Lisa Murkowski Says 'We Are All Afraid' Of Retaliation By Donald Trump

[highplainsdem]

Source: HuffPost

-snip-

“We are all afraid,” Murkowski told Alaska nonprofit leaders on Wednesday, according to The Anchorage Daily News. “It’s quite a statement. But we are in a time and a place where I certainly have not been here before. And I’ll tell ya, I’m oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice, because retaliation is real. And that’s not right.”

“It’s called the checks and balances. And right now we are not balancing as the Congress,” she added.

The independent-minded Alaska senator is one of the last remaining Republicans willing to publicly criticize Trump. Last month, she said her fellow GOP colleagues are “afraid” to speak out against the president and risk drawing a primary.

Murkowski said Wednesday she was unnerved by how quickly the U.S. Agency for International Development, which was established by Congress, had “just been obliterated” by the Trump administration. And she expressed alarm at the politicization of the judiciary under Trump, saying it was putting America in “a very dangerous place, because you stop believing in the rule of law.”

-snip-

Read more: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lisa-murkowski-donald-trump_n_6800fb8ae4b027910a15d38f

---

Video of her saying that, in a Brian Tyler Cohen post on Bluesky:

https://bsky.app/profile/briantylercohen.bsky.social/post/3lmzepe5zr22b

[Basso8vb]

1. YOU ENABLED ALL OF IT!

Good grief...

[emulatorloo]

5. She voted to impeach Trump. One of the few who has stood up to the freedom caucus, MAGAs, and Trump.

I appreciate that she’s putting this out there in public. The more people know about Trump’s disgusting intimidation tactics, the better.

[cstanleytech]

25. It was a safe vote for her though, she's voted for 99.9% of everything he's demanded otherwise.

[emulatorloo]

81. So you would have preferred her NOT to vote YES on impeachment?

Ok…

[cstanleytech]

85. No, I'm saying that I doubt her sincerity.

[DENVERPOPS]

29. Hey Republicans

YOU GREW IT, YOU CHEW IT.............He is already screwing the Trump Humping Voters, and now is going after all the Trumphumping Corporations, kicking them all to the curb because they have all outgrown their usefulness....and are all, no longer needed...........

YOU ALL enabled TRUMP AND PUTIN to push it *PAST THE POINT OF NO RETURN*

[bsiebs]

2. Do the right thing and switch parties... the repubs will likely primary you anyway

... imagine if she switched and triggered others to do the same.. only need four to switch in the house...

[PSPS]

3. "only need four to switch in the house" - Fewer than that in the senate

[Polybius]

42. No, four in the Senate too

There are 53 Republicans. If only three switch, Vance is the tiebreaker.

[PSPS]

75. You're right.

[Polybius]

84. For once, I wish I wasn't

I knew they would take the Senate in November, but not with 53 seats.

[Raven123]

7. Won't lessen the threats

[Walleye]

28. But at least she won't be a part of the entity that's making the threats

[Raven123]

47. To what end?

[Joinfortmill]

60. Decency.

[Rebl2]

21. Switch to

independent

[Walleye]

27. Yes, I don't wanna hear her whining and complaining. Get out of that toxic party.

[Joinfortmill]

61. She did the country a service by speaking out. I think others will follow.

It's easy for us safely in our living rooms. But, soon, maybe they will knock on our doors. Then, will be the test. How brave will we be?

[Skittles]

98. so now repukes are starting to acknowledge the monster they helped to create?

they can STILL all go fuck themselves

[Native]

46. Hate to admit this, but I think her statements are more powerful as a Republican.

[in2herbs]

78. But how is this any different than a D sending a sternly worded letter? nt

[Hekate]

90. She's speaking to her constituents, and doing it truthfully

[scarletlib]

49. She could go Independent and caucus with the Dems. It could be more palatable for her.

[highplainsdem]

97. I hope she will.

[Upthevibe]

63. bsiebs.........

I feel that there's a possibility that some sane Republican Senators may change parties. I have no proof nor have I even done research on it..... it's just a hope/wish that I have...

[bsiebs]

86. That is my hope as well...

Instead of worrying about keeping their seat (and avoid being primaried), maybe a few of them will finally realize the destruction they are supporting and switch to I or D. I think they would be seen as heros by the majority of the world.

[the nelm]

99. Or grow a pair and do your bloody job. n/t

[Bluetus]

4. She should change parties

All the Republicans who want to do the right thing, but are afraid of Trump retaliation should just change parties. Murkowski would be able to explain this to her constituents, I believe.

