“Trump is responsible for every lie he utters” – Walsh Blows Hot Over ” Stop the steal ” Comment

Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh has strongly criticized fellow conservative commentator Erick Erickson for his remarks about Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding the 2020 election.

According to a tweet on Sunday, August 4, 2024, from his official handle on X, formerly known as Twitter, Walsh admonished Erickson to “Cut it out” and stop blaming others for Trump’s actions and words.

Walsh’s rebuke came in response to Erickson’s suggestion that Trump’s recent comments about the 2020 election being stolen were influenced by “stop the steal freaks” who had whispered in his ear before a rally.

The former Illinois congressman emphatically stated that Trump alone is responsible for his claims about the 2020 election being stolen and for “every lie he utters”.

Walsh urged Erickson to hold Trump accountable for his own actions, rather than attributing them to the influence of others.

This exchange highlights the ongoing debate within conservative circles about Trump’s persistent claims of election fraud, which have been repeatedly debunked by courts and election officials.

The controversy comes as Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently took over as the Democratic nominee following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race, launches a new initiative called “Republicans for Harris”.

This campaign strategy aims to attract Republican voters who are disillusioned with Trump’s candidacy and rhetoric.

The “Republicans for Harris” initiative will function as a “campaign within a campaign”, leveraging well-known Republican figures to mobilize their networks.

Harris’s campaign is particularly targeting primary voters who supported former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who withdrew from the race earlier this year.

The launch of “Republicans for Harris” will feature events this week in key battleground states including Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Supporters of Harris from the Republican side are expected to join her and her soon-to-be-announced running mate at rallies in the coming week.

Austin Weatherford, the national director of Republican outreach for Harris, commented on Trump’s “extremism”, stating it is alienating to many Republicans who feel the party no longer aligns with their values.

Weatherford emphasized the campaign’s commitment to engaging with Republicans daily, asserting that they deserve a president who prioritizes their freedoms and the interests of the American populace.

Former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger, who gained national attention as one of two Republicans on the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, has publicly endorsed Harris.

Kinzinger stated, “As a proud Republican, I never thought I’d be endorsing a Democrat for President. But I know President Harris will defend our Constitution and ensure Donald Trump never returns to the White House”.

The Harris campaign’s strategy involves endorsements from several prominent Republicans, including former governors William Weld of Massachusetts and Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey.

Other notable Republican endorsements include former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and former members of Congress such as Joe Walsh and Susan Molinari.

Even former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham has expressed her support for Harris, further highlighting the divisions within the Republican Party.

Trump, for his part, has made minimal efforts to appeal to moderate Republican voters and recently criticized Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican who resisted Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in that key state.

At a recent rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Trump reiterated his claims about the 2020 election, stating, “What happened at that last election is a disgrace, and we’re not going to let it happen again”.

These comments stand in stark contrast to President Biden’s speech on January 6, 2024, where he criticized Trump’s claims about the 2020 election, noting that they “never could stand up in court”.

Biden pointed out that Trump lost “recount after recount after recount in state after state”, but still pursued efforts to challenge the election results.

The ongoing debate about election integrity has led some observers to express concerns about potential attempts to interfere with the upcoming election.

Conservative radio host Erick Erickson recently predicted that both Republicans and Democrats might attempt to “steal” the election in November, citing the deep divisions and mistrust on both sides of the political spectrum.

Erickson suggested that some Republicans convinced that the 2020 election was stolen, might attempt to interfere with the 2024 election.

He also speculated that some on the left, viewing Trump as a threat to democracy, might engage in similar behavior.

These predictions highlight the tense political climate surrounding the upcoming election and the challenges election officials face in maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

As the campaign season heats up, the Harris team is hoping that their outreach to disaffected Republicans will help build a broad coalition capable of defeating Trump in November.

However, they face significant challenges, including deep partisan divisions and persistent doubts about election integrity among some voters.

The success of the “Republicans for Harris” initiative could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of what is shaping up to be a highly contentious and closely watched election.

As the debate over Trump’s statements and actions continues, figures like Joe Walsh are calling for accountability and a return to fact-based discourse within the Republican Party.

The coming months will likely see further heated exchanges as both campaigns vie for the support of key voter groups, including moderate Republicans who may be wavering in their support for Trump.

With less than three months until Election Day, the political landscape remains fluid, and both campaigns are intensifying their efforts to secure victory in what promises to be a historic and consequential election.