Does Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., really suspect that the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on American soil were orchestrated by the U.S. government? Is he really a so-called “truther”?
Not really.
The accusation that Udall has “truther” leanings is based on comments he made in 2007 after the then-congressman was confronted by a crowd of anti-war protesters who demanded to know his thoughts on the terrorist attacks.
Context-less footage of the event surfaced recently and it shows Udall seemingly agreeing with the protesters, at one point saying of the World Trade Center towers: “There’s some evidence that there were charges planted in the buildings.”
But here’s the problem: When Udall’s comments are put in full context, it’s pretty clear that he isn’t really a “truther.”
Indeed, based on full audio from the event, which was first obtained by Business Insider, Udall is less of a conspiracy theorist and more a lawmaker who’s politely trying to answer an unruly mob of cranks.
The video posted in the above provides more context to Udall’s remarks and it is more substantive than the edited footage first circulated. Here’s what was actually said:
Udall is currently fighting to keep his Senate seat and fend off a tough challenge from Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Colo.
The race is a dead heat, with the Republican congressman holding a very slim 0.8 point lead over Udall, 43.8 percent to 43 percent, according to RealClearPolitics.