If 5 endangered Representative switched parties, we could stop much of the Trump agenda. If 2 Senators switched, we could stop much of the Trump agenda.

Or if Schumer were a Democrat, we might ALREADY have stopped a big part of the agenda.

[LizVerite]

6. Republicans in Congress are afraid of Trump.

I have read this again and again. I read about it in 2016-2020.

I've been saying all along that things have to come to a "tipping point". They came close after the attack on the Capitol Building.

I have a feeling that when Trump goes too far, the "Trump Machine" goes into action. Threats, deals, bargains, whatever it takes. If only he would do something egregious enough that a majority of Republicans leaders are willing to get together and stand up to him. "United we stand, divided we fall."

[William769]

16. Welcome to DU LizVerite

But what would be something egregious? If J6 didn't do it, I don't know what will.

[Joinfortmill]

62. Interesting question...Two things come to mind.

1. They didn't think Trump would run/win again
2. They didn't count on Musk and his satellites in the sky, Starlink..you know what I mean?

[niyad]

18. Welcome to our DU family.

[LizVerite]

110. Thank you!

Hi niyad,

I'm happy to join.

I want to learn from other people who've managed to keep their rationality and critical thinking skills intact.

I'm deeply interested in reading about how the Democratic Party can find a way forward. In my opinion, the Dems need to find a way to appeal to the nonvoters and Independents. It's so sad that Attila the Hun could run, and Republican voters would support him.

I think the Democrats are at a disadvantage because there's such a broad continuum of voter interests. I'd love to read ideas about this.

Thanks so much,

Liz

[Walleye]

30. Democrats get threats too, probably more than the Republicans. But we are used to it.

[Oneironaut]

8. Is there anything more pathetic than a Trump ass kisser who doesn't believe in MAGA?

At least lunatics like Steve Bannon actually believe in their cause.

The rest are scared and pathetic. They’re somehow worse and more disgusting.

[Walleye]

31. I hate cowards. Especially when their lives are not really in danger.

[SamKnause]

9. Lisa, you didn't see any of this coming ???

If that is your excuse, you are too ignorant to be representing anyone.

You watched Mitch change the rules midgame.

You watched Mitch flip like a trout.

You watched Lindsey morph into a puddle of useless goo.

Your party was the problem.

You lost your party and now the trump cult has taken over.

[emulatorloo]

12. Sam, do you remember that she voted to impeach Trump?

Of course she saw this coming and I appreciate she’s still speaking out against Trump’s disgusting tactics.

[SamKnause]

15. I'm aware.

[emulatorloo]

82. Ok. Thought you might have confused her w someone else.

[SamKnause]

92. No problem.

[Chasstev365]

10. Then RESIGN!

You took an oath to defend the constitution. If you can no longer do it because you're afraid of Trump, then you need to go.

What I find more laughable is that the Republican Party could remove Trump in a week if they wanted to. Fucking Cowards; the lot of them!

[global1]

19. Are They Cowards Because Their Lives Are Threatened Or.....

are they cowards because they may be primaried and afraid they'd lose their job?

Any one of them that would be primaried could get another job most immediately and probably would do better financially.

I wouldn't consider them as dedicated Americans - if they are worried about their jobs.

Think about it - there's power in numbers. If they unite against this administration - this administration can't possibly primary all of them all at once.

Which brings up the question I've been asking myself.

Is Lee Greenwood still proud to be an American?

[Walleye]

33. I once heard Senator Joe Biden say some things are worth losing elections for

Haven’t heard any Republicans say that

[Magoo48]

58. They are afraid of their fucking shadows. Conservatives' lives are dominated by fear. It's in their DNA.

[PSPS]

76. They know they'll be primaried. Since the republican base is 100% MAGA, they'd be out of their job.

[Joinfortmill]

64. Respectfully disagree. Speaking out when afraid is bravery... We need more Republicans to do the same.

[gab13by13]

11. At least she is telling the truth

She is saying that the only reason that Republicans support Krasnov is out of fear.

That message should be amplified by Democrats, hopefully they aren't afraid?

[stillcool]

77. Fear is a human emotion...we all have fear

It's the 'what' that you fear that is the issue.

[Alice B.]

13. Admitting it is the first step.

Saying it out loud in the broad light of day.

