As politicians - and most Republicans - responded to the shocking story of underage sexual abuse, a problematic theme emerged. Each statement relied on the phrase "if proven true," or a variation of that.
That might sound logical on its face - the allegations against Moore, now 70, have not been adjudicated in a court of law - but the phrase allows the commenting politician to have it both ways while relying on negative stereotypes about survivors of abuse. Sex abuse is objectively bad, "if proven true" seems to say, but let's not forget that these women could be lying.
Here's an idea that you'd think of allegations against the movie mogul Harvey Weinstein - instead of relying on milquetoast statements that inherently blame victims, believe women.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) - sm Mt (0.8em) - sm" type = "text" content = "SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about the cartoon villain who is Roy Moore "data-reactid =" 22 "> SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about the cartoon villain who is Roy Moore
<p class =" canvas- atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) - sm Mt (0.8em) - sm "type =" text "content =" The Post 's report also details the accounts of three 's reporters wrote that they talked to 30 different sources before publishing the accounts A statement from the Moore campaign called the allegations "completely false and a desperate political attack." & Nbsp; " data-reactid = "23"> The Post 's report also details the accounts of three additional women who are allegedly interested in their work. The Post 's reporters wrote that they talked to 30 different sources before publishing the accounts. A statement from the Moore campaign called the allegations "completely false and a desperate political attack."
Few public figures are taking a hard line against Moore and his alleged predatory behavior - opting for the most non-committal of condemnations while saving themselves a politically advantageous out.
It's beyond the pervasive - stats that come in all day Thursday:
From PENCE's press sect. on Moore: "The Vice President found the allegations in the story of disturbing and believes."
- Matthew Nussbaum (@MatthewNussbaum) November 10, 2017
JUST NOW: @lisamurkowski on WaPo Report on Roy Moore: "I'm horrified and if it's true he should step down immediately. "
- Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) November 9, 2017
Sen. Toomey: "All I️ can say is, if there's a shred of truth to it, then he needs to step aside."
- Lissandra Villa (@LissandraVilla) November 9, 2017
Sen. Jeff Flake says "of course" he's concerned about the Roy Moore story in WaPo. Asked if Moore should withdraw, Flake said: "if these prove true, yes."
- Emma Loop (@LoopEmma) November 9, 2017
STATEMENT ON ROY MOORE:
"If the deeply disturbing allegations in the Washington Post are true, Senator Hatch believes that Judge Moore should step aside immediately."
Attributable to me (19459007)
- Matt Whitlock ]
If there is any truth at all to these horrific allegations, Roy Moore should immediately step aside as a Senate candidate.
- Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) November 9, 2017
The allegations in the Washington Post story is deeply disturbing, and if proven true, Judge Moore should immediately step aside
- Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) November 9, 2017
Statement from Sen . Cruz on Roy Moore: "These are serious and troubling allegations." If they are true, Judge Moore should immediately withdraw. "
] - Abby Livingston (@TexasTribAbby) November 9, 2017 19459007 [LEEwhoendorsedRoyMooresaidheshouldstepasideifallegationsaretrue
