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| CNN host Chris Cuomo (and his biceps) |
I write a lot about bullying, especially in regard to LGBT bullying that still happens are too frequently.
Sadly, we’re currently living in a time where some public figures, even some of our leaders, show respect for bullies.
Whether its dictators like Russian President Vladimir Putin or North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Donald Trump seems to revere them even though they’re famous for demeaning and diminishing those they see as beneath them.
This week, that dynamic was put on display yet again while Trump campaigned in Montana.
During the appearance, the Trumpster praised Montana’s only congressman, Republican Rep. Greg Gianforte, for “body slamming” a reporter, Ben Jacobs of The Guardian, last year for asking a question he didn’t like about healthcare.
“Any guy that can do a body slam, he is my type!” Trump said as the crowd cheered.
For his actions, Gianforte eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assault in June 2017 for his attack on Jacobs. He was sentenced to a 180-day deferred sentence, 40 hours of community service, 20 hours of anger management and a $300 fine along with an $85 court fee.
Hunky CNN host Chris Cuomo called out Trump and Gianforte last night on his evening show, Cuomo Primetime.
“There is no question about what he did being wrong and illegal,” said Cuomo said of Gianforte’s bodyslam. “But the president celebrated him at a rally. Why does Trump praise bullies? Time and again, he celebrates punks who go after the little guy,” he continued.
“Everything Gianforte did is weak, okay?” Cuomo continued. “He attacked someone who wasn’t a threat, was at every disadvantage, Gianforte showed no control, no confidence, no respect for his office or his constituents or for the law. He is weak. And if he doesn’t like it, he can come body slam me as well. I welcome it.”
By the way, in case you hadn’t noticed Cuomo is totally jacked. Don’t expect Gianforte to show up at Cuomo’s door anytime soon.
Cuomo contrasted Trump and Gianforte with LeBron James, who during a recent basketball game was overheard telling his teammates, “Anytime you fall, your brother will come pick you up.”
Because that’s what true leaders do. Someone falls, you lift them up.
“Crazy and sad days when the lessons we teach our kids – ‘don’t be a bully;’ ‘strength isn’t knocking down, it’s lifting up’ – now those lessons must also be directed at our president,” said Cuomo as he closed the segment.
These are crazy times. But fortunately, there are lots of people (like Cuomo) who aren’t afraid to call bullies out for their weakness.
As the internet meme goes: “This is Chris. Chris doesn’t tolerate bullies. Be like Chris.”
And while I’m on the subject, let’s admire Cuomo not only for his positive message, but for his positively buffed biceps.
