As has been pointed out on a couple diaries, at best, Eric Cantor exaggerated significantly about the risk to his office when he gave a news conference earlier today about the threats to Congressmen and women after the health care vote. Some commenters have gone so far to suggest that he intentionally lied.
Maybe he knew his office wasn't really the target, maybe he didn't have all the information yet. But the truth is his office was not in fact the target at all.
If he didn't have all the information yet, it's awfully tacky of him to assume that he was being targeted when his Democratic colleagues have had very legitimate threats and acts made against them.
However, that would be overlooking the big picture of the context of his speech, which was all self-rightous indigation towards Democrats for disclosing the threats against them. So, here's my imaginary interview with Minority Whip Eric Cantor...
So Mr. Cantor, now that you've disclosed the gun shot at you office, and shown that both Democrats and Republicans are being threatened, how do you think everyone involved is handling themselves? (1:31):
It is reckless to use these incidents as media vehicles for political gain.
And you are a shining example for us to follow, I presume? Well, go on then, what else? Sorry, what was that? You are accusing DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollan and DNC Chairman Tim Kaine of "fanning the flames"... and using the threats as a "political weapon".
You have me convinced. Those horrible Democrats and their partisanship. Partisanship is bad, right Mr. Cantor? (2:01)
Security threats against members of Congress is not a partisan issue, and they should never be treated that way. To use such threats as political weapons is reprehensible.
Reprehensible? Ooh, scary.
Well, Mr. Cantor, what do you think we, the media sitting here at this lovely press conference should do now with this story? It does seem kind of important.(2:46)
Enough is enough, it has to stop. We need to move forward and get back to addressing the important issues facing the nation and let law enforcement handle these situations.
OK, Mr. Cantor, let me read back to you what I have here, and let me know if I got anything wrong...
I'm here to do everything I'm saying the Democrats shouldn't do by talking about threats to little old me. And I'm only talking about threats to me to get them to stop talking about the real threats to them and those who voted for the health care bills. And I don't want to talk about the threats to me or them anymore because, really, the threats to me are exaggerations, and I don't ever want to be held accountable for factual correctness. So, OK, goodbye. No... wait... I don't want to talk about them anymore... no... but...