Oct 24, 2017 - Politics & Policy

Jeff Flake targets Trump in Senate retirement speech

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz) delivered an emotional retirement speech on the Senate floor today, and condemned the "flagrant disregard of truth and decency" in politics today, stating, "heaven help us."

Key quote: "We must stop pretending that the degradation of politics in our executive branch are normal, they're not normal... it's reckless, outrageous, and undignified... it's dangerous to our democracy."

More from Flake:

  • "Mr. President, I rise today to say, enough."
  • "We have fooled ourselves long enough that Trump... will return to civility... We know better than that."
  • "When we remain silent... because we might alienate the base... we dishonor our principles and forsake our obligations."
  • "If I am critical it is not because I relish criticizing the president of the U.S. If I have been critical it is because I feel an obligation to do so... the notion that we should say or do nothing in such mercurial behavior is misguided and ahistorical.."
  • "We must never accept...personal attacks, threats against principles, freedoms, and institutions."
  • We cannot continue to "call true things fake and fake things true."
  • "I have children and grandchildren to answer to, and so Mr. President, I will not be complicit or silent."

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Flake:

  • Flake is "a man of integrity, honor, decency and commitment."
  • "I have seen Jeff Flake stand up for what he believes in knowing full well there will be a political price to pay."

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