The National Republican Congressional Committee is standing by their man in Montana’s special election even after Greg Gianforte allegedly assaulted a reporter for asking a question. In the process of doubling down, NRCC Chair Steve Stivers just stepped in it.
“From what I know of Greg Gianforte, this was totally out of character,” Stivers’ statement begins reasonably enough. And then the NRCC chairman goes completely off the deep end, adding that “we all make mistakes.”
Again to reiterate, Stivers isn’t rescinding his endorsement for a candidate who, according to witnesses, body-slammed and repeatedly punched a reporter. The campaign arm of the Republican Party is supporting a man now charged with misdemeanor assault over nothing more than persistent questioning, because … we all make mistakes. Seriously?
The party of personal responsibility would have us believe that attacking a guy for asking a question is no big deal — at least when a critical election is on the line?
Taking this tack strips Republicans of grounds to criticize Democrats for sticking with Sen. Ted Kennedy when he got drunk, drove into a pond on Chappaquiddick Island, and left a young female campaign staffer to drown in his submerged Oldsmobile Delmont. The magnitude is far different — Gianforte didn’t kill anyone — but the naked political absolutism is the same.
The worst part about the NRCC excuse is that it twists something that really is true. Everyone does lose control on occasion. We all speak harshly, lose our temper, and lash out at time. Perfection is an impossible standard that none should be held to. In short, fallen human beings shouldn’t throw bricks in glass houses.
Yet if you were to ask only those who have not assaulted reporters cast the first stone, quite a few people could live up to that standard. It’s a safe bet that most Montanans (and most Americans) are in a position to judge Gianforte’s leadership qualities according to his actions.
A closer look at financial disclosures helps to explain why the NRCC is looking the other way. As the Washington Examiner‘s David Drucker reports, they’ve committed around $1.6 million to Gianforte. Countless outside groups have poured in even more. Both Vice President Mike Pence and the president’s son have jetset to Montana to do their part.
With that much money, time and political capital invested, Stivers must have concluded that it’s best to let this one slip. Unfortunately, the party’s credibility and House majority might fall through his fingers in the process.
But, you know, everybody makes mistakes.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
