House Majority Whip Steve Scalise
The White House isn't calling on Rep. Steve Scalise to step down from House Republican leadership for having spoken at a white supremacist event in 2002, but White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest did
twist the knife a little when asked about Scalise on Monday:
Twice repeating Scalise’s quote that he is “David Duke without the baggage,” Earnest said that President Barack Obama believes that “it’s ultimately [House Republicans’ decision to make,” whether Scalise serves as whip.
“Who Republicans decide to elevate into a leadership position says a lot about what the conference’s values and priorities are,” he repeated.
There's only one reason to say you're David Duke without the baggage: to appeal to David Duke voters. Many of whom probably voted for him
because of "the baggage" of KKK leadership. I mean, why else go around comparing yourself to a one-time state representative and multi-time failed candidate for higher office?
As Earnest says, this isn't just about Scalise. It's about what kind of party Republicans want to say they are. About who they think their party leaders should be seeking votes from. Is it really "David Duke without the baggage (wink wink nudge nudge)"?