Rep. Seth Moulton’s comments last week about trans issues, women’s athletics, and Democrats appearing out of touch with voters prompted furious denunciations, snubs and open letters.
Which, the Massachusetts Democrat said Monday, proves his point.
Mr. Moulton appeared in an interview on Boston Public Radio and doubled down on his arguments that his party is over-reliant on cancel culture.
“We as Democrats are more concerned about offending people and just getting all our words right than actually having legitimate, serious debates about issues that matter,” he told WGBH radio.
“I’m not going to apologize for bringing up the issue,” he added. “This is the problem with Democrats: We’re more concerned about offending people than actually talking about issues, and that’s why a majority of Americans just think we’re out of touch.”
Mr. Moulton was reacting to days of criticism over similar remarks he made last week to the New York Times.
Matt Chilliak, his campaign manager, resigned last week, though Mr. Moulton declined to tell WGBH whether that was over his remarks on transgender athletes. Steve Kerrigan, chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, now won’t return his calls, Mr. Moulton said.
According to the Boston Herald, a group of former staffers and interns was circulating a letter demanding an apology.
Public criticism also has came from, among many others, Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo and state Rep. John Moran.
“No, Seth Moulton, the only thing we here in Massachusetts shouldn’t be afraid to say is that you should find another job if you want to use an election loss as an opportunity to pick on our most vulnerable,” Mr. Moran said.
In his Monday radio interview, Mr. Moulton cited an election exit poll that said “the number one issue for swing voters who chose Trump was actually the feeling that Kamala (Harris) was more concerned about trans issues than the middle class.”
Mr. Moulton acknowledged that some LGBTQ+ advocates “have actually been willing to engage in a thoughtful debate — rather than just trying to cancel me like some of our Massachusetts politicos have done.”
But the proof of the pudding is in the eating, he said, and the Democrats are demonstrating the problem anew and on multiple issues.
“How is that when you have one party that just wants to deport millions of people — something that we know is just inherently immoral, and will break up millions of families and members of our communities all across the country — and yet they’re more trusted on immigration?” Moulton asked. “How is it that you have a party that is going to dramatically raise inflation for everyday Americans if they’re able to successfully cut taxes for the rich and put these massive tariffs on our trade … and yet they’re more trusted on the economy?”
He answered his own question: “it’s because we’re not listening. We’re just shutting down debate.”
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.
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