The creator of a famous comic strip and animated television show, who was an unlikely supporter of President Trump in 2016, criticized the former businessman over his answer to a question during the first presidential debate on Tuesday.
Scott Adams, who found success with his comic and subsequent show Dilbert, said Trump botched his response to moderator Chris Wallace’s question about whether or not the president would disavow “white supremacists and militia groups.”
“It was a layup,” Adams said about the question. “It was free money sitting on the f—ing table, and he left it there, and he left me on that table, too. He left me just exposed.”
Trump was specifically asked to disavow the Proud Boys, a pro-Trump men’s rights group that has been accused of committing acts of violence. Trump said the Proud Boys should “stand back and stand by,” later clarifying that he meant they should allow law enforcement to do their work unimpeded. Trump later stated he didn’t know who the Proud Boys are.
Earlier on Thursday, Adams said Trump had lost his vote but that he could “get it back” by addressing the controversy. By Thursday evening, Adams changed his mind, saying that he intended to cast his vote for Trump.
“Today I learned that agreeing with Democrats and saying I won’t vote for Trump makes them hate me extra and threaten me,” Adams wrote. “So I’ll be voting for Trump.”
Today I learned that agreeing with Democrats and saying I won’t vote for Trump makes them hate me extra and threaten me. So I’ll be voting for Trump.
— Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) October 1, 2020
