealthiest area.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) May 13, 2016
This comes in the wake of criticisms from far-left lawmakers aimed at Trump, who slammed Cummings Saturday for “shouting and screaming at the great men & women of Border Patrol about conditions at the Southern Border.”
Trump wrote:
Rep. Elijah Cummings has been a brutal bully, shouting and screaming at the great men & women of Border Patrol about conditions at the Southern Border, when actually his Baltimore district is FAR WORSE and more dangerous. His district is considered the Worst in the USA as proven last week during a Congressional tour, the Border is clean, efficient & well run, just very crowded. Cumming District is a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess. If he spent more time in Baltimore, maybe he could help clean up this very dangerous & filthy place.
Rep, Elijah Cummings has been a brutal bully, shouting and screaming at the great men & women of Border Patrol about conditions at the Southern Border, when actually his Baltimore district is FAR WORSE and more dangerous. His district is considered the Worst in the USA……
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 27, 2019
….As proven last week during a Congressional tour, the Border is clean, efficient & well run, just very crowded. Cumming District is a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess. If he spent more time in Baltimore, maybe he could help clean up this very dangerous & filthy place
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 27, 2019
Why is so much money sent to the Elijah Cummings district when it is considered the worst run and most dangerous anywhere in the United States. No human being would want to live there. Where is all this money going? How much is stolen? Investigate this corrupt mess immediately!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 27, 2019
Trump doubled down hours later:
Elijah Cummings spends all of his time trying to hurt innocent people through “Oversight.” He does NOTHING for his very poor, very dangerous and very badly run district! Take a look…. #BlacksForTrump2020https://t.co/seNVESZUht
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 27, 2019
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) described Trump’s criticism as “racist.”
“@RepCummings is a champion in the Congress and the country for civil rights and economic justice, a beloved leader in Baltimore, and deeply valued colleague,” she said. “We all reject racist attacks against him and support his steadfast leadership.”
. @RepCummings is a champion in the Congress and the country for civil rights and economic justice, a beloved leader in Baltimore, and deeply valued colleague. We all reject racist attacks against him and support his steadfast leadership. #ElijahCummingsIsAPatriot t.co
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 27, 2019
She was not the only prominent Democrat to accuse Trump of racism:
In his words and in his actions, Trump has been the most openly racist president we’ve had in modern history. He is trying to change the very character of America. But we won't let him. We are so much better than this intolerance and hatred—and together, we're going to prove it. t.co
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) July 27, 2019
Donald Trump’s tweets are ugly and racist. They’re purposefully designed to turn us against one another. We cannot let that happen. Instead, we must follow my friend Elijah Cummings’ example and keep doing the work for the American people. t.co
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) July 27, 2019
. @realDonaldTrump Your racist insults will never change the fact that @repcummings has unmatched integrity and universal bipartisan respect. YOU are reviled, he is revered. @OversightDems will continue to do our jobs and expose your corruption. #countonithttps://t.co/X8Z7NsPMw6
— Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) July 27, 2019
I was proud to serve in the House with @RepCummings for many years. He is, above all, a man who serves his constituents and his country with honor and integrity.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, is just a racist who lives in the White House.
— Jay Inslee (@JayInslee) July 27, 2019
This right here is a true American ?? telling the world that this President does NOT reflect the values our country aspires to be. #ITMFhttps://t.co/wC7EEuxoEP
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) July 27, 2019
I am proud our campaign headquarters is in Rep. Elijah Cummings' district. Baltimore has become home to my team and it's disgraceful the president has chosen to start his morning disparaging this great American city.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 27, 2019
It remains unclear if Sanders will address his previous remarks on the city, or if fellow 2020 contenders consider his criticisms “racist” as well.
2020 Election Politics Baltimore Bernie Sanders Beto O'Rourke Debbie Wasserman Schultz Elijah Cummings Elizabeth Warren Jay Inslee Kamala Harris Nancy Pelosi racism Rashida Tlaib |
