Trenton Garmon, the attorney of embattled GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore appeared on MSNBC Wednesday to defend his candidate against charges that he molested a number of young women in the 1970s — one of whom was 14 years old at the time.
In the process, Garmon made mention of interviewer Ali Velshi’s “diverse background” as a defense of the conduct for which his client is accused.
“Culturally speaking, obviously there’s differences looked at,” he said. “Ali’s background there, wow that’s awesome, that you have got such a diverse background, it’s really cool to read through that. The point is each culture…”
Velshi’s co-host Stephanie Ruhle pounced before Garmin could finished his thought — which was probably lucky for him.
“What does Ali’s background have to do with dating a 14 year old?” she snapped.”Please answer.”
“In other countries there’s arrangements through parents for what we would refer to as consensual marriage,” Garmon clarified.
“Ali’s from Canada!” said Ruhle nearly jumping out of her chair.
“I don’t know where you’re going with this,” Velshi finally chimed in before the conversations (sort of) moved on.
Ruhle’s hectoring interruptions largely prevented Garmon from getting the full thought out, but the moment took off online almost immediately.
Asked about a grown man dating underage girls, Roy Moore's attorney invokes "@AliVelshi's background" — Ali is from Canada. This isn't a dog whistle, it's screaming bigotry. https://t.co/LYP7LC1LHi
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) November 15, 2017
Wow. Not sure where Roy Moore's lawyer was going with this. Cringe worthy. pic.twitter.com/O3QfSI9J6u
— Scott Whitlock (@ScottJW) November 15, 2017
Lol: Moore Lawyer to Ali Velshi: They have child marriage where you're from (Canada), right? pic.twitter.com/hGF588dIR7
— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) November 15, 2017
Watch this immediately https://t.co/PrSyVgbRId
— Dafna Linzer (@DafnaLinzer) November 15, 2017
1. Roy Moore's attorney here is justifying his client dating teenagers.
2. He suggests our colleague @AliVelshi would understand the idea of adults dating teenagers because he has "spent time in other countries." (?)
Ali was merciful not to run circles around this guy. https://t.co/DzLYYDX3Cy
— Willie Geist (@WillieGeist) November 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/jiveDurkey/status/930841989779787777