Despite the backlash that comes with their hypocrisy, liberal leaders across the country continue to break their own COVID rules. We had a robust list, but since then more politicians like San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo (D) have joined the ranks. Last week Liccardo instructed residents to abandon their Thanksgiving plans before he proceeded with his. Like so many other lawmakers caught in the act, Liccardo was forced to apologize.
I apologize for my decision to gather for Thanksgiving with my family, contrary to the rules. I understand my obligation as a public official to provide exemplary compliance w/ public health orders, & not to ignore them. I commit to do better. My statement: pic.twitter.com/LFhX2LCUf3
— Sam Liccardo (@sliccardo) December 1, 2020
But, Liccardo was not to be outdone by California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), the lockdown happy leader who attended a birthday party at the fancy French Laundry restaurant in Yountville. On Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) singled out Gov. Newsom for his behavior, accusing him of hampering the country's economic rebound.
"So, the economy can continue to recover even more strongly and especially for those people who are still struggling the most - the waitress, the busboys, the bartenders, the karate instructors, the music teachers, people who work in fields an industries that have lots of in-person, close continual contact," Cotton explained.
He proposed a two-part solution.
"One is to tell these Democratic governors and mayors to stop with their irrational lockdowns," Cotton said. "Tell the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, not to lock down small mom and pop restaurants while he goes off with all his lobbyist buddies to eat at the French Laundry, one of the world's most exclusive and expensive restaurants, paying $300 for caviar and truffles."
Sen. Tom Cotton: "Tell the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, not to lock down small mom and pop restaurants while he goes off with all his lobbyist buddies to eat at the French Laundry... paying $300 for caviar and truffles." pic.twitter.com/5Oq1EO92QS
— The Hill (@thehill) December 1, 2020
If we want to help our economy, Gavin Newsom shouldn’t lockdown California and put waiters and waitresses out of work—while he eats $300 caviar at the French Laundry with his lobbyist friends.
— Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) December 1, 2020
The second solution, he said, is for Congress to pass a new coronavirus relief bill. Something that can happen if Democrats get their priorities in order.