Vulnerable Kansas Senator: We Are Heading Toward 'National Socialism'

Talking Points Memo ^ | September 23, 2014 | Dylan Scott

[2ndDivisionVet]

Incumbent Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), who is facing an unexpectedly fierce challenge for re-election, warned Monday at a campaign stop that the United States is heading for "national socialism."

It's not clear whether Roberts intended to make a reference to Nazism or simply meant to invoke the run of the mill looming specter of socialism.

American Bridge, the liberal opposition research group that tracks Republican candidates, posted the video of Roberts's remarks at a Dodge City event.

"There's a palpable fear among Kansans all across this state that the America that we love and cherish and honor will not be the same America for our kids and grandkids," Roberts said, "and that's wrong. That's very wrong."

He lamented that people are "losing faith in their government" and that the government "is losing faith in our people. That is a bad situation to be in." He said he was running to change that dynamic.

"We have to change course because our country is heading for national socialism," Roberts said. "That's not right. It's changing our culture. It's changing what we're all about."

According to TPM's PollTracker average, Roberts trails independent candidate Greg Orman by 1 point, 39 percent to 38 percent.

(VIDEO-AT-LINK)

UPDATE: 2:20 p.m. ET

The Washington Post's Philip Rucker asked Roberts about the line Tuesday.

Philip Rucker ✔ @PhilipRucker

For those keeping track, Roberts repeated "socialism" line
this AM. I asked him if he believes Obama is a socialist
and he said "yes."

1:15 PM - 23 Sep 2014

12 Retweets 1 favorite

Philip Rucker ✔ @PhilipRucker Follow Roberts, on my Obama socialism Q: "I believe that the
direction he is heading the country is more like a
European socialistic state, yes."

1:17 PM - 23 Sep 2014

5 Retweets

[dljordan]

“Go ahead RINO lover; but don’t call someone an idiot just because they’re not a political whore who suck ass to people who hate Conservatives.”

I really can’t figure out what in the hell you’re talking about. It’s almost like you don’t have a real grasp on reality. Why exactly am I a political whore and why do I hate conservatives? I mean, you did read all that from one line so I guess you’re a psychic or something, right?

[txhurl]

If Roberts retires soon after election, Brownback will most assuredly appoint a conservative to fill his seat in the interim.

Some people seem to fear that idea.

[LT Brass Bancroft]

The fact that the Democrat has dropped out should tell us all we need to know about Orman. So, from here in Kansas, carry on, Waywardson!