Social media users are slamming Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell for suggesting Black Americans were not fully American during a press conference on Wednesday.
McConnell’s stunning remarks came after two right-leaning Democratic senators —Kisten Sinema, of Arizona, and Joe Manchin of West Virginia— sided with Republicans to block voting rights legislation.
Asked about what he would say to voters of color who are concerned about their access to the polls before November’s midterm elections, the Senate Minority Leader said:
“Well, the concern is misplaced because if you look at the statistics, African American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as Americans.”
McConnell’s remarks to reporters were quickly condemned online.
Check some of the reactions below:
I need you to understand that this is who Mitch McConnell is.
Being Black doesn’t make you less of an American, no matter what this craven man thinks.
pic.twitter.com/Esk1NgIhD9— Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) January 20, 2022
Holy shit:
Mitch McConnell: "African-American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as American voters."
Toni Morrison: "In this country, American means white. Everybody else has to hyphenate."
— Mary L Trump (@MaryLTrump) January 20, 2022
— Eric (@EricFlut) January 20, 2022
I Mitch McConnell do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith, and yield obedience to the Confederate States of America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against their enemies. pic.twitter.com/FmKnkjFZK5
— mike obrien (@MikeOBrien95340) January 20, 2022
Shockingly racist, even for McConnell. https://t.co/5pBto6iz4Q
— Marty McKee (@MartyMcKee) January 20, 2022
Wait a minute! Say that again? African Americans are voting at the same rate as Americans? I have to bite my tongue on this one but I thought we were all Americans? I’ve never been to Africa a day in my life. I don’t hear anyone saying European, Scottish or Ireland American.
— Phyllis Marshall (@SavingDollarzz) January 20, 2022
Sen. Mitch McConnell just said the quiet part out loud.
He doesn't think African Americans are Americans…the one word "Americans" is only reserved for White folks, huh, Mitch? https://t.co/D5MqzUmtDh
— Russell Drew (@RussOnPolitics) January 20, 2022
Wow. Just wow.
Mitch McConnell: "The concern is misplaced, because if you look at the statistics, African-American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as American voters." pic.twitter.com/ReOvHGJcnI
— MeidasTouch.com (@MeidasTouch) January 20, 2022
This guy is not only stupid he has foot in mouth disease. Why does he have to stay around so long? Oh how I wish he'd just go away. Before I die I'd love to see the Senate without him in it.
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) January 20, 2022
So are African Americans now not American or somehow less American ?
— alexwhite_😻 (@alex_white014) January 20, 2022
Well now I'm just confused.. I thought African American voters were American voters.🤦🏽♀️
— Vote Blue in 22 (@turttle63) January 20, 2022
What's the Critical Race Theory thing that the republicans are so horned up about again?
— Walter Murzin (@wmurzin11) January 20, 2022
Frightening. https://t.co/Px0Gmi6ajz
— thelonious1024 (@thelonious1024) January 20, 2022
