Sen. Tammy Duckworth on Tearing Down Statues of George Washington: “I think we should listen to the argument there”

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined CNN Sunday morning where she indicated she was open to tearing down statues of George Washington. Duckworth also criticised Trump’s Mount Rushmore speech saying, “He spent all his time talking about dead traitors.”

Duckworth was asked: “George Washington, I don’t think anybody would call him a ‘traitor’ and there are moves by some to remove statues of him. Is that a good idea?”

To which she responded:

“I think we should listen to everybody. I think we should listen to the argument there. Remember that the president at Mount Rushmore was standing on ground that was stolen from Native Americans who had actually been given that land during a treaty. Let’s talk about the greater context of where we are in our country right now.”

Watch:

Duckworth quickly began to spin, albeit unsuccessfully.

Duckworth is a rising contender for Biden’s VP pick. And she’s totes fine with tearing down statues of George Washington, who is easily one of the the least controversial figures in American history.

From the WaPo:

As Joe Biden pushes ahead with his search for a running mate, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) has quietly emerged as a serious contender, according to three people with knowledge of the selection process, one of several developing dynamics as the search enters its final weeks.

…

Duckworth is a Purple Heart recipient and veteran of the Iraq War, the only finalist with military combat experience — and as a woman of Thai and Chinese descent, one of several candidates of color under consideration. While she has a lower profile than some rivals, she is being taken seriously by Biden’s team, according to the people with knowledge of the search, one of whom said she has lately received strong consideration.

Former Senate majority leader Harry M. Reid, who has been in direct contact with the Biden campaign about its search, said in a recent interview there was a “lot of attention” lately on Duckworth, whom he called “a highly decorated woman.”

Reid suggested Duckworth’s qualifications are getting more notice. “You had all the other names there, and it was as if she didn’t exist,” Reid (D-Nev.) said. “And suddenly people began to look at her — this highly decorated woman, member of Congress, senator.”

Two others with knowledge of the search said Duckworth has been attracting notable interest from the campaign, including one who said Duckworth had left a strong impression on at least part of the Biden team. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations.

The Biden campaign declined to comment. A Duckworth spokesman also declined to comment.

Biden’s handlers have largely kept him out of the riotous fray and have specifically avoided any strong language like “traitors.” Duckworth could provide cover for the fringe if she’s selected. But this was a completely unforced error and one that will be a bridge too far, even for some Democrats.
Tags: Illinois

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