Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV), a self-proclaimed “America’s #1 Most Bipartisan Member of Congress,” recently found herself in hot water after posting and later deleting a profanity-laced response on social media to an Associated Press (AP) article about President Donald Trump. The Congresswoman has come under fire for her controversial comment and many are wondering if this is the kind of bipartisanship she claims to embody.
The post in question was a response to an AP article discussing President Trump’s planned attendance at the Supreme Court’s hearing on birthright citizenship this Wednesday. In the post, Rep. Lee wrote, “I’ll pray they f*** him to his face.” The post was quickly deleted, but not before it gained attention and sparked outrage.
Many are questioning the appropriateness of a member of Congress using such language on a public platform, especially when discussing the President. This is not the first time Rep. Lee has made headlines for her controversial comments. Earlier this year, she made a similar remark about President Trump during a private event, causing dissatisfaction among her colleagues.
It is important for those in positions of power and influence to use their words thoughtfully and responsibly, as they are representatives of the American people. The use of vulgar language only serves to divide and create more animosity in an already polarized political climate. As a Congresswoman, Rep. Lee should be setting an example for her constituents, not adding fuel to the fire of political discourse.
Furthermore, Rep. Lee’s behavior undermines her claims of being a bipartisan member of Congress. Bipartisanship is defined as the cooperation and compromise between two opposing political parties. It is about finding common ground and working together for the betterment of the country. Rep. Lee’s inflammatory comment does not align with this definition and only perpetuates the divide between the two parties.
In response to the backlash, Rep. Lee issued an apology on Twitter, stating, “My choice of words was unacceptable and I apologize. I do not wish harm on anyone, including the President.” While it is commendable that she took responsibility for her actions, her apology does not excuse her behavior.
As an elected official, Rep. Lee has a responsibility to uphold a certain level of professionalism and decorum. Her actions reflect not only on herself, but also on the Democratic Party and the state of Nevada. It is troubling that she would post such a comment, let alone think it in the first place.
In a time when political tensions are at an all-time high, it is crucial for our leaders to lead by example and strive for unity rather than division. It is possible to disagree with someone’s policies and actions without resorting to name-calling and profanity. This type of behavior only serves to further polarize the nation and hinder progress.
In conclusion, Rep. Susie Lee’s inappropriate and unprofessional comment about President Trump is not reflective of true bipartisanship. As a member of Congress, she has a responsibility to uphold the values and principles of her position and work towards finding common ground and unity. It is my hope that moving forward, Rep. Lee will think twice before making such inflammatory remarks and strive to be a true bipartisan leader.
