Omarosa’s departure from the West Wing may have caused a bit of a diversity problem at the White House. Talking about Omarosa’s book on ABC, when asked by Jonathan Carl who the most prominent black staff member in the West Wing is, Kellyanne Conway struggled to come up with an answer. When she did answer, it was with Ben Carson, a person who by all measures is not a West Wing staffer, and Ja’Ron, an employee of Melania. Now, I’m not sure if she just happens to be uninformed of the general staff of the West Wing or if this is an indication of the lack of diversity floating around the White House, but it’s not a good look for the White House for anyone who isn’t part of the Trump base.
On the same day that Donald Trump condemned racism and violence for the anniversary of the tragedy in Charlottesville, Trump also called his ex advisor, and “Apprentice” contestant Omarosa a “low life.” To me that brings up a whole host of issues. First, it’s important to remember why Trump attacked Omarosa. She of course, among many other claims, has suggested there are recordings of Trump rather frivolously using the n-word. Also (and this may just be reading too much into things, I’ll freely admit that), but the term Trump used to denigrate Omarosa, “low life”, feels a little dog whistle-y. In my defense, when Trump goes for character assassination, he usually finds a childish way to call someone dumb, corrupt or a liar. But “Low life” feels like a term used to describe someone you think is a low class street thug. Again, maybe I’m reading too much into it, but regardless, the whole thing makes Trump’s condemnation of violence and racism ring hollow. But frankly, I feel like Trump’s statements when talking about racism, violence and unity usually do.
Mind the Exit 