MSNBC’s Chris Matthews says voters should take the following lesson from congressional sex scandals in Washington: “The worst you can say about Democrats is they’re too pure.”
The host of “Hardball” told his guests Thursday night that resignations of high-profile Democrats accused of sexual misconduct provides “education” for those willing to learn, namely that Democrats “set too high a standard for public office.”
“I think the American people are now going to see the difference between the two parties,” Mr. Matthews told contributors after Minnesota Sen. Al Franken, dogged by accusations of sexual misconduct, said he planned to resign within weeks.
“Democrats care about this issue enough that they’re willing to sacrifice somebody, basically, like this that they could have used,” he continued, the Washington Free Beacon reported. “I don’t know how you can possibly avoid the education in this. The worst you can say about Democrats is they’re too pure. That’s a stupid thing to say, but that’s the worst thing you can say about them, these guys set too high a standard for public office. How’s that for an argument?”
Guest Jason Johnson concurred and said voters would likely reward the Democratic Party with increased enthusiasm.
The crux of Mr. Matthews’ argument was that the Republican Party’s response to sexual misconduct accusations against Senate candidate Roy Moore and Mr. Trump has not been sufficient.
Both men have vociferously asserted their innocence.
Alabama voters will politically voice their opinion on Mr. Moore and his Democratic Party rival Doug Jones during a special election on Dec. 12.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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