IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Michelle Obama rips Trump in new book
WASHINGTON >> Former first lady Michelle Obama blasts President Donald Trump in her new book, recalling how she reacted in shock the night she learned he would replace her husband in the Oval Office and tried to “block it all out.”
In her memoir “Becoming,” set to come out Tuesday, Michelle Obama denounces the president for bragging in 2005 about sexually assaulting women. She says his comments on the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape meant, “I can hurt you and get away with it.”
She also accuses Trump of using body language to “stalk” his 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton, during an election debate. She says Trump followed Clinton around the stage, stood too close and tried to diminish her presence.
The Associated Press purchased an early copy “Becoming.”
Protesters target home of Fox News’ Tucker Carlson
WASHINGTON >> Police say they are investigating a protest and vandalism at the home of Fox News host Tucker Carlson as a possible hate crime. It’s the latest example of protesters targeting the personal lives of Trump administration officials and allies in the D.C. area.
Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department reported that officers were summoned to Carlson’s home Wednesday evening and found about 20 protesters and a commonly used anarchy symbol spray-painted on the driveway.
A brief video posted on social media by a group calling itself “Smash Racism DC” shows people standing outside a darkened home chanting “Tucker Carlson we will fight. We know where you sleep at night.”
The video was later removed from Twitter.
There were no arrests, but police confiscated several signs. The report lists the incident as a “suspected hate crime” on the basis of “anti-political” bias.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement they welcome and support all expressions of free speech and First Amendment rights, but that “defacing private property” is an obvious violation.
“We will work to hold those accountable for their unlawful actions. There is currently an open criminal investigation regarding this matter,” the statement said.
Carlson has been a major supporter of President Donald Trump and his policies. In recent months, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Republican Sen. Ted Cruz were all either refused service or berated by protesters in area restaurants.
Wednesday’s incident prompted reactions from across the political spectrum.
A statement released by Fox News called it “reprehensible” and called for more civil discourse at a time of intense political polarization.
“We as a nation have become far too intolerant of different points of view,” the statement said. “Recent events across our country clearly highlight the need for a more civil, respectful, and inclusive national conversation.”