In what can solely be described as two weeks of chaos, President Trump’s second time period is off to a disastrous begin. Fortunately, a few of Colorado’s leaders are becoming a member of the great combat.
Sadly, others should not.
Among the many state’s early prime fighters are U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and state Legal professional Normal Phil Weiser. Each have turn into a power to reckon with.
Bennet’s most notable second got here throughout a current Senate affirmation listening to the place he humiliated Trump’s nominee for Well being and Human Companies, RFK Jr. This included Bennet cornering the nominee into admitting he believed Lyme illness is “extremely doubtless” an engineered bioweapon by the navy, a patently absurd conspiracy principle, together with a number of different conspiratorial beliefs that needs to be instantly disqualifying.
Bennet additionally grilled Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s decide for Director of Nationwide Intelligence, together with different nominees, the widespread theme being that in a nation of over 330 million individuals, these can hardly be the perfect people we will discover. It’s a really true and unhappy reflection on the state of affairs in D.C.
But regardless of his successes, Bennet has not been good. Alongside together with his junior colleague Sen. John Hickenlooper, Bennet additionally made a extremely questionable resolution to again climate-skeptic and oil and gasoline fanatic Chris Wright for the function of Power Secretary.
Assist for Wright is probably going resulting from each senators’ longstanding — and controversial — backing of the oil and gasoline sector, together with the will for a Coloradan to be amongst Trump’s management. It may be a transfer made out of choosing one’s battles. Regardless of the purpose, this was clearly a misstep that would have necessary ramifications for public well being and the atmosphere.
Then again, Phil Weiser’s robust strikes in opposition to the Trump agenda have been constant from Day 1. This consists of becoming a member of in authorized motion to dam the blatantly unconstitutional govt order banning birthright citizenship, together with suggesting he’s able to file “on a half-dozen fronts, from environmental protections and abortion medicine to immigration standing and deportations.” This places Weiser entrance and middle within the battle to protect Coloradans’ rights and democracy, which is little doubt a boon for his candidacy for governor in 2026.
One other stunning pro-democracy voice included newcomer Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado’s third Congressional District, who in a gutsy transfer was one of many few Republicans nationally to communicate out in opposition to the president’s sweeping pardons associated to January 6. It stays to be seen if Hurd will proceed to take a stand in opposition to Trump, though it appears unlikely primarily based on his total positions. However given his right-leaning district has almost tipped Democratic twice resulting from current Republican extremism, it could be a sensible technique politically talking, to not point out morally.
Two Colorado voices are conspicuously lacking from the anti-Trump motion, though who they’re ought to shock nobody. The primary is Hickenlooper. In comparison with Bennet, he merely isn’t pulling his weight, and it’s disappointing to say the least.
Sure, Hickenlooper is essentially according to Democrats in opposition to Trump, and his crew helps some behind the scenes, together with makes an attempt to grasp the impression of funding cuts to native analysis. However vocally, Hickenlooper is essentially MIA.
This method tracks with Hickenlooper’s total method to management. By no means one to rock the boat even when he ought to, Hickenlooper notoriously avoids battle, typically selecting to remain silent publicly even within the face of actual challenges. Maybe at instances this works, however on the subject of Trump, this should change. Silence may be mistaken for implicit assist, and Coloradans want each of our senators to guide, not simply observe, on the subject of defending our rights and democracy.
The second absentee is Gov. Jared Polis. Not solely has Polis voiced assist for RFK Jr. amongst his many different anti-science takes, however as my colleague factors out, Polis is already normalizing an irregular presidency in a wide range of methods. This consists of elevating the state flag from half workers for the late Jimmy Carter to full workers for Trump’s inauguration, in addition to welcoming Trump’s assist in ICE raids. Each strikes are unprecedented and admittedly shameful for a supposed Democrat, though not stunning given Polis’ previous.
Right here once more, Coloradans deserve extra decisive management. We’re not, have by no means been and can by no means be a Trump state. Our leaders ought to strongly replicate this sentiment.
So due to those that are already standing up, and to these nonetheless sitting down, it’s time to get within the combat.
Trish Zornio is a scientist, lecturer and author who has labored at among the nation’s prime universities and hospitals. She’s an avid rock climber and was a 2020 candidate for the U.S. Senate in Colorado.
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