Pipe bombs threaten to derail GOP midterm messaging
By Melanie Zanona - 10/27/18 06:00 AM EDT
A string of pipe bombs mailed to prominent Democrats has thrown a late curveball into the midterm elections, putting the country on edge and providing plenty of political fodder for both parties.
Democrats are using the federal crimes as a new opening to criticize President Trump and his fiery rhetoric, which they blame for the heated political climate that has turned violent.
The president, meanwhile, is pointing his finger at what he calls the “fake news†media, a familiar target that fires up the GOP base, while his supporters are rushing to his defense, saying Trump is the real victim in this situation.
While it’s unclear how the explosive devices will impact the Nov. 6 election, some strategists say the drama has, at the very least, overshadowed other topics that the GOP is eager to talk about, namely the economy and a caravan of Central American migrants slowly headed toward the U.S. border.
more
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/413397-pipe-bombs-threaten-to-derail-gop-midterm-messaging