Adam Parkhomenko, a former Democratic National Committee field director, made fun of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Twitter Thursday for tripping on a step before a press conference, and refused to back down when he was informed the Kentucky Republican had a bout with polio as child.
“Weird how we never heard about McConnell’s polio when he’s trying to take away people’s healthcare or looking the other way when Rand goes anti-vaxxer,” Parkhomenko tweeted in response to someone asking him to delete his tweet making fun of McConnell. “I will delete the tweet when Mitch stops trying to take away coverage from those with pre-existing conditions or…in general.”
Weird how we never hear about McConnell’s polio when he’s trying to take away people’s healthcare or looking the other way when Rand goes anti-vaxxer. I will delete the tweet when Mitch stops trying to take away coverage from those with pre-existing conditions or…in general. https://t.co/pBMwpvU8Lm
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) April 4, 2019
The Twitter fiasco started with Parkhomenko retweeting a clip of McConnell tripping on a step with the caption: “I posted this new found footage of Mitch McConnell standing up for America.”
Yesterday I posted this new found footage of Mitch McConnell standing up for America. 368,000 views overnight. Mitch McConnell does not want you to let this video get up to 1,000,000 views. pic.twitter.com/PZTGBGOrjt
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) April 4, 2019
With pressure growing for him to delete the tweet, Parkhomenko defended his mocking tone.
“Thanks for sharing the video, douchebag. Maybe he fell because it’s hard to walk with your head in his ass. I remember how concerned you were when Hillary was ill. I’m trying to imagine what your guidance counselor said when you said you wanted to be a McConnell/Trump kiss ass,” said Parkhomenko in another tweet.
Thanks for sharing the video, douchebag. Maybe he fell because it’s hard to walk with your head in his ass. I remember how concerned you were when Hillary was ill. I’m trying to imagine what your guidance counselor said when you said you wanted to be a McConnell/Trump kiss ass. https://t.co/FCHm5j7Km9
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) April 4, 2019
Parkhomenko, a veteran from the Hillary Clinton campaign in 2016 and who served a short stint as the national field director for the DNC, also lashed out at media members who defended McConnell.
“Watching cap hill reporters run to Mitch McConnel’s defense explains how he’s been able to do all of the terrible things that he has done, including in the last 24 hours,” he said.
Watching cap hill reporters run to Mitch McConnel’s defense explains how he’s been able to do all of the terrible things that he has done, including in the last 24 hours.
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) April 4, 2019
This is not the first time McConnell has been made fun of for having trouble getting up stairs. In 2017 a CNN reporter made fun of McConnell for needing help up the stairs in the Rose Garden, not realizing McConnell got polio at the age of two and had to get physical therapy and treatment.
McConnell addressed his experience with polio back in 1990 in a reelection campaign ad. “When I was a child and my dad was in World War II, I got polio. I recovered, but my family almost went broke,” McConnell said.
Last fall, Parkhomenko argued lawyer Michael Avenatti would be the most qualified person to be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2020.
At the time, Avenatti responded: “I am incredibly fortunate to have @AdamParkhomenko in my corner. A true patriot who loves this country and fears for its future.”
I am incredibly fortunate to have @AdamParkhomenko in my corner. A true patriot who loves this country and fears for its future. https://t.co/bFQZahnT8j
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) November 1, 2018
Avenatti was recently charged with extortion and fraud.
