Local Democrat scoffs at GOP rhetoric before Saturday’s protests

This post was provided by News Now Warsaw

By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Unlike previous political protests this year, top Republicans, including some in the Trump Administration, are openly demeaning those who plan to participate in Saturday’s No Kings rallies across the country.

Criticisms on the right have come from several high-profile officials in several regards.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, a Republican, said protesters are being paid and supported by “well-organized” members of Antifa, which was recently declared by President Trump to be a terrorist group without evidence.

Republicans have also ramped up rhetoric in recent days, claiming that those protesters “hate America.”

On Thursday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the Democratic Party’s main constituency is made up of Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens, and violent criminals.

Robert Osbun, treasurer for the Kosciusko County Democratic Party, who has helped organize some of the more recent protests in Warsaw, was asked about the verbal attacks.

He said the new approach shows Republicans are worried about public opinion on numerous national issues trumpeted by Trump.

Suggestions that protesters are being paid have continued for months, but without evidence.

“You know it’s not true. Obviously, it’s not true. Nobody’s paying us,” Osbun said.

Claims that protesters hate America were amplified repeatedly in the past week.

“These are people who love our country more than anything. They’re not about to let Mike Johnson or anybody else tell them why they’re there,” Osbun said.

The newest round of protests coincides with a government shutdown that’s been underway for 16 days as of Friday. Democrats argue that Congress needs to extend federal support for Affordable Care Act premiums, which are set to expire at the end of the year.

Osbun said he expects protesters to rally behind numerous issues — as they have in the past — but that healthcare has become an important topic because so many Americans could see their premiums double or triple without federal support.

Hundreds of protests are scheduled for Saturday across the country.

The Warsaw rally is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. outside the Warsaw Community Public Library at the corner of North Detroit and Center streets.

The local forecast calls for a chance of rain on Saturday afternoon.

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