Election 2020

‘Cowboys for Trump’ Founder: ‘The Only Good Democrat is a Dead Democrat’

When Couy Griffin, a District 2 Commissioner for Otero County, New Mexico, told a crowd that had gathered to hear him speak that the only good Democrat is one that’s no longer with us, the crowd couldn’t contain its enthusiasm.

“I’ve come to a place where I’ve come to the conclusion that the only good Democrat is a dead Democrat,” said Griffin, who’s also the founder of Cowboys for Trump to a round of cheers.

He scrambled to clarify his remarks by saying he meant a political death, not an actual one but that explanation was lost inside the raucous audience, The Alamogordo Daily News reports.

Griffin was speaking at a Cowboys for Trump rally that was being held at New Hope Revival Church, in Truth or Consequences. The church was openly defying a cease and desist order issued by New Mexico state for violating state-mandated ordinances that limit the size of crowds.

But Griffin isn’t a stranger to calling for violence against Democrats, having posted in April on the group’s Facebook page:

“Virginia, I’m coming your way. And I got a rope on my saddle if you think we may need it?” he wrote while sharing an article about Ralph Northam, the state’s Democratic governor.

While Griffin also characterized politics as “dirty, corrupt, and wicked” other political leaders within the state saw red regarding his comments calling for violence.

“There is no place for this kind of violent partisanship today, calling for death of people in the other party,” said Lt. Governor Howie Morales, in a statement Wednesday. “Right now, we are in the midst of a serious public health emergency, a pandemic, and we are trying to do everything we can to keep New Mexicans safe, regardless of whether they are Democrats or Republicans. We need people pulling together to get through this as neighbors and as New Mexicans, not calling for the death of people who belong to a different political party.”

Morales also encouraged other state leaders to reject Griffin’s comments.

Marg Elliston, Chair of the New Mexico Democratic Party also issued a statement, suggesting it’s time for Griffin to get out of politics.

“Comments inciting violence have absolutely no place in public discourse, and commissioner Griffin should resign his position immediately. It is also incumbent upon every single Republican holding or running for elected office in New Mexico to strongly denounce his comments and join our call for his resignation. This should not be a partisan issue; it is about protecting all New Mexicans, regardless of their political beliefs.”

And some Republicans have in fact, denounced Griffin’s actions and asked him to apologize.

“We value the personal and political worth of all New Mexicans and to make such an outrageous statement is contrary to the pro-life Republican Party platform,” said Young Republicans Chairwoman Rebekah Stevens. “Couy’s statements set a dangerous precedent for political discourse in New Mexico.”

“As Republicans, we must unite behind a strong, unified message that will lead Republicans to victory in November and elect every Republican up and down the ballot from President Donald Trump (let’s hope not) to our local county officials.”

Actually, Griffin just sounds like another bigoted Trump supporter. Hopefully these people will crawl back under the rocks they emerged from if Trump loses. It’s a good thought, anyway.

meet the author

Megan has lived in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida and she currently lives in Central America. Living in these places has informed her writing on politics, science, and history. She is currently owned by 15 cats and 3 dogs and regularly owns Trump supporters when she has the opportunity. She can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GaiaLibra and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/politicalsaurus

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