President Donald Trump severely miscalculated during a rally in Michigan on Wednesday night when he launched a petty and totally uncalled for attack on Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) by implying that her husband, the late Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), is in hell as retaliation against her vote for impeachment.
The House of Representatives passed both articles of impeachment against Trump in a historic vote. Dingell cast her vote in favor of passage, drawing retribution from the president, who apparently thought Dingell owed him some kind of favor for letting John Dingell, a World War II veteran and the longest-serving congressman in American history, have a state funeral.
“Debbie Dingell, that’s a real beauty,” Trump began, going on to refer to her vote for impeachment despite him giving John Dingell the “A+ treatment.”
“I didn’t give him the B treatment, I didn’t give him the C, or the D — I could have,” he continued. “She calls me up. ‘It’s the nicest thing that’s ever happened. Thank you so much. John would be so thrilled. He’s looking down, he’d be so thrilled. Thank you so much, sir.’ I said that’s OK, don’t worry about it.”
“Maybe he’s looking up, I don’t know,” Trump concluded. “Maybe. Maybe.”
Trump’s remark did not draw the applause he was looking for. Instead, the audience groaned in disapproval. After all, Trump held his rally in Dingell’s district and both John and Debbie are beloved there.
Here’s the video via YouTube:
In response, Debbie Dingell expressed how hurt she was by Trump’s attack in a tweet that will likely generate further sympathy for her from the American people.
Mr. President, let’s set politics aside. My husband earned all his accolades after a lifetime of service. I’m preparing for the first holiday season without the man I love. You brought me down in a way you can never imagine and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder.
— Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) December 19, 2019
Trump’s words even drew backlash from Republicans and Democrats alike.
I’ve always looked up to John Dingell – my good friend and a great Michigan legend. There was no need to ‘dis’ him in a crass political way. Most unfortunate and an apology is due.
— Fred Upton (@RepFredUpton) December 19, 2019
This is shameful Mr. President. Insinuating that John Dingell, a loving catholic, WWII hero, now rests in hell.
How dare you?
I have no words for the pain you are causing my dear friend Debbie Dingell and the people of Michigan right now. https://t.co/bPPfNiPvm9
— Haley Stevens (@HaleyLive) December 19, 2019
Standing with my friend @RepDebDingell tonight.
Mr. President, shame on you. Going after Rep. John Dingell, a WWII vet and devoted public servant who spent his life fighting for Michiganders, demeans you and your office. https://t.co/0D5Mv5qPfE
— Rep. Elissa Slotkin (@RepSlotkin) December 19, 2019
Trump conducted himself shamefully in Michigan last night as he was being impeached by the House, further demonstrating that he is unfit to serve, not only as president, but as a human being as well. Just when you thought Trump could not possibly sink any lower, this is how he reacts. Republicans should look themselves in the mirror and ask if he’s really worth protecting. Because Trump’s attack is just as much on them for enabling him as is it on him.
Featured Image: YouTube screenshot