President Donald Trump has been cultivating his political base following his abruptly ordered assassination of top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. According to an analysis noted this week by The New York Times, his campaign has run 800 ads and counting on Facebook alone that highlight the assassination in one way or another as some kind of testament to Trump’s leadership — or something. This week, those riled up Trump supporters turned out en masse after the House Judiciary Committee’s top Republican (and prominent Trump ally) Doug Collins (Ga.) apologized for a lie he told about Democrats earlier in the week. His apology, which he posted on Twitter, attracted some angry replies from Trump supporters who took it as some kind of weakness.
During a televised conversation with Fox host Lou Dobbs, Collins had claimed that Democrats “love terrorists” because of their opposition to Trump’s scorched earth approach including the assassination of Soleimani, which recklessly threw the U.S. into unnecessary danger. In at least initially about as straightforward of a way as possible, on Friday, Collins tweeted:
‘Let me be clear: I do not believe Democrats are in love with terrorists, and I apologize for what I said earlier this week.’
And some Trump supporters flipped, revealing themselves as entirely in support of the outrageous notion that their political opponents “love terrorists.”
One Twitter user railed:
‘But they are. They love terrorists and citizens of foreign nations more than US Citizens. Their words and policies make it clear.’
But they are. They love terrorists and citizens of foreign nations more than US Citizens. Their words and policies make it clear.
— Andrew ‘BUILD THE WALL’ White 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@caspias) January 10, 2020
Another added:
‘Never apologize to the corrupt lib mob! They gave Iran access to billions of dollars knowing they would use $ toward expanding their influence and wave of terror. The left mourned the death of this radical terrorist like he was a celebrity. They’re not on the side of America.’
Never apologize to the corrupt lib mob! They gave Iran access to billions of dollars knowing they would use $ toward expanding their influence and wave of terror. The left mourned the death of this radical terrorist like he was a celebrity. They’re not on the side of America.
— Deplorable Texan (@jbird1032002) January 10, 2020
None of that is true. Terror attacks from Iran-backed forces went down following the Iran nuclear deal, which included the lifting of sanctions and subsequent return of some Iranian assets to the country. There was no pay-off like that Twitter user and many others allege.
Still, Republican opponents to Collins’ basic apology railed on and on — and their posts attracted plenty of likes and retweets, too, indicating a core of rabid ideological militarism within the GOP.
Check out some more:
Never apologize to the mob. NEVER
— Ludwig von Mises (@LudwigMises3) January 10, 2020
Democrats can't decide if they are on the side of terrorist or American soldiers whose lives were saved due to the death of that terrorist. Although all wars should go thru congress, I never once heard Trump declare we were at war.
— Melanie (@mefbama) January 10, 2020
Stop apologizing you woose!
— Marine03 (@feingold32) January 10, 2020
Democrats are in love with power & money. If being sympathetic to a terrorist will convince people Orange man bad….that's what they will do. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money,— Sandi Timmons (@SandiTimmons2) January 10, 2020
They sure act like they are just like they act like they hate most Americans and most everything our country stands for –
— Clay Hostetter (@ClayHostetter1) January 10, 2020
Oh my, you back track to appease the Left? Their actions tell us all we need to know about how they feel.
— Gloria (@ColoradoScenery) January 10, 2020
You were right the first time.
— Tom (@tweets4tom) January 10, 2020
No need to apologize! Actions speak louder than words! We the people KNOW they ( the Democrats ) love terrorist AND any other person or country more than America! They only stay here because they think they have power & relevance here. Hopefully that is becoming less true.❤️🇺🇸
— Zina Wilson (@ZinaWilson3) January 10, 2020
They don't really love them just using them as a means to an end that won't come till 2024. They supported MS-13 also
— ball-striker 06 (@fhollandjr) January 10, 2020
Do not apologize they are in love with Terrorists. Do not do not! Truth hurts
— HOPE🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❌ (@hopelynn1018) January 10, 2020