Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore
Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann was one of the speakers to take the stage before President Donald Trump spoke at a rally in Cedar Rapids, IA Wednesday evening.
During his remarks, he took aim at “Never Trumpers” and specifically addressed U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) who did not support Trump during the election.
Those Never Trumpers out there, you know what? I’m getting just a little tired of that too.
We had Senator Ben Sasse from Nebraska. He crosses the Missouri River and in that sanctimonious tone talked about what he doesn’t like about Donald Trump. What he doesn’t like about Donald Trump. You know what Senator Sasse? I really don’t care what you like. We love Donald Trump.
And if you don’t love him I suggest you stay on your side of the Missouri River.
Listen below:
To my knowledge, Sasse never campaigned against Trump. I am certainly not aware of him doing so in Iowa. He will speak at a Story County Republican Event in Nevada, IA on July 7th, but I would be shocked if he opposes the President there.
Sasse exercised his principles as did many Never Trump Republicans. That doesn’t mean we thought we are morally superior. Sasse certainly didn’t act that way. He is incredibly thoughtful and seeks to be as non-partisan as possible. That came through when he wrote his open letter about the presidential election.
I understand that there are some hurt feelings toward Never Trumpers like myself. I admit there are a few who still attack the President at every turn. For me, that ended when he was elected and from what I can see from Senator Sasse that is the case as well.
We support the President where we can and oppose him when necessary.
He is a U.S. Senator who happens to be Republican. His role as a member of the legislative branch is to be a check on the executive branch, not a yes man. Sasse has not been bad mouthing President Trump. He hasn’t been a roadblock to his nominations. His role isn’t one of a sycophant.
Kaufmann plays the role of sycophant perfectly, masterfully even. That is fine, expected even if you are running a campaign or a state political party, but not when you are in the U.S. Senate and not when you put principles before politics.
Kaufmann made it clear that if we do not engage in the same level of sycophancy when it comes to Trump not only are we not welcome in his orbit, but we are not even welcome in the state.
If you do not “love” Trump do not cross the Missouri, he says.
Well I say to Senator Sasse, not only are you welcome in my state, but I wished there were more statesmen like you in the U.S. Senate.