Former Grand Wizard of the KKK David Duke called Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) the “most important member of the U.S. Congress” in a Thursday tweet.
Duke’s statement comes amid a tumultuous week for the House’s Democratic majority, which struggled to unite around a resolution condemning Omar’s anti-Semitic comments. As The Minnesota Sun reported Wednesday, House Democrats were prepared to vote on a resolution that was drafted in response to Omar’s controversial comments, but the vote ultimately fell apart after Omar’s progressive allies rallied to her defense.
Now, Democratic leaders have prepared a new resolution that broadly condemns all forms of hate, which was overwhelmingly passed late Thursday afternoon. Throughout the affair, Duke, a fervid anti-Semite, praised Omar for her criticisms of the Israeli state.
“Ilhan Omar is now the most important member of the U.S. Congress,” he wrote on Twitter. “I made this provocative statement cause the worst enemy of the USA, Europeans, and the Middle East and the whole world and true peace are the Zionist tyrants who rule media and politics. Sadly, this 100lb girl has more guts than any white member of Congress.”
https://twitter.com/DrDavidDuke/status/1103766675223130112
Omar’s Minnesota colleagues struggled to navigate the debate, and some, such as Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), chose to ignore the fiasco altogether.
“That’s up to the people who voted for Rep. Omar to decide if that’s good representation or not. That’s not for me to opine on,” Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN-03) told The Star Tribune’s Patrick Condon, calling it a “tough week” for House Democrats.
Just asked Rep. Dean Phillips what he'd say to CD5 voters/Omar supporters/DFLers nervous about her shaky start. He said: "That's up to the people who voted for Rep. Omar to decide if that's good representation or not. That’s not for me to opine on." (MORE)
— Patrick Condon (@patricktcondon) March 7, 2019
“The Democratic Party and caucus is a big tent, and we’re seeing that this week. That’s not unhealthy. But having thoughtful conversation without Twitter getting in the way is at the root of this,” he added.
Attorney General Keith Ellison told reporters Thursday that he’s convinced Omar never intended to “disparage any group” and called it an “unfortunate distraction from important issues,” according to WCCO’s Esme Murphy.
Mn Attorney General @keithellison says he is convinced @ilhanmn never intended to disparage any group says it’s an unfortunate distraction from important issues @wcco will update pic.twitter.com/1DnoLsc4YC
— esme murphy (@esmemurphy) March 7, 2019
Stephen Montemayor of The Star Tribune noted that Ellison also stressed the “Islamophobic attacks on Omar” in response to questions.
Speaking afterward, Ellison spoke on Ilhan Omar latest saying he does not believe she harbors hatred or dislike for any community while pointing out that ideas like dual loyalty served as “kindling” for atrocities. Also underscored Islamiphobic attacks on Omar.
— Stephen Montemayor (@smontemayor) March 7, 2019
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) released a statement Wednesday in which she declared that “we must never question a colleague’s motives or personal integrity.”
“My Minnesota colleague, Rep. Ilhan Omar, believes she has spoken honestly and forcefully about an issue of importance to her. Many of my colleagues, especially my Jewish colleagues, interpreted her words as personal attacks and deeply offensive. The situation is dividing Democrats, which is exactly what the Republican minority and President Trump are seeking to achieve,” McCollum added.
At the end of the day, all eight member of Minnesota’s congressional delegation, including Omar, voted in favor of the resolution.
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of Battleground State News and The Minnesota Sun. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
