A conservative radio host asked a question I’ve been wanting to hear on the conservative air waves for years: Why do so many Republicans dislike U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) so much?
“So many of you have texted over the last year. So many of you have called in. So many of you emailed in. ‘How dare you even call [Gardner] your friend,'” KNUS radio host Steffan Tubbs told his audience last week.
“Why don’t you like him?,” asked Tubbs on air.
The responses flowed in from his listeners:
Gardner hasn’t been honest with people. ..If he were passionate about just one thing, I wouldn’t be such a frustrated conservative. …He’s missed so many opportunities to stand up for conservatives and Trump. …
Wishy washy Charlie Brown; at least have some principles. …Sick of his goofy smiling face. He needs to be more serious.
His responses are canned. …He is too reluctant to take stands on issues. …He’s a fake conservative — needs to stop running to the middle. …He did not show up to be with Trump at the Air Force Academy
Gardner hasn’t been honest with people. …Generic responses to constituent concerns. …He dodges on issues by saying that any given issue is a “local decision.” …The man leads on NOTHING!
When Gardner got to Washington, he was bought and paid for by big-money donors, not guys like me. …I’d prefer former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo — men of courage, honor and principles. …I’m disappointed in Cory because he supports the DREAM Act.
Gardner needs to Cowboy up and quit being a city slicker. …Needs a backbone. …He’s trying to juggle four balloons. …He needs to start pounding the podium. …Empty suit. …I’m tired of holding my nose and voting for people.
On Friday, Tubbs told Gardner on air that many of his listeners are super upset with him, and he got a response from Gardner to a couple of the gripes.
Tubbs told Gardner that his listeners want him to express his opinions about Trump, even if he disagrees, instead of sitting in silence.
“Well, look, I’ve made it clear on things I disagree with the president about. I don’t think I’ve tried to hide those areas,” replied Gardner, citing his opposition to tariffs, which he’s actually hedged on.
“I am far from a perfect person”
“I am far from a perfect person,” said Gardner. “You can ask my wife about that. But I do work each and every day for the people of this state and that’s what I am going to continue to do.”
Tubbs asked Gardner to respond to the accusation that “there’s no passion there.”
“There’s a time for everything, I suppose,” replied Gardner on air. “…Coloradans deserve respect, and they deserve somebody who is going to try to provide that respect to the people of this state–and try to be civil and try to be somebody who is providing, I hope, to provide a calm voice in what is a pretty divisive time right now. That’s what I’m trying to do.”