George Stephanopoulos and Marta Raddatz ripped as they blame Trump for spreading 'violent rhetoric'
Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On Sunday’s episode of ABC’s 'This Week', co-hosts George Stephanopoulos and Martha Raddatz discussed the recent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump with both anchors placing significant blame on Trump for fostering a climate of “violent rhetoric” that they believe contributed to the attack.
Martha Raddatz highlights conspiracy theories and Donald Trump’s rhetoric
Martha Raddatz began the segment by expressing concern over the surge of conspiracy theories that had emerged in the wake of the shooting incident on Saturday.
Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, just months before the upcoming presidential election. Trump was injured in his right ear but is reported to be “safe.” After a gunman fired from a building 120-150 meters (395-165 feet) away, the Republican candidate was quickly escorted off the stage with blood on his ear and cheek. He has since arrived back at his New Jersey residence.
Raddatz noted, “We were just looking back at some of the things that former President Trump has said.” She highlighted Trump’s warnings about potential violence, stating, “He warned last March of potential death and destruction if he were charged by the Manhattan district attorney: ‘Our country is being destroyed as they tell us to be peaceful'.”
Stephanopoulos set up the conversation by emphasizing Trump’s role in the current political climate. “As you point out … President Trump and his supporters have contributed to this violent rhetoric as well,” Stephanopoulos said, laying the groundwork for Raddatz’s deeper exploration of Trump’s statements and their implications.
Martha Raddatz cites Donald Trump’s rhetoric as a factor in escalating tensions
Martha Raddatz continued, citing Donald Trump’s past rhetoric that she believes has exacerbated the current political climate. “Trump in January warned of bedlam in the country if the criminal charges against him succeeded,” Raddatz said. She added, “And of course, in March he said, ‘Now, if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the whole — that’s going to be the least of it, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the country.’”
This comment was made during a rally where Trump was discussing the potential impacts on the auto industry if he were not elected.
“When he said those things, he was predicting dire consequences,” Raddatz explained, “and this kind of rhetoric certainly has a way of stoking tensions and potentially inciting violence.”
Donald Trump’s spokesperson denies claims of incitement, defends rhetoric as economic critique
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, countered this narrative by arguing that Trump’s statements were misconstrued. “If you actually watch and listen to the section, he was talking about the auto industry and tariffs,” Cheung told the Washington Post.
He added that “Biden’s policies will create an economic bloodbath for the auto industry and autoworkers,” framing Trump’s comments as a critique of economic policy rather than a call to violence.
In contrast to the focus on Trump’s role, House Speaker Mike Johnson placed the blame for the current political climate on Democrats. Speaking on the 'TODAY show', Johnson stated, “When the message goes out constantly that the threat to Donald Trump would be a threat to democracy and the Republic would end, it heats up the environment.”
Johnson dismissed claims that Trump’s rhetoric has been a significant factor in political violence, arguing instead that such claims are misleading. “We cannot do that, it’s simply not true,” Johnson asserted.
Following the assassination attempt on Trump, a recent YouGov poll revealed that a majority of Americans perceive the current political climate as a catalyst for “politically motivated violence.” The poll found that 67% of respondents believe that the current environment increases the likelihood of such violence.
Martha Raddatz and George Stephanopoulos blasted for their comments on Donald Trump
The discussion on ABC’s 'This Week' prompted a wave of criticism on social media, where many users took issue with Martha Raddatz and George Stephanopoulos’s handling of Trump’s rhetoric.
One user wrote, "So basically they're the "she was asking for it" people? I mean, really, who listens to a person wearing a Martha raddatz mask and a grown man who can't ride the big rides at an amusement park?"
Another user added, "The night Trump was elected Raddatz was crying openly on live tv saying she worried for the country."
One user commented, "George Stephanoupoulous and Martha Raddatz need to be fired immediately for Journalistic Malpractice. They are taking quotes out of context to fulfill ABC News marching orders. Surely you can and should do a better job of researching the context of President Trumps true comments and meaning. Everyone, if ABC News does not FIRE these two then we should BOYCOTT watching their Network. Come on everyone this is the only way to make them change. Hit them in the pocketbook. "
One replied, "It's networks like ABC that are responsible for violence as they spew their propaganda against Trump. They should remember they too are not bulletproof."
One stated, "These people just say anything they want to and are never held accountable. Flat out lies and making statements out of context."
One user wrote, "I'm surprised Stephanopoulos is still on the air. Who's the bubble with him?"
One added, "Classic liberal projection."
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