With the Secret Service's multiple lapses of security in the headlines, attention has naturally turned to the issue of presidential safety. Into the gap stepped Ed Schultz this afternoon, always on the lookout for the chance to turn any issue into partisan political gain for Democrats.
On his MSNBC show today, Schultz gave an emphatic "yes" in answer to this question from a viewer: "do you think the hateful rhetoric from Republicans puts President Obama and his family in danger?"
Really? Are there any Republicans in particular that Schultz wants to see charged as co-conspirators with White House fence scaler Omar Gonzalez? Does Ed favor restrictions on Republicans' free speech rights? Can Schultz cite examples of the sort of "hateful rhetoric" he has in mind? We don't have the answers to any of those questions. Ed contented himself with blithely answering yes to the viewer's question, thereby making an ugly and unsubstantiated accusation.
Back in the George W. Bush days, Dems, including MSNBC denizens, were known to employ some very rough rhetoric about the president. Would Ed also accuse them of having putting in danger the life of W and his family?ED SCHULTZ: Our next question is from Jimmy: "do you think the hateful rhetoric from Republicans puts President Obama and his family in danger?" Well, the Republicans aren't the only ones who come up with hateful rhetoric towards the president. Words count and words inspire people. My answer to that is yes.
