Sen. Ted Cruz is not apologizing for quoting Frederick Douglass after Mara Gay, a member of the New York Times editorial board, said the Civil War-era abolitionist’s “name has no business in your mouth.”
Cruz had quoted a speech made by Douglass in response to former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick partially quoting the speech that criticized the United States in an Fourth of July tweet.
“You quote a mighty and historic speech by the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass, but, without context, many modern readers will misunderstand,” the Texas senator said.
Frederick Douglass is an American hero, and his name has no business in your mouth. https://t.co/Ghoqb75gJF
— Mara Gay (@MaraGay) July 5, 2019
“Frederick Douglass is an American hero, and his name has no business in your mouth,” Gay tweeted in response.
“You respond to any view you don’t like, not with facts or reason, but w/ ad hominem attack,” Cruz tweeted back. “And you seem dismayed that I linked to Douglass’s entire speech, so readers can judge for themselves. You represent your employer well.”
Let’s see. You’re on the editorial board of the NYT. You respond to any view you don’t like, not with facts or reason, but w/ ad hominem attack. And you seem dismayed that I linked to Douglass’s entire speech, so readers can judge for themselves. You represent your employer well. https://t.co/c8168yiCgY
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) July 5, 2019
Gay responded to Cruz, saying she “felt Douglass’ powerful words were being used to diminish an American who has tried to make the country fairer for all” and wished him a happy Independence Day weekend.
You’re right. Everyone should read these remarks in their entirety. I was offended because I felt Douglass’ powerful words were being used to diminish an American who has tried to make the country fairer for all. In that spirit, peace and Happy Independence Day weekend to you.
— Mara Gay (@MaraGay) July 5, 2019
Cruz’s initial response to Kaepernick said his Twitter post lacked context and proceeded to provide more of Douglass’ quotes.
Kaepernick’s post comes shortly after it was revealed he was instrumental in stopping sports company Nike from selling the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July sneakers, which featured the Betsy Ross American flag. Kaepernick complained the flag was offensive because it marked an era when there was slavery in the United States.
