A Democrat congressional candidate is facing backlash for his inflammatory comments directed at a senior Trump aide. Richard Ojeda, who is seeking to represent North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, previously made headlines in March 2022 when he vowed to “kick the s—” out of Stephen Miller, a key figure in the Trump administration. “I’d be willing to go to jail to kick the s— out of him,” Ojeda stated during one of his live streams, expressing his intense disdain for Miller.
The Trump administration swiftly condemned Ojeda’s remarks. White House spokesperson Kush Desai remarked, “Unfortunately, Democrats disgustingly supporting political violence is nothing new,” and urged Ojeda to seek help for his violent rhetoric. This response highlights a growing concern among the GOP regarding the language used in political discourse, which is increasingly viewed as a precursor to actual violence.
In light of the criticism, Ojeda attempted to clarify his intentions. He acknowledged that his earlier words were an expression of frustration towards political figures like Miller, whom he sees as undermining the nation. “The language I used in that video reflects my discontent with how political figures like Stephen Miller are steering the nation,” Ojeda explained in a statement to Fox News Digital. Despite his earlier bravado, he insisted, “political violence has no place in our society,” citing his own experience with political violence when he was severely beaten during his first campaign. Ojeda recounted that he fought for his community and won a state senate seat from a hospital bed. His personal history with violence makes his current rhetoric even more significant.
Critics are not letting Ojeda off the hook easily, particularly with events like the assassination of Charlie Kirk looming over the conversation. Even within his own party, there are warnings that violent language can lead to violent actions. The issue of heated rhetoric is not isolated to Ojeda; Virginia’s Democrat candidate for attorney general, Jay Jones, recently faced scrutiny for sending text messages suggesting violence against a Republican colleague. This trend raises questions about the normalization of aggressive language in the political arena.
Ojeda has faced multiple failed runs for Congress previously, including bids for both the House and Senate. Despite these challenges, he came out on top in fundraising efforts for the upcoming Democratic primary, which may bolster his candidacy moving forward. He emphasized that his comments from the past were made before he contemplated another run for office. “I was angry then, and I’m still angry now. Angry at what people like Stephen Miller are doing to this nation,” he remarked, demonstrating that his frustration continues to drive his political ambitions.
This incident shines a light on the deeper issues surrounding political discourse and the responsibility that comes with public leadership. With both parties grappling with the ramifications of aggressive language, the dialogue surrounding political rhetoric will likely become even more critical in the upcoming elections. As tensions rise, the consequences of veiled threats and violent language remain a pressing concern for the future of political engagement in the country.
"*" indicates required fields