[orangecrush]

14. Then get out of politics

[Fla Dem]

17. WOW, wow wow. Thank God we aren't in the middle of a world war.

If Republicans are afraid of Trump, imagine how the civilians during WWII felt when they enlisted in the armed forces to fight Hitler and Tōjō, but they were willing to risk their lives to save America. Both my parents. There was a big chance of loss of life or major disability. What are the politicians (mostly Republicans) and Lawyers fearful of now? Trump saying nasty things about them? Being sued? Losing a primary?

Oh and let us not forget we have the richest man in the world sharing all our personal, governmental and military information with the Russians.

They need to push back and fight or a year from now we will no longer be a constitutional republic.

They are cowards.

[Joinfortmill]

66. Yes, to all who fought in WW2, but this is more like Germany before the war....Sad to say.

When you spoke out against Hitler, you were sent to a concentration camp, Well, I'd say we're just about there in the United States right now. The difference is we're sending folks to El Salvador. And, don't think for one minute, he won't keep pushing until he starts knocking on the doors of everyday Americans.

Let's hope we don't all have to face our day of reckoning and just how brave we would actually be. 'Cause, the fact is, we don't know until we're faced with it.

[Mr. Mustard 2023]

20. We're told maniacs with machine guns...

...slaughtering our kids is "the price of freedom". We're supposed to suck it up and live in constant fear of a gun massacre. We're supposed to work harder to afford outrageous health insurance & health care costs or suffer, or die. I could go on, but you know.

But the poor little white Republicon Senator now fears for her career, so she cowers and kneels at the feet of Dipshit Donald. She might lose her job after all. Or worse, there are maga nutjobs everywhere now, including Russian phone banks making personal threats.

How does it feel Lisa?

Not so good does it, so you wish someone in power would help us out?

Go fly a kite.

[Joinfortmill]

69. She is not our enemy. She's with us. We need more of her. The maga GOP are our enemy. Let' save our fire for them

[markie]

106. she is not with us

if she were she would change party affiliation... the R beside her name gives them the numbers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_politicians_who_switched_parties_in_office

[JustAnotherGen]

22. The she needs to step aside

Now. She is a SENATOR. There have GOT to be others like her on their side. You get enough of them together - they can make the Trump Regimes lives' a living hell.

Time to put her big girl pants on and BE a leader. No empathy for her. If one of my Senators could do a 24 hour plus filibuster - she hit back too. No excuses.

[malthaussen]

23. I ask this and keep asking it: why only the Republicans?

If this claim is real, then why are only Republicans targetted? Why are only Republicans "terrified?" No lie, it would seem completely in character for mob boss wannabe DJT or his minions to threaten somebody with extreme displeasure if they don't toe the line, but why would they limit the extortion to Republicans only? Do no Democrats have families, careers, or perhaps some minor peccadilloes to cover up? Or rather, are we to believe that only Democrats have the courage and integrity to face down the threats and carry on? This just seems like too convenient a "poor, poor, pitiful me" excuse for cowardice. Or a very feeble attempt to hide complicity by claiming it is extorted. And it seems like many people are willing to fall for it, because they can easily believe the worst of the current Administration, but don't bother to think it through.

-- Mal

[Walleye]

34. It's cowardice. Democrats are more courageous because it takes courage just to say you're a Democrat.

[Amaryllis]

51. DEms are too. I heard Eric Swallwell talk about threats to his family and how he now has to spend a lot on security.

[Joinfortmill]

68. I'd say for their votes. To keep them in line.

[Katinfl]

24. Just the fact that she said they are afraid is enough.

Imagine being “afraid” of the POTUS when he is a member of your party. That is all you need to hear to know we are in a crisis with this regime in charge.

[markie]

107. not enough

we need a lot more than words.... change party, speak out in more than a whisper, quit and protest... being afraid is not an option in these serious times

[Jean Genie]

26. fear

Be brave, not wussy, Lisa. Follow the example of the Meidas Touch people. They are threatened, and then threatened again by the MAGA Trumpists, but still they persevere. So should you. Stand up for what's right - or kiss the big orange ass. Up to you, girl!

[Joinfortmill]

70. She just did.

[C_U_L8R]

32. That gives Trump pleasure

Which as even more disgusting thought

[Walleye]

35. He prefers bullying women when he can

[thought crime]

39. Exactly the words trump wants to hear

Just as his budget bill goes through the Senate. She did her job as leader of the Fear Caucus.

[NotHardly]

36. Need Reps that have a spine & capable of planning

Need action, not cowards

[JT45242]

37. If only there had been a trial or something where Lisa could have stopped the felon...

She and the rest of the spineless racist enabling pieces of shit in the republican senate had their chance.

But they put PARTY OVER COUNTRY as they have always.

