We’ve collected here some of the more interesting, infuriating, and insightful Tweets about the profound injustice of the McDonnell verdict, from all sides. Presented Twitchy-style.[read_more]
This was really a terrible injustice. Bob McDonnell and his wife did unethical things, and exhibited (while in office and certainly while on trial) some horribly human weaknesses. But arranging a meeting for a donor and friend, or introducing people to that same donor and friend, shouldn’t be a felony. If you can’t see that, you’re wearing some moral blinders.
Sadness is the common theme to most Tweets. The photo accompanying this Tweet from NBC 12’s Julie Carey speaks volumes.
A sad chapter in #Virginia history written today w/ convictions in #McDonnell corruption trial http://t.co/Y2TsH7sHrW pic.twitter.com/UhUngA8Uzt
— Julie Carey (@JulieCareyNBC) September 5, 2014
MT @David_Culver: Two jurors wiped away tears as guilty counts were read and #McDonnell family sobbed in hysterics.
— RTD Politics (@RTDPolitics) September 4, 2014
Only description of Bob and Maureen #McDonnell I can muster – they looked horrified, literally horrified, guilty after guilty verdict read
— Mike Valerio (@MikeNBC12) September 4, 2014
MT @MikeNBC12: Seeing Bob #McDonnell cry is something I'll never forget — face turns red when guilty after guilty verdict is read
— RTD Politics (@RTDPolitics) September 4, 2014
The terribly painful courtroom moments as McDonnell processes verdict http://t.co/HMmBcJTWvy #RVA
— CBS 6 WTVR Richmond (@CBS6) September 5, 2014
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell sobs as guilty verdict read on corruption charges. http://t.co/G13BUjNu4m pic.twitter.com/0BCmp0fWZG
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) September 4, 2014
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell cries and children sob as guilty verdicts read http://t.co/Y1HspTdzwH
— PilotOnPolitics (@PilotOnPolitics) September 4, 2014
For some, “sad” is an opportunity to observe “sad irony”:
MT @MSchmidtRTD: Sad irony: In 2011, #McDonnell signed into law bill that denies retirement benefits to public employee convicted of felony
— RTD Politics (@RTDPolitics) September 5, 2014
Lots of (probably premature) commentary about the impact of the verdict on politics going forward:
#McDonnell verdict called "dynamite charge through heart of #VA political culture." http://t.co/aMpxreS0Hd #vagov pic.twitter.com/H4HMmpnbuI
— RTD Politics (@RTDPolitics) September 4, 2014
The #McDonnell verdict is effectively a TOTAL gift ban for state executive and legislative branches. Legislation is not required.
— Chris Saxman (@saxman8091) September 4, 2014
An excellent question about the priorities and focus of the Eric Holder Justice Department:
Stephen Hayes: WaPo did excellent job reporting on the McDonnell story. If only it would pay the same attention to the IRS scandal.
— Ken Gardner (@kesgardner) September 4, 2014
DOJ official: Bob McDonnell's corruption betrayed the people of Virginia http://t.co/uQKBUBVKE9
— Talking Points Memo (@TPM) September 4, 2014
The Virginia Pilot focuses on the circus atmosphere:
Photo: Bob McDonnell mobbed by reporters leaving court http://t.co/UFJxqGfl24
(Associated Press image) pic.twitter.com/LRuEbV4AJL
— PilotOnPolitics (@PilotOnPolitics) September 4, 2014
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell gets into his car after being found guilty of multiple corruption offenses http://t.co/IF1wYgXRZk
— The Virginian-Pilot (@PilotNews) September 4, 2014
And then there are the vindictive, smug, and gleefully ironic Tweets:
DOJ official: Bob McDonnell's corruption betrayed the people of Virginia http://t.co/uQKBUBVKE9
— Talking Points Memo (@TPM) September 4, 2014
Bob McDonnell's defense strategy of blaming his wife won him more guilty counts than her
http://t.co/8ZVyggm8DX
— Taegan Goddard (@politicalwire) September 4, 2014
Resurrected Quote: "When someone commits a crime, they must be justly punished." – Bob McDonnell, May 2013. http://t.co/Waa2HlmRLz
— A. Barton Hinkle (@ABartonHinkle) September 4, 2014
MT @MSchmidtRTD: Sad irony: In 2011, #McDonnell signed into law bill that denies retirement benefits to public employee convicted of felony
— RTD Politics (@RTDPolitics) September 5, 2014
The pathetic and predictable end for Bob McDonnell. http://t.co/ZZ9Z45V661 pic.twitter.com/3RUf6VnFoh
— Chris Cillizza (@TheFix) September 4, 2014
Remember Mcdonnell rejected a plea offer to face 1 felony charge, get wife off completely. Arrogance. http://t.co/kkJfVJ4Y2V
— Krystal Ball (@krystalball) September 4, 2014
Bob McDonnell got his hands (and his wife) caught in the cookie jar and thought he could get away red handed. NOPE!
— David Robertson (@101flyboy) September 4, 2014
This one is a particularly classless celebration of a family’s pain. “Dreamteam” indeed.
#McDonnell Dreamteam @David_Culver @JulieCareyNBC @ryanobles @NathanNBC12 @PhotogDwight @alana_austin @AshleyMonfort pic.twitter.com/Om9LTiPHAr
— Mike Valerio (@MikeNBC12) September 5, 2014
Ben Tribbett has some observations about what he believes were ugly reactions to Sen. Mark Warner’s well-advised remarks:
Can't believe the nasty comments on @MarkWarnerVA's facebook wall after a classy post about the McDonnells.
— Ben Tribbett (@notlarrysabato) September 5, 2014
As well as comments about some juror-related intrigue:
Got some questions on this juror- he was dismissed around day 8 or 9- McDonnell was seen teary eyed after conf with judge about dismissal.
— Ben Tribbett (@notlarrysabato) September 5, 2014
The one juror who got busted running his mouth on how dumb this case was changed the course of VA political history.
— Ben Tribbett (@notlarrysabato) September 5, 2014
Appeal appears in the offing:
Bob #McDonnell attorney says the fight is far from over and 'of course we plan to appeal.'
— Kathy Adams (@kathymarievb) September 4, 2014
Bob #McDonnell attorney says the fight is far from over and 'of course we plan to appeal.'
— Kathy Adams (@kathymarievb) September 4, 2014
Bob, Maureen #McDonnell have substantial grounds for appeal, legal experts say. http://t.co/IzAvXBh529 #va #vagov pic.twitter.com/yrftsOzETm
— RTD Politics (@RTDPolitics) September 4, 2014
Here’s hoping that last one is right.
