Backlash grows against McConnell as viral video shows his racist remarks deeming Black voters not real Americans

Many across the nation paying attention to the Senate’s doomed voting rights vote – failing 48-52 Wednesday night, thanks to two conservative Democrats and every single Republican – noticed GOP Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s post-vote remarks in which he essentially deemed Black voters not real Americans, or in a separate class as the rest of American voters.
Calling the “concern” about minority voters having less access to the ballot box “misplaced,” McConnell told reporters: “because if you look at the statistics, African-American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as Americans.”
This clip garnered one million views in less than 12 hours:
For anyone who wants the clip. Here it is. Minority Leader McConnell says the quiet part out loud. https://twitter.com/pabloreports/status/1483979232816635909\u00a0\u2026pic.twitter.com/0Wuf1l0icf— Brendan Egan (@Brendan Egan) 1642649979
There are clips from different sources, all of which flooded social media overnight.
The outrage has been palpable.
Mitch McConnell is just a more politically savvy Jesse Helms, and if such a thing is possible, even more ruthless. "African-American voters are voting at just as high a percentage as Americans."https://twitter.com/girlsreallyrule/status/1484148379806576652\u00a0\u2026— Van Firth (@Van Firth) 1642684513
“Mitch McConnell didn’t say the quiet part out loud, people,” said political strategist Tom Watson. “He said the main plank of the Republican Party out loud.”
: Here is U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell justifying his blocking of voting rights protections by claiming that, "AFRICAN AMERICAN voters are voting in just as high a percentage AS AMERICANS."pic.twitter.com/3J6aGMvVpw— Matt Rogers (@Matt Rogers) 1642684807
New York Times journalist and “1619 Project” creator Nikole Hannah-Jones:
Once again: the white is silent. And we know why.https://twitter.com/pabloreports/status/1483979232816635909\u00a0\u2026— Ida Bae Wells (@Ida Bae Wells) 1642680503
NBC and MSNBC Legal Contributor Katie S. Phang noted: “After tonight’s vote, McConnell is just letting it all hang out.”
Mitch McConnell went on a live mic and said the only voters he considers American are people who aren't African-American, and this crusty racist motherfucker has been a senator since before I was born.— Fifty Shades of Whey (@Fifty Shades of Whey) 1642683470
Sociologist and Brookings fellow Victor Ray: “McConnell saying “African Americans are voting at just a high of percentage as Americans” shows exactly why they are targeting voting rights and who he considers fully American.”
Most Black Americans weren't surprised at all by McConnell's comment. We feel, experience, and live this sentiment every day in this country.https://twitter.com/bse229/status/1484007688866566150\u00a0\u2026— uch\u00e9 blackstock, md (@uch\u00e9 blackstock, md) 1642680930
“McConnell did not misspeak,” said TV writer and producer Bryan Behar. “In one quote, he summarized the entire GOP worldview. They think it’s a White nation and anyone who isn’t White isn’t a true American.”
Tell me African-Americans aren't Americans without telling me you're a racist @LeaderMcConnell.\n\n"African-American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as Americans."pic.twitter.com/hlIgxQPXiV— Scott Huffman for NC \ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0f (@Scott Huffman for NC \ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0f) 1642684013
Holy shit:\n\nMitch McConnell: "African-American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as American voters." \n\nToni Morrison: "In this country, American means white. Everybody else has to hyphenate."— Mary L Trump (@Mary L Trump) 1642652031
JUST IN: Mitch McConnell just told voters of color that their concerns about voter suppression are \u201cmisplaced\u201d and added: \u201cIf you look at the statistics, African American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as Americans.\u201d\n\nThe dogwhistle just became a foghorn.— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen) 1642654760
This is how Republicans view black people, we're not really Americans to them, this is why they will always make it difficult for us to vote. \n\nMcConnell: "African-American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as Americans."pic.twitter.com/QmJEPULvNg— Alex Cole (@Alex Cole) 1642680320
\u201cAfrican Americans are voting in just as high percentages\u2026as Americans\u201d\n\nMitch McConnell\n\nIf you\u2019re not white, you\u2019re <insert race here> American.\n\nIn Mitch McConnell\u2019s melting pot, the cream needs to remain at the top\u2026at any cost.— Smite!\u26a1\ufe0f (@Smite!\u26a1\ufe0f) 1642678410
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