CNN’s Jake Tapper warned President Obama’s former campaign manager and other members of his administration that they appeared politically tone deaf in their mockery of Donald Trump.
David Plouffe tweeted, “Was surprised to see the sun and hear the birds this morning. Thought death and destruction were imminent,” on Thursday in response to Mr. Trump’s nomination acceptance speech at the Republican convention. “The Lead” host weighed in on Saturday with the rejoinder, “Not sure mocking those Americans who are afraid of crime and terrorism will prove effective.”
Blunt exchanges involving Mr. Tapper, Mr. Plouffe, former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau, and former National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor followed.
’@jaketapper I’ve yet to actually see a prominent Democrat mock people’s fears. And if they do, they shouldn’t,” Mr. Favreau interjected.
“@jonfavs my point is there is a line for folks to be cautious of here — mocking Trump versus mocking those willing to hear him out,” Mr. Tapper replied. “w/respect what might sound like obvious Trump mockery to a Democratic screenwriter in Los Angeles might sound different in Ohio.”
Mr. Vietor also entered the discussion, telling “The Lead” host, “@jaketapper pretty sure @davidplouffe is mocking Trump for trying to scare people with dishonest rhetoric.”
“Democrats have to watch out that their mockery of Trump doesn’t also mock Americans also concerned about trade, crime, elites etc,” Mr. Tapper replied.
Roughly 32 million Americans watched on television as Mr. Trump accepted the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in Cleveland on Thursday night. The New York businessman said America is at “a moment of crisis,” and that anyone who denies it is “not fit to lead our country.”
“Americans watching this address tonight have seen the recent images of violence in our streets and the chaos in our communities. Many have witnessed this violence personally. Some have even been its victims,” Mr. Trump said. “I have a message for all of you: The crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon — and I mean very soon come to an end. Beginning on January 20th 2017, safety will be restored.”
A CNN instant poll on Thursday revealed 56 percent of the television audience described themselves as “more likely” to vote for Mr. Trump after watching his speech.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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