GOP faults media for stirring up ‘terror’ talk

WASHINGTON — This week’s nationwide bomb scares targeting CNN and high-profile Democratic figures were not aimed at midterm candidates, but they are having an impact in the upcoming elections. But instead of toning down the divisive rhetoric and blame, Republicans are blaming the media as Democrats tag President Trump as responsible. As federal investigators look into a growing number of explosive devices sent to prominent Democratic lawmakers, former officials and prominent supporters — including actor Robert DeNiro and former Vice President Joe Biden, who were targeted yesterday — Trump blamed the media for the dangerous political atmosphere. In a pair of tweets, Trump targeted “fake news” and The New York Times. And that message has seeped into the midterm races as Election Day looms less than two weeks away. Like Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican fending off a challenge by Democrat Beto O’Rourke, initially urged more civility in political discourse and called the packages sent to Democratic figures — including Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama and billionaire donor Gorge Soros — “terrorism.” “Disagreement is fine,” Cruz in an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt. “It’s even healthy to disagree on policy issues. But violence has no place in it.” But he also laid the blame with the media. “Look, it’s the media’s doing what the media does, which is any narrative that they can twist against Trump, they will do so,” Cruz said of coverage that pointed out Trump’s antagonistic and at times violent rhetoric toward members of the media and Democratic opponents. That message seems to be making its way to voters. Before the Wednesday night Florida gubernatorial debate, a photograph of a woman holding a sign outside the venue that read “Democrats Fake News Fake Bombs” went viral after it was shared by a state Democratic Party spokesman. Meanwhile Democrats laid the blame for the violent political atmosphere with Trump and said his call for civility wasn’t enough. “President Trump’s words ring hollow until he reverses his statements that condone acts of violence,” Senate Leaders Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a joint statement.