Summary
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) posted a video suggesting journalists would report “less false stories” if violence were still used to resolve disputes.
He referenced the 1890 Capitol shooting of Rep. William Taulbee by reporter Charles Kincaid, who was acquitted.
After backlash, Mullin claimed he was joking and criticized The Oklahoman for covering the story.
A former MMA fighter, Mullin had previously threatened a union leader in a Senate hearing. Critics say his remarks echo Trump’s escalating “fake news” rhetoric and hostility toward the press.
There’s no “I was joking” excuse for inciting violence. Being a politician means you are responsible for the consequences of your words. Or at least, it would if we had a functioning justice system.
So I guess it’s totally fine to joke about guillotining this guy. Have at it, boys.
He referenced the 1890 Capitol shooting of Rep. William Taulbee by reporter Charles Kincaid, who was acquitted.
So…
His example is elected politicians getting shot for lying about some bullshit to a reporter?
That’s some change American voters may be ok with…
But also the complete opposite of what he wants to do.
This is standard procedure.
Claim it was a “joke”. That way, others can say the same thing and use the same excuse. This normalizes it. Then, when some lone wolf actors take it seriously and act on it, people like this can say “We had nothing to do with it! He acted on his own!” and disavow themselves of all responsibility.
This guy would love it if MAGA morons started taking it seriously and attacking reporters.
“Stories I disagree with.”
I do not expect anything good from the Oklahoma Oblast.
Judging by the R next to his name, I’d bet he shares a lot of fake news. I don’t think he wants to live in this fantasy world.
What about politicians willfully lying, How does he think we should handle that?
Of, it’s that asshole who said it. Yeah, not at all surprised.
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