By Dustin Rowles | Politics | December 12, 2017 |
By Dustin Rowles | Politics | December 12, 2017 |
Several months ago, I wrote a piece about how the Democrats need someone to rally around, that we needed a message, something to stand for, a face that we could put to the party, someone who could speak for us. Someone who could command our attention.
By essentially calling Senator Kirsten Gillibrand a whore this morning, Donald Trump may have elevated that very person to the national stage. Not that Kirsten Gillibrand hasn’t been just fine on her own: She has been front and center on the Smash the Patriarchy message. She said a few weeks ago that Bill Clinton should have resigned after his affair with Monica Lewisnky (much to the dismay of some Democrats). She was the first to call for Al Franken to resign, and the first woman to demand that Donald Trump resign over sexual harassment allegations.
President Trump should resign. But, of course, he won't hold himself accountable. Therefore, Congress should investigate the multiple sexual harassment and assault allegations against him.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) December 11, 2017
That merited a tweet from Donald Trump:
Lightweight Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a total flunky for Chuck Schumer and someone who would come to my office “begging” for campaign contributions not so long ago (and would do anything for them), is now in the ring fighting against Trump. Very disloyal to Bill & Crooked-USED!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2017
But the Senator from New York shot back in a way that suggested that Donald Trump may have created his own worst enemy.
You cannot silence me or the millions of women who have gotten off the sidelines to speak out about the unfitness and shame you have brought to the Oval Office. https://t.co/UbQZqubXZv
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) December 12, 2017
The Senator was pulled out of a bipartisan Bible study group to respond to that tweet.
Kirsten Gillibrand had to be pulled out of bipartisan Bible study to respond to a tweet from Trump insinuating she was willing to perform sexual favors on him for money. Another banner morning, @GOP.
— Molly Knight (@molly_knight) December 12, 2017
And a lot of folks on social media joined her in swiftly rebuking Trump for the sexist comment.
Gretchen Carlson, for instance:
What do u mean @SenGillibrand would “do anything” for campaign contributions? By the way she isn’t a lightweight. Nor is @LindseyGrahamSC - both who sponsored my bipartisan bill to give women a voice to get rid of secret arbitration clauses. https://t.co/feCRIQwUkv
— Gretchen Carlson (@GretchenCarlson) December 12, 2017
There’s also Katy Kay, a BBC World News anchor, who starred out crap for some reason:
What is so maddening about the Gillibrand tweet is that women can be smart, work hard, become Senator and STILL get sexual c**p thrown at us. Enough.
— Katty Kay (@KattyKayBBC) December 12, 2017
Senator Warren also weighed in:
Are you really trying to bully, intimidate and slut-shame @SenGillibrand? Do you know who you're picking a fight with? Good luck with that, @realDonaldTrump. Nevertheless, #shepersisted. https://t.co/mYJtBZfxiu
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) December 12, 2017
Social media is rallying around Gillibrand, and many are suggesting she’d make an excellent candidate for President in 2020.
Kirsten Gillibrand 2020, let's go https://t.co/HmLQPbz8H2
— Lauren Duca (@laurenduca) December 12, 2017
May this tweet be @SenGillibrand's superhero origin story and ignite her 2020 campaign to replace your sexist ass. 🙠https://t.co/iGuhwCq9WS
— Full Frontal (@FullFrontalSamB) December 12, 2017
Trump has lost his touch. If that’s the best he can do on Gillibrand, she’ll be in good shape for 2020.
— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) December 12, 2017
I’m here for this:
Too early to talk 2020 but… pic.twitter.com/CWlgQ7wypm
— Oliver Willis (@owillis) December 12, 2017
Gillibrand is stoking that very fire by continuing to speak out against Trump and that “sexist smear.”
WATCH: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand calls President Trump's tweets a "sexist smear" intended to silence her effort to speak out against sexual harassment and misconduct.
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) December 12, 2017
"It's not going to silence me." pic.twitter.com/ypr24LqBb8
I mean, who knows what will happen over the next THREE GODDAMN YEARS, but it’ll be good to put a face to the party and — all due respect — Gillibrand and Kamala Harris are much better faces right now than those of Pelosi and Schumer.