Former communications director for the Biden White House, Kate Bedingfield, ignited a wave of liberal backlash after interpreting Donald Trump’s recent comments about Christians being encouraged not to vote after 2024. She argued that Trump was implying that future elections were insignificant since he wouldn’t be on the ballot, rather than advocating for a cessation of democracy.
“I know this might provoke a strong reaction from many Democrats, but…I don’t believe he’s stating that elections will cease to exist. I think he is implying that he won’t be on the ticket regardless, so what’s the point? This is incredibly alarming in its own right because this is what the Republican Party has twisted itself into and sacrificed its integrity for — to become an unwavering supporter of this singular, terrible, self-absorbed individual,” Bedingfield expressed on X, in response to a clip of Trump’s address.
Trump addressed attendees at the Believers Summit in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday, causing liberal frustration with his statement: “Christians, get out and vote, just this time. You won’t have to do it anymore. … You got to get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so well you won’t need to vote.”
Bedingfield, who is also a political commentator for CNN, faced criticism in multiple responses to her original post, with some arguing that Trump should never be granted the benefit of the doubt.
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Several individuals accused her of “downplaying” his statements.
In two follow-up posts, Bedingfield clarified her stance on social media.
“I am by no means downplaying the events of January 6th or the dangers that Trump poses to democracy by continually attempting to undermine trust in our electoral process. These threats are real. My point is that what he’s telling us here highlights why he disregards this country — because his only concern is himself,” she asserted in a later post.
Responding to those who suggested she was giving Trump undue credit, Bedingfield maintained that she was not.
“I’m not defending him, nor am I offering him the benefit of the doubt — I labeled him an awful, narcissistic man who threatens democracy in my tweets. Our success partly hinges on persuading those who are still undecided. Explaining why he is a threat — because he only prioritizes himself — is more convincing than merely stating that he is a threat. This serves as compelling evidence of that,” she remarked.
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Kate Bedingfield shared her interpretation of Donald Trump’s message during his recent speech in Florida. (Left: (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images), Right: (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images))
Representative Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who is campaigning for a Senate seat in California, responded to Trump’s comments on X, stating, “This year democracy is on the ballot, and if we are to preserve it, we must vote against authoritarianism. Trump reminds us that the alternative is losing our ability to vote entirely.”
“The only way ‘you won’t have to vote anymore’ is if Donald Trump becomes a dictator,” remarked Rep. Daniel Goldman, D-N.Y.
Conservatives like Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., suggested that Trump was merely joking.
“I think he’s clearly making a joke about how difficult things have been under Joe Biden, and how much better they will be if we bring President Trump back to the White House to set things right,” Cotton commented during a CNN interview.
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Governor Chris Sununu, R-N.H., referred to the comment as a “Trumpism.”
“He’s likely trying to convey that these issues can be resolved. Obviously, we want everyone to participate in every election. But I think he was making an exaggerated point that things can be fixed if he returns to office. But, you know, that’s classic Trump for you,” he added.
