Illinois Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk is criticizing his party’s nominee for President, Donald Trump, for Trump’s decision to attack a Muslim family, whose son died fighting for the U.S. Army in Iraq.
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Tennessee Senator Bob Corker did not say whether he agreed or disagreed with Trump’s comments, but said we should instead honor those who have sacrificed for our country.
The GOP presidential nominee also stoked outrage by implying that Ghazala Khan did not speak alongside her husband at the convention because they’re Muslim.
Trump running mate Mike Pence posted a statement to Facebook on Sunday arguing that both he and Trump believe Humayun Khan should be “cherished” by all Americans. “He will say whatever he wants to”, she said.
Trump later disputed Khan’s criticism, saying he’s made “a lot of sacrifices”.
Trump’s fight with the Khans has prompted statements from Republican leaders emphasizing the need for respect for Gold Star families. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, who is facing a hard re-election this fall, said she was “appalled” by Trump’s words.
At the DNC, Khizr Khan spoke of his son, who won a posthumous Purple Heart and Bronze Star for bravery, and questioned Trump’s own sacrifice for his country. “Let me ask you, have you even read the United States Constitution?” he asked, shaking the pocket edition in the air. “In his eyes, he thinks that he can criticize people but no one else can criticize”, Khan told PBS NewsHour host Judy Woodruff. John McCain. Said McCain: “While our party has bestowed upon (Trump) the nomination, it is not accompanied by unfettered license to defame those who are the best among us”. Trump softened that stance in June to a temporary ban on immigrants from countries “compromised by terrorism”.
“The suicide bomber, striking prematurely, claimed the life of Captain Khan-and Captain Khan, through his selfless action and sacrifice, saved the lives of hundreds of his brothers and sisters”, he said.
Christie said Obama disqualified himself from making that judgment after his speech at the Democratic National Convention in which he described Hillary Clinton as the most qualified candidate for president in history.
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The #CanYouHearUsNow campaign launched at 10am EST (12am AEST Tuesday), with Muslim women – including activists, lawyers, doctors, and academics – speaking out in defiance of Trump’s comment. “As a veteran, I grieve for that family that lost their son”.
