GOP senator: It's OK for Trump to be racist if the person is a Democrat

Trump led his supporters in a chant of “send her back” at a North Carolina rally on Wednesday night, following an attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), a U.S. citizen who came to America after escaping the civil war in Somalia.

On Thursday, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) excused Trump’s racism the night before by indicating that Trump would not push to “send back” those who back him politically.

Graham, a staunch Trump ally, was asked about Trump’s racist chant by reporters. He proceeded to “explain” Trump’s mindset.

“I’ve said before, that if you’re a Somali refugee wearing a MAGA hat, he doesn’t want to send you back, he’d probably want to have dinner at the White House,” Graham said.

Using Graham’s logic, Trump is free to lead racist chants and attacks on individuals if they disagree with him politically.

The stance from the South Carolina Republican is the latest in a line of Republican justifications for racist behavior, excusing Trump’s use of the presidential bully pulpit for vile and bigoted behavior.

Graham has led the charge in defense of Trump’s boorish activities, including turning a blind eye to Trump’s attacks on the deceased Sen. John McCain, Graham’s purported friend.

Graham’s comments showed that like other prominent Republicans — including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy — Republicans are all-in on Trump’s racism. Again and again.

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.