I will feel zero sympathy if she is disappeared to an El Salvador slave jail if she ever grows a spine.

[Joinfortmill]

71. Murkowski Votes to Convict President Donald J. Trump

https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-votes-to-convict-president-donald-j-trump

You were saying?

[JT45242]

79. She acquitted him twice the first time... and said this on Feb 3 2021

"Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska announced Monday that she “cannot vote to convict” President Donald Trump in the Senate impeachment trial but nevertheless called his actions “shameful and wrong.”

In remarks on the Senate floor Monday evening, the senator had strong words for Trump, saying, “The President’s behavior was shameful and wrong. His personal interests do not take precedence over those of this great nation.”"

https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/03/politics/lisa-murkowski-trump-impeachment-vote/index.html

When she was certain that the motion would not pass because she and other cowards spoke against it she voted to convict. If she had issued the same statement that she did AFTER the vote during the discussion up to and and after the trial, then I would feel less inclined to believe her bullshit.

[Joinfortmill]

80. Of all the Republicans you could attack, you're gonna die on this hill?

[JT45242]

94. I'll attack every one of them...none of them are redeemable

Not one.

[TBF]

38. We are seeing this locally as well -

I have a republican state rep in my district who swore up and down he would not vote for Abbott's school vouchers. Yesterday it finally came to vote, he was hanging tough until Trump called in and threatened them all. The rep is taking a lot of heat from constituents on his FB page this morning - locals of both parties going off on him. But these politicians are seriously terrified of Trump, and I understand it given what we've heard this week about how he wants to send US citizens to his gulags in El Salvador.

[Martin Eden]

40. She could quit the R Party as an Independent, and caucus with the D's

Today's Republicans in Congress are either on board with fascism by choice or enabling it by cowardice.

[Zorro]

41. Fear is just a convenient excuse for Republican quislings

They are all in with Trump's policies, because they don't believe in American democracy.

Their policies are very unpopular with American voters, so they're just taking a back seat and allowing Trump to take the responsibility to enact them.

[CaptainTruth]

43. Every soldier in battle has felt fear BUT THEY FOUGHT!!!

WTF has happened to my country?!?!?

FFS, we are under attack, FIGHT!!!!!!!!!

[AKwannabe]

52. Truth! Cap n! Truth!

Rec

[Irish_Dem]

44. Lisa you big baby, stop feeling sorry for yourself.

Acting like you are going to cry and are so put out.
While you have a great salary, perks, pension, security, all tax payer funded.

Put on your big girl dress and do the right thing.

Hold press conferences. Get other senators to join you.
Talk about what is happening.

Switch parties, become an Independent.
Bernie Sanders risks his life every gd day.

You don't see him blubbering and feeling sorry for himself.

[Bev54]

45. What is the retaliation? Might call her nasty names

Might try to primary her? Neither of those are reasons to fear and comes with the job she is sent there to do; and she won as a write-in before. If it is fear for her and/or her families safety then she must make it public so everyone knows what is going on and she can get protection. Otherwise just do the effing job as a check on the executive. Sick of the whiners just worrying about their own paycheck when he is the biggest threat to citizens losing their own pay checks. They seem to all be there for themselves and nothing more.

[maxsolomon]

48. For fuck's sake, she's not up for re-election till 2028.

She doesn't need to worry about a Primary.

[Joinfortmill]

50. Thank God she spoke out. This may be what breaks the dam of silence.

[tanyev]

53. If only there was something they could have done about in 2019 or 2021!

[ToxMarz]

54. I have always been against term limits for Congress

Most of the arguments for them made are targeted at specific members that those opposing them have no other way of removing while they have no problem voting for, ohhh, let's say Chuck Grassely as senator for the past 44+ years. I think elections are term limits and citizens have a right to vote for who the want . That said, that they now value keeping their jobs more that their immense responsibilties and that our Democracy is now threated by those who will do nothing that would jepordize those jobs even if it ends that Democracy. I'm rethinking this, a lot. I can get behind term limits if it means independence and enoug of them on their way out to actually do the right thing since they don't have to (can't) face reelection. Maybe that's too optmnistic, they will then just be auditioning for their lobbying jobs. Oh well.

[samsingh]

55. what a way to live in a democracy

[Orrex]

56. But according to what I've read...

the real problem isn’t Democrats slow-walking their at-best tepid response to the daily atrocities of Trump’s fascist regime; the real problem is anonymous members of DU pointing this out, because that might make our elected officials feel bad or something.

