Amid a growing debate about who is responsible for the rampant poverty and crime in Baltimore and other major U.S. cities, Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said he prays Republicans and Democrats could work together to find a solution instead of personally attacking one another.
“We love Baltimore,” Harbaugh said Monday. “We love the people in Baltimore. All big cities have challenges and problems. It’s not unique here.”
President Trump over the weekend blasted the city’s elected leaders, saying they have not done enough to help what he called a “rat infested” mess of an urban area.
Specifically, Trump attacked Rep. Elijah Cummings, whom he later called a “racist” who is more focused on presidential harassment than helping the people of Baltimore.
“If racist Elijah Cummings would focus more of his energy on helping the good people of his district, and Baltimore itself, perhaps progress could be made in fixing the mess that he has helped to create over many years of incompetent leadership,” Trump said, adding, “His radical ‘oversight’ is a joke!”
Several prominent black politicians and pundits have pointed to Trump’s attack on Cummings and Baltimore as evidence of the president’s racism and willingness to divide the country for political gain.
Al Sharpton on Monday said Trump is attacking the most visible black person that comes across his desk and he thinks can set a tone with his rhetoric.
“I’m not going to bite the bait,” Sharpton said.
While not a politician, Harbaugh is a recognizable figure in Baltimore. The 11-year head coach of the Ravens said he and the members of his family go to bed every night and “pray that the politicians get together and work together.”
“Can you imagine how powerful it would be?” Harbaugh asked. “If the two sides of the aisle, two guys like those two wonderful people got together and solved some problems and found a way to make things better? I mean, I think that’s what we’re all rooting for.”
