The Vindicator joins the Bowling Green Daily News and The Columbus Dispatch in condemning the failed former governor’s "derogatory" rhetoric.
- The Washington Free Beacon: "Ohio Editorial Boards Criticize Strickland for Scalia Remark"
In case you missed it, listen to the disturbing audio here and read more from The Vindicator below:
Strickland lowers himself with remark about Scalia
The Vindicator
Editorial Board
August 16, 2016
…we say to Strickland, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, in the November general election, “Shame on you.”
The cheapening of political discourse in this country has reached a tipping point, and when candidates like the former governor of Ohio and area congressman indulge in lowest-common-denominator rhetoric, we all must say, “Enough!”
A week ago Monday, Strickland referred to Justice Scalia’s death in a way that was clearly disrespectful. Coming from a psychologist who has long talked about the need for people to respect one another, the statement was over the top.
Here’s what he said, as reported by the Cleveland Plain Dealer:
“My friends, a lot of average citizens out there don’t understand the importance of that [U.S. Supreme] court. … I mean, the death of Scalia saved labor from a terrible decision. And I don’t wish anyone ill, but it happened at a good time, because once that decision had been made it would have been tough to reverse.”
Laughter
The audience was made up of members of the Ohio AFL-CIO and they clapped and laughed, according to the Plain Dealer.
But just because the audience is receptive to such derogatory commentary does not mean that candidates for high office should cater to those base instincts.
…
…Strickland immediately apologized after the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the right-leaning America Rising PAC circulated his remarks. The NTK Network recorded the speech.
“That was an insensitive remark and I apologize,” Strickland said.
…