[Hippo_The_Pointer]

57. LAnd of the brave

The troops who stormed Omaha Beach on D-day in 1944 were scared as well, but they did their job. Lisa - Do yours!

[Ol Janx Spirit]

59. Well Senator Murkowski, the American Revolution was forged by...

...people like Haym Solomon ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haym_Salomon ) who risked his life and liberty and lost his fortune in order to create the country you now enjoy great privileges in. What are you and your fellow like-minded Republicans willing to do to keep it? Speaking out in the meekest of terms is not going to save it.

[Joinfortmill]

72. She is speaking out. You are attacking the wrong person.

[emulatorloo]

83. +1. DU is so weird sometimes.

Wants Republicans to speak out, then gets mad when they do.

[Ol Janx Spirit]

88. I'm not at all mad at her for speaking out. I'm not even mad at her at all...

I am glad she and a very few others are. That's great! But I think it is okay to point out that it is going to take more than sternly-worded letters to push back against what is going on. She indicated that many Republicans were afraid to say anything. They need to find the courage and methods to mount an organized opposition. Democrats have work to do on that front as well, but they have far less sway inside the only party that can make a difference at the moment.

[LoisB]

65. Who would have thought that a sitting Senator would be afraid of retaliation from a "president"

of her own party? Did you vote for him Lisa?

[Joinfortmill]

89. She probably did. And so did millions of Americans. Some of them probably related to us.

She's speaking out when she's being intimidated. That's bravery. If you want perfection, you might find it in heaven, but I doubt it.

[LoisB]

91. Maybe I did not make myself clear. I am lamenting the fact that a sitting Senator of the same

party as her president is afraid of retaliation from that president. I don't know who she voted for; if for IT, she no doubt did not think it would be this bad. I consider Murkowski to be a level-headed Senator who generally tries to do what is best for her constituents and the country.

Millions voted for IT, true, but no one related to me did.

[delisen]

67. Support every Republican who speaks out

Write and call her to thank her and encourage her to take the next step.

[Ohioboy]

73. Anytime a Republican wants to tell the truth I'm for it!

Glad she's doing this. May she stay safe.

[LuvLoogie]

74. Oh for Fuck's sake. People are getting kidnapped and disappeared due to GOP cowardice and complicity.

Jesus Fucking Christ, "We're all afraid."

Fuck you Murkowski. Fuck you.

[mdbl]

93. Spineless whimpery abounds

Her and the rest of the GOP asshats.

[LuvLoogie]

95. The few that aren't complicit are chicken shit.

I mean, what GOP still in office opposes this shit?

[Canada Kid]

87. FREEDOM???

All that America used to stand for is all washed down the toilet! AMAZING! That one A-hole and a few goosesteppers can overtake a nation and bring it to it's knees in just a few mere weeks. That even a member of the SAME PARTY has hesitation about questioning the actions of their members out of fear of physical retribution is horrifying. This is what NAZI Germany was all about! God Bless America...'cause it sure needs a whole lot of blessing right about now!

[Blasphemer]

96. Then resign immediately and let someone with courage get elected.

But they won't resign will they? They continue to enable his BS, won't impeach and convict him, and then cry about it.

[AlexSFCA]

100. Afraid risking a primary? Try risking a life!

Senators were not elected and not paid to be afraid.
Kinsinger and Chaney risked their lives and may be persecuted for “treason” as trump already said. The punishment for treason is death penalty, that is public, broadcasted death penalty that trump wants to revive.

[Traildogbob]

101. AOC and Crocket and Bernie are not afraid

Do the job or leave. When you are afraid of your own party, ya need to take a hard look at yourself. You are getting a sweet check and benefits for doing that job.

[Figarosmom]

102. Tim Miller had

A solution, become an Independent and stop supporting the one you are afraid of.

[FloridaBlues]

103. Simple solutions republicans grow a spine and stick together at least the ones

Who are not maga. Try it.. may surprise yourself
And if you lose your position than you didn’t work hard enough to stand together go find another job

[proud patriot]

104. well at least she's saying it outloud

I'm so sick of "the republicans are saying behind closed doors" line ..

I'll give her props for at least saying it outloud

[Sogo]

105. So, do something revolutionary, Senator Murkowski....switch parties....

call for his impeachment and removal....

[rickford66]

108. Of course what we have was the ultimate goal of Republican/Conservatism

They just didn't call it Somalia.

[Beartracks]

109. The Republican Congress is utterly shameful. Bunch of lapdogs instead of a branch of government. n/t