Crenshaw Stuns Panelists with Perfect Response to Trump's Controversial Arlington Decision
Texas Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw has already proven himself to be a rising star and growing voice for civility.
It’s people with attitudes like Crenshaw’s that can begin to do some actual healing in a deeply divided country.
“There’s a lot of lessons to learn here, not just that the left and right can still agree on some things,” Crenshaw said on a surprise Saturday Night Live appearance, just a week after the show came under fire for mocking Crenshaw for losing an eye while serving the country.
“But also this: Americans can forgive one another. We can remember what brings us together as a country and still see the good in each other,” Crenshaw added during his SNL appearance.
Crenshaw is now back at it again, this time on CNN’s State of the Union, offering up his thoughtful and level-headed takes on a simmering public issue.
This time, Crenshaw offered some thoughts on President Donald Trump skipping an appearance at Arlington Cemetery for Veteran’s Day ceremonies.
CNN, clearly no friend of Trump’s, was obviously fishing for an angle to attack Trump, despite the president actually admitting he may have made a mistake.
Two of the panelists, Democrats Chrissy Houlahan and Deb Haaland, expressed disappointment in Trump’s decision to skip the ceremonies. In fairness, Houlahan served in the military and Haaland comes from a military family.
But the third panelist, Crenshaw, offered a different perspective on Trump not visiting Arlington Cemetery.
“Well, I’ve been to Arlington multiple times to bury my friends, at least two funerals there that I’ve attended and gone back occasionally,” Crenshaw said.
Crenshaw cited his personal relationship while explaining why he wasn’t offended by Trump’s decision.
“I also know the president on a very personal level has treated those gold star families very well and he has embraced them and has been very good to them. I would have liked to see him at Arlington but again, I’m not offended by the fact that he didn’t go.”
Crenshaw then went on to say that gestures and platitudes were nice, but the actual substance of Trump’s actions and rhetoric is primarily why he wasn’t offended by him not visiting Arlington Cemetery.
“I don’t think it necessarily affects us, where he shows up to anyway ceremonial fashion,” Crenshaw said. “What affects us is, are you giving us a clear mission, are you giving us the equipment we need to do it, are you raising pay for the military? He has done all of these things. That’s what matters to me as a veteran.”
Good for Crenshaw for taking such a nuanced stance. Would it have been nice for Trump to visit Arlington Cemetery for Veterans Day? Obviously. But actions speak louder than platitudes, and Trump’s proven history when it comes helping America’s veterans is what really matters.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
