Congressional candidate compares Melania Trump to prostitute
Congressional candidate compares Melania Trump to prostitute
By Chris Perez
A congressional candidate from Oregon has caused an uproar on social media after comparing first lady Melania Trump to a prostitute.
"Did you know the First Lady works by the hour?" tweeted independent House candidate Mark Roberts on Monday, using the hashtags "#thinkdirty" and "#hoebag."
Twitter users were quick to blast the politician for his crude comment, with some calling on him to pull out of the 2nd Congressional District race for Republican incumbent Greg Walden's seat.
"Very unprofessional on your part," tweeted one person. "Grow up and stick to the issues, so the voters in your district can decide on your stand regarding the issues."
Another added, "Wow no class Mark. You're definitely using liberal tactics and it makes me wonder if you really are a conservative at all."
Roberts sparked the social media storm on Monday afternoon after replying to a tweet from Charlie Kirk, president of the right-wing youth organization Turning Point USA. Kirk had compared Melania's staff numbers to those of former first lady Michelle Obama.
"Did you know: There are thirty-nine fewer staffers dedicated to The First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) than under Obama," Kirk tweeted, referencing data reported in January.
"There are only five staffers dedicated to Melania Trump vs. forty-four staffers who served Michelle Obama," he said.
Political experts told The Oregonian on Tuesday that Roberts' reply completely railroaded his chances of unseating Walden in a race that was already said to be a longshot.
"If he wins, I'll sell my house and donate to charity," joked Jim Moore, political science professor at Pacific University.
Roberts is apparently known for making crude and outlandish remarks on Twitter, most of which have been aimed at politicians.
"#NikkiHaley very hot," he once tweeted, in reference to a TV appearance she made last year.
"Important stuff," Roberts added.
Describing Illinois Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris, the independent candidate tweeted: "Hot, tough & smart!"
Commenting on a video featuring President Trump, he said: "It looks like he's morphing into a woman, get that man a haircut and non fat chocolate cake!"
In response to the social media backlash he's been receiving, Roberts refused to apologize and instead cited the Constitution.
"It's that whole 1st amendment thing," he tweeted on Tuesday, along with an official explanation from Twitter as to why his tweet about Melania hasn't been taken down.
"We have investigated the reported content and could not identify any violations," a spokesperson said. "Accordingly, we have not taken any action at this time."
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