Bergman’s hero just served up Ukraine on a platter to Putin

Over the weekend Trump rolled out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

I’m not using a turn of phrase. He literally had a red carpet rolled out for a dictator and war criminal.

He ordered American troops to line up and clap like stagehands in a show, reduced to background noise while he played game show host.

Then came the concessions. Trump tossed out the cease-fire demand. He froze penalties.

And he endorsed giving Russia what is left of the Donbas, even territory they have not managed to steal.

Trump smiled for the cameras and America’s credibility bled out on that carpet.

And you won’t hear one word of criticism from Jack Bergman.

Bergman gives his seal of approval to Trump’s groveling, to his plastic patriotism, to his act of turning American troops into props for a dictator’s photo op.

This disgusting spectacle is the exact reason I am running for Congress.

To defend democracy. To fight for everyday hard-working Americans. To help restore the American dream.

I support a vision that helps everyday people. Universal healthcare, affordable housing, and expanding Social Security. Those fights matter.

But there’s a reason I always start with defending democracy.

Without a functioning democracy, none of the rest is possible.

Without a functioning democracy, every other promise is just words on paper.

If wannabe strongmen like Trump and their enablers keep tearing down the guard rails, we will not be able to pass, fund, or protect the policies that working families depend on.

Healthcare reform does not survive if elections are stolen.

Affordable housing does not move forward if votes are suppressed.

Social Security does not last if authoritarians rewrite the rules.

The first job of a representative is to protect the system that lets the people decide.

Trump rolled out the carpet for Putin and sold off American credibility for applause. Bergman defended it.

My job is to make sure our democracy never gets bartered away by lifelong politicians too scared to stand up to Trump and his reckless ego.

Chip in today so we can defeat Jack Bergman, defend our democracy, and make sure this country still belongs to its people.

Wayne Stiles

Democrat for Congress