General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Feinstein: "Trump is right" [View all]KTM
(1,823 posts)Be honest now - there was nothing in Sander's words that in any way necessitated a clarification.
There is a legitimate criticism to be made over Feinstein's words. She did not "side" with Rump, and I have seen her criticism of his actions and don't take her to be in support of him. I think she subtly made some barbs that are going un-celebrated, but at the same time see how her statement could be read as a "we have to give him the chance to change" argument. In our current climate, I think that was a mistake.
Even in her clarification, I think she gives too much leeway. On the other hand, I think she is coming from a long time participating in a more dignified arena, and still couches her words that way. She even intimated such, when she talked of how if she were to write a letter to the WH asking non-controversial questions, as ranking member of the judiciary committee, it would go ignored and said "that's never existed before."
The old-school decorum in her statements, even as she recognizes that the playing field has been drastically changed, is understandably generating criticism. There are many who have long criticised Sen. Feinstein for middle-of-the-road, go-along-to-get-along decisions, and this is nothing new.
To make the argument that lack of criticism of Sanders statement vs. criticism of Feinstein's reflects sexism is completely disingenuous.