February 24, 2018

Conservatives Freak Out After Speaker Dares to Mention That Trump Bragged About Sexual Assault

“Because he happens to have an ‘R’ after his name we look the other way, we don’t complain.”

Donald Trump

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During a panel at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Saturday, longtime National Review writer Mona Charen made an uncontroversial point: Republicans shouldn’t sanction sexual misconduct in their own White House.

“Because he happens to have an ‘R’ after his name we look the other way, we don’t complain. This is a party that was willing to endorse Roy Moore for Senate…even though he was a credibly accused child molester.”

That appeared to be a reference to both President Donald Trump and Rob Porter, the former White House aide who resigned months after the administration became aware of domestic abuse allegations brought by two of Porter’s ex-wives.

In the audience, attendees could be heard shouting: “Not true! Not true!”

Charen was booed earlier in the panel for condemning conference organizers’ decision to invite Marion Maréchal-Le Pen, the niece of far-right French politician Marine Le Pen whose party has flirted with Holocaust denial. When it was over, Charen was escorted out by security:

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We didn't know what to expect when we told you we needed to raise $400,000 before our fiscal year closed on June 30, and we're thrilled to report that our incredible community of readers contributed some $415,000 to help us keep charging as hard as we can during this crazy year.

You just sent an incredible message: that quality journalism doesn't have to answer to advertisers, billionaires, or hedge funds; that newsrooms can eke out an existence thanks primarily to the generosity of its readers. That's so powerful. Especially during what's been called a "media extinction event" when those looking to make a profit from the news pull back, the Mother Jones community steps in.

The months and years ahead won't be easy. Far from it. But there's no one we'd rather face the big challenges with than you, our committed and passionate readers, and our team of fearless reporters who show up every day.

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