Jon Ossoff Trump Feud Escalates
Jon Ossoff and the White House escalate a fight over Trump aide Natalie Harp.
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Updated Aug 18, 8:04pm ETEvery side, every morning
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The reporting
Sen. Jon Ossoff escalated his feud with the White House on Tuesday, calling President Donald Trump a “draft-dodging, crook president” during a Georgia campaign appearance with Sen. Mark Kelly. The clash began after Ossoff said at a Sunday Atlanta rally that Trump wanted to “build his ballroom” and “travel with Natalie,” referring to Natalie Harp, 35, the president’s special assistant and executive assistant. Trump and senior aides responded with personal attacks on Ossoff, while Harp’s frequent presence with Trump drew broader media scrutiny. Ossoff is seeking reelection in Georgia, a Senate race described as a toss-up.
Analysis & opinion
Ossoff Was RightMostly Left
Jon Ossoff’s comments about Trump and Natalie Harp were a fair criticism of Trump’s behavior and priorities. The angry response from Trump’s allies only made the issue look more sensitive, unusual, and politically damaging for them.
Ossoff Went LowMostly Right
Jon Ossoff’s remark about Natalie Harp was an inappropriate cheap shot that insinuated something improper without justification. The White House and Trump’s defenders were right to rebuke him for targeting a woman in Trump’s orbit in such an ugly way.
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