Like many Americans, I am beyond disturbed by the prospect of Steven Bannon having an appointment, much less a high-access one in the White House. Pursuant to that, I have composed a letter to Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway urging the incoming administration to be forthright and square with the American people about Mr. Bannon’s past.
Dear Ms. Conway:
I realize how busy you are so I’ll keep this brief.
First of all, congratulations on the Trump campaign’s hard fought win. It was a rough campaign but under the provisions of our Constitution, you came out on top and are now accorded the privileges in governing. In a year that saw many barriers broken, let me also extend my kudos to you for a history making accomplishment in your own right: becoming the first female to guide a successful national campaign.
I heard the “60 Minutes” interview with President-elect Trump and his family and, even as a fierce critic on the other side of the aisle on many, though not every issue, I can honestly say that I was impressed. His tone was cordial and measured which I think is a key and necessary ingredient for easing the fears of some of his most vocal opponents. And yes, he has a beautiful family. Now obviously, I am opposed to his views on Roe vs. Wade but, to the victor goes the spoils and, make no mistake that we will be having a vigorous fight on the Senate floor when the time comes. And I’m sure you’d be disappointed in anything but. But given the events of the past few days, I now turn to two matters with very grave and profound implications for our nation.
As you know, there has been a tremendous spike in hate crimes in the week since Mr. Trump became our President-elect. This has impacted African-Americans, Jews, Latinos and Muslims. While it does not go unnoticed that the President-elect looked into the cameras during the “60 Minutes” interview and told them to “stop it,” he needs to do more. He should be emphatically stating, time and again with the utmost clarity and passion, that this is unacceptable, un-American, and, to use a word we’ve all heard once or twice during the campaign, simply deplorable.
Which brings me to an equally epic topic. There is a lot of unease and fear over Steve Bannon serving as the President-elect’s chief counselor. I for one am in disbelief that we are having a conversation about a matter such as this in an incoming President’s administration, and in 2016, but you have the deck of cards, I don’t. And all kidding aside, it has already become the joker.
You and your staff have responded to the accusations of Mr. Bannon’s anti-Semitism and alleged ties to white supremacist groups by asserting they are false. You have noted they do not reflect the same Steve Bannon you know and have even expressed incredulity that you would be part of a team that had a place for those beliefs. I have heard other people claim the same. The problem is that at least some of the material circulating seems to have merit. Therefore, I ask you, is it fact or fiction? I don’t know. Only you and your team do so, wouldn’t you want to offer a little more than perfunctory reassurance to the American people?
There are many things in government that can be obfuscated and swept under the rug but this is not one of them. The longer it goes unaddressed, the more it will fester, the more fearful people will become, and the longer people will ask what in the hell is going on. Furthermore, as you begin the process of promoting nominations and other business, you’ll find yourself being overtaken by this matter as well it should. You cannot expect to issue a statement declaring a matter false, offer little or no evidence to back it up and hope it just clears up. Politics doesn’t work that way and on a matter such as this, nor should it.
That said, it behooves the President-elect, and to a lesser extent you and Mr. Bannon to confront the issue: go on television, hold a press conference, just make some sort of statement to the American people. As you know from your distinguished career, getting in front of a crisis before it overtakes you is key to a successful governance and I am sure I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that this is already past the distraction level. This seriously impairs team Trump’s ability to govern. Equally important, the American people deserve to know the caliber of the people at the highest level of government.
In closing, please accept my best wishes for a hearty and successful administration. Your success is our success and the American people deserve nothing less.
Sincerely,
Scott Crass