Fox News contributor Kellyanne Conway is facing sharp criticism for a hypocritical attack on a Democratic candidate that many say could just as easily apply to her former boss, President Donald Trump. Conway, who served as Trump's campaign manager in 2016 and later in the White House, targeted Graham Platner, winner of the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maine on Tuesday night, despite a series of controversies.
Conway's Criticism of Platner
Conway slammed Platner, saying, "He is not senatorial. He is satirical." Platner has faced accusations of "unsettling behavior" toward women he dated, offensive Reddit posts, and sending explicit messages to women other than his wife. Platner has attributed his actions to then-undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder and has stated he is working to improve himself.
"Ladies and gentlemen, what else do you need?" Conway asked, questioning whether there is a "magic number" of scandals that would end support for his campaign. She called Platner out for his behavior with women, lying, "insulting heroes," and more. "So I'd ask the Democrats: Is power really worth that to you?" she said. "Because power for power's sake is the definition of corruption." Conway also noted that, as a Christian, she believes in redemption and second chances but urged Platner to seek that outside of politics.
Backlash Over Hypocrisy
Many observers found Conway's comments rich given her past work for Trump and continued vocal support for him on Fox News. Trump has been found liable for sexual abuse, has a history of lying, corruption, and insulting heroes. Critics took to social media to call out the hypocrisy.
- David French tweeted, "It is stunning to hear this from Kellyanne. Does she not hear herself? Is she truly not aware of the staggering hypocrisy?"
- Spiro's Ghost wrote, "OMG. @KellyannePolls is describing TRUMP and her cultish worship of him with every syllable of this!"
- Sarah Longwell simply said, "Ded."
- Karbon asked, "When will Republicans say this about the current sitting President of the United States?"
- Dr Red Bison commented, "Wish Kellyanne had given this advice to Trump when the 'Hollywood Access' tape was released."
- Brad Polumbo wondered, "How can a Trump supporter unironically say this and not hear the absurdity of what they're saying out loud?"
- Alex Cole questioned, "Is she talking about Donald Trump?"
- Hemant Mehta noted, "When the Access Hollywood tape came out, Kellyanne Conway was the biggest defender of Donald Trump. She's stuck with him through rape allegations and the Epstein files."
- Stephen Elliott demanded, "Just tell me how Trump is different."
- Maine said, "These people have ZERO self awareness or shame."
- Seth Edwards sarcastically thanked "trump 2016 campaign manager kellyanne conway" for her thoughts.
- Cathy Young mockingly welcomed "this searing self-criticism by Kellyanne!"
The widespread criticism underscores the perception of double standards in political discourse, with Conway's attack on Platner mirroring allegations that have long dogged Trump.
