Q&A: Rep. Frederica Wilson details the problems with Trump's condolence call and the Kelly clean up
By Janell Ross October 21 at 12:47 PM
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Q: What precisely did you hear the president say to Sgt. Johnson’s family and how did you come to hear it?
A: I was accompanying the Johnson family on the trip to the airport to greet Sgt. Johnson’s coffin when President Trump called to offer condolences to his widow, Myeshia Johnson. The call took place on speakerphone. I heard him say something to the effect of Sgt. Johnson “knew what he was getting into but I guess it still hurts,” as if to say that’s what you get. He did ask her to reach out if she needs anything but also kept calling Sgt. Johnson “your guy,” instead of saying his name or acknowledging that this was her husband.
Q: What was your initial reaction when you heard the president suggest that Sgt. Johnson “knew what he was getting into?”
A: I was shocked when I heard the statement and shocked that a president of the United States could be so callous and cavalier toward a grieving young wife and mother. Then I grew angry, especially when I saw Myeshia’s heartbreak all over again. Sgt. Johnson was only 25. He is the father of two with a baby on the way. The purpose of such a call is to offer condolences and honor the immeasurable sacrifice that he and his family have made in service to this country. President Trump’s remarks had the opposite effect.
Q: Did you see or hear the family react in any way to that portion of the conversation?
A: The family was just as astonished by his remarks. Myeshia dissolved into tears, not only because of his blatant insensitivity, but also because Mr. Trump appeared to not even know her husband’s name. In an interview the next day, he referred to her as “the woman” and “the wife.” The whole incident was a disgrace.
Q: The president has made a number of comments that have made people question whether he is lacking in empathy, particularly lacking in empathy for nonwhite Americans or somehow unable to express any empathy that he may have. What do you make of this argument?
A: I definitely believe that Mr. Trump lacks empathy and compassion and in some instances common sense. How else can one explain the horrific sight of him free-throwing rolls of paper towels into a crowd of people who were desperate for the most basic staples and resources? Let’s also not forget the Virgin Islands. While his response to hurricane victims in Texas and my home state of Florida was admirable, he has left hanging those living in American territories who happen to be primarily people of color.
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/10/21/qa-rep-frederica-wilson-details-the-problems-with-trumps-condolence-call-and-the-kelly-clean-up
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