John,

Trump’s racism truly knows no bounds. First, he attacked the Squad of progressive women of color in Congress, telling them to go back where they came from. Then, he degraded the entire city of Baltimore and called Rep. Elijah Cummings’ district a "disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess."

Now, he’s using insults against people of color and the city of Baltimore as punchlines at his campaign rallies. And yesterday, in response to news that Rep. Cummings’ Baltimore home was burglarized, he responded with this smart-ass tweet:

It’s clear: Trump’s hateful, divisive rhetoric is empowering and inspiring white nationalism and violence, and our elected officials on BOTH sides of the aisle must do something about it.

If you agree, add your name to our petition demanding every Republican member of Congress condemn Trump’s racism now >>

As Trump continues to peddle racist talking points and hateful rhetoric, a majority of Americans see what he’s doing, and they’re calling it like they see it. A new Quinnipiac University poll shows that more than 50% of voters believe Trump is a racist.

It’s a sad day when most of our country sees the President of the United States as racist -- and what’s worse is the GOP responding with silence or aggressive defense of their party leader.

Senator Susan Collins lamented that her big speech in Maine this weekend was overshadowed by Trump’s tweets -- but she didn’t go as far as condemning his behavior. Why? Because if she abandons Trump, Republicans abandon her. But she also knows, if she supports Trump, she loses in a state that is guaranteed to support the Democratic nominee. It’s a lose/lose for her and that’s exactly why it’s time to get her on record.

Meanwhile, Trump’s Senate lap-dogs Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell have staunchly defended him and keep insisting he’s not a racist. Why? Because they know that even most Trump supporters don’t want to think of themselves as racists. They know that most of the very same people who gladly adopted the term “deplorable” to describe themselves, would be ashamed to identify as racists.

But that’s the thing, isn’t it?

What these Republican Senators, every member of the GOP, and even rank and file Republican voters need to know is that you may have been able to defend a vote for Trump in 2016 by claiming it was just campaign rhetoric but nothing more. Maybe they claimed they wanted something different, an outsider who’d shake up the system, a man who deemed himself a successful deal-maker -- whatever lie they told themselves. But there’s no denying it now: if you support Trump in 2020, you’re a racist too.

The majority of Americans know Trump’s a racist. We need to make it clear to every Republican member of Congress: America sees Trump for who he is and we demand you condemn his racism now. Sign our petition today.

As we continue to build resources for bold, progressive candidates to kick Republicans out of office and take back both the Senate and White House in 2020, let’s hold those who are complicit in this blatant racism accountable to the people.

Thanks for taking action,

-Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Chair
Democracy for America