CNN journalist Jeff Zeleny on Monday made sure to point out that many victims of the Las Vegas massacre were “likely Trump supporters.” He also noted a Trump hotel in the area before saying of the President: “So, this is something I'm not surprised at all to see him go there visiting early.”
Zeleny awkwardly explained of the dead and wounded, “Something else I think to keep in mind, a lot of these country music supporters were likely Trump supporters.” Perhaps trying to salvage the comment, he added, “This is hitting that, of course, is hitting the tapestry of all Americans and there are going to be victims from across the country here.”
Of the news that Trump will visit Las Vegas on Wednesday:
Of course, Las Vegas is a town that he [Trump] is connected to and knows well. His name is emblazoned on the top of a hotel there as well. He campaigned there a lot. So, this is something I'm not surprised at all to see him go there visiting early.
Trump is also visiting Puerto Rico on Tuesday. So, what's the point, Zeleny?
See transcript below:
Live Coverage
10/2/17
10:58am ETJEFF ZELENY: By saying he will go to Las Vegas on Wednesday, by visiting, it is something that puts him in line with what so many presidents before him have done and paid their respects. Of course, Las Vegas is a town that he [Trump] is connected to and knows well. His name is emblazoned on the top of a hotel there as well. He campaigned there a lot. So, this is something I'm not surprised at all to see him go there visiting early. But, again, I think the moment here is what comes after this. This invariably after today and tomorrow, will become a discussion of politics, of guns. It's not appropriate for that moment today. You will hear it from some Democrats. What will the President do in that respect? Will he take a leadership role in that respect? We will watch that as the days unfold, but the President clearly, as John said, striking a pitch-perfect tone there.
Something else, I think, to keep in mind, a lot of these country music supporters were likely Trump supporters. This is hitting that, of course, is hitting the tapestry of all Americans and there are going to be victims from across the country here. So this is something that is a national tragedy as the President said and the flags he ordered at half staff today in memory and thought of all of the victims in Las Vegas.
