The Trump era has completely and shockingly laid bare the corrupt hypocrisy at the heart of the modern Republican Party. The philandering, immoral, conman, reality television hack was able to rally the support of the Evangelical bloc of the right-wing electorate and seize the White House despite his complete lack of anything even remotely resembling “Christian morality.”
Additionally, Trump attacked POW’s, Gold Star families and repeatedly disrespected our armed forces but the GOP — the party that claims to be pro-military — remained silent. The Republicans are happy to let Trump embarrass the office of the president and undermine our nation at every turn if it means they can have his rubber-stamped approval on their legislation.
Last night, West Virginia Republican Party Chairwoman Melody Potter took aim at Democratic State Senator Richard Ojeda who is currently running for Congress. She slammed him for meeting with activist filmmaker Michael Moore, calling it a “slap in the face to every hardworking West Virginian.” The statement was an absurd exaggeration made in bad faith.
West Virginia Republicans have never been afraid to take on liberal Democrats like State Senator Richard Ojeda. His meeting with an ultra liberal like Michael Moore is a slap in the face to every hardworking West Virginian.
— Melody Potter (@MelodyWVGOP) March 15, 2018
Ojeda, a veteran, showed he is not one to easily back down. He hit back hard, saying that Potter “has never worked a hard day in her life” and attacked her support of the detestable Texas Senator and failed presidential candidate Ted Cruz. He invoked the recent upset congressional win of Connor Lamb in Pennsylvania and said he intends to win his Congressional race.
Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Melody Potter. The Chairwoman of the @WVGOP. Never worked a hard day in her life, loves Ted Cruz and actually thinks one of her weak kneed Republicans is going to beat me. Guess @ConorLambPA winning yesterday really did a number on ole' Melody. #WVREXIT https://t.co/g1pTfNd5li
— Richard N. Ojeda, II (@Ojeda4congress) March 15, 2018
Potter responded to Ojeda’s tweet in disgusting fashion by mocking him for getting “money from the government,” a cowardly and oblique reference to the well-deserved pension Ojeda receives for serving in the military.
It’s worth noting that Ojeda has been awarded two Bronze Star Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, seven Army Commendation Medals, and five Army Achievement Medals.
You have no earthy idea of all the work I do and have done. At least I do not get money from the government ole’ Richard.
— Melody Potter (@MelodyWVGOP) March 15, 2018
Twitter users were rightfully outraged at Potter’s disturbing tweet and immediately let her know it. Ojeda made sure to interact with several of them to ram home his point.
https://twitter.com/MadScientistPhD/status/974306135665758209
Melody doesn't know anything about service…unless it is self service. Not surprised.
— Richard N. Ojeda, II (@Ojeda4congress) March 15, 2018
Wow you should be ashamed of yourself @MelodyWVGOP. When will the @GOP @WVGOP fire this person who attacks Veterans benefits?
— Alexander McCoy (@AlexanderMcCoy4) March 15, 2018
Just showing her true colors…
— Richard N. Ojeda, II (@Ojeda4congress) March 15, 2018
Melody with the controversial "it's bad to pay veterans their pensions" stance.
— Shower Cap (@CapShower) March 15, 2018
But I bet she had no problems sending my ass to Iraq and Afghanistan.
— Richard N. Ojeda, II (@Ojeda4congress) March 15, 2018
Apparently Melody and the GOP think I owe them my life without getting paid. This is the most disgusting attack yet.
— Richard N. Ojeda, II (@Ojeda4congress) March 15, 2018
Ojeda refused to let Potter off the hook for her shameful comments and tweeted out again, demanding an official apology from the Republican Chairwoman.
Still waiting on that apology for all veterans across this nation…. https://t.co/S4HfQtlk0U
— Richard N. Ojeda, II (@Ojeda4congress) March 15, 2018
Potter finally caved in the face of all the backlash and tweeted out a milquetoast explanation and disingenuous apology. That said, here is no taking back what she said and she must be held accountable for her hypocrisy.
Senator Ojeda, I greatly respect your military service. My comment was not regarding your service or pension, but your claim I’ve never worked a hard day.
— Melody Potter (@MelodyWVGOP) March 15, 2018
One of the hardest jobs anywhere is being a single mother. I’m proud to say I raised a wonderful son on my own, while working full time and without any assistance.
— Melody Potter (@MelodyWVGOP) March 15, 2018
I’m sorry if you took my comment as an insult to your military service. That was not my intention. But please, don’t lecture a single mother on hard work.
— Melody Potter (@MelodyWVGOP) March 15, 2018
Clearly, all of their “principles” are nothing but cheap talking points they use to exploit voters during the election cycle. They only care about seizing power so they can give massive tax breaks to corporations, line their own pockets, and degrade social progress.
Click here to donate to Ojeda and help send a brave Democrat to Congress.
