The 2016 GOP presidential contenders were quick to condemn Donald Trump’s remarks Saturday suggesting John McCain, who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, was only a “war hero” because he was captured. “I like people who weren’t captured,” Trump said, to some boos from the Iowa audience.
The comments from Trump came at the Family Leader Summit In Ames, where as many as 10 of the GOP hopefuls were present. Trump comment’s came during a back and forth with moderator Frank Luntz, who pressed Trump about previously calling McCain a “dummy.”
Ted Cruz was more circumspect than some of the others when asked to respond to Trump’s comments. “I recognize that folks in the press love to see Republican on Republican violence,” Cruz said, according to the Associated Press. “You want me to say something bad about Donald Trump or bad about John McCain or bad about anyone else and I’m not going to do it.”
Cruz later tweeted:
John McCain is an American hero. Although we have some policy disagreements, I’m proud to serve alongside him.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) July 18, 2015
Here is a sampling of the Twitter reaction from the other candidates:
Enough with the slanderous attacks. @SenJohnMcCain and all our veterans – particularly POWs have earned our respect and admiration.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) July 18, 2015
.@realDonaldTrump‘s comments today make him unfit to be Commander-in-Chief https://t.co/EVl1X66gHo
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) July 18, 2015
America’s POWs deserve much better than to have their service questioned by the offensive rantings of Donald Trump
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 18, 2015
I don’t always see eye to eye with @SenJohnMcCain. But I honor his service and the sacrifices he made for our country.
— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) July 18, 2015
After Donald Trump spends six years in a POW camp, he can weigh in on John McCain’s service
— Gov. Bobby Jindal (@BobbyJindal) July 18, 2015
I see they got out the pitchforks and torches…
This is sure to get the base into a crazy frenzy – Not like they weren’t already –
Popcorn WITH Rasinetts ! !
as they fall all over themselves to defend John McCain do they understand the irony of denigrating John Kerry’s war record during his Presidential run?
I think it might cross their minds, but I doubt they’d admit to it or that they care. Now, if any of the higher-ups in the GOP ranks admit to this, I’ll be the first to give them kudos.
As a candidate for President, Trump’s remarks make no sense. As a troll, they make perfect sense. I’m getting more and more convinced he’s the latter and not the